China’s MLBB Pro League unveils strategic partners 

Chinese game publisher MOONTON has announced its partner list for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Pro League (MLBBPL), the new MLBB competition in China.

In addition to smartphone brand Realme, MOONTON will also add Chinese telecommunication brand China Unicom, condom brand Durex, and Chinese bank China Minsheng Bank to its portfolio of partners. In addition, KARNOX will be the official gaming chair brand of the tournament. Financial terms of these deals were not disclosed.

Realme has been heavily investing in the mobile esports space as of late, recently signing a partnership with Krafton India as the official smartphone partner for PUGB Mobile competitions. The company is a subsidiary of consumer electronics manufacturer Oppo.

Condom brand Durex, on the other hand, is a long-time esports sponsor. It previously signed partnership deals in 2023 with League of Legends game publisher Riot Games for the LPL as well as global events such as MSI and Worlds. Additionally, the brand was also seen as a sponsor during CS2 Shanghai Major in December 2024 and previously sponsored a small Rocket League tournament back in 2021.

After reaching over 600 million downloads worldwide, 2025 marks the first year MLBB enters the Chinese market, competing with its greatest mobile competitor, Honor of Kings.

Both games have been confirmed as returning game titles for the Saudi Arabian Esports World Cup (EWC), which will take place later this summer in Riyadh.

Earlier last month, Chinese esports organisation Invictus Gaming (IG) announced its entry into the MLBB ecosystem as a partner team, gaining access to revenues from the game publisher. IG will compete with the likes of Rare Atom, Nova Esports, and DFYG in the China Professional Invitational 2025: Stage 1.

The winners of the competition will qualify for the Mobile Masters MLBB Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia, later this April.