An Open Live Chat With Greg, Tom & Darik

[Greg Ambrosius]

I know we use our Message Boards for the latest contest openings and to promote savings like our Early Bird Special, but I always like to create one thread for open discussion with our players. Let's use this thread for you to converse with us about player rankings, upcoming drafts, live event news, personal news, coronavirus updates and more.

Consider this an Open Live Chat with me, Tom and Darik. This has always been a vibrant community of passionate fantasy football fans, so let's use these boards for good use and to get the chatter rolling again. We can't do it alone, so get back on the boards again with your feedback and questions. Are you ready?

If you have any trouble creating an account on the Message Boards or can't remember your password, please contact Tom at [email protected] and he will help. Your login for the boards is different from your SportsHub login, so some of you may not remember your passwords here. We'll help to get you back on.

I'll get the ball rolling on the discussion with some quick posts about 2020 next, but this is your invitation to join the conversation and get the boards revved up again. We need them to promote upcoming drafts and openings, but we really need your feedback as well. So join us here for that. Thanks all and enjoy the 2020 season, our 17th and best season yet.

And finally, we apologize for being somewhat out of touch these last three weeks. Baseball has been a 9 month grind for us as we were on pace for a record-breaking season before everything shut down on March 12th. We had to scramble to cancel live events in New York City, Chicago and Las Vegas, before creating a draft deadline of April 15th for all of our national contests.

Then the owners and players had to squabble over player salaries without fans and the next thing you know there was no agreement and a mandated 60-game season by the commissioner. The season was too short to continue with all of our national contests, so we refunded another $2 million on top of the $1+ million we refunded from the live events in March and then created new Sprint contests. It's been a hectic last three weeks, but we sold out the Sprint Main Event with 570 new teams and we sold out the Sprint Online Championship with 960 teams. The NFBC is good to go, as long as MLB can pull off its end of the bargain and finish the 2020 season.

We hope the upcoming NFL season is less hectic, but I guess we'll all find out shortly. Thanks for the early online drafting everyone as we are on pace to blow past all previous numbers. It's shaping up as another record-breaking year in the NFFC and we can't wait to get it started. Now we need the NFL to keep the players safe, keep everyone involved in the game safe and make this work through difficult circumstances.

Thanks all and good luck.

[Greg Ambrosius]

The first topic of discussion I want to have is the live events. I know there's a lot of talk among players on whether they are making the trip to Las Vegas or New York City and whether it's right or wrong for us to host the live events. All I can say is that we continue to move forward with the NFFC live events with the hope that our country progresses in this battle, not regresses. It's odd not to think that way.

That being said, we understand the reality of the situation today and NOBODY has to be live to compete in the NFFC. In the NFBC, we just hosted the New York Super League and a New York Main Event League with live participants hooked up with Online participants on Zoom. And it worked perfectly. In fact, the SiriusXM broadcasters were also on Zoom and did a three-hour broadcast of the New York Super League from various parts of the country and they still had live interviews with the participants.

We all know what it takes to participate in NFFC leagues and even if you can't make a live auction this year we will have online auctions available. If you are in a high-dollar private league and can't make it to Las Vegas, we'll hook you up on Zoom with the live drafters. You can still make every pick Online if you'd like, but if you want to just announce your picks our live facilitator will make the selection for you. And now we'll have a camera on-site to show you the live drafters and you can even smack talk with them before the draft and during the breaks.

But let's talk about each live event here real quickly:

New York: So Tom and Darik are still scheduled to host live events in New York City at the Stewart Hotel on Sept. 4-5, but there's still a lot up in the air. First of all, Wisconsin and Minnesota are part of New York's 31 states where people flying in from those states have to quarantine for 14 days after they arrive in New York. Other participants are also from states on that list. Now, Minnesota was just removed from the list while Wisconsin remains on it, but we have to watch that closely to see if we can even get our guys there to facilitate the live events. Secondly, New York still has a limit of less than 50 people per room, so Tom is working with the Stewart Hotel for additional space if needed. Again, we are still moving forward with plans and hopefully the country progresses in the next four weeks, but we understand everyone's concerns. Stay in touch with Tom and we'll relay the updates as we get them from New York.

Las Vegas 1: So we have the DaVinci ballrooms for Sept. 4-5 at the Bellagio. The Bellagio is selling out all available rooms (50-75% of capacity) on most weekends, but the state had to pull back last week after cases increased. Ballrooms (no matter the size) can have only 50 people max in them, but that shouldn't affect us first weekend. I'm not sure how many participants we'll get for the first weekend, but I'll be there with my brother Mike to host whoever comes. The state is updating its guidelines next week and then again at the end of August, so we'll know more then. Again, I'm not expecting a big crowd, but we'll hook some drafters in on Zoom/Online where needed and try to get an auction league or two.

Las Vegas 2: I believe we are the only convention at the Bellagio Sept. 10-12, so we have the huge Bellagio Ballrooms again, the same one we had for the last Saturday last year. Again, depending on the state guidelines, we might have to get creative with walls to separate the various drafts or even branch out into other ballrooms, but the Bellagio is working with us on the plans as we learn more info from the state. The Penthouse Suite is still possible, but again there is a limit on the number of attendees we can have there, so no final decision has been made yet on the use of those suites. Again, all private high-dollar drafts can be done live/Zoom/Online and we'll make that seamless. We'll fill as many live drafts and auctions as possible, but we realize there may be some cancellations if things don't improve. Every contest list is fluid and we know that. We'll do our best to work with everyone, but as of now we are working well with the Bellagio and moving forward. The space is ours there.

We don't have a room block just yet, but I'm seeing reasonable rates online for the Bellagio that weekend, along with Aria, Vdara and Park MGM. I don't think Park MGM is open just yet, but they might be open by Sept. 1st. Take a look online and stay close by as the Tram takes you right to the Bellagio Convention Center from any of those locations.

Okay, I hope that helps. We are moving forward with live events and will make the draft U's bigger for more space among owners and follow state guidelines. If that means wearing a mask around Las Vegas and in the Bellagio, then we'll do that. In fact, we'll do whatever the Bellagio tells us we have to do when it comes to seating, spacing, person limits, food, etc. We'll be safe, but we'll be live (and alive).

Let's hope the country progresses over the next 6+ weeks so that we can all convene. Stay safe everyone and hopefully we meet again.

[Greg Ambrosius]

I don't normally like to talk about our competitors because we're all working hard to grow the high-stakes space. But an email I got yesterday raised the hair on my back and I just felt the need to address it today.

Yesterday, FFWC sent out an email that said they were not hosting live events in Las Vegas this year. The reasoning made sense since their host hotel, The Palms, won't be opening before the start of the year. They also haven't introduced new Main Event rules or Online Championship rules, so doing anything this late in the drafting season probably would be unwise. But questioning whether consumers should go to Las Vegas or not seems a bit odd since all of us have to make our own decisions on something like that. I won't think any less of someone if they decide not to travel to live events due to corornavirus, but I also can't make that decision for them right now by cancelling our live events.

If things improve and if the Bellagio and Stewart Hotel allow us, we will host live events and be as safe as possible for us and our customers.

But the part that surprised me from someone who has been in the industry a long time is this part from Scott Atkins. They are cancelling their Main Event and said "The legacy of our champions means too much to us to put an asterisk alongside our 2020 winners' names."

Now, let me be very clear: If ANYONE wins an NFFC or NFBC or NFBKC title in 2020 there will be NO ASTERISK. Plain and simple. Anyone who wins any money this year will have earned it. The World Series champion won't have an asterisk next to their name and if there is a Super Bowl champion they won't have an asterisk next to their name. It's kind of belittling to suggest such a thing, to be honest, to all competitors.

There is no question drafting this season has been difficult and we won't know which players decide to opt out for the season or which players will contract coronavirus. But we did learn from MLB that the vast majority of players agreed to play this season as I think only a dozen players have opted out. And the players are doing a great job of staying healthy and away from situations that could get them infected. The NBA is doing the same thing in their Orlando bubble. We have no idea if football can duplicate that success as we know this sport is completely different from baseball and basketball, but we sure hope they can.

But our customers are enjoying the drafts and our signups for future live events and online drafts are well ahead of last year's pace. It's obvious that not everyone has the same view that this season deserves an asterisk. Again, let's see how it plays out before we cancel any skill involved in winning this year. In fact, I think you will need more skill than ever to navigate these crazy waters this year in fantasy football. Good luck to all.

There will be NO ASTERISKS this year and we hope the NFL pulls this off. In fact, we hope our country pulls this off and figures out how to reduce the positive cases and the unfortunate deaths. We may not get back to life as normal anytime soon, but hopefully we get to a better new normal soon.

And if anyone from FFWC is still looking for a national contest, we'll honor our Early Bird Special of $100 off every NFFC Primetime and Classic teams for you by contacting me at [email protected]. We know you like to play for big prizes in a national contest and we have a handful of good ones that we think you might like from the Primetime with a $200,000 grand prize, to the Classic with a $50,000 grand prize, to the Rotowire Online Championship with a $200,000 grand prize, to the NFFC Silver Bullet with a $35,000 grand prize and to the NFFC Draft Champions National Championship with a $25,000 grand prize. Come and join us live or online for a season of fun. Thanks and good luck.

[ChiTwn]

My wife is an ER doc in TX. 80 to 90% of her patients these days are COVID related. After a week of shifts, she returns home and quarantines until she tests negative. As my parents are elderly and we have 2 little ones.

Right now most TX hospitals are hitting 100% capacity in their ICUs. Her hospital staff is starting to test positive for Covid19. Which in turn leads to understaffed ERs and hospitals. They are also running low on PPE. Having to reuse N95 masks and face shields.

All to say. I would hope for the safety of folks attending the live events and their loved ones when they return home. You guys institute a safe distance between drafters and have them wear face masks. This is a respiratory disease. COVID-19 virus is primarily transmitted between people through respiratory droplets and contact routes.

I will be most likely drafting online this year. I know this is morbid, but what happens if a team owner passes midseason due to COVID? What happens to their players/team? I realize this is unchartered waters.

[Greg Ambrosius]

It looks like 67 NFL players opted out of the season by yesterday's 4 pm ET deadline. There were fewer big name players opting out as expected with Damien Williams being the most notable name for fantasy owners. That happened two weeks ago, creating a feeding frenzy for Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Anyway, signups picked up after last night's deadline passed as it looks like NFFC owners wanted to see that final list before diving back into drafts. Now that we know who is playing in 2020, let's get busy drafting again.

Here's the list of opt-outs from ESPN.com and NFL.com:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/296 ... osses-mean

https://www.nfl.com/news/list-of-nfl-pl ... 020-season

[Greg Ambrosius]

Everyone: I am going to post an announcement in the next hour that hopefully will be good for the NFFC, good for the V Foundation and good for the entire fantasy football industry.

We are creating a league that will help to raise money for the V Foundation and it has a chance to be a very high profile league, while raising awareness to cancer research with actual donations as well. This one league can raise some money for cancer research, but if we promote this well enough hopefully everyone in the NFFC will donate. And our goal is that EVERYONE in the fantasy football space will donate.

This is going to be a special league where we are taking 11 NEW SIGNUPS for this date and time. We aren't going to allow TBDs or current Primetime leagues to transfer to this league. If anyone wants to jump into this league, we are requiring new signups because a portion of that new signup will go to charity. I know this is short notice and I apologize, but if I do see transferred entries I will move those back to TBD.

We are trying to attract new players to the NFFC with this high-profile Primetime league and hopefully we do get some new players that see this as a great opportunity to give to cancer while playing for a good cause. But I know a lot of our veterans will probably see it as a good opportunity too, so I hope you understand why we want new signups for this league.

I need to announce this on multiple platforms tonight, but I'll post the story here too shortly. Once this league is full we will shut it off and then plan for the smack talk that follows. Thanks all for understanding and hopefully this does more than just bring focus to one NFFC Primetime League. Hopefully it brings all of us together during a shitty time in our world and sheds light on what's really important: SACKING CANCER.

More to come.

[Greg Ambrosius]

If you have SiriusXM On Demand, I highly recommend taking a listen to our High Stakes Fantasy Advantage show from last night. The Miz was fantastic on it and it was good to hear how he first got started playing fantasy sports. Like all of us, it was a local league to keep friends in contact after they all moved away and he still competes in that home league. Cool stuff.

Plus they give a championship belt to the league champion each year with The Miz's dad's picture on it!! Cool story.

Chris Liss was good last night too and our three NFFC guests from the $150 Satellite League provided great draft insight. Good fun last night and a good listen before your drafts come up. Thanks.

[Greg Ambrosius]

I would like to take this time to say a BIG

THANK YOU

to everyone who participated in our Las Vegas Live Events at the beautiful Bellagio. I can't tell you how therapeutic that was not only for all of you, but also for myself, Darik, Tom, Mike and everyone else involved in running those live events. Seeing people again, interacting with people again, laughing with people again, competing against people again was just so valuable for all of us.

Therapeutic is the best word I can come up with for me. I feel better physically and emotionally. We had set up the draft U's to be safe for everyone and to allow folks to draft and do auctions without masks on and yet still feel comfortable. And it worked.

Plus it was just great to see folks again after a year apart and I know everyone who was there felt the same way. We watched games on Sunday at the Westgate sportsbook and the atmosphere was fantastic and I felt safe. Flying to Las Vegas was smooth and even more comfortable without full planes and the cost of flights and hotel rooms was the cheapest it ever will be. So good.

Again, thanks to everyone who participated and thanks to the Bellagio for the fantastic service and setup. MGM allowed us to have drafts up to 30 players and everyone was allowed a co-manager if they wanted. The Monet and Grand ballrooms were spacious and beautiful. And I'll have to get those 7 foot x 11 foot screens again. WOW they were fantastic.

Good luck all and we'll see many more of you in Las Vegas in 2021 for baseball and/or football.

[Coltsfan]

I don't believe that the live NFFC events could have been any better this year! The Bellagio did a tremendous job providing a safe environment and the NFFC was very well prepared with lots of spacing and great screens for viewing the picks. I never felt as if I was taking any more of a risk than I might be taking in my everyday life at home. It was great seeing everyone that could make it and it was definitely a job well done by the NFFC!


Wayne

[Tom Kessenich]

I don't believe that the live NFFC events could have been any better this year! The Bellagio did a tremendous job providing a safe environment and the NFFC was very well prepared with lots of spacing and great screens for viewing the picks. I never felt as if I was taking any more of a risk than I might be taking in my everyday life at home. It was great seeing everyone that could make it and it was definitely a job well done by the NFFC!


Wayne

Thanks Wayne. I agree. I think the Bellagio did a great job with the rooms and it was great seeing so many people drafting live. Let's all hope this is a one-year blip and we go back to the normal event next year but for this year I thought everything was done very well. Thanks again to the Bellagio and to everyone who joined us in Vegas. It was a great week and a lotta fun.