If you have been an old fan of MLBB esports, one name that you must have heard is Blacklist International. The team is one of the most decorated in history, having won the M3 and placed in the top three at the M4 and the M5. This doesn’t even consider their numerous wins in the MPL Philippines.
Image Credits: MOONTON
Now, however, the team has announced that it’s exiting the game altogether in a shocking move. Blacklist has also revealed that its franchised slot in the MPL Philippines will now be sold.
The team did have a disappointing 2024 season; however, their legacy in a game that is showing constant growth in esports viewership is what makes this move so shocking. If you are wondering what the reasons for the esports organization’s exit were, here’s the answer.
Blacklist International exits MLBB, sells MPL slot – here’s why
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Blacklist thanked fans for their support and gave a few reasons behind why they chose to disband. The main reason was that this aligned with business opportunities for Blacklist’s parent company, Tier One Entertainment which is venturing beyond esports.
“Though we believe in the future of the MLBB community, with a heavy heart, we bid a bittersweet farewell to the Blacklist MLBB men’s team, as the organization has decided to transfer our MPL Franchise Ownership to a new organization for MPL season 15,” said Blacklist in its Facebook post.
Tryke Gutierrez, the CEO of Tier One Entertainment and co-owner of Blacklist, took to LinkedIn to speak more about the decision.
“In the end, it was a prudent business decision that we had to [make] as an organization due to capital gains and the chance to reassess our position in the market,” said Gutierrez. “This was difficult, yes but the requirements for sustainability and the requirements for growth are two different things. This is the time to grow.”
Blacklist has said that it’s open to re-entering MLBB and the league in the future. As of today, the buyer for Blacklist’s slot in the MPL Philippines hasn’t been announced yet.