Fantasy Football is an online game in which participants act as general managers or club managers of virtual football teams. You participate in a draft containing all the relevant NFL players and select your roster. Every week, a matchup based on the real-life performances of players in actual competitions yields fantasy points. Over the years, Fantasy Football has grown into a notable industry thanks to betting websites like Betway hosting Fantasy Football games and selections. But exactly how big is this industry, and what are the major Fantasy Football leagues?
The Fantasy Football Market
The Fantasy Football market is currently worth $18.6 billion, which is $6 billion more than the current estimated revenue for the NFL. This number is also 4.5 times the current value of the Dallas Cowboys, which is the current top-flight team in the NFL. Simply put, Fantasy Football could be more valuable than actual football, or at least the NFL.
But how exactly did this weekend pastime grow into a multi-billion-dollar industry? In 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIEGA) was passed by congress, effectively banning online poker. The act deemed poker a game of chance but left the door open for sports betting, which was considered a skill. More and more fans started betting on soccer Betway and football games across the globe, leading to the Fantasy Football market as it is today.
FPL (Fantasy Premier League)
The Premier League is the world’s best, most prestigious league, and it owns and operates the largest Fantasy Football game – the Fantasy Premier League (FPL). This free-to-play game has over 9 million players and allows managers to choose 15 players on a $100 million budget. Additionally, you can make unlimited transfers on the first game week before the deadline, then only one transfer a week thereafter. Any transfers beyond this are deducted from your weekly points.
UEFA Fantasy Football
Widely considered the holy grail of the football system, the UEFA Champions League has a Fantasy Football game too. The league comprises the best teams from the world’s best leagues, allowing managers to choose players from other Fantasy Football leagues. Managers can select 15 players on a $100 million budget, and players are recommended based on their form. On a given match day, the global top scorer gets an official team jersey, and number two gets a UEFA Official match ball. The season winner receives two UEFA Champions League finals tickets and a PlayStation 5 Console.
Bundesliga Fantasy Manager
Bundesliga is Germany’s top-flight football league and one of the oldest football leagues in the world. Fantasy Managers here can sign 15 players on a $150 million budget, after which points will be allotted based on the players’ performances. But while the system resembles those of other leagues on this list, Bundesliga stands out for its rewards program. Outstanding players get regular awards like club jerseys, and the player that wins the season receives two tickets to a Bundesliga match. To make it accessible to everyone, the tickets are accompanied by travel and two nights’ accommodation.
La Liga Fantasy Manager
La Liga is widely considered one of the best football leagues in the world, although it has lost some of its appeal since Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi exited it. The concept here is simple; every manager can sign 14 players from any team on a $100 million budget to compete in a public or private league. When this is done, points are awarded based on La Liga’s official statistics system.
Conclusion
Fantasy Football involves imaginary teams comprising real players and actual statistical performances. As you can see, it is a major industry – probably larger than the real thing. You can participate in any of these leagues through major sports betting websites like Betway. Just visit the site, set up an account, visit the Fantasy Football section and create your roster.
