Magic: The Gathering’s New Commander Box League Sparks Debate Over $165 Entry Fee
Get ready, Magic: The Gathering fans—if you want to try the brand-new limited format, Commander Box League, you’ll need to prepare your wallet. The entry ticket? A full Play Booster box, currently priced at $165 on Amazon. Is this a bold new way to play or just another way to spend more? Let’s break it down!
- Magic’s new Commander Box League format launches with the Edge of Eternities prerelease
- Players must buy an entire Play Booster box to join—cost: $165
- Format removes some classic Commander restrictions for a different deckbuilding experience
- Special promo cards up for grabs at local stores
- Some fans see it as a fun twist, others worry it’s a “cash grab”
Commander Box League: What’s New?
The Commander Box League will debut during the Edge of Eternities prerelease, running from July 25-31. To join, you’ll need to purchase a full booster box of the new set—yes, that’s 30 Play Boosters at $165 per box (see on Amazon).
How does it work?
You open your box, then build a 60-card deck from your pulls. The twist? Deckbuilding rules are loosened: you can use multiple copies of the same card and ignore the color identity of your Commander. This means more freedom and potentially stronger decks compared to classic sealed events, where players build from just six boosters and follow strict deck restrictions.
New Format, New Debates
Commander Box League was tested at MagicCons before and now hits local stores. Wizards of the Coast is clearly aiming to refresh local events and boost Commander’s popularity. Also in the mix: Two-Headed Commander Nights, a team-based spin on the classic Two-Headed Giant format. As a bonus, special promo cards will be available for participants in these new formats.
Is it worth the price?
Not everyone’s thrilled. While some players are excited for a new challenge, others point to the price tag. The alternative? Regular Edge of Eternities Commander decks sell for $45 each, making them a much cheaper way to enjoy the set.
There’s ongoing debate in the community about whether this is an exciting innovation or just another “cash grab” by Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro. As financial analysts warned in 2022: “the company was in danger of ‘killing its golden goose’ by focusing on ‘extracting more revenue from each player rather than by growing its player base.’”
Final Thoughts
Whether you see Commander Box League as a cool shake-up or an expensive hurdle, it’s definitely making waves. The only question left: will you join the league or sit this one out?
