Amid the heated rumors about Moonton’s alleged exclusivity contract for Mobile Legends that led esports organizations to release their Wild Rift rosters, the said contract is said to be optional, according to sources of Spin PH. The report indicates that Moonton does not restrict organizations competing in various MPL leagues, from participating in other esports titles. However, these organizations will have an option of receiving benefits from Moonton if they choose to accept the “Commercial Contract” which in return ties them to an exclusivity agreement. This contract is not mandatory according to the report. More information about Moonton's exclusivity contract for Mobile Legends can be found below.
Mobile Legends Exclusivity Contract is Reportedly Optional
Over the last few days reports indicating that esports organizations participating in Mobile Legends could be forced to drop or never sign a team for Wild Rift due to a signed exclusivity contract with developer Moonton, has emerged. This supposed contract has sparked controversy following which prominent esports personalities including Team Secret’s CEO John Yao commenting on Mobile Legends’ esports circuit.
However, according to sources cited by Spin PH, this exclusivity contract may only be optional. The report states that Moonton offers a “Commercial Contract” that yields revenues and benefits for organizations who accept it. However, this contract is entirely optional and Moonton does not force organizations to accept the exclusivity deal.
The report reads, “The leagues don’t ask the teams for exclusivity. While the player roster is exclusive - the branding of the teams and organizations are not.
e.g. Team A is playing with MPL Indonesia they can compete in [Wild Rift] if there is a separate player roster OR during the regular season should there be transfers.”
Nevertheless, the report mentioned something that Moonton calls "commercial contract," under which teams are entitled to benefits if they abide by an exclusivity clause.
Moonton and the esports organizations related to the matter are yet to make any official statements regarding this matter. AFK Gaming has reached out to Moonton for a comment on this matter and will update this article if/when they respond.