Opening day for the upcoming M-League season is almost here! This season will be different from the last, but how so? Today, let’s answer that question and take a look at what’s new for the M-League 2022-23 season.
New Players
With the M-League 2022-23 Draft that took place on July 11, three players became the newest M-Leaguers. Suzuki Yu (Saikouisen) and Nakabayashi Kei (NPM) were chosen by the U-Next Pirates, while Shibukawa Nanba (NPM) was chosen by the Kadokawa Sakura Knights. A more thorough look at each player can be found in a previous article: Suzuki Yu, Shibukawa Nanba and Nakabayashi Kei Chosen in M-League Draft
New Schedule
This season, the M-League schedule has had its biggest change since the 2019-20 season. The M-League 2022-23 season will have 188 games in the regular season instead of the usual 180 games. In addition, the semifinals are now 30 games long and the finals will be 16 games long (up from 24 and 12 games, respectively). This season’s schedule (and that for each of the 8 teams) can be found in a previous article: M-League 2022-23 Schedules and Calendars
New Channel
Abema TV compiled some of the best clips from M-League and put them together in their “Best Collection” series. These “Best Collection” clips can be seen on the Abema TV video collection. Select ones will also be shown on their Mahjong Channel.
New Uniforms
As in the previous years, each team received new uniforms created by the sportswear company Mizuno.
Akasaka Drivens
The Akasaka Drivens kept their most of their uniform design the same, with their tartan design shifted 45 degrees and the word “DRIVENS” being replaced with the Drivens logo.
EX Furinkazan
The EX Furinkazan kept their uniform mostly the same, save for some additional sponsors and some red stripes on their pants.
Kadokawa Sakura Knights
The Kadokawa Sakura Knights switched their main and highlight colour, with navy blue becoming the main colour and pink being their highlight colour. In addition, the team has more sponsors on their uniform.
Konami Mahjong Fight Club
The Konami Mahjong Fight Club’s uniform flipped the black and the white on their previous uniform. As a result, the dragon is featured much more prominently.
Sega Sammy Phoenix
The Sega Sammy Phoenix has had their first big uniform change since M-League began. Instead of their usual black uniform with blue and green highlights, the uniform is now has a grey camouflage-like design that resembles smoke, with an orange-highlighted Phoenix at the base.
Shibuya Abemas
The Shibuya Abemas changed their uniform to make their bronze colour more prominent. Instead of the bronze being only on the sleeves and collar, the shirt looks like it was painted with bronze paint. This effect is also extended to their pants.
Team Raiden
Team Raiden’s secondary uniform returns as their primary uniform. The colours are a bit sharper and now has some additional sponsors, but is otherwise unchanged.
U-Next Pirates
The U-Next Pirates drastically changed their uniform, having a brighter and bolder uniform consisting many diagonal stripes in different directions and lighter blue colours. They also have a changed font on their uniform and more sponsors.
And that’s what’s new for this season! The opening ceremony for the M-League 2022-23 season starts Monday, October 3 at 1730 JST, with the first games beginning at 1900 JST! See you then!
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