GITNUXREPORT 2026

Fantasy Sports Statistics

Fantasy sports revenue and participation are surging globally due to mobile growth.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

41% of U.S. men aged 18-34 play fantasy sports regularly.

Statistic 2

Millennials (25-40) comprise 52% of fantasy sports players in 2023.

Statistic 3

37% of fantasy players are women, up from 29% in 2018.

Statistic 4

College graduates represent 68% of fantasy sports participants.

Statistic 5

55% of players earn over $75,000 annually.

Statistic 6

African Americans make up 12% of fantasy sports players, with 20% growth since 2020.

Statistic 7

62% of players are married or in relationships.

Statistic 8

Urban dwellers account for 73% of fantasy sports engagement.

Statistic 9

Gen Z (18-24) participation rose to 22% in 2023 from 15% in 2020.

Statistic 10

Hispanic/Latino players increased to 18% of total in 2023.

Statistic 11

Baby boomers (55+) now 11% of players, up 5% since 2020.

Statistic 12

48% of players have children under 18.

Statistic 13

Suburban players make up 24% of total engagement.

Statistic 14

65% of players hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

Statistic 15

Women aged 25-34 represent fastest-growing demo at 45% increase.

Statistic 16

15% of players are over 55 years old in 2023.

Statistic 17

High-income earners ($100k+) are 32% of players.

Statistic 18

Rural participation steady at 3% despite population growth.

Statistic 19

29% of U.S. adults have played fantasy sports.

Statistic 20

25-34 age group is 38% of total players.

Statistic 21

42% growth in female participation 2019-2023.

Statistic 22

58% of players are white, 20% Hispanic.

Statistic 23

Self-employed players at 14% of total.

Statistic 24

76% male, 24% female split in 2023.

Statistic 25

Top 10% earners dominate 40% of high-stakes play.

Statistic 26

Midwestern U.S. has highest per capita participation at 28%.

Statistic 27

The U.S. fantasy sports industry generated $8.7 billion in revenue in 2022, marking a 22% increase from the previous year.

Statistic 28

Global fantasy sports market size reached $25.68 billion in 2023, expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% through 2030.

Statistic 29

Fantasy sports participation in North America grew by 15% year-over-year in 2023, driven by mobile app adoption.

Statistic 30

The Indian fantasy sports market expanded to $1.2 billion in FY2023, with a projected CAGR of 32% until 2028.

Statistic 31

U.S. fantasy sports market revenue hit $11.5 billion in 2023, up 32% from 2022.

Statistic 32

European fantasy sports sector grew 18% in 2023, reaching €2.1 billion in total value.

Statistic 33

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) segment accounted for 45% of global fantasy sports growth in 2023.

Statistic 34

Fantasy sports industry in Brazil surged 28% in 2023, valued at BRL 4.5 billion.

Statistic 35

Asia-Pacific fantasy sports market projected to reach $15 billion by 2027, growing at 20% CAGR.

Statistic 36

U.S. fantasy sports saw 12% YoY growth in league creations in 2023.

Statistic 37

U.S. fantasy sports industry revenue projected to hit $36 billion by 2028.

Statistic 38

Global market CAGR for fantasy sports estimated at 14.5% from 2024-2032.

Statistic 39

Chinese fantasy sports market valued at $3.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 40

U.K. fantasy sports participation up 25% post-legalization in 2023.

Statistic 41

Australian fantasy market reached AUD 1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 42

Season-long fantasy segment grew 10% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 43

Global fantasy sports market to reach $49.85 billion by 2030.

Statistic 44

India’s fantasy sports users hit 180 million in 2023.

Statistic 45

Canada’s market grew 19% to CAD 2.8 billion.

Statistic 46

Season-long formats hold 55% market share globally.

Statistic 47

71 million U.S. fantasy sports participants in 2024 projection.

Statistic 48

DFS platforms generated $4.2 billion in entry fees in 2023.

Statistic 49

FanDuel reported $3.2 billion in fantasy sports revenue for 2023.

Statistic 50

Advertising revenue from fantasy sports reached $1.8 billion in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 51

Prize pools in fantasy sports totaled $12 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 52

65% of fantasy revenue comes from mobile in-app purchases in 2023.

Statistic 53

Sponsorship deals contributed $900 million to fantasy industry in 2023.

Statistic 54

Average player spend per year on fantasy sports is $456 in U.S.

Statistic 55

NFT and crypto integrations added $150 million in new revenue streams in 2023.

Statistic 56

Subscription models generated 22% of total fantasy revenue in 2023.

Statistic 57

DraftKings paid out $4.1 billion in prizes in 2023.

Statistic 58

Contest entry fees averaged $15 per player monthly.

Statistic 59

Partnerships with sportsbooks added $500 million revenue.

Statistic 60

Merchandise sales from fantasy platforms hit $200 million.

Statistic 61

28% of revenue from premium subscriptions in 2023.

Statistic 62

Affiliate marketing generated $300 million for sites.

Statistic 63

Average annual spend per DFS player: $612.

Statistic 64

Esports fantasy integration revenue up 60% to $80 million.

Statistic 65

FanDuel revenue from fantasy: $2.9 billion in Q4 2023 alone.

Statistic 66

Total U.S. entry fees collected: $6.5 billion.

Statistic 67

Broadcast rights tied to fantasy added $400 million.

Statistic 68

In-app purchases averaged $9.50 per transaction.

Statistic 69

35% of revenue from NFL-related fantasy.

Statistic 70

Brand integrations yielded $1.1 billion.

Statistic 71

P2P leagues generated $250 million in fees.

Statistic 72

International expansion revenue up 45% to $800 million.

Statistic 73

72% of fantasy players use mobile apps exclusively in 2023.

Statistic 74

AI-powered player projections adopted by 68% of platforms in 2023.

Statistic 75

Live scoring features boosted engagement by 35% in 2023.

Statistic 76

Blockchain-based fantasy leagues grew 150% in user base in 2023.

Statistic 77

VR fantasy draft rooms piloted by 15% of major platforms in 2023.

Statistic 78

Social betting integrations increased by 40% across apps in 2023.

Statistic 79

Data analytics tools used by 82% of serious players in 2023.

Statistic 80

55% growth in women-only fantasy leagues in 2023.

Statistic 81

Machine learning chatbots used by 75% of platforms for support.

Statistic 82

Push notifications increase retention by 42% in 2023.

Statistic 83

61% of players use third-party analytics apps.

Statistic 84

Metaverse fantasy events drew 2 million users in 2023.

Statistic 85

5G adoption boosted live data speeds by 90%.

Statistic 86

Personalization algorithms improved win rates by 18%.

Statistic 87

Cross-platform syncing used by 55% of multi-device players.

Statistic 88

AR overlays in apps used by 32% of players.

Statistic 89

Big data processing handles 1TB daily fantasy data.

Statistic 90

Gamification features boost retention 29%.

Statistic 91

68% prefer dark mode interfaces in 2023.

Statistic 92

Voice-activated drafting trialed by 20% platforms.

Statistic 93

Predictive modeling accuracy hit 78% with ML.

Statistic 94

Social media sharing increased 51% with new tools.

Statistic 95

62 million people in the U.S. and Canada participated in fantasy sports in 2023.

Statistic 96

80 million global fantasy sports players in 2023, with 40% increase since 2020.

Statistic 97

57% of U.S. fantasy sports players engaged daily or multiple times per week in 2023.

Statistic 98

Over 100 million fantasy sports contests were played worldwide in the 2023 NFL season.

Statistic 99

35 million active users on top fantasy platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel combined in 2023.

Statistic 100

Fantasy sports leagues numbered 76 million in the U.S. in 2023.

Statistic 101

45% of fantasy players participated in multiple sports categories in 2023.

Statistic 102

Global fantasy sports app downloads exceeded 500 million in 2023.

Statistic 103

28 million new fantasy sports users joined in 2023, primarily via mobile.

Statistic 104

NFL fantasy leagues saw 41 million participants in 2023 season.

Statistic 105

67 million Americans played fantasy sports at least once in 2023.

Statistic 106

NBA fantasy leagues had 22 million participants in 2023.

Statistic 107

49% of players use free leagues exclusively in 2023.

Statistic 108

MLB fantasy saw 18 million users in 2023 season.

Statistic 109

92 million global fantasy sports accounts active in 2023.

Statistic 110

Average fantasy league has 12.4 members in 2023.

Statistic 111

38% of players engage in daily fantasy formats weekly.

Statistic 112

Soccer fantasy (FPL) had 11 million players in 2023.

Statistic 113

DFS daily active users averaged 5.2 million in 2023.

Statistic 114

25 million fantasy baseball leagues started in 2023.

Statistic 115

52% of players share leagues with friends/family.

Statistic 116

NHL fantasy participation up 14% to 8 million.

Statistic 117

Free-to-play fantasy apps had 300 million sessions monthly.

Statistic 118

Average session time: 28 minutes per day per player.

Statistic 119

Cricket fantasy in India saw 110 million players.

1/119

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

Forget just watching from the sidelines, because the fantasy sports arena is now a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon where millions are turning their passion into action, as proven by an industry generating $8.7 billion in U.S. revenue alone last year and engaging over 80 million players worldwide who are more connected and invested than ever.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. fantasy sports industry generated $8.7 billion in revenue in 2022, marking a 22% increase from the previous year.
Global fantasy sports market size reached $25.68 billion in 2023, expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% through 2030.
Fantasy sports participation in North America grew by 15% year-over-year in 2023, driven by mobile app adoption.
62 million people in the U.S. and Canada participated in fantasy sports in 2023.
80 million global fantasy sports players in 2023, with 40% increase since 2020.
57% of U.S. fantasy sports players engaged daily or multiple times per week in 2023.
41% of U.S. men aged 18-34 play fantasy sports regularly.
Millennials (25-40) comprise 52% of fantasy sports players in 2023.
37% of fantasy players are women, up from 29% in 2018.
DFS platforms generated $4.2 billion in entry fees in 2023.
FanDuel reported $3.2 billion in fantasy sports revenue for 2023.
Advertising revenue from fantasy sports reached $1.8 billion in U.S. 2023.
72% of fantasy players use mobile apps exclusively in 2023.
AI-powered player projections adopted by 68% of platforms in 2023.
Live scoring features boosted engagement by 35% in 2023.

Fantasy sports revenue and participation are surging globally due to mobile growth.

Demographics

41% of U.S. men aged 18-34 play fantasy sports regularly.
Millennials (25-40) comprise 52% of fantasy sports players in 2023.
37% of fantasy players are women, up from 29% in 2018.
College graduates represent 68% of fantasy sports participants.
55% of players earn over $75,000 annually.
African Americans make up 12% of fantasy sports players, with 20% growth since 2020.
62% of players are married or in relationships.
Urban dwellers account for 73% of fantasy sports engagement.
Gen Z (18-24) participation rose to 22% in 2023 from 15% in 2020.
Hispanic/Latino players increased to 18% of total in 2023.
Baby boomers (55+) now 11% of players, up 5% since 2020.
48% of players have children under 18.
Suburban players make up 24% of total engagement.
65% of players hold bachelor's degrees or higher.
Women aged 25-34 represent fastest-growing demo at 45% increase.
15% of players are over 55 years old in 2023.
High-income earners ($100k+) are 32% of players.
Rural participation steady at 3% despite population growth.
29% of U.S. adults have played fantasy sports.
25-34 age group is 38% of total players.
42% growth in female participation 2019-2023.
58% of players are white, 20% Hispanic.
Self-employed players at 14% of total.
76% male, 24% female split in 2023.
Top 10% earners dominate 40% of high-stakes play.
Midwestern U.S. has highest per capita participation at 28%.

Demographics Interpretation

This data paints fantasy sports not as a frivolous hobby but as the cultural and economic epicenter of modern fandom, dominated by educated, urban, millennial men but increasingly co-opted by women, younger generations, and diverse communities who are all vying for bragging rights and a slice of the action.

Industry Growth

The U.S. fantasy sports industry generated $8.7 billion in revenue in 2022, marking a 22% increase from the previous year.
Global fantasy sports market size reached $25.68 billion in 2023, expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.2% through 2030.
Fantasy sports participation in North America grew by 15% year-over-year in 2023, driven by mobile app adoption.
The Indian fantasy sports market expanded to $1.2 billion in FY2023, with a projected CAGR of 32% until 2028.
U.S. fantasy sports market revenue hit $11.5 billion in 2023, up 32% from 2022.
European fantasy sports sector grew 18% in 2023, reaching €2.1 billion in total value.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) segment accounted for 45% of global fantasy sports growth in 2023.
Fantasy sports industry in Brazil surged 28% in 2023, valued at BRL 4.5 billion.
Asia-Pacific fantasy sports market projected to reach $15 billion by 2027, growing at 20% CAGR.
U.S. fantasy sports saw 12% YoY growth in league creations in 2023.
U.S. fantasy sports industry revenue projected to hit $36 billion by 2028.
Global market CAGR for fantasy sports estimated at 14.5% from 2024-2032.
Chinese fantasy sports market valued at $3.5 billion in 2023.
U.K. fantasy sports participation up 25% post-legalization in 2023.
Australian fantasy market reached AUD 1.2 billion in 2023.
Season-long fantasy segment grew 10% YoY in 2023.
Global fantasy sports market to reach $49.85 billion by 2030.
India’s fantasy sports users hit 180 million in 2023.
Canada’s market grew 19% to CAD 2.8 billion.
Season-long formats hold 55% market share globally.
71 million U.S. fantasy sports participants in 2024 projection.

Industry Growth Interpretation

The fantasy sports industry is exploding globally, proving that while your fantasy team might be in last place, the businesses running them are definitely in a championship year.

Revenue Streams

DFS platforms generated $4.2 billion in entry fees in 2023.
FanDuel reported $3.2 billion in fantasy sports revenue for 2023.
Advertising revenue from fantasy sports reached $1.8 billion in U.S. 2023.
Prize pools in fantasy sports totaled $12 billion globally in 2023.
65% of fantasy revenue comes from mobile in-app purchases in 2023.
Sponsorship deals contributed $900 million to fantasy industry in 2023.
Average player spend per year on fantasy sports is $456 in U.S.
NFT and crypto integrations added $150 million in new revenue streams in 2023.
Subscription models generated 22% of total fantasy revenue in 2023.
DraftKings paid out $4.1 billion in prizes in 2023.
Contest entry fees averaged $15 per player monthly.
Partnerships with sportsbooks added $500 million revenue.
Merchandise sales from fantasy platforms hit $200 million.
28% of revenue from premium subscriptions in 2023.
Affiliate marketing generated $300 million for sites.
Average annual spend per DFS player: $612.
Esports fantasy integration revenue up 60% to $80 million.
FanDuel revenue from fantasy: $2.9 billion in Q4 2023 alone.
Total U.S. entry fees collected: $6.5 billion.
Broadcast rights tied to fantasy added $400 million.
In-app purchases averaged $9.50 per transaction.
35% of revenue from NFL-related fantasy.
Brand integrations yielded $1.1 billion.
P2P leagues generated $250 million in fees.
International expansion revenue up 45% to $800 million.

Revenue Streams Interpretation

Behind the gleeful chaos of Monday morning quarterbacking lies a ruthlessly efficient machine, quietly vacuuming up billions from our pockets by transforming sports passion into a subscription-laden, ad-infused, and in-app-purchase-driven economy that would make a Vegas bookie blush.

Technology and Trends

72% of fantasy players use mobile apps exclusively in 2023.
AI-powered player projections adopted by 68% of platforms in 2023.
Live scoring features boosted engagement by 35% in 2023.
Blockchain-based fantasy leagues grew 150% in user base in 2023.
VR fantasy draft rooms piloted by 15% of major platforms in 2023.
Social betting integrations increased by 40% across apps in 2023.
Data analytics tools used by 82% of serious players in 2023.
55% growth in women-only fantasy leagues in 2023.
Machine learning chatbots used by 75% of platforms for support.
Push notifications increase retention by 42% in 2023.
61% of players use third-party analytics apps.
Metaverse fantasy events drew 2 million users in 2023.
5G adoption boosted live data speeds by 90%.
Personalization algorithms improved win rates by 18%.
Cross-platform syncing used by 55% of multi-device players.
AR overlays in apps used by 32% of players.
Big data processing handles 1TB daily fantasy data.
Gamification features boost retention 29%.
68% prefer dark mode interfaces in 2023.
Voice-activated drafting trialed by 20% platforms.
Predictive modeling accuracy hit 78% with ML.
Social media sharing increased 51% with new tools.

Technology and Trends Interpretation

Fantasy sports have fully migrated from the couch to your pocket, where AI armchair generals wielding personalized, predictive data in dark mode wage blockchain-backed, gamified wars over 5G speeds, all while trying not to spill their beer on the VR draft table.

User Participation

62 million people in the U.S. and Canada participated in fantasy sports in 2023.
80 million global fantasy sports players in 2023, with 40% increase since 2020.
57% of U.S. fantasy sports players engaged daily or multiple times per week in 2023.
Over 100 million fantasy sports contests were played worldwide in the 2023 NFL season.
35 million active users on top fantasy platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel combined in 2023.
Fantasy sports leagues numbered 76 million in the U.S. in 2023.
45% of fantasy players participated in multiple sports categories in 2023.
Global fantasy sports app downloads exceeded 500 million in 2023.
28 million new fantasy sports users joined in 2023, primarily via mobile.
NFL fantasy leagues saw 41 million participants in 2023 season.
67 million Americans played fantasy sports at least once in 2023.
NBA fantasy leagues had 22 million participants in 2023.
49% of players use free leagues exclusively in 2023.
MLB fantasy saw 18 million users in 2023 season.
92 million global fantasy sports accounts active in 2023.
Average fantasy league has 12.4 members in 2023.
38% of players engage in daily fantasy formats weekly.
Soccer fantasy (FPL) had 11 million players in 2023.
DFS daily active users averaged 5.2 million in 2023.
25 million fantasy baseball leagues started in 2023.
52% of players share leagues with friends/family.
NHL fantasy participation up 14% to 8 million.
Free-to-play fantasy apps had 300 million sessions monthly.
Average session time: 28 minutes per day per player.
Cricket fantasy in India saw 110 million players.

User Participation Interpretation

Fantasy sports have officially turned armchair quarterbacks into a sprawling, data-obsessed global nation, where 62 million North Americans are just the tip of an iceberg that sees over half a billion app downloads, hundreds of millions of weekly sessions, and leagues multiplying faster than rabbits, all fueled by the delightful agony of knowing your friend's third-string tight end just ruined your Sunday.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev