11 Spots Left In 2021 Diamond Challenge Points

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Greg Ambrosius
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11 Spots Left In 2021 Diamond Challenge Points

Post by Greg Ambrosius » Tue Oct 27, 2020 10:38 am

We are excited and proud today to announce a new addition to the NFBC high-stakes family of games. Let’s give it up for the NFBC Diamond Challenge!!

That’s right, today we are welcoming the industry’s premiere salary cap game – and one of the most influential games in the fantasy baseball industry – to the NFBC suite of games. CDM Diamond Challenge has been around for almost 30 years and has paid tens of millions of dollars in prizes during that time. It was one of the first salary cap pay-to-play games in the industry and it once gave the industry’s largest grand prize ($50,000) when it was aligned as the USA Today Diamond Challenge. Since its inception in 1992 as Carol’s Fantasy Baseball, this contest has awarded even more prize money than the NFBC, which has already awarded more than $28 million in prizes.

Today we are changing that game model to fit more of the NFBC model, allowing players to win more money and to compete in smaller league sizes. One of the biggest changes we are announcing today will be one set price at the beginning of the year with no transaction fees after that and guaranteed prizes that pay over 80 percent for each contest.

We are confident that the changes we are making to the Diamond Challenge this year will send this game back to previous heights. Today’s market is more familiar with salary cap games than ever before thanks to the rise and growth of Daily Fantasy Sports, so we know the salary cap market is there. Now we just need to align the price points and the payouts with other industry season-long games like the NFBC to allow it to be a big hit again.

Here are some of the changes you will see with the NFBC Diamond Challenge:

League Size: Each league will now consist of 15 teams, down from 25 in past years.

Costs: The NFBC Diamond Challenge Roto will have an entry fee of $400 with no transaction fees. Owners can make player switches during the season, just like in the NFBC, at no cost. Free Agent pickups are also available at no cost, but they are limited to 16 for the season like they were in previous years. On average last year, CDM owners paid close to $400 for Transaction Packages and transaction fees, so the price point is in line with past years of the Diamond Challenge.

Payouts: We are now paying the Top 3 teams in each 15-team league, with first place earning $1,800. Second place in each league is $800 and third place is $400. We are also guaranteeing a $40,000 grand prize, while paying the Top 12 overall. That new grand prize is up from $25,000 in recent years. We are also shooting for 60 leagues this year, 900 teams, which is up from past years. We believe it’s time to grow this salary cap format and more aggressive payouts will do that.

In-Season Roster Moves: We will allow Friday hitter moves in the Diamond Challenge, just like we do in our NFBC contests. This will give a little more roster management for owners throughout the season.

One Landing Spot: The Diamond Challenge will now appear on the NFBC site and the contests will appear within our NFBC lobby. We will have a separate salary cap tab for those games, but we’ll create a Forum on the NFBC Message Boards for feedback and questions, and we’ll interact with promotions and Q&A on the NFBC Live Chat just like we do for all of our NFBC games. The stand-alone CDM site will disappear as all former CDM games will be mingled into the NFBC, NFFC, NFBKC and NFHC web sites, creating more uniformity between those gaming audiences.
Special Packages: We also will take $100 off for a 3-Pack of Diamond Challenge games as we know some of our veteran players will be back for multiple teams. The 3-Pack will now be available for $1,100.

Diamond Challenge Points: We also will be offering an NFBC Diamond Challenge Points national contest this year with a $250 price point, 15-team leagues, a $1,200 league prize (Pay Top 3) and a guaranteed $15,000 grand prize. Again, the contest will have no transaction fees, an 80+% payout and prizes for the Top 10 teams overall. We are shooting for just over 500 teams in this contest. There will also be a Special Package of $50 off for three teams ($700 total).

Football Challenge: You will see the same concept debut in football this year with the NFFC Football Challenge games (both Roto and Points). We will offer one set price, 80+% payouts and great guaranteed prizes.

It’s time for salary cap games to enter the high-stakes space and CDM Diamond Challenge transitioning into the NFBC Diamond Challenge makes perfect sense. It was high-stakes before there was high-stakes fantasy sports, so it fits in perfectly with us.

From a historical standpoint, CDM Fantasy Sports and the Diamond Challenge means so much to all of us here. This was one of the first national contests in our industry, first as The Sporting News Diamond Challenge in 1993 and then as the USA Today Diamond Challenge. The $50,000 grand prize in the early 2000’s was the industry’s biggest at the time and it brought prominence to our industry.

In fact, USA Today was set to buy CDM Fantasy Sports before MLB Advanced Media chose to deny their license in 2006. MLBAM made a power play to limit the number of fantasy sports licenses even though CDM Fantasy Sports was their first fantasy sports licensee and it set off a firestorm in the industry. CDM sued and won a landmark case that showed that fantasy sports game operators or content providers did not need to be licensed to use the names or statistics of publicly recorded contests. That decision changed the landscape forever. The owners of CDM – which included Charlie Wiegert – personally financed that lawsuit, which allowed the industry to grow and prosper.

For that, we as an industry owe a debt of gratitude to those owners. And now it’s time to return that gratitude with a high-stakes version of their signature game that will benefit the players and grow each year. This new model can do that because nothing about the game format changes. The only changes -- a set entry fee, smaller league sizes and better payouts – greatly benefit the players.

It’s a new structure of a well-loved fantasy game. We look forward to your feedback and we are confident that this is the right move for the Diamond Challenge and for the NFBC. Enjoy and thanks.
Greg Ambrosius
Founder, National Fantasy Baseball Championship
General Manager, Consumer Fantasy Games at SportsHub Technologies
Twitter - @GregAmbrosius

Darik B
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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Darik B » Tue Oct 27, 2020 11:14 am

Love it!!!

Lunatic
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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Lunatic » Tue Oct 27, 2020 12:05 pm

This is great news for all the die hard CDM players. I've played CDM since 2001 and have played every year. It has really fallen in the past number of years and hopefully this new and I believe improved set up is a big hit.
Your actions speak so loud, I can't hear a word you're saying...Ralph Waldo Emerson

acesfull23
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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by acesfull23 » Tue Feb 16, 2021 2:08 pm

Can somebody help me out on the payout % here? Greg's post says 80%+ payout for Diamond Points contest. I'm seeing the following payouts:

League:
$1,950 per league x 34 leagues(based on the listed 510 players the payouts are based on) = $66,300

Overall:
Add up all the prizes to get $33,000

Total payouts seem to be $66,300 + 33,000 = $99,300

$99,300 / 510 players = $194.70 per person into the payouts

$194.70 / $250 entry fee = 77.9%

Is that accurate?

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Greg Ambrosius
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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Greg Ambrosius » Tue Feb 16, 2021 2:32 pm

acesfull23 wrote:
Tue Feb 16, 2021 2:08 pm
Can somebody help me out on the payout % here? Greg's post says 80%+ payout for Diamond Points contest. I'm seeing the following payouts:

League:
$1,950 per league x 34 leagues(based on the listed 510 players the payouts are based on) = $66,300

Overall:
Add up all the prizes to get $33,000

Total payouts seem to be $66,300 + 33,000 = $99,300

$99,300 / 510 players = $194.70 per person into the payouts

$194.70 / $250 entry fee = 77.9%

Is that accurate?
Your math is correct here and the same percentage will come out if you do the same math for the Diamond Challenge Roto contest. You are estimating that all 510 entries are being purchased for the $250 price point and the same would be said for the same $400 price point for the Roto contest. That one would come in at 77+% as well. But here's the difference: We know that there are multiple entries being purchased as 3-packs with the discount and have budgeted that into our expected payout. We know what that number is already with the early signups and can assure you that the payout will be over 80 percent of our total revenue.

But your math is correct and I was not trying to mislead anyone into thinking we are paying out a higher percentage than we advertised. You can do the same math with the NFBC Main Event, Online Championship, Cutline, Draft Champions, etc., and if you got full payment on every single entry you might find some contests under 80 percent. But in reality almost all of our contests come in at 82-83% and the higher-end private leagues between 87.5% and 95%. Hope that helps.

And again, this is with a sellout of all projected teams. If it's lower than 510 and 900, then obviously the payout percentage goes higher, but we are NOT expecting that to happen this baseball season. We think this debut NFBC Diamond Challenge season will be a success.

And since we have this thread up top, let's announce that Diamond Challenge final salaries will be published on Friday and maybe even before then. We're making final adjustments now and should have this available for you to start setting your lineups before the end of this week. Enjoy all and best of luck to everyone in what will EASILY BE THE HIGHEST PAYOUT PERCENTAGE IN DIAMOND CHALLENGE HISTORY!!! And even Charlie Wiegert knows that and agrees with that. Good luck all.
Greg Ambrosius
Founder, National Fantasy Baseball Championship
General Manager, Consumer Fantasy Games at SportsHub Technologies
Twitter - @GregAmbrosius

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Gekko
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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Gekko » Tue Feb 16, 2021 2:42 pm

Thanks Greg. I’m looking to add this contest to my stable. Waiting for final prices before putting serious thought into it though

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Greg Ambrosius
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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Greg Ambrosius » Tue Feb 16, 2021 3:12 pm

Gekko wrote:
Tue Feb 16, 2021 2:42 pm
Thanks Greg. I’m looking to add this contest to my stable. Waiting for final prices before putting serious thought into it though
Yeah, this should be a fun contest and it deserves a higher payout percentage. In the past, the payout percentage was smaller because transaction fees were an unknown final number. But this should be better for the players and hopefully this new format will help us grow this game as well. Everyone is familiar with salary cap fantasy contests, so let's grow the season-long format together.

The salaries will be finalized by Friday and then everyone can set their lineups. And the Roster Worksheet will allow you to easily copy that roster to a second team and make slight adjustments on that second team. Taking multiple teams will be much easier with this new Set Lineup and Roster Worksheet. Enjoy and good luck.
Greg Ambrosius
Founder, National Fantasy Baseball Championship
General Manager, Consumer Fantasy Games at SportsHub Technologies
Twitter - @GregAmbrosius

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Gekko
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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Gekko » Fri Feb 19, 2021 11:10 am

Greg Ambrosius wrote:
Tue Feb 16, 2021 3:12 pm

The salaries will be finalized by Friday and then everyone can set their lineups.
Image

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Greg Ambrosius
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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Greg Ambrosius » Fri Feb 19, 2021 4:22 pm

Okay everyone, the salaries for the Diamond Challenge are now finalized. Here you go:

https://nfc.shgn.com/salaries/diamond-c ... to-regular

Good luck everyone. Let's have a great season together!!
Greg Ambrosius
Founder, National Fantasy Baseball Championship
General Manager, Consumer Fantasy Games at SportsHub Technologies
Twitter - @GregAmbrosius

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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Darik B » Thu Mar 18, 2021 1:17 pm

bump

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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Attie » Sat Mar 20, 2021 1:36 pm

Quick question:
In the Diamond challenge will we be able to adjust our hitting lineup on the first Friday of the season or are the lineups locked for the Thursday to Sunday period on opening day ?

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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Darik B » Sat Mar 20, 2021 4:13 pm

Adjust...it's a separate scoring period

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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Tom Kessenich » Sun Mar 28, 2021 9:26 am

This is a great time to get into one or both of our Diamond Challenge contests with the start of the season fast approaching. Sign up and get that lineup set that will carry you to greatness this year.
Tom Kessenich
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Greg Ambrosius
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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Greg Ambrosius » Mon Mar 29, 2021 8:54 am

Okay, it's time to push this contest and get serious about joining either the NFBC Diamond Challenge Roto or Points game. We felt that we could grow this contest by reducing league sizes from 25 teams to 15 teams and turning the payout percentage from a lower standpoint to 80 percent. C'mon CDM die-hards, LET'S GOOOOOO!!

We need your support of this 30-year-old game to keep growing this salary cap format. You will let us know if this is the format you want going forward or not and these next three days are critical. Here's what we have left right now:

NFBC Diamond Challenge Roto - 380+ Spots Left!!! (Really? C'mon, the ROI is insane, but it's not a good sign for the future)

NFBC Diamond Challenge Points - 140+ Spots Left (We can sell this one out)

Myself, Tom and Darik told management these changes were necessary and would turn the tide on these salary cap games. Prove us right over the next three days and let's have a strong, strong finish. Thanks all.
Greg Ambrosius
Founder, National Fantasy Baseball Championship
General Manager, Consumer Fantasy Games at SportsHub Technologies
Twitter - @GregAmbrosius

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Re: Diamond Challenge To Join The NFBC Suite Of Contests

Post by Greg Ambrosius » Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:42 am

70 SPOTS LEFT IN THE 2021 NFBC DIAMOND CHALLENGE POINTS CONTEST

290+ SPOTS LEFT IN THE 2021 NFBC DIAMOND CHALLENGE ROTO CONTEST

It's obvious the ROI is insane for the Diamond Challenge Roto contest as we are disappointed that we couldn't retain many of our veteran CDM players, but we'll push forward in 2021 and guarantee the prizes even at a loss. Let's fill up the Points contest and reassess everything for 2022. Thanks all and this is your LAST CHANCE to get your winning lineups into a contest.

If you're looking for a great Return on Investment and want a new challenge in fantasy baseball, check out this contest NFBC veterans. You'll enjoy the salary cap challenge and you could turn $400 into $40,000. Good luck and enjoy.
Greg Ambrosius
Founder, National Fantasy Baseball Championship
General Manager, Consumer Fantasy Games at SportsHub Technologies
Twitter - @GregAmbrosius

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Re: 11 Spots Left In 2021 Diamond Challenge Points

Post by Greg Ambrosius » Thu Apr 01, 2021 10:21 am

Diamond Challenge Roto finishes with 705 teams with prizes based on 900 teams. It's a start under our new prizing/pricing structure and we'll build from here. Thanks all and good luck in the battle for the $40,000 grand prize.

The Diamond Challenge Points contest is 11 spots away from a sellout of 510 teams/34 leagues. We have 45 minutes to sell this one out. Either way, it's a solid debut for this contest. Good luck all in the battle for the $15,000 grand prize.
Greg Ambrosius
Founder, National Fantasy Baseball Championship
General Manager, Consumer Fantasy Games at SportsHub Technologies
Twitter - @GregAmbrosius

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