Three-time Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines champion Blacklist International has thrown its hat into the upcoming Mobile Legends Development League Philippines with the formation of the Blacklist Academy.

Blacklist said it wants to bring its winning culture to the MDL PH, a tier-two tournament that is set to be launched on 15 February.

"The winning culture of Blacklist International is something we built from the ground up. It's been earned through the years of developing a solid core of players then combining them with the right system to unleash their potential," Blacklist said in a statement.

"Blacklist Academy is a group of young, talented players who will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level. We will provide them the same resources and support as our main rosters, creating secondary teams that can truly break the code."

Although the development team has yet to unveil its official roster, its players are tipped to receive much-needed mentorship from the main squad bannered by Johnmar "OhMyV33nus" Villaluna and Danerie James "Wise" Del Rosario, the tandem that led Blacklist to the title of the M3 World Championship.

Aside from Blacklist Academy, MDL PH will also feature both MPL and non-MPL teams like ECHO Proud, Omega Neos, ONIC Arsenals, Nexplay Esports Tiger Cubs, Bren Esports x Euphoria Esports, TNC Neo, RSG PH, ZOL Esports and Gamelab.

Neither Moonton nor MPL Philippines has yet to announce the official mechanics of MDL PH despite reports that professional teams can scout and pick up players from the fledgling development league.
For Blacklist Academy, MDL PH would work as a grassroots platform for future Esports superstars.

"While this program remains in its early stages, we hope to expand it to other titles and provide more opportunities for young athletes to shape the future of Esports," Blacklist Academy said.
"You will meet our first academy team at the upcoming MLBB Developmental League Season 1."