Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports in Indonesia Teams Up with the NBA in Groundbreaking Collaboration

In an unexpected but exciting crossover, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Indonesia has officially partnered with the National Basketball Association (NBA).

This groundbreaking collaboration kicked off during Week 5 of MPL Indonesia Season 15, blending the high-paced world of mobile esports with the global appeal of basketball.

The partnership brings a courtside flair to the MPL season, featuring NBA-branded activities, exclusive merchandise giveaways, and more themed elements integrated directly into broadcasts and events.

According to Martinus Manurung, Marketing & Business Development Lead for Indonesia Esports at MOONTON Games, this partnership was nearly two years in the making. “We’ve always looked up to traditional sports like the NBA,” Manurung told Esports Insider. “Basketball is five-vs-five, just like MLBB—so it’s always been a natural reference point for us.”

This isn’t just about logos and hype reels, either. MPL Indonesia has borrowed from the NBA’s franchise model, even introducing championship rings in Season 10, similar to what NBA players receive after winning a title. Now, with the new partnership, the MPL can officially bring more NBA flavor into its production—right down to using authentic NBA buzzers and theme songs in live matches.

While the NBA already runs its own esports league via the NBA 2K franchise, this marks one of its boldest ventures into broader esports territory. And for Mobile Legends, which boasts dominant leagues in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and beyond, it’s a move that solidifies its influence not just in Southeast Asia, but across the global sports landscape.