Play! Pokémon/Pokémon Leagues

Main Article: Pokémon League (TCG) Pokémon Leagues provide a nearby place for players to get together with other fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon games and have fun. They are often held in public locations, such as stores, community centers and libraries. Leagues are often the perfect venues for players starting out to learn about the TCG or video games and to hone their skills to compete in tournaments.

Leagues often focus on a theme related to the current video game every year, and break the cycle down into seven or eight seasons lasting around six weeks, each season representing a part of the theme (e.g. a specific Gym if the theme is based around Gyms featured in a Pokémon game). The theme often correlates with the current main series Pokémon games.

List of themes featured in Pokémon TCG Leagues
 * 2003-04: Hoenn League
 * 2004-05: Sevii Islands League
 * 2005-06: League
 * 2006-07: Kanto League
 * 2007-08: Sinnoh League
 * 2008-09: TCG Energy League
 * 2009-10: Trainer League
 * 2010-11: Pokéathlon League

During Wizards' tenure, players received points based on actions at every League session, and these points were recorded in League books. Points were awarded for actions such as challenging a player, winning/losing a battle, trading cards, meeting new individuals and promoting good sportsmanship.

Unlike Wizards, Play! Pokémon utilized a hybrid League system during the 2003-2004 season, where players could earn points by playing both the video games and the Trading Card Game. The idea was scrapped for the next cycle, though it since has made a comeback.

Typical prizes: When a player reaches the Poké Ball symbol or the badge symbol on their Score Card, they receive (a) promotional foil card(s). Once an entire side is filled, the player will receive a promotional Nintendo DS Lite/DSi skin. Some Leagues have a different system of handing these items out.