There is no question that fantasy sport leagues are used by millions of Americans throughout the year. Just in 2024 alone 13 million people played fantasy football on ESPN according to ESPN Press Room.
This sparks the question, why do people play fantasy sports?
In 2023 the American Heart Association produced information on the positives on your health by playing fantasy sports. Positive social interactions from fantasy sports can lower stress levels and can help the brain’s thought process. The American Heart Association stated that when playing fantasy games the competitors collect all the data and sort through stats which helps mental flexibility.
Blake Guenther, a sophomore at MHS said, “I’m in a league with my friends and at the end of the season it is fun to see the punishments take place.” The punishments are fun consequences of losing in a high school fantasy league.
Kolton Sydanama another sophomore said, “I get to compete against my friends and talk about the week of fantasy with them.”
The interest of both Sydanama and Guenther come from the ability to play with friends.. Fantasy sports bring fun to the sports they watch and cheer for. It can make a boring Sunday become entertaining with just a few NFL games that day.
Darren Azul, a sophomore at Mundelein talked about his enjoyment of playing fantasy football and the excitement it brings. Azul said, “Every year, I grow bonds to certain players based on their masterclass performances for my teams which create lasting memories for me.”
Azul thinks his knowledge of football continues to grow while tracking the games and his enjoyment comes from the rewards the champion wins compared to the punishment the loser has to deal with. Azul thinks he has become much more social with fantasy football because of the leagues he is able to compete in with family and friends. Azul continued, “Whenever I am with friends or family I am able to talk about the current or upcoming football games while also making trades and discussing performances.”
Sports betting is also an element in fantasy sports. According to The Conversation studies have shown that people who participate in fantasy sports are more likely to have gambling problems. Fantasy organizations have tried to differentiate fantasy sports and online sports betting. Forbes estimates that the NFL fantasy football market was worth more than the 2021 NFL revenue.
Studies have also found fantasy sports and sports gambling are not as linked together. It has shown social benefits of playing with leaguemates rather than motivation to gamble.
An article of The California Aggie suggests that fantasy sports can keep people engaged with all major league teams, not only your favorite team. The article also mentions that playing on a fantasy team can increase your overall sports knowledge because of the focus on all games played. Playing fantasy sports keeps the viewer updated on all events like injuries including the sport or player. Fantasy football continues to break records and grow the sports audiences while connecting as well creating lasting friendships and battles between family members.
