NFFC Classic: Best Return On Investment In The NFFC

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 3:27 am

Okay, as we wind down signups for all of our contests it's obvious that the best buy out there is the NFFC Classic. Right now we have 16 full leagues and there's a good chance that we will fill a 17th league by Friday night. Tom and I have some NFFC veterans who appear to be coming back to Las Vegas and New York at the last minute and we should have four full leagues each in those cities. We'll likely close off signups for those cities and go forward there.

It's amazing that in both cities we used to have 8-9 Classic leagues a year, but that was before the recession and before we allowed Online Main Events. We'd certainly like to go back to the good ol' days of making everyone come into Manhattan or Las Vegas, but the reality is that our industry has changed in a big way over the last four years and so has our economy/country. There still is nothing quite like a live fantasy football draft where you have all your peers around you and people smack talking before, during and after the drafts. I LOVE IT. We LOVE hosting these live and we have paid big bucks to get the best possible facilities in all three cities. It's no longer the fault of Citi Field or not promoting enough or the online is easier. It's the economy stupid (me that is) and our industry stupid (not me this time). It is what it is and we just have to get through this and build upon it for next year.

With that being said, as you make your final choices and you are looking at ROI, take a look at our fun-filled Classic League. Our prizes are based on 322 teams (23 leagues) and we may finish at 238 teams and 17 leagues. The payout for this Main Event will definitely be the highest in the industry and the $100,000 grand prize remains no matter where we land. We've invested in this 14-team format through the years and we will continue to invest in this format today.

We just know that in future years this six-figure grand prize will be jeopardized. The players have spoken loud and clear about the 14-Team format both in the Main Event and in the Online Championship. That's not a bad thing, but next year it's obvious that our priorities will have to change as well. The 12-Team format will definitely grow in the NFFC beyond our $100,000 grand prize as will the 12-Team Online Championship. The market is there. The second weekend will be our major focus going forward. Multiple city drafts will remain, but not on Labor Day weekend. It's obvious that the Classic will always remain in the NFFC, but slightly different.

I'll take some of the blame because we kept the Classic only on the first weekend and with the demise of the WCOFF the second weekend became more of a focus for some of our customers. That hurt the Primetime live drafts on the first weekend and definitely hurt the Classic. Next year will be different from that standpoint and we won't be in this situation again. NFL kickoff weekend will be our major focus.

But it's also true that many of our devoted long-term base of customers isn't returning this year for various reasons. It's the first time in our history that we won't have a retention rate of 75% or above for the Classic. In fact, it's the first time we'll have a lower retention rate for any NFBC or NFFC Main Event since we started in 2004. That's our core and our core is struggling to join this format again. Some have left for the 12-Team format instead, which is fine. Some admit that over 7 years the Classic really is the toughest format around and it's tough to keep investing in that format. We all know how tough it is; heck, only one person (Jules McLean) has ever won more than 2 Classic League titles in our contest. That says a lot about how tough it is to win in the 14-team format.

It's all good and I know that the participants who will compete in the Classic will have a great time and a worthy champion will be crowned and paid in full. The good news is that with only 17 leagues and with three teams per league making the Championship Round you'll now have a 1 in 50 or so chance for the $100,000 grand prize if you make the Championship Round. How cool is that? I'd certainly like a 1 in 50 shot at the $100,000 grand prize just for finishing in the Top 3 in my league. Those are good odds.

I hope we don't pay back 90 percent here, but it's possible. Grab your Classic spots while you can and we'll see where the final numbers land. Hey, things happen and the contest is still going to be a great success. But if you're looking at the best possible ROI, man, this is it. Unfortunately, this is it. But everyone should win this year after what we've seen before.

Good luck all and now let's fill up those final spots. Tom and I are ready to pick the draft spots and announce them on Saturday. Thanks again all and good luck.

particra · Post by **particra** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 3:31 am

Best deal out there. Has me contemplating going for team no. 3 if the boss will permit it.

Paul Gromek · Post by **Paul Gromek** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 3:41 am

I think some of the Classic vets are going to take this newbie to the cleaners

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 3:42 am

Originally posted by Hells Satans:
Best deal out there. Has me contemplating going for team no. 3 if the boss will permit it. Let me talk to your boss!! I'm sure he/she will agree with me that you need one more!!

Jump into that Thursday, Sept. 8th Classic with us in Las Vegas!! You'll be out there, right? Could be fun. Thanks and you are right, best ROI out there.

particra · Post by **particra** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 3:46 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:
quote:Originally posted by Hells Satans:
Best deal out there. Has me contemplating going for team no. 3 if the boss will permit it. Let me talk to your boss!! I'm sure he/she will agree with me that you need one more!!

Jump into that Thursday, Sept. 8th Classic with us in Las Vegas!! You'll be out there, right? Could be fun. Thanks and you are right, best ROI out there. [/QUOTE]I will be in NY Week 1. No Vegas for me unfortunately. Save that trip for baseball next year.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 4:01 am

A nice Classic odds thread and no status on Wednesday's Sep 7 contest ? Last I checked there were two teams so far right ? I'm tempted to take team #3 here. (Sep 6 tuesday is the Super so that's a no go). I think you can get the Sep 7 to fill don't you think Greg ?

BillyWaz · Post by **BillyWaz** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 4:02 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

We just know that in future years this six-figure grand prize will be jeopardized. The players have spoken loud and clear about the 14-Team format both in the Main Event and in the Online Championship. That's not a bad thing, but next year it's obvious that our priorities will have to change as well. The 12-Team format will definitely grow in the NFFC beyond our $100,000 grand prize as will the 12-Team Online Championship. The market is there. The second weekend will be our major focus going forward. Multiple city drafts will remain, but not on Labor Day weekend. It's obvious that the Classic will always remain in the NFFC, but slightly different.

I'll take some of the blame because we kept the Classic only on the first weekend and with the demise of the WCOFF the second weekend became more of a focus for some of our customers. That hurt the Primetime live drafts on the first weekend and definitely hurt the Classic. Next year will be different from that standpoint and we won't be in this situation again. NFL kickoff weekend will be our major focus.
I don't think you should "give up" just yet, Greg.

I obviously LOVE the 14 team format, and would hate to see it (or any of the auctions and DC's) get removed from what the NFFC owns.....Labor Day weekend.

I think with WCOFF's ineptness, the lockout, and a bad economy, it has obviously affected your numbers this year. I can almost GUARANTEE that 2 out of those 3 won't be an issue next year (hopefully 3 of 3?

).

I was shocked that the 14 team online didn't do well, but I still think a lot of the 14 team events (Main, Supers, etc.) are PILLARS of what the NFFC is.

So when you say no multiple cities, are you just considering Vegas Labor Day weekend, or both NY and Vegas? Obviously Chicago will be nixed (which is a shame), but I understand.

I'm worried about the auctions and DC's, as if they are on the 2nd weekend, it is going to be tough for some of us to pack in all these drafts.......although it will be fun trying!

RoadKing · Post by **RoadKing** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 4:07 am

I recieved an email from FGuys about getting in on the action to win $125,000 for only $350 entry fee. Nice, and I only need to compete against 1400 other teams.
Play NFFC!!!

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 4:15 am

Originally posted by Quahogs:
A nice Classic odds thread and no status on Wednesday's Sep 7 contest ? Last I checked there were two teams so far right ? I'm tempted to take team #3 here. (Sep 6 tuesday is the Super so that's a no go). I think you can get the Sep 7 to fill don't you think Greg ? I would hope that we could fill that live Sept. 8th Classic in Las Vegas/Online and one of the other Online Classics. That would increase the total participation slightly. Had we been able to offer the Classic live the second weekend, I think we'd be in better shape but live and learn. But to answer your question, yes I think another league or two is possible if die-hards like you see that the odds are just too good to pass up a second (or third) Classic team.

And for those teams already in the Primetime, remember the $75,000 cash bonus for winning both overall titles. You might want to dabble in the Classic format and double your pleasure.

I'm hopeful Steve. The ROI may be too good to pass up for those final offerings Sept. 6-8.

particra · Post by **particra** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 4:16 am

Originally posted by Quahogs:
A nice Classic odds thread and no status on Wednesday's Sep 7 contest ? Last I checked there were two teams so far right ? I'm tempted to take team #3 here. (Sep 6 tuesday is the Super so that's a no go). I think you can get the Sep 7 to fill don't you think Greg ? If I do a 3rd, this would likely be the one.