Hey folks, I wanted to start this podcast off with some Fantasy Sports basics - a primer for all the newbies out there.  Don't worry, we were all there at one point.  If you are more experienced you may want to skip these episodes. Fantasy Sports originated in the 1960s when Oakland businessman Wilfred "Bill" Winkenbach created the first fantasy football league. Since those humble beginnings, this virtual competition has exploded into a global phenomenon engaging over 60 million participants in North America alone. Modern enthusiasts can choose between season-long commitments that mirror actual sports calendars or daily contests offering immediate gratification through quick-play formats. Each approach attracts different player types, with varying levels of dedication and strategy requirements. Throughout this comprehensive guide, newcomers will discover essential fundamentals while experienced managers gain advanced tactics to dominate their leagues. Whether you're drafting your first team or seeking that championship edge, these insights will transform your fantasy approach. What Are Fantasy Sports? Fantasy Sports allow participants to build virtual teams using real athletes whose actual statistical performances translate into points within a competitive framework. These digital contests create parallel competitions where knowledge, strategy, and sometimes luck determine outcomes. NFL football dominates the fantasy landscape, but basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, golf, and even emerging esports have developed dedicated followings. Each sport features unique scoring systems reflecting the particular statistics valued in those athletic competitions. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) significantly differs from traditional season-long formats by compressing the experience into shorter timeframes. While season-long leagues require months of attention through waiver moves, trades, and lineup decisions, DFS contests resolve quickly—sometimes within a single day—allowing players to redraft entirely new rosters for subsequent competitions. How Fantasy Sports Work Snake drafts represent the most common selection method, reversing order each round to ensure fairness, while auction formats give managers fixed budgets to bid on players. Best ball eliminates weekly lineup decisions by automatically counting highest-scoring players. Scoring systems vary dramatically across platforms and sports. Point-Per-Reception (PPR) rewards NFL receivers with additional points for catches, whereas standard formats focus primarily on touchdowns and yardage. Custom leagues permit commissioners to adjust values, creating unique strategic environments. Redraft leagues start fresh annually, requiring complete team reconstruction. Dynasty formats allow managers to retain most roster spots between seasons, emphasizing long-term player development. Keeper leagues strike a middle ground, permitting teams to maintain limited player cores while refreshing remaining positions through annual drafts. Follow us <a href="https://fantasysports.blob.core.windows.net/fantasy-sports-field-guide/fantasy-sports-field-guide-podcast-hub.html">online</a> for more great exclusive content!

Hey folks, I wanted to start this podcast off with some Fantasy Sports basics - a primer for all the newbies out there.  Don't worry, we were all there at one point.  If you are more experienced you may want to skip these episodes.  Fantasy Sports originated in the 1960s when Oakland businessman Wilfred "Bill" Winkenbach created the first fantasy football league. Since those humble beginnings, this virtual competition has exploded into a global phenomenon engaging over 60 million pa...

A History and Introduction to Fantasy Sports