The EFL, in partnership with Genius Sports, has officially launched ‘Fantasy EFL’, the League’s first-ever 72-club fantasy football game to involve all Member Clubs across the three Sky Bet EFL divisions.
First teased at the 2023/24 Sky Bet EFL Play-Off Finals, Fantasy EFL will be an innovative platform to unify fans of EFL Clubs, fantasy football players, plus the wider football community to play and engage with almost 2,000 EFL first-team players, more than 1,600 Sky Bet EFL fixtures and all 72 Clubs during the twists and turns of a season.
Available on web, and as a brand-new app for iOS and Android users, Fantasy EFL is free to play and allows participants to become Managers every gameweek of the Sky Bet EFL.
With the 2024/25 EFL Fixtures now released, Fantasy EFL managers can now familiarise themselves with the game’s format and which players they’ll be picking for Gameweek 1.
Format
- Managers select seven players from across the three Sky Bet EFL divisions every gameweek and can build their dream squad without fear of a budget, with no monetary value attributed to any EFL players
- Teams can be selected from a variety of 7-a-side formations including 1-2-2-2, 1-2-3-1 or 1-3-2-1.
- Gameweeks will be set from Thursdays through to Wednesdays to accommodate double gameweeks and midweek Sky Bet EFL fixtures. The rolling weekly deadline ensures managers can embrace an ‘always-on’ approach to team selections.
- Managers must also select two EFL Clubs to score extra points based on the result of their Sky Bet EFL fixtures for that gameweek.
Player & Team Selection
- Fantasy EFL allows participants pick a new squad every gameweek, with no limit on player transfers week to week.
- Managers can select up to two players from each EFL Club, among the seven players chosen, per gameweek.
- Managers can nominate a captain to score double points, and a vice-captain every gameweek. A ‘Max Captain’ chip will be available twice per season, for Managers to gain double points on the player in their squad who scores highest.
- There is no cap on how many times a manager can select a player, however managers will only be able to select the same EFL Club up to five times a season.
Scoring
- Point scoring will be in-line with traditional fantasy football mechanics – seen in games such as Fantasy Premier League – for players. For full information, visit the Fantasy EFL Q&A page
- Managers will score extra points for the two Clubs they select to win during their gameweek. The following points are allocated per Club, per fixture:
- Win: +5 points
- Draw: +3 points
- Away Win: +2 points
- Clean Sheet: +2 points
- 2 or more goals scored: +2 points
Leagues
- Managers can enter private leagues with their friends or play in public leagues against other managers in the Fantasy EFL
- Club Leagues will be available for all 72 EFL Clubs, with automatic entry upon sign-up for participants.
Prizes including EFL Club Season tickets, Fantasy EFL merchandise and prizes from EFL partners are up for grabs throughout the season (subject to T&Cs). Monthly prizes are on offer for the top overall players in main public league throughout the season, while the Season’s winners of the 72 individual club leagues at the end of the season will win a 2025/26 Season Ticket to their nominated Club.
EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch said: “We’re very excited to bring the EFL’s first fantasy football game to life as a central product that engages not only with supporters of all 72 EFL Clubs, but also the wider football audience.
“We’ve interrogated research into what fans would want out of an EFL fantasy football game and been strategic on a providing a product that isn’t just a copy of what is already in the market.
“Fantasy EFL is a premium product that enhances the EFL brand and opens further opportunities with our broadcasters and commercial partners. Alongside Genius Sports, Fantasy EFL appeals to both the avid and casual fan and will expand the rising interest in the Sky Bet EFL, our Clubs and their players beyond fans who attend matches and those who watch along at home.”
Genius Sports Chief Partnerships Officer, Steven Burton said: “Fantasy EFL is unique, interactive, and fun and Genius Sports is delighted to deliver this exciting new game for the EFL and its Member Clubs.
“This new game will test fans’ knowledge of both teams and individual players while providing them with a platform to compete with their friends and family every week.”
Participants can follow along with the latest news and updates on X (@FEFLOfficial).
Fantasy EFL is live to play now. Sign up at: https://fantasy.efl.com/
“We’ve seen record engagement rates with this product, showcasing how X users continue to create culture in real-time,” said Monique Pintarelli, Head of Sales, Americas at X. “As live events unfold on X, the Trend Genius product helps brands capture the unpredictable and dynamic trends that shape our world in real-time. We’re excited to debut this product in partnership with Genius Sports, and help brands reach our unparalleled and passionate audience.”
