Is It Time For $100,000 In 12-Team Main?

[Greg Ambrosius]

We are preparing for our 11th NFBC season right now and expecting another record-breaking year. We have grown in the number of teams, revenue and prize money every year since 2004, with 2013 being the first NFBC season in which we gave away more than $2 million in prize money. Now let's plan for an even bigger and better season in 2014.

We can do that in a number of ways: Increased participation, increased prize levels and of course new contests. We think a little of each will work in 2014 and we'll talk about each separately.

What I'd like to talk about here first, though, is an increased prize level for the NFBC XII. We first got involved in the 12-team format in 2009 with the introduction of our NFBC Online Championship and the addition of this format has been a big reason why we've grown over the last four years. We had 390 teams in the NFBC Online Championship in 2009 and last year that format grew to 1,140 teams. We knew there was a strong market for 12-team leagues and it was important for us to expand our offerings there. So in 2012, we added the NFBC XII as our 12-Team Main Event, but we've failed to sell out that contest each of the last two years with just a $50,000 grand prize. We'll take the blame for shooting too low there.

Now with the NFBC Online Championship expected to have a guaranteed $75,000 grand prize this year, we feel like it's time to step up our commitment to the 12-team Main Event and raise the grand prize as well. The $1,000 entry fee of the last two years, $4,000 league prize and $50,000 grand prize just wasn't cutting it. We need to make this more prominent. That's where you come in as we'd like your feedback here. Should we increase the entry fee if it means bringing more prominence and a much bigger prize pool to this contest?

In the NFFC when we added a 12-Team Main Event, we called our signature event the NFFC Classic and named the 12-Team Main Event the NFFC Primetime. It made sense there and we think it makes sense here. We'd like to call our 15-Team Main Event the NFBC Classic and the 12-Teamer the NFBC Primetime, maybe even using Roman Numerals to show the longevity of these events (Classic XI and Primetime III). We are looking to guarantee $100,000 grand prizes in each contest at $1,500 per entry to put them on even footing. Under that plan, only the Primetime entry fee increases in 2014 (from $1,000 to $1,500).

If we did this for the NFBC Primetime, we'd offer league prizes of:
1st - $6,000
2nd - $3,000

In the NFBC Classic, we offer league prizes of:
1st - $6,500
2nd - $3,000
3rd - $1,500

Overall prizes are based on 100+ more teams in the NFBC Classic and thus the overall prizes are as follows:

NFBC Classic
Place Overall
1st $100,000
2nd $25,000
3rd $15,000
4th $10,000
5th $7,500
6th $5,000
7th $3,000
8th $2,000
9th $1,750
10th $1,500
11st $1,500

We are still working on final numbers for the NFBC Primetime, but these are possible with 300+ teams:
NFBC Primetime
1st - $100,000
2nd - $20,000
3rd - $10,000
4th - $5,000
5th - $2,500
6th - $2,000
7th - $1,750
8th - $1,500
9th - $1,500
10th - $1,500

The NFBC Classic has had a very loyal following and it really is the signature event of the fantasy baseball industry. It's a tough format that our baseball die-hards enjoy and the competition is intense. We strongly believe that this 15-team format will continue to grow and prosper and the prizes for 2014 reflect that.

But it's a tough format to bring in new players and thus we believe the 12-team format might be better suited to them. We've seen that in football and we've seen that in the growth of our NFBC Online Championship. So the hope is to make this prize pool big enough to attract more new players and in turn give them the prize money and the confidence to eventually play in both formats. Plus the potential growth is greater in the 12-team format and our hope is that with a $100,000 grand prize for the NFBC Primetime that both formats can now grow to new levels.

So let's see your feedback on the following questions:

** Would you better support the NFBC Primetime with a higher entry fee yet much higher prizes or is that a detriment to participating?
** Would this affect your participation in the NFBC Classic?
** Do you believe the 12-team format can help us bring in more new players to the NFBC or is the Online Championship enough for new members?

This would give us two $100,000 grand prizes and the $75,000 grand prize in the Online Championship. And we are looking at a possible 10-team national championship at a low entry level to bring in even more new players to the NFBC. We created a 10-team contest in football this year and had 1,850 teams at $125 each and we believe there is a possible format in baseball involving 10-team leagues that could grow to similar numbers. The NFFC Cutline Championship involved a unique playoff "cutline" formula and obviously to grow to this level in baseball we have to do something equally as creative. We might have something up our sleeves, but we'll leave that for a different thread. I just want you to know that we're not sitting still on the good products that we have; that we have a few ideas that could really add to the NFBC in 2014 and beyond.

But help us out here first. You can post here or send your feedback on the NFBC Primetime to me at [email protected]. We know this is a risk for us to double our guaranteed prizes on the NFBC Primetime, but it's time to make this a big-time event or move on and the latter option isn't the way we want to go. But give us your feedback and we'll plan accordingly. Thanks.

Just so you know, the NFBC Classic will still have only three draft dates: Simultaneously in Las Vegas, New York and Online on Saturday, March 22nd, simultaneously in Las Vegas and Online on Wednesday, March 26th and simultaneously in Las Vegas and Online on Saturday, March 29th. The NFBC Primetime will have several more draft dates and times as we hope to grow that event. Thoughts?

[Quahogs]

There is ONE thing I noticed right off the bat. Why are you jamming CLASSIC down our throats ? Baseball's signature event has always been the MAIN EVENT. ME for short. CLASSIC is the football tournament.

[DOUGHBOYS]

I love the 15 team format. I know that I'll enter several of them at different price points.
I am slowly warming to the 12 team format. I loved the team that I shared with Roger this year.
However, with a $500 price increase, I would not consider that part of the 12 team event for next year. I'd choose a cheaper option. The carrot isn't worth the stick.

As far as the name change, why do baseball and football have to be the same?
No matter whether I play in the Draft Championship or the Diamond, no matter the price point, the Main Event is still, the Main Event.
'Classic' somehow lessens the importance of the Main Event. At least it does to me.

[Glenneration X]

I agree with Juprinka and Doughy.....please stop with the Classic. It's like changing the name of the World Series to the Super Bowl just because the football championship gets better TV ratings. The Classic is fantasy football, the Main Event is fantasy baseball. Please keep it as is.

If you want to change the name of the XII to the Primetime, I doubt anyone would care. It would be the 3rd incarnation anyway (lest anyone forget the short-lived Double Play). Still, the history for that event isn't there.

History and tradition is part of what makes baseball what it is. The NFBC Main Event is tradition. Stick with what works.

[ALL-IN JD]

I actually think the Classic should be called the Stephen Jupinka Invitational!!

[Money]

This is obviously something I am very much in favor of. I think the 50k carrot has held this contest back a bit because you could chase the same carrot for $350. This format is what's played in all of the local leagues and obviously is the answer to future growth and new players. I don't view this as a threat to the Main Event and am not really concerned with what either event is called. I do understand that those that hold the Main Event close and their wishes to keep its name.

Personally, I had one Main Event team last year and that will remain consistent. I will participate in three of NFBC XII teams next season and one Super/Ultimate. I have determined that 5 FAAB teams is my max.

It only makes sense with the multitude of local leagues playing 12 team events that this is where the future growth will have to come from. Good Luck growing the new "Primetime" event, I look forward to participating.

[Vander]

Agree with the previous posters. Sorry Main event is it for me.

[BK METS]

History and tradition is part of what makes baseball what it is. The NFBC Main Event is tradition. Stick with what works.

Agree with this. As far as the 12 teamer, I wouldnt play it at any price point or prize offering. Just not my thing, but for those who do play it, I am sure it will be a great addition, as long as we are still able to meet our "main event" numbers.

[Money]

One other comment /suggestion is that I believe you should have 2 Online Championships including both the 15 team and 12 team formats. This way you have a farm system for both games. Those folks attempting to jump from the Online Championship now to the Main Event are at a serious disadvantage. I guess the drawback would be that the grand prize would be less because you'll have split the player pool. Ultimately it could lead to more growth as well.

[ALL-IN JD]

Postby Money » Mon Oct 14, 2013 4:23 pm

One other comment /suggestion is that I believe you should have 2 Online Championships including both the 15 team and 12 team formats. This way you have a farm system for both games. Those folks attempting to jump from the Online Championship now to the Main Event are at a serious disadvantage. I guess the drawback would be that the grand prize would be less because you'll have split the player pool. Ultimately it could lead to more growth as well.

Joe, I think this is an outstanding idea. In the short run it will probably impact the total number of entries but I totally agree with your "farm system" idea and how it will grow both events in the long run.


Jeff

[Greg Ambrosius]

I agree with Juprinka and Doughy.....please stop with the Classic. It's like changing the name of the World Series to the Super Bowl just because the football championship gets better TV ratings. The Classic is fantasy football, the Main Event is fantasy baseball. Please keep it as is.

If you want to change the name of the XII to the Primetime, I doubt anyone would care. It would be the 3rd incarnation anyway (lest anyone forget the short-lived Double Play). Still, the history for that event isn't there.

History and tradition is part of what makes baseball what it is. The NFBC Main Event is tradition. Stick with what works.

Semantics. That's the best you and Jupinka have for us? Duly noted and now it's time to create some history for the 12-team format.

Oh, and you spelled Steve's name wrong above, or is that how they pronounce it in Jersey: "I agree with Juprinka "

[Money]

Postby Money » Mon Oct 14, 2013 4:23 pm

One other comment /suggestion is that I believe you should have 2 Online Championships including both the 15 team and 12 team formats. This way you have a farm system for both games. Those folks attempting to jump from the Online Championship now to the Main Event are at a serious disadvantage. I guess the drawback would be that the grand prize would be less because you'll have split the player pool. Ultimately it could lead to more growth as well.

Joe, I think this is an outstanding idea. In the short run it will probably impact the total number of entries but I totally agree with your "farm system" idea and how it will grow both events in the long run.


Jeff

I think it's possible to grow the OC right away with two contests. Instead of 1 at 75k you create 2 at 40k each. The total overall numbers of players should grow. You have already proven that 40k works. This will also help the "Primetime" as I still think that 75k could keep some playing for that prize instead of stepping up to the 100k level.

[Glenneration X]

I agree with Juprinka and Doughy.....please stop with the Classic. It's like changing the name of the World Series to the Super Bowl just because the football championship gets better TV ratings. The Classic is fantasy football, the Main Event is fantasy baseball. Please keep it as is.

If you want to change the name of the XII to the Primetime, I doubt anyone would care. It would be the 3rd incarnation anyway (lest anyone forget the short-lived Double Play). Still, the history for that event isn't there.

History and tradition is part of what makes baseball what it is. The NFBC Main Event is tradition. Stick with what works.

Semantics. That's the best you and Jupinka have for us? Duly noted and now it's time to create some history for the 12-team format.

Oh, and you spelled Steve's name wrong above, or is that how they pronounce it in Jersey: "I agree with Juprinka "

Ummmm.....that's how Juprinka spells his name. It's important to get names right....like the Main Event.

Now as far as growing the 12-teamers, you already know how I feel in that regard. The carrot grows the events. I'm all for increasing the carrot, even at increasing the entry fee (though all I'd likely be doing is donating another $500 per entry to the Juprinka's of the world ).

I was planning on cutting down on my XII entries next year. After all, as Joe would agree, the 12-teamers are the minor leagues of fantasy baseball. However, with the larger carrot and especially the larger league prizes, I may be forced to reconsider.

[KJ Duke]

$100k doesn't entice me, it's the format not the money. I think 12-tm has appeal to those entering high stakes from smaller yahoo/cbs leagues and daily games. You'll get a certain pct of the vet high stakes guys too, but it's a different style game than the ME - less emphasis on drafting and more emphasis on churning the roster. I'm going to leave it to the master churners going forward, just not my strength.

[KJ Duke]

Where did Juprinka come from anyway, that seems to be a secret east coast story.

[Glenneration X]

Where did Juprinka come from anyway, that seems to be a secret east coast story.

Besides it being the actual spelling of his name? I think Wayne Erdwards had something to with it.

[KJ Duke]

Where did Juprinka come from anyway, that seems to be a secret east coast story.

Besides it being the actual spelling of his name? I think Wayne Erdwards had something to with it.

Ok, I'll look into that. And thanks Lawry, love the steaks.

[Glenneration X]

Where did Juprinka come from anyway, that seems to be a secret east coast story.

Besides it being the actual spelling of his name? I think Wayne Erdwards had something to with it.

Ok, I'll look into that. And thanks Lawry, love the steaks.

Ummmm....If you're going to misspell it, misspell it correctly I say. It's Lowry to you RJ.

[Cocktails and Dreams]

I may end up taking Joe's suggestion of entering one or two main events each and calling it a day. If I do I will be playing the 12 team main event with one of the entries and certainly prefer the higher buy in and prizes. I could see myself possibly ending up with 2 classic and 2 primetimes next year. 4 might be a good number to keep it fun, especially without the private leagues with all the punting and what not that I do not enjoy.

[Quahogs]

Besides it being the actual spelling of his name? I think Wayne Erdwards had something to with it.

[/quote]

Yes we do have Wayne to thank don't we Lowry lol... But c'mon Lowry, Edwards already has a r. East coast rule says we have to take it away. So it's actually Wayne EdWADS.

[JohnP]

I may end up taking Joe's suggestion of entering one or two main events each and calling it a day. If I do I will be playing the 12 team main event with one of the entries and certainly prefer the higher buy in and prizes. I could see myself possibly ending up with 2 classic and 2 primetimes next year. 4 might be a good number to keep it fun, especially without the private leagues with all the punting and what not that I do not enjoy.

He's back!! September - 0. October - 4. Oh yeah...Gekko territory by the time spring training starts.

[KJ Duke]

East coast rule says we have to take it away. So it's actually Wayne EdWADS.

Edwads sounds just right, but has rule been cleared with Ambosius and Kersenich?

[Glenneration X]

East coast rule says we have to take it away. So it's actually Wayne EdWADS.

Edwads sounds just right, but has rule been cleared with Ambosius and Kersenich?

Juprinka, I like EdWADS. EdWADS Kings, it definately has a ring to it.

RJ, somehow I see Ambosius and Kersenich using their veto power on this one. Though considering they want to rename the Main Event, I suppose anything's possible.

[Quahogs]

East coast rule says we have to take it away. So it's actually Wayne EdWADS.

Edwads sounds just right, but has rule been cleared with Ambosius and Kersenich?

Juprinka, I like EdWADS. EdWADS Kings, it definately has a ring to it.

RJ, somehow I see Ambosius and Kersenich using their veto power on this one. Though considering they want to rename the Main Event, I suppose anything's possible.

Don't worry Lowry, one well placed call to Coca Cola Inc. and "CLASSIC" will be no more. The litigators will be all over that like cold on Wisconsin. We won't even be able to type ******* on these boards.

[poopytooth]

Greg, from a business standpoint, personally, I think anything you can do to grow things is invaluable. Giving people choices is a good thing. We can pick and choose what we want, but also...if you are making money...I'm thinking the contests will continue to be here and that is what we all want.

As far as names, I was going to joke about how we should look at it like a drunk 16 year old at a party... who cares what her name is... doesn't matter....but someone above mentioned the 12 team had 3 different. Names. ..I think lowry...anyway...I heard of double play but had no idea what it was and that it had changed. Do your best to brand them and stay with it.

lastly...I remember when the draft championship had 10k...now 75k expected...WOW!!!!

I don't think you will cannabalize things too much.

I know it is not the direction this are going but I would like to see one 20 or 25 team league...15 will work though.