Fantasy Sports Market

Fantasy Sports Market Size and Share:

The global fantasy sports industry size wasvalued at USD 28.95 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 67.03 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.29% during 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a significant fantasy sports market share of over 35.0% in 2024. The market is driven by increasing smartphone penetration, growing internet accessibility, rising sports awareness, and user engagement through gamification.

The market is driven by several key factors, such as the increasing penetration of smartphones and widespread internet accessibility, which have made fantasy sports platforms more accessible to users globally. Rising sports awareness and interest, coupled with live sports events' popularity, attract users to engage in fantasy sports. The gamification of sports with interactive features enhances user engagement, while lucrative rewards and competitive experiences encourage participation. Additionally, technological advancements, such as AI-driven analytics and user-friendly applications, have improved the overall experience for players. Partnerships between fantasy sports platforms and sports leagues, and rising disposable income, are creating a positive market outlook. The growing youth population and a shift toward digital entertainment further boost this trend.

Some of the key fantasy sports market trends in the United States include the widespread popularity of major sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, which fuels user interest in fantasy sports. For instance, in July 2024, The Walt Disney Company and the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced the renewal of their partnership. As a part of this endeavor, it has signed new deals with NBCUniversal (NBCU) and Amazon, under which NBA games will be televised by ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video starting in the 2025–2026 season and continuing through the 2035–2036 season. Increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage have made fantasy platforms more accessible, while technological advancements, such as AI-driven analytics and user-friendly interfaces, enhance the gaming experience. Legalizing sports betting in many states has further intensified the fantasy sports market demand by integrating fantasy sports with betting elements. High disposable incomes and a sports-centric culture contribute to sustained participation. Additionally, partnerships between fantasy platforms and professional leagues, and engaging features like live drafts and rewards, continue to attract a diverse audience.

Fantasy Sports Market Trends:

Increased Adoption of Mobile and Online Platforms

Growth in mobile app use and online fantasy sports has brought an access base that was quite broad. These were triggered mainly by high penetration rates of smartphones and the increasing improvements of the mobile network. Easy interfaces with real-time information make the platform accessible to wider audiences, especially casual players and the youth. The use of mobile technologies will provide the users with the means of managing teams, tracking scores, and relating with others on-the-go. For instance, more than half, 54% of the population, equivalent to 4.3 billion people, in the world owns a smartphone as the GSMA stated in its annual State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2023, known as SOMIC. This is supplemented by the growing adoption of 4G and 5G networks, as smartphone users with over two-thirds (69%) of smartphone owners access mobile broadband on a 4G-enabled device, while 17% access it through a 5G-enabled device, mainly in mature markets such as North America and East Asia & Pacific. This is fueling the rapid fantasy sports market growth globally.

Expansion of Sports and Leagues

The growth in new sports leagues and the increasing globalization of old leagues have provided significant impetus to the expansion of the fantasy sports market. The niche areas that have become available, along with traditional games like football and baseball, range from esports, cricket, and other rising sports, catering to a wide array of audiences. This increase in diversity attracts an increased number of sports enthusiasts and thus increases engagement and participation. For example, industry reports indicate India's sports sector is expected to grow to USD 130 Billion by 2030, driven by government support, increasing digital engagement, and rapidly growing fan base. Live sporting events, new-age partnerships, and seamless digital platforms boost the appeal of fantasy sports while offering opportunities to expand and innovate in the market. Industry reports highlight how this dynamic evolution is changing the fantasy sports landscape across the globe, thereby creating a positive fantasy sports market outlook.

Global Expansion in Emerging Markets

The fantasy sports market is unlocking huge growth opportunities with its global expansion, especially in emerging markets like India and Latin America. These regions, with a widening sports landscape and improving internet accessibility, are the untapped potential for fantasy sports companies to explore. India internet subscribers stood at 936.16 million at the end of December 2023, which was up from 918.19 million recorded in September 2023, a report from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has indicated.

This rapid growth in digital connectivity combined with growing interest in diversified sports is providing fertile ground for the fantasy sports market. Latin America also follows the same trend, and the growth of internet penetration combined with a developing sports culture will continue to grow. This indicates how fantasy sports companies can explore this emerging region with immense potential.

Fantasy Sports Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global fantasy sports market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country level from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on sports type, platform and demographics.

Analysis by Sports Type:

• Football
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Hockey
• Cricket
• Others
   

Fantasy sports industry statistics reveal that football dominates the market due to its massive fan base, particularly in regions like North America and Europe. The sport's seasonal format, with weekly games and high-stakes playoffs, aligns perfectly with fantasy sports' competitive structure. Fantasy football platforms offer detailed player statistics, which attract both casual fans and data enthusiasts. The popularity of major leagues like the NFL and widespread media coverage further drive engagement, making football the most prominent and profitable segment in fantasy sports.

Baseball holds a significant share in the fantasy sports market due to its frequent games and rich statistical nature. Fans are drawn to the challenge of managing rosters and analyzing player performance across a long season. Leagues like MLB provide extensive data, making it a favorite for analytics-driven fantasy players. The sport's loyal fan base, coupled with the accessibility of fantasy platforms, keeps baseball consistently relevant in the market, especially in regions like the U.S. and Japan.

Basketball's fast-paced nature and global appeal contribute to its prominence in the fantasy sports market. With regular games, high-scoring matches, and standout individual performances, basketball provides an engaging fantasy experience. Leagues like the NBA have a massive international following, supported by active social media presence and digital content. Fantasy basketball benefits from the sport's star-driven culture, where players' popularity enhances user engagement. Its worldwide reach ensures a steady influx of participants, securing its spot among the top fantasy sports

Analysis by Platform:

• Website
• Mobile Application
   

Mobile applications lead the market with around 55.0% of market share in 2024.

Mobile applications dominate the fantasy sports market due to their unmatched convenience, accessibility, and user-friendly interfaces. With smartphones being ubiquitous, users can easily create teams, track live updates, and engage in gameplay anytime, anywhere. Mobile apps offer personalized notifications, seamless social integration, and real-time features, enhancing user engagement. Additionally, advancements in app technology, such as augmented reality and data analytics, provide an immersive experience. The freemium model and in-app monetization strategies also drive revenue growth. As mobile apps cater to a tech-savvy audience seeking instant gratification, they have become the preferred platform for fantasy sports enthusiasts, ensuring their market dominance.

Analysis by Demographics:

• Under 25 Years
• 25-40 Years
• Above 40 Years
   

25 to 40 Years leads the market with around 29.8% of market share in 2024. Fantasy sports industry statistics emphasize that the 25 to 40-year-old demographic dominates the market due to its ideal blend of tech-savviness, disposable income, and passion for sports. This age group is intensely active on digital platforms, making it convenient to engage with fantasy sports through apps and websites. Their financial stability enables them to invest in premium features, subscriptions, or contests with entry fees. Additionally, they are more likely to have the time and interest to participate in sports discussions and competitions actively. The combination of these factors makes this age group the most engaged and profitable segment in the market.

Regional Analysis

• North America 
  • United States 
  • Canada 
• Europe 
  • Germany 
  • France 
  • United Kingdom 
  • Italy 
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others 
• Asia Pacific 
  • China 
  • Japan 
  • India 
  • South Korea 
  • Australia 
  • Indonesia 
  • Others 
• Latin America 
  • Brazil 
  • Mexico 
  • Others 
• Middle East and Africa
   

In 2024, North America accounted for the largest market share of over 35.0%. The fantasy sports market in North America is driven by several factors, including the region’s deep-rooted sports culture and the widespread popularity of leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. For instance, in August 2024, NBA 2K25 announced that it will premiere worldwide on September 6, 2024, with pre-orders for early access beginning on September 4. Vince Carter, A'ja Wilson, and Jayson Tatum are some instances of cover stars. The game will be accessible on several platforms, including PCs of the future. Improved dribbling, animations, and changes to MyCareer and MyNBA are among the new features. High internet penetration and smartphone adoption make fantasy platforms easily accessible. The integration of real-time analytics, user-friendly interfaces, and gamified experiences enhances user engagement. Additionally, the growing trend of sports betting, favorable legal frameworks, and partnerships between fantasy platforms and major sports organizations fuel market growth. Social media and streaming services also play a crucial role in promoting fantasy sports, creating a vibrant ecosystem for sports enthusiasts in the region.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Fantasy Sports Market Analysis

In 2024, the United States accounted for the largest market share of over 83.70% in North America. The United States fantasy sports market continues to grow with increasing internet connectivity, mobile adoption, and a growing base of active participants. GSMA Intelligence expects that the United States will account for 75% of the 12 million new internet users in North America by 2025, which becomes a solid foundation for digital engagement in fantasy sports. Industry reports also include the fact that 15% of U.S. adults aged 21 and above engaged in fantasy sports during the past year; men lead in this aspect by 21%, while women came in at only 8%. The demographics showed that 58% of fantasy players fall into the 25- to 44-year bracket, a clearly tech-savvy and responsive audience. New user-friendly mobile applications, in-depth real-time data analytics, and partnerships with prominent sports leagues increase the market size. With the advancement of technology and a dynamic sports culture, the U.S. fantasy sports industry is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

Europe Fantasy Sports Market Analysis

Growth is steady in Europe, fueled by improved access to the internet as well as growth in esports popularity. In the report published by the European Commission in 2023, 95% of homes in urban parts of EU cities have access to the internet while in towns and suburbs it's at 93% and rural at 91%. Such an extent of coverage can support very solid foundations in terms of engagement digitally with fantasy sports. In addition to this, another factor driving growth in the industry is the rapid growth of the sector of esports. According to industry reports, the European Esports market has a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.26%, which is calculated between 2025 and 2029. The blending of traditional sports and new digital markets, along with the evolution in mobile technology, and easy usage of apps through mobiles have increased the range of fantasy sport across all people. All these factors make Europe a vibrant place for the continued growth of fantasy sports.

Asia Pacific Fantasy Sports Market Analysis

The Asia Pacific fantasy sports market is growing rapidly, driven by dynamic developments in esports and fantasy sports platforms. In April 2022, SK Telecom became an official sponsor of the Korean Esports Association (KeSPA) through a three-year sponsorship agreement. This collaboration aims to train the Korean esports team for major events like the Asian Games, highlighting the region's commitment to esports development.

At the same time, fantasy sports is set to emerge as the world's fastest-growing fantasy sports market while India has close to 300 fantasy sports platforms and a base of over 180 million as per IBEF. Deepening digital penetration coupled with zealous sports fervor in this country is acting as fertile ground to adopt fantasy sports. The growing use of smartphones and internet facilities alongside the new programs and regional activities is propelling growth in the Asia Pacific fantasy sports market, which is making the region a global source of innovation and progress in this sector.

Latin America Fantasy Sports Market Analysis

Brazil boasts a population of more than 212 million, making it Latin America's most populous country and one of the world's youngest, with 69% of its population below the age of 30, as per reports. This young population makes up a large and energetic fantasy sports audience that fuels engagement and boosts market growth. A healthy digital infrastructure and a growing sports culture make this country an even greater potential hub.

Brazil is an emerging market for esports, with Brazil ranking among the top five in the world by the number of players. As one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in Latin America, it defines a growing appetite for competitive and interactive games in the region, Sigma World said. With all these factors coupled with the increased penetration of mobile devices and internet connectivity, Latin America is positioned to be the future expansion base for fantasy sports companies looking to access a fast-evolving and dynamic market.

Middle East and Africa Fantasy Sports Market Analysis

Saudis are followed by Egyptians and Emiratis who are the basic gaming audience for the Middle Eastern region, with remarkable growth. Combined earnings in 2021 of these three countries were pegged at USD 1.76 Billion. The share of these economies in the broader market of the region remains reasonably high. The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has predicted the figure to rise to USD 3.14 Billion by 2025, which will reflect a really impressive CAGR of 13.8% during the period.

The region's young, tech-savvy population, coupled with high smartphone penetration and improved internet connectivity, is fueling the adoption of digital gaming platforms, including fantasy sports. Government initiatives to diversify economies and invest in entertainment sectors have further spurred growth. For example, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 prioritizes investments in gaming and esports, positioning the region as a global hub. Such a powerful ecosystem will open up fertile grounds for the expansion and growth of the fantasy sports market in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape:

The fantasy sports market is highly competitive, with key players including DraftKings, FanDuel, ESPN Fantasy, and Yahoo Fantasy Sports dominating the landscape. These platforms compete on user experience, innovative features, and real-time analytics. The market is witnessing the entry of niche players catering to specific sports or regions, intensifying competition. Partnerships with major sports leagues and media companies provide a competitive edge. Mobile applications, advanced data integration, and gamified elements are key differentiators. Additionally, regulatory changes and increasing sports betting integration are shaping the competitive dynamics. The focus on personalization and community-building further fuels rivalry in this rapidly growing market.

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players being:

• Apollo Global Management Inc.
• CBS Sports Network (CBS Broadcasting, Inc.)
• Dream Sports Inc.
• Fantasy Power 11
• FantasyPros
• Fantrax
• Flutter Entertainment plc
• Fsport
• Galactus Funware Technology Private Limited
• Gameskraft Technologies
• RealTime Fantasy Sports Inc.
• RotoBash
• Sachar Gaming Private Limited

Recent Developments:

• September 2024: Locker Live raised $2 million in seed funding to launch its new fantasy sports product, "Leagues," ahead of the NFL season. The feature allows users to create customizable fantasy leagues with real-time NFL game predictions, offering flexibility and cash prizes. Partnerships with media companies and former NFL player DeSean Jackson aim to expand its reach in the daily fantasy sports market.
• September 2024: Fanball launched "Fanball Winners by Erin Andrews," a simplified Pick-3 daily fantasy football game designed to appeal to women and casual sports fans. The game allows users to predict top-scoring players with low entry fees and weekly contests during the NFL season. This initiative targets the growing demographic of female fantasy sports participants, contributing to the expanding $87 billion market forecasted by 2031.
• August 2024: Betr launched its peer-to-peer fantasy sports product, "Group Mode," allowing users to compete directly in Betr Picks across multiple states, including Florida and Massachusetts. These launches aim to enhance accessibility and diversify offerings, strengthening Betr's presence in the fantasy sports and sports betting markets.
• July 2024: The English Football League (EFL) and Genius Sports launched "Fantasy EFL," a free fantasy football game encompassing all 72 EFL clubs and offering fans interactive gameplay based on real matches. The platform allows managers to build weekly squads, participate in private or public leagues, and compete for prizes like season tickets and merchandise.
• April 2024: The NFL will host several community events in Detroit as part of the 2024 NFL Draft, focusing on strengthening communities and supporting student wellness. To do this, the NFL will host the Character Playbook Speaker Series, with a live panel discussion and activities to focus on raising awareness about mental health and providing students with tools to foster healthy relationships and protect their mental wellbeing.
• March 2024: FanDuel became the official sports betting partner of the Carolina Panthers in a new multi-year deal. This deal coincides with the launch of mobile betting in North Carolina, which went live on March 11, 2024, and aims to activate the state's sports fans.
• January 2023: The fantasy akhada revealed intentions to sell a significant share to GMR Sports, a branch of GMR Group, in a transaction valued at approximately USD 160-175 million (INR 1,300-1,400 crores), with the agreement being executed in stages as GMR will acquire it from the previous investors in later rounds.

Fantasy Sports Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the fantasy sports market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global fantasy sports market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyse the level of competition within the fantasy sports industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.