Draft League

The IPF Draft League is a competition administered by the IPF. The highest level of Pokébattling competition, it is contested by clubs from throughout the world.

## Rules

*See Draft League Rules, Draft Points Values (Season 2)*

The draft uses a points-based system for Pokémon selection, with each team to select ten Pokémon for their rosters using a snaking draft order. Each team has an initial total of 120 points to spend on their roster, with one addition permitted after three rounds of matches.

## History

The league was established following consultation with IPF member clubs in order to provide competitive evenly balanced matches for its member clubs. It is intended to function as the flagship competition for the IPF.

Initially contested by only three teams, league officials stated their desire to expand the competition in future season, with an unnamed member of the executive board stating that the Federation was confident of adding a fourth franchise by the beginning of the league's second season and adding that resources had been allocated to help establish an expansion team. Ultimately this did not happen until Season 3, with the addition of the Archipelago All-Stars.

### Season 1

The first season involved three teams; Whimsicottonopolis, Old Leaf Pals and Route 28 Rustbuckets who selected squads through a draft system. Each of these were newly formed clubs, heavily borrowing from existing infrastructure. Competing outfits were given the budget to draft in any players from lower leagues.

Whimsicottonopolis secured the title with seven games to play.

### Season 2

The same three teams returned for the Season 2, with IPF officials refusing to comment on whether they had failed in securing a fourth team to compete in the competition. The second season officially began on the 19th June with teams drafting their rosters.

### Season 3

The Archipelago All-Stars made their debut in Season 3, following the success of the Orange Islands at World Cup 2020. The season began officially on the 3rd October as teams drafted their rosters. There was then a short preseason schedule.

## Pokémon

*See Draft League competitors*

Drafted Pokémon lodge and train with the franchises they are allocated to, but are considered employees of the IPF and may be recalled by the federation at any time, though this would only occur in the event of major issues with a franchise.

The minimum salary for active Draft League competitors is 300,000 per round. This was negotiated in advance of Season 1 with the aid of the Professional Pokébattlers' Association.

Free agents generally train at Oak Field or may be assigned to the Pallet Town Punchbags for further development.

## Media

The Daily Whismur provides coverage of league fixtures including match reports, features, tactical analysis and transfer rumours.

Pokébattle of the Day replays matches in full several times a week and is one of the most popular global television programmes.

## Champions

Season 1: Whimsicottonopolis

Season 2: Whimsicottonopolis

## Statistics

Draft League Season 1 Statistics

Draft League Season 2 Statistics

Draft League Season 3 Statistics

All Time Draft League Statistics