M League 2026-27 Season Kicks Off September 14 With 300 Regular Matches

The M League announced its 2026-27 season schedule on August 20, 2026. The ninth season of Japan’s professional competitive mahjong league opens September 14 with Earth Jets facing Konami Mahjong Combat Club, Shibuya Abemas, and U-Next Pirates. Ten teams will play 300 regular-season matches through March 2, 2027, with 40 total players competing under the league’s semifinal format.

Regular season structure and match schedule

The 2026-27 regular season runs from September 14, 2026 to March 2, 2027. Each of the 10 teams plays 120 matches, totaling 300 games across the season. From September 21 through December 25, all match days feature a two-table simultaneous format, with each table hosting two matches for a total of four matches per day. This format maximizes competitive intensity and fan engagement during the peak season months.

Semifinals and finals determine the champion

After the regular season, the top six teams advance to the semifinal series. In semifinals, each team plays 20 matches with 30 total games contested. The top four semifinal teams then enter the finals, where each plays 16 matches to determine the overall champion. This tiered playoff structure mirrors traditional sports leagues and builds drama toward a single title winner.

Prize money increases and new awards introduced

The M League expanded its prize structure starting in the 2025-26 season and continues into 2026-27. The league introduced cash awards for fourth-place finalists and created a new individual award for most first-place finishes. The league also increased prize money for three existing individual awards: highest personal score, best single-game score, and best fourth-place avoidance rate. These changes reward both team and individual excellence.

M League’s role in competitive mahjong development

Founded on July 17, 2018, the M League was established to promote and develop competitive mahjong as a sport in Japan. The 2026-27 season represents the league’s ninth year of operation. The league structure draws from a June 2026 draft and contract renewal process where all 10 teams signed four players each, creating a roster of 40 professional mahjong players competing at the highest level.

Final Thoughts

The M League’s 2026-27 season launches September 14 with an expanded prize structure and 300 regular-season matches. The nine-year-old league continues to establish competitive mahjong as a professional sport in Japan, with semifinals and finals determining the champion by late spring 2027.

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