MANILA -- Season 9 of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League in the Philippines will start on Feb. 18, the league announced Thursday evening.

Excited na ba kayo? Mark your calendars now! 🗓#MPLPH Season 9 starts on February 18, 2022! 🔥#BeLegendary #MLBBEsports #MPLPhilippines pic.twitter.com/Kp3Ip1zu2Q

— MPL Philippines (@MplPhilippines) January 6, 2022

The social media post contained logos of the participating teams, which are the same as Season 8.

The participating teams are:

• Blacklist International
• Onic PH
• Echo PH
• Bren Esports
• RSG Philippines
• TNC Pro Team
• Nexplay EVOS
• Omega Esports

Blacklist International won Seasons 7 and 8, and will look for a three-peat after securing the world title in December, while M3 runner-up Onic PH seeks a local title using role switches they've done in the world championship.

• Mobile Legends: Blacklist/Onic PH reigns in all-Pinoy ML world title showdown

Meanwhile, Echo PH will bank on a super-team which saw them acquire veteran jungler Karl "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno, Tristan "Yawi" Cabrera and Frediemar "3MarTzy" Serafico.

• Mobile Legends: ECHO PH takes in veterans KarlTzy, Yawi, 3MarTzy; Killuash returns

With the departure of KarlTzy and the hiatus of CJ "Ribo" Ribo, M2 champions Bren Esports will try to fill in the shoes of the veterans.

• M3 finalist Blacklist looks to replicate Bren Esports’ road to title

Some teams such as Nexplay, and Omega Esports have also teased changes in their rosters which will be revealed in the coming days.