Just about everything is more expensive these days: Gasoline, groceries, and most forms of entertainment as well (fortunately, Fantasy Index packages are the same price as last year). I still can't get over the fact that video game consoles now go up in price over time, like an appreciating asset. Whatever you like to do, it will probably cost you more to do it than ever before.
That's why creating a fantasy budget (now, not later) is definitely in your best interest.
Fantasy football has become so accessible, it makes sense to sit down and figure out how much you actually want to spend on it. You can have every intention to keep it affordable, only to watch it go way beyond what you originally planned. The rise of daily fantasy games plays a role, as do last-minute leagues you might join as you feed a seasonal drafting addiction. It can catch up quickly.
Since you might be trying to keep your costs in check, I thought it might be a good time to consider what you might actually spend on fantasy football this year.
Fixed costs. Your league dues are pretty predictable, and unlikely to change from year to year. You know how many leagues you're in and what they cost each season, so the math there is simple. If the number looks daunting this year, you can always cut back on your pricier leagues. And if you do, July is a good time to tell them, not late August. Give them time to find a replacement.
Variable costs. This is where your budget can really get derailed. If your league has transaction costs, you should factor in more than the entry fee. You need to approximate how much will be required to stay competitive. A late-season push might require more moves that you expected originally, and a few bucks per move can really add up. Plan for it now and you won't be surprised later.
And as I mentioned earlier, signing up for extra leagues because someone had an opening (or you enjoy drafting) tacks on more money, and if those leagues have transaction costs, you need to factor them in as well. Saying yes to one more league sounds fun but can also add up. Make sure it's within your budget to do so.
Finally, daily fantasy games can be the real budget buster. You look over your lineups Sunday morning and simultaneously go over the different games available on your favorite website. Or you find a killer welcome bonus on a new site that you almost have to try. Or you decide that the lineup you just created on the fly is a gem, and it makes perfect sense to enter it in a bunch of extra games to maximize your "profit." Or all of those things happen, and your Sunday morning just got a lot more expensive. Multiply that over the course of the season and you could be looking at a big outlay you never intended to spend.
Never assume you're going to win anything, whether it's a league prize or a daily fantasy payout. Just assume it's gone the moment you pay it. If you never saw a penny back in return, would that be a problem financially? If so, don't waste your time or your money.
Other. When I say "other," I really mean "gambling." Every football-related program is now flooded with gambling ads or sponsorships (makes you wonder where they get the money to spend on all this stuff). You can pretend that wagering how many catches a player gets is somehow fantasy related, but it isn't. It's just straight-up gambling.
I'm really trying (and probably failing) to stay off the soapbox here. Just be aware that these companies know exactly what they're doing and pull no punches in trying to extract every last dollar from your account. This type of wagering is not really part of your fantasy budget, anyway. If you enjoy it responsibly, have at it. But I’m adding it to the list because it’s easy to fall into these traps as you do your fantasy research. They know where you are, and their ads will find you. Guaranteed.
Whatever amount you choose to spend, find a comfortable figure now and stick to it. Don't wait until you're in the midst of draft season and definitely don't ignore it entirely. No matter how much money you have, nobody likes to waste it. And please give the leagues you’re leaving ample time to find a new manager. There’s no shame in saying goodbye, but being a good league mate means giving them plenty of notice. All this smart planning in July will help avoid dumb decisions in September and beyond.
Do you set a fantasy budget? If you do, do you stick to it? Are you cutting back at all, or changing how you play? What part of the game causes you to spend the most money? Share your thoughts below.
