NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

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Greg Ambrosius
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NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Greg Ambrosius » Wed Jun 24, 2020 1:39 pm

Today we officially cancelled the original prize structure for the 2020 NFBC Main Event. We have refunded all remaining entries and put the money back on everyone's Player Accounts. Coronavirus is the NFBC Main Event Champion of 2020!! :oops:

No, forget that noise. We're not letting Coronavirus win just yet. No way. We need to crown a REAL NFBC Main Event champion this year.

We are going forward with a new price point and a new prize structure, but we are still working on everything. The format doesn't change at all, but we have to create a prize format that we can sell out because Lord knows we can't afford any overlay right now. That's where we need your help.

For a 60-game season, I believe the price point should be $1,000 to give past Main Event members an affordable play for just a 60-game season. Even that might be too high to get the numbers we think we can get. But I don't want to go lower than $1,000 or higher than $1,200. Suggestions?

I'm also interested in still getting 400-600 owners, so the price is important. I'm not looking for the biggest revenue stream; I want as many players to battle for this prestigious title as makes sense. If interest isn't there this year, then we'll scale the prizes and number of teams down. But I want to sell it out; no overlay.

Here are some options:

2020 NFBC Main Event:
$1,200 Entry Point
510 Teams
Pay Top 10 Overall, $100,000 to Champion
League Prizes: $5,000, $2,400, $1,200

$1,000 Entry Point
510 Teams
Pay Top 10 Overall, $80,000 to Champion
League Prizes: $4,200, $2,000, $1,000

$1,000 Entry Point
420 Teams
Pay Top 10 Overall, $60,000 to Champion
League Prizes: $4,200, $2,000, $1,000

We had 570 Main Event teams last year and we had 535 teams registered this year at $1,700 each before coronavirus. But I just don't know how many of those same people will play this out in a 60-game season. I need some feedback before guaranteeing a prize structure, so a thumbs up or even a thumbs down is welcome. Thanks.

I'm leaning toward $1,000 and 510 teams, but I do love the $100,000 grand prize. Let's give it a few days for feedback and we'll announce the structure on Friday. Sound good? Rev up the Message Boards like the old days boys!! :lol:

Right now we'll host all Online Main Event drafts over the last 14-17 days. We know that most people will want to draft later, but if we're going to fill up 34 leagues we can't have them all on the last couple of days. Hopefully some folks see an edge with drafting earlier AND maybe later!!

We would run the first FAAB for any previously drafted teams on Sunday, July 19th. Prizes are guaranteed once 600 games have been played (40 games per team on average). Minimum Innings Pitched will be 300. And new position eligibility happens after 4 games at a new position.

The rest stays the same. Let me know what you think and we'll formalize this by Friday. Thanks all and let's do this!!
Greg Ambrosius
Founder, National Fantasy Baseball Championship
General Manager, Consumer Fantasy Games at SportsHub Technologies
Twitter - @GregAmbrosius

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KJ Duke
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by KJ Duke » Wed Jun 24, 2020 1:55 pm

Go back to basics, Greg!

I sent you a check for $1,250 for 2004's Main Event and I didn't even know you back then. Don't go backwards, virus or not.

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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by King of Queens » Wed Jun 24, 2020 1:55 pm

Strong preference for the $1200-$100K option. Keep it as a six-figure champion in every year of the contest.

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Gekko
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Gekko » Wed Jun 24, 2020 1:57 pm

Please Keep it 6 figures Greg. I’ll take 4 teams right out of the gate.

Thanks again for everything you (and Tom and Darik) do for the NFBC community.

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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Philippe27 » Wed Jun 24, 2020 2:16 pm

Yeah keep it 6 figures, I'll get 4 teams as well at $1200. I think you can bring the number of teams down to 480 to limit your risk a little, still offer the 100k grand prize. Less money for people who finish in the top 10 overall but you can just add to that if you fill more leagues.

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Gekko
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Gekko » Wed Jun 24, 2020 2:18 pm

4 pack of ME teams is the Grand Slam Package!

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Greg Ambrosius
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Greg Ambrosius » Wed Jun 24, 2020 2:28 pm

"AND COMING AROUND THE CORNER IS GRAND SLAM PACKAGE. GRAND SLAM PACKAGE BY 12 LENGTHS. NOW 14 LENGTHS. GRAND SLAM PACKAGE IS LOOKING LIKE SECRETARIAT NOW..BY 33 LENGTHS!!!"

Sorry, it's been a long day. :lol: Keep the feedback coming. $100,000 grand prize sure sounds good. No overlay boys, no overlay if you want me to keep my job here and not retire at the young 'ol age of 60!! :lol:

We'll see if anyone can beat Grand Slam Package, but thanks for the early feedback.
Greg Ambrosius
Founder, National Fantasy Baseball Championship
General Manager, Consumer Fantasy Games at SportsHub Technologies
Twitter - @GregAmbrosius

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Wolfpac
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Wolfpac » Wed Jun 24, 2020 2:38 pm

Hi Greg,

I would heavily prefer the 1,200 package as well.

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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by la Jolla » Wed Jun 24, 2020 3:03 pm

$1200 and the big $100k carrot. Have faith, we will get the entries!

Philippe27
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Philippe27 » Wed Jun 24, 2020 3:09 pm

Greg Ambrosius wrote:
Wed Jun 24, 2020 2:28 pm
"AND COMING AROUND THE CORNER IS GRAND SLAM PACKAGE. GRAND SLAM PACKAGE BY 12 LENGTHS. NOW 14 LENGTHS. GRAND SLAM PACKAGE IS LOOKING LIKE SECRETARIAT NOW..BY 33 LENGTHS!!!"

Sorry, it's been a long day. :lol: Keep the feedback coming. $100,000 grand prize sure sounds good. No overlay boys, no overlay if you want me to keep my job here and not retire at the young 'ol age of 60!! :lol:

We'll see if anyone can beat Grand Slam Package, but thanks for the early feedback.
I don't know if you were planning to offer a discount for this Grand Slam Package but I had a random idea. Instead of offering like a $100 discount, why not offer a nice bonus to anyone who signs up for this package and wins all 4 or maybe cashes in all 4?

As unlikely as it is (1 in 50000 to win all 4 or 1 in 600 to cash in all 4), I think it would be cool to have a shot at a nice bonus.

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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by DOUGHBOYS » Wed Jun 24, 2020 3:14 pm

Don't even try to pick nits with us, Greg! :D
Go for the gusto and have it at $1,200-$100,000
We're all together.
This gives us the largest prize and makes the NFBC the most money.
Win-win.
On my tombstone-
Wait! I never had the perfect draft!

ChipChopChip
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by ChipChopChip » Wed Jun 24, 2020 3:38 pm

I would prefer the $1200 entry also. I am an optimist and think this shortened season benefits my fantasy game

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Gekko
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Gekko » Wed Jun 24, 2020 3:39 pm

everyone likes a discount!
$1,250 for a single main event
$1,200 per if purchasing multiple main events (ex Grand Slam Package of 4 ME teams is $4,800)

Bronx Yankees
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Bronx Yankees » Wed Jun 24, 2020 3:44 pm

Another vote for $1,200 entry fee, $5,000 top league prize, and $100,000 top overall prize. Like others, I'll also be grabbing multiple Main Event teams.

Nice job today, guys. Impossible situation handled really well.

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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by VegasVandals » Wed Jun 24, 2020 6:36 pm

I'll be playing no matter the decision but if possible I think you should push for a $1,000 entry with $100k grand prize (based on 510 entries). I think it's doable by chopping down on the league prizes and the 2nd-10th place overall payouts. The higher grand prize will lure people in, and personally I feel the shortened season is more of a lotto ticket so it's more all or nothing than ever before. The lower entry will also be more enticing for those who aren't excited about playing a shortened season, and for an extra $300 total, I think a lot of players will consider adding a 2nd entry on top of their original team. I'll support the NFBC no matter the choice, just my two cents.

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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by steveymer2 » Wed Jun 24, 2020 6:48 pm

I like the $1000 option, too. It's going to be a wild, random season. I'd be playing mostly for fun, not because I think I have a better chance of winning than my league-mates (this year, who knows?). And I'm not inclined to pay too much for what might wind up a fun lottery.

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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Baseball Furies » Wed Jun 24, 2020 6:52 pm

I'd be in for a four pack of Mains at the $1200 price point, Greg. 100 K or bust! If you build it, they will come. Ease our pain. Go the distance. These words just came to me out in the backyard. :mrgreen: And I'd even draft with COZ, the Alex Jones wannabe, and put up with his insanity all season. Shit, you can even throw me in with the NFBC's HOF resident Paper Tiger, Gekko, for a couple of them since it's now safe for him to come out from under his rock. Although he might have been out for a while now, but I wouldn't know it since he's quite lamely blocked me on Twitter. Couldn't take the heat so out of the kitchen he went. :P :oops: :lol: :lol: :lol: Let's see if he shows for the live Mains in NYC. Game on, boys and girls! 8-)
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Packman
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Packman » Wed Jun 24, 2020 7:33 pm

Greg,
My vote would be to keep the 6-figure carrot. If that means a $1200 entry fee then I'm in. I don't see a huge difference or deterrent between $1000 vs $1200. Either way, I had 2 Main Event teams before, I will very likely be adding at least a 3rd team now.

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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Ultrarunner » Wed Jun 24, 2020 8:36 pm

$1200/$100K for me. I figure I will roll in on 3-4 teams.

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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by rkulaski » Wed Jun 24, 2020 8:44 pm

Greg,

My opinion is that I don’t care if the grand prize is 60, 80, or 100k. It’s all a lot of nfbc prize $$$ to me. I don’t want top 3 league prize money decreased at all.

This being said, I will support what the majority wants and what Greg ultimately decides.

I love the NFBC with all of my baseball heart and it’s great that the NFBC is back in business.

It’s the middle of summer and a tough time to draft but count me in for 2 ME teams at the 1k or $1200 price point.

(I also have 3 sons who want to play this year! But sorry Greg! They aren’t quite ready yet like they think they are. Soon!)
Richard Kulaski
Fairview, TN

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Red Sox Nation-
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Red Sox Nation- » Wed Jun 24, 2020 8:47 pm

$1,200/$100,000. Let's sell this out

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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Likewhat17 » Wed Jun 24, 2020 9:17 pm

Regardless if its 1000 or 1200, this will be the first year I'm adding a second main event team. Thanks again for everything that you guys do.

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Edwards Kings
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Edwards Kings » Thu Jun 25, 2020 7:20 am

I am in at either of the price points.

My only concern is I do not want a Roger Maris-style asterisk after my name when I win the overall this year!

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Greg Ambrosius
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Greg Ambrosius » Thu Jun 25, 2020 9:04 am

Edwards Kings wrote:
Thu Jun 25, 2020 7:20 am
I am in at either of the price points.

My only concern is I do not want a Roger Maris-style asterisk after my name when I win the overall this year!

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Wayne, I PROMISE there will be no asterisks for any of the league or overall champions this year. There might be a permanent picture of Rob Manfred in a clown suit next to each champion, but it will be so small you'll hardly be able to see it. :lol: Next year in Las Vegas, I'll have a Baby Manfred balloon flying over Park MGM or the Bellagio as a show of respect for our fine commissioner.

The winning checks cash the same way, with our without the asterisk, so enjoy and good luck.
Greg Ambrosius
Founder, National Fantasy Baseball Championship
General Manager, Consumer Fantasy Games at SportsHub Technologies
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Re: NFBC Main Event Format For 60-Game Season

Post by Greg Ambrosius » Thu Jun 25, 2020 9:46 am

Okay, we want to finalize the NFBC Main Event today and while the Message Board isn't the perfect place to get a consensus of opinion, we are going to start here. Thanks for any and all feedback today.

The feedback I've gotten from veteran players via email, text, phone and on the Message Boards is that the $1,200 price point is preferred and the $100,000 grand prize is NECESSARY. We've never awarded less than a $100,000 for the NFBC Main Event champion -- even in 2004 when we LOST OUR ASS -- so this is not the time to start. $100,000 it is.

Now to make that happen, we need two things:

1) Support from our NFBC community
2) A price point slightly higher than I originally wanted

So right now the first plan we want to present is a $1,200 entry fee with three slightly discounted Special Packages, a $100,000 grand prize and an overall prize pool that pays the Top 15 overall. Obviously we'll pay the Top 3 in each league, with the league champion earning $5,000.

We are basing this on 510 teams, which is also higher than I want to risk, but we're keeping the faith. That's 34 leagues. Last year we had 38 leagues and 570 teams and this year we already had 535 signups by March 12th. A total of 353 teams were still on Registration at $1,700 per team before we deleted those teams and discounted all owners, so hopefully we have a good starting point.

But the 60-game season throws all past performances out the window. We are diving into this guaranteed prize pool without a radar and we could really miss by a lot or get more support than we ever imagined. A lot depends on us not missing with this calculation. So here we go.

This is just tentative now, but we look for your feedback. Thanks all.

2020 NFBC Main Event
Entry Fee: $1,200 ($2,350 for 2 teams, $3,500 for 3 teams, $4,600 for 4 teams)

League Prizes:
1st - $5,000
2nd - $2,500
3rd - $1,300

Overall Prizes:
1st - $100,000
2nd - $30,000
3rd - $20,000
4th - $10,000
5th - $7,500
6th - $5,000
7th - $4,000
8th - $3,000
9th - $2,500
10th - $2,000
11th - $1,750
12th - $1,500
13th - $1,400
14th - $1,300
15th - $1,200

We will post a Schedule of Events for the Main Event later today and we ask everyone to blow us away by grabbing TBD teams as soon as possible. Turn that Money on Account into Main Event TBDs to make us feel better if you know you're going to be playing!! We feel good about our plan, but there's one way we can feel a whole lot better and that's with seeing that support with team signups.

We will have Online Main Event League drafts pretty much every night from July 5th to July 23rd. We hope to fill 34 leagues, so here we go.

I will post this in a separate thread involving the Thursday, July 23rd games, but at this point we don't know who is playing or when they are playing. This is a gimmick by MLB to kick off the season, but we're not going to lose a full day of drafts for this shit. The two Thursday games will be free look games just like a Japan Series and everyone in every FAAB contest will get to set their starting lineups for Week 1 on Friday before the first game is played. Again, we are not losing all of Thursday drafts when time is short to Manfred's gimmick kickoff show.

Hope that helps. Please provide feedback and then we'll get this contest finalized first and on Registration. Thanks all.
Greg Ambrosius
Founder, National Fantasy Baseball Championship
General Manager, Consumer Fantasy Games at SportsHub Technologies
Twitter - @GregAmbrosius

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