The joinDOTA League (jDL) will be played across three distinct different leagues, divided by region, and multiple divisions and groups. Registration is currently ongoing, and the first set of games will start on 26 January.
The teams will be divided into divisions and groups, with the lower-numbered divisions ranking higher. Thus, the best teams will be on Division 1 and the inferior teams will be on higher-number divisions. Each division will have distinct groups, wherein they will be ranked after a season of two-game series, round-robin format. A team will be promoted or relegated depending on how they play on their division.
There is no prize pool for any other division aside from the first (premiere) one. However, the league looks to be a promising avenue to continuously expose a team against others on similar skill level.
A number of select teams will be seeded straight into the first few divisions on the Europe League and at least on the first division of the Asia and America League. All other teams wishing to join will be starting from the lowest (starter division). The best teams on one season will find themselves climbing the group ladder for the next one.
Aside from the three separate leagues, there will also be country-specific groups available for certain nations. These country-specific groups will only be played up to the third division. Teams wishing to be promoted further will have to join the international groups.
Interested teams can now sign-up depending on their region of preference: Asia, Europe or America. The schedule and the server used for each league will generally fit best on the teams from that specific region, but the teams are free to choose which league they want to join in. There is no team cap, and all teams who will register will be accommodated into the tournament.
The jDL follows a format which is similar to that of Pick League, a largely-successful European DotA league which started back in 2005. It is a multi-division tournament with promotion and demotion, with higher prize pool on the higher ones.
Source: joinDOTA
