Let’s start with the glaringly obvious: when opponents stop playing they sap all the fun out of a draft league.
With that in mind, here are four ways to promote engagement and ensure everyone has a good time.
Choose your draft game wisely
With the release of FPL Draft, many folks will likely be tempted to go with this new offering from the official Fantasy Premier League site. However, I caution against opting for convenience.
My favorite part of the draft game is trading- knowing that if I make the right offer, I can get Harry Kane or Romelu Lukaku from their owners. FPL Draft simply does not have that feature.
Also, the squad size and requirements severely limit your roster construction. In many formats, rostering a single goalkeeper, for instance, allows more flexibility to hold an injured player or keep an unproven talent.
If you want a deeper roster, Dugout FC gives you 18 roster spots, although their randomised waiver system feels wonky and Gameweek deadlines come out before lineups are announced- a major drawback without automatic substitutions.
Alternatively, Togga gives you a 16-man roster and allows lineup changes up until each player’s game kicks off.
Additionally, both Togga and Dugout FC feature stat-based scoring systems, awarding points for tackles won, shots on target, and a variety of other statistical measures. This gives them the edge over FPL Draft as it widens the pool of viable players considerably, especially regarding central and defensive midfield gems.
Add Prizes and Forfeits
A normal draft league will last 10 months. That’s one hell of a long time to keep people interested and engaged.
The most obvious way to keep people interested is to require dues and pay out to the winner.
However, paying out smaller amounts to monthly winners could ensure everyone has something to play for, even if they are out of contention for the title. Alternatively, a league could punish the last place team as well. The more people actively participate in your league, the more fun it will be.
Consider breaking up the season
Let’s face it: the most fun part of draft leagues is the draft! Instead of playing through the full 38-game season, why not break things up in December or January, draft a second time, and give everyone another chance at title glory?
Find a place to trash talk
Ideally, every member of your league can show up at a central location on a weekly basis, imbibe a little libation, and give a hard time to whoever drafted Kevin Mirallas (because, seriously, do you think this is his year?).
If that’s not an option, find a messaging app or other social media venue through which you can communicate regularly, especially on Gameday.
That’s it! That’s all I’ve got. Be fruitful and multiply your draft league fun. Also, share your advice in the comments section.
