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MPL ID teams up with NBA to bridge esports and traditional sports culture

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The MPL ID is collaborating with NBA this Season 15. But what is the purpose of this partnership?

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Indonesia (MPL ID) has taken a bold step by teaming up with the National Basketball Association (NBA). This collaboration is designed to connect and merge the realms of electronic sports (esports) and conventional sports.

In fact, the two sectors were already hinting at a merger long before this partnership. It’s worth noting that professional athletes have been actively participating in gaming circles. They’ve been seen as enthusiastic gamers, live streamers, and even backers of esports organizations.

Just like traditional sports teams, esports organizations have incorporated aspects like team jerseys, fan apparel, and organized tournament structures to foster the same feelings of devotion and rivalry among their supporters.

What is the goal of the MPL ID x NBA collaboration?

During MPL ID Season 15 Week 5, it was first unveiled that a partnership had taken place. At this event, basketball-themed accessories were noticeable throughout the location. These elements were familiar to basketball aficionados and sports enthusiasts alike, featuring well-known theme tunes, game alarms, and even miniature arcade basketball hoops strategically positioned around the area.

However, could you explain the purpose of this partnership? The Marketing and Business Development Lead for Esports in Indonesia at MOONTON Games, Martinus Manurung, discussed the reasons for joining forces in a joint interview.

We’ve often looked to traditional sports as our elder siblings in terms of market reference. Particularly, we’ve relied on the NBA and basketball for guidance, given their five-versus-five setup, defined roles, and clear objectives. Additionally, the franchise model from the NBA has been a valuable learning resource for us.

As Manurung mentioned, negotiations about this collaboration had been ongoing for a couple of years. Only quite recently has the alliance been officially sealed.

Why are traditional sports franchises showing interest in esports, especially MLBB?

The MPL ID (Mobile Legends Professional League Indonesia) stands out significantly in terms of audience and fan support, regularly setting new milestones on streaming services and commanding a strong presence in the esports world of Southeast Asia.

Season 15 of our tournament reached an audience of 2 million viewers and could potentially grow as it progresses. Each season, MPL ID consistently attracts millions of viewers per match, demonstrating a dedicated fan base that makes this region ideal for partnerships like the one with the NBA. This collaboration has the potential to expand its reach even further.

Manurung shared how this massive influence led to the partnership with the NBA. 

As a devoted fan, it’s clear to me that MPL has made a significant impact on countless individuals in Indonesia. The vastness of our influence is undeniably one of the aspects that captures the attention of many renowned brands, such as the NBA, and potential partners. Moreover, our unwavering professionalism since 2018, coupled with consistent growth, solidifies our credibility.

Esports fans can also be traditional sports fans

Jordan Adams, previously an NBA standout now playing with the Indonesian basketball team Dewa United Banten, supports Manurung’s assertion. He explains that a significant number of esports enthusiasts in Indonesia are actually fans of conventional sports such as basketball as well.

As for my understanding of esports, it’s quite significant in Indonesia. Regarding my club, Dewa, we boast an exceptional esports team, and we’re fortunate to have numerous talented individuals. I frequently encounter these athletes, and they often attend our events too. It’s a closely-knit community. They approach their gaming with the same dedication as we do ours.

The alliance between MPL ID and NBA marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the harmony between conventional basketball and esports. However, it’s important to note that such collaborations aren’t limited to these two domains. As Manurung points out, MPL ID is eager for partnerships across various industries. This move could potentially open doors for future alliances with other traditional sports, creating a broader landscape of collaboration and innovation.

We’re very receptive to collaborations with various leagues, particularly the English Premier League, and also Formula 1 or MotoGP.

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2025-05-06 16:37

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