Facebook Brings Social To Fantasy Sports

Facebook announced the launch of Facebook Fantasy Games on Wednesday, a product that offers users the ability to create their own fantasy leagues.

The social media and technology giant is partnering with Whistle Sports and launching a daily sports prediction game called “Pick & Play Sports.”

Facebook is clearly interested in taking advantage of a global fantasy sports market estimated to grow 9.5% to $22.3 billion in 2021 and to $38.6 billion by 2025, partly due to the launch of fantasy sports applications, according to a Research & Markets report.

The online platform wants to bring a simpler format to traditional fantasy sports, engaging both new and “seasoned” players in categories that extend beyond sports.

• The social site has plans to introduce games based on CBS’ “Survivor,” ABC’s “The Bachelorette,” as well as MLB- and La Liga-themed ones.
• Players can create public and private leagues, with the ability to share picks, reactions, and comments.

Facebook sports media and league partnerships director Rob Shaw told Sportico the company has “no aspiration to make this into a betting product” and no intent to “put payments attached to this.”

Offered on iOS and Android, the platform will be available in the U.S. and Canada. North America was the largest region in the fantasy sports market in 2020.