New global transfer system opens doors to Empress, female players

Smart Omega Empress. Igor Bezborodov/Esports World Cup (file photo)

By Drew Malihan

MAKATI––The Empresses in the top leagues? It's a possibility.

This is what Froi Joshua Endaya, Chief Marketing Officer of Smart Omega, revealed to Dugout Philippines on Friday during the league's kick-off press conference at the Green Sun Hotel.

MPL Philippines recently introduced the global open transfer system, which allowed teams to make roster changes from the start of the season.

"Actually, that is the vision. Siyempre it will take time," Endaya shared about the possibility of seeing the MWI champions in either the MPL or the MLBB Developmental League (MDL).

Who's Next After Niña?

"At the end of the day, isa sa mga goals namin is, of course, i-field ang mga Empresses sa professional scene at makipagsabayan sa male teams," he added.

It has been nine seasons since the premier Mobile Legends competition in the country last saw a female player in their ranks.

Niña suited up for SGD Omega in Season 5. Sterling Global Dragons

The last female player in MPL was Ma. Vina Dolores "Niña" Balayon, who coincidentally suited up for Omega Esports when they were under the Sterling Global Dragons brand but did not play a single game the entire season.

Meanwhile, MDL Philippines has not seen a female player suit up in the league since its inception in 2023.

Realism and Chances

The global MLBB scene has seen more female players recognized in top leagues, from Nicole "Nicholette" Huang in North America to Laís Mira "LalaLand" Madureira in Brazil, culminating in Team Vitality and Falcons Vega joining MDL Indonesia this season.

However, Endaya remains realistic about Smart Omega Empress' chances.

"Pero, we believe that it will take time. It doesn't mean naman na world champs kami is kaya na namin agad na makipagsabayan [But we believe that it will take time. It doesn't mean that just because we're world champs we can go toe-to-toe already]," he noted.

Both Team Vitality and Falcons Vega started their debut campaigns in MDL Indonesia on a losing streak, yet to register a single series win.

Endaya maintained an optimistic outlook when asked about the Empresses' chances against their male counterparts.

Rachel Mathews/Esports World Cup (file photo)

"I believe we're on the right track. And hopefully, mabigyan kami ng chance, especially sa MDL. Siyempre we have to take it step by step," he said.

The Omega CMO revealed that "it will be a no-brainer" once the Empresses are given the green light.

More Open Opportunities

The new global open transfer system has added a new dynamic to the existing MPL Philippines ecosystem, allowing teams to adjust their rosters up until the seventh week of the regular season.

The teams can sign free agents, release players, trade with other MPL teams, call up players from the MDL, or send current MPL players down to the academy, as long as they don't violate contract terms and follow league procedures.

When asked about the new transfer system, Moonton's Regional PR Manager, Keith Niño Medrano, confirmed that it will be open to all personnel, including female players.

"Open siya regardless of gender, as long as ma-meet yung requirements na, kailangan yung team ay may six na minimum (number of) players and a maximum of ten," he said in a separate interview.

Transactions can only be on the Monday after each match week, and teams are not allowed to consummate swaps while the games are ongoing.

With the new ruling coming into effect on Friday, the possibility of seeing Smart Omega Empress, as well as other female players, in the league is not only a matter of if but a matter of when.

Follow him on X: @DMalihan_DPH