In a major moment for the competitive gaming scene, MOONTON Games, the team behind Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports, has surprisingly revealed a partnership with the National Basketball Association for the M7 World Championship, which is the seventh edition of the MLBB global tournament. This collaboration is among the most significant bridges between conventional sports and mobile esports that we have witnessed, indicating the further expansion of the competitive gaming community globally.
NBA Joins the MLBB Esports Movement
Image via: MOONTON Games
The NBA and MLBB partnership centers on the phrase “Game Recognizes Game.” This emphasizes a common ideology with competition and fandom, which both parties cherish. According to Tiger Xu, Global Head of MLBB Esports at MOONTON Games, in their press release, this partnership confirms that esports is now an important part of the large world of sports because both the NBA and MLBB have a core focus on competition and passion.
Although this announcement does not include specifics on exactly which activities will transpire in relation to this event between the NBA and MLBB, simply collaborating is a huge step in recognition of mobile esports in mainstream sports.
The M7 World Championship: Stage Set in Indonesia
Image via: MOONTON Games
The MLBB M7 World Championship will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from January 3, 2026, to January 25, 2026. Being organized by MOONTON Games, this competition will see a total of 22 teams representing various parts of the world, with a prize money of $1,000,000 USD. Indonesia was chosen as the host because it has one of the most active and passionate MLBB communities.
Worth mentioning is that for the very first time in M Series history, M7 will feature a complete Opening Ceremony on January 9, 2026. The event will combine competition matches in MLBB with Indonesian culture in a cinematic presentation.
M7 Pass and Fan Engagement Features
Image via: MOONTON Games
Fans participating online through M7 Pass available from January 1 to 25, 2026, during the tournament time will have access to game rewards. Featured items include:
A free Gatotkaca “Solar Spark” skin based on Indonesian mythology.
Moreover, the M7 Carnival, happening from January 23 to 25 in 2026 in Jakarta, is set to transform Jakarta into a fan spot with interactive areas, limited items, and performances where famous content creators and stars from MPL Indonesia will join.
Conclusion
The NBA × MLBB partnership at the M7 World Championship represents a shift in the sports and esports landscape, showing that competitive mobile gaming is healthy enough to gain recognition from more traditional sports institutions. With major global brands supporting the event and active fan engagement efforts, M7 is expected to deliver not just high-level competitive play but also to show how such cross-industry collaborations can grow entertainment and sports worldwide.
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