A Complete Guide to Create A Fantasy Basketball App: Features, Trends & More

Along with football, basketball is the second most popular fantasy sports game preferred by the audience.

Now the question is, “How do you create a fantasy basketball app?”

Well, we have conducted the research and detailed it in this blog.

Are you ready to continue with the learning?

Overview, Market Size, and Growth Statistics of Fantasy Basketball Apps

Let’s start by learning about fantasy basketball apps, their market size, and growth statistics.

Fantasy basketball is the second most popular fantasy sport behind football. It is a fantasy game that attracts and engages the target audience, where participants serve as owners and even general managers of the virtual basketball teams.

Many effective basketball leagues are:

• NBA,
• EuroLeague,
• Spain’s Liga ACB,
• Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL),
• Russia’s VTB United League,
• Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga (BBL),
• Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A (LBA),
• Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA),
• NBL and many others.

Here is a brief of Fantasy Sports Statistics to be considered.

• The market size of fantasy sports was estimated at USD 20.30 billion in 2022. This figure is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.1% from 2023 to 2030.

• Further, the market size is estimated at USD 37.28 billion in 2025 and further expected to reach USD 71.24 billion by 2030.

• In the 2022 survey, 74% of the respondents said they had never taken part in a fantasy sports league. Along with this, 26% of the survey participants, of whom half were engaged in playing fantasy sports, while the other half hadn’t played in any league in the past 12 months.

• There was an estimation of 32% of people who like to play fantasy basketball (NBA).

These are some of the important stats to consider while developing a fantasy basketball app in 2025.

Are you still wondering, “Why develop a fantasy basketball app?”

The next section is for you.

Why Invest in a Fantasy Basketball App in 2025?

There are many reasons to consider for creating a fantasy basketball app.

► The Growing Craze of Basketball

The revenue in the basketball market is further projected to reach US $11.32 billion in 2025.

It is further expected to show a growth rate of 0.91%, with a projected volume of US $11.74 billion by 2029.

With the craze for basketball in the real world, fantasy sports haven’t slowed down. There were over 32% of people who liked to play fantasy basketball on different platforms.

► Scope of Cross-Promotional

Another major reason to consider developing a fantasy basketball app is that it offers an area for cross-promotional context.

Here you will be able to connect with different teams or sponsor leagues to gain a targeted audience.

You can even provide effective opportunities to the people who aspire to play with real-time basketball players to play with them over the virtual grounds and connect.

► Source of Revenue Generation

Creating a fantasy basketball application can help widen the scope for generating revenue from multiple sources.

Here, the sources can be in-app purchases, in-app advertising, data monetization, and many others.

Having an extra source of income from different methods will help enhance your scope to lead the industry.

► Enhance User Engagement

It’s vital to improve overall user engagement by creating an app of their choice. With the growing demand for fantasy basketball, you can grasp the opportunity to attract and retain these app’s users.

A website can generate traffic, however, it does not have as much scope to be with the user even if they don’t wish to play on the website.

App engagement is much larger than websites, hence, there are over 3.3 million apps in the Play Store.

These were all reasons to be considered while developing a fantasy basketball app in 2025.

Now that you are ready to be a part of the industry, let’s explore different elements helpful to begin with drafting a fantasy basketball app, including features and working process.

Key Features of a Basketball Fantasy App [User, Admin, Advanced]

You cannot proceed with fantasy basketball app development until examining the crucial features to be included within the software.

Here is a list of fantasy app features to be included for the User, Admin, and Advanced levels.

User Level

► User Registration

Here, users will be required to include their name, location, and preferences for leagues, and a profile is created based on their customized choices of basketball.

► Push Notifications

At the user level, push notifications will help them get real-time updates related to their current matches and leagues to make strategic decisions.

► Live Match Updates

With the implementation of live match updates in the app, users will be willing to get information related to live match scores.

► Dashboard

Within the dashboard, the users can be authorized to check their current ranks among the competitors. This will help them to make strategies to win the next game.

Player Selection and Creation of Leagues- Here the users will be able to create or join leagues according to their preferences.

Advanced Features

► User-Friendly App Design

The design of the basketball app should be user-friendly to engage the users in a large context.

► AI Use

We can implement the use of artificial intelligence in Fantasy sports apps to enhance the overall experience of the users within the game.

► Payment Integration

Adding multiple modes of payment within the app can help users to opt for the payment process they prefer to continue with the game.

► AR and VR Integration

The implementation of AR and VR in the fantasy basketball game can improve the user experience by virtualizing the gameplay.

► Social Media Integration

Adding multiple channels to the platforms can help assist the users in sharing their current wins in the game with family and relatives.

Admin Level

► Authentication and Security Check

The admin (you) needs to have a security key for the information filled in by the users. Thus, implementing a security check is important.

► Real-Time Data Monitoring

This is an amazing feature helpful in grasping the user’s attention, where you can check out the data and its monitoring process.

► Multi-Environment Support

A feature providing multi-environment support can be helpful to the manager to handle all the support activities of the backend.

► Audit Logs

You can have control of audit logs that will be useful to manage all the important back-end functions.

Till now, we have discussed in detail related to fantasy basketball app statistics, reasons behind investing in it, along with the features to include in the apps.

Now, let’s focus on the working process to build a basketball fantasy app in the next section.

How Does a Fantasy Basketball App Work?

You cannot pursue the fantasy of basketball app development until you examine the process of its creation.

Here is a series of steps to be considered.

➤ Download and Profile Creation

This is the prime step where the users will be able to create their profile and add their name, location, as well as other important details which further leads to developing a customized dashboard.

➤ Create or Join Leagues

Now, the users can create their own leagues or join one as per their preferences. Here, they need to identify the type of leagues they want to join.

They will be given the option to manage the whole team or be a commissioner for selecting the number of players.

➤ Play and Win

Now the users can continue with the play part. Here they can win points and rewards according to their strategy of games. Users should be allowed to place a virtual bet and compete with all the betting enthusiasts while playing the match.

➤ Feedback and Review

Here, the users should be allowed to present their feedback and reviews. These reviews will help implement changes in the app to increase user engagement and experience.

After analyzing these steps, let’s move ahead to answer “How to develop a fantasy basketball app?” in the next section.

Development Process of a Fantasy Basketball App

To create your dream fantasy basketball app, it’s vital to know the right steps.

This section can help provide details to develop a fantasy sports app.

Step 1: Identifying Value Proposition and Market Research

You need to identify the value of your mobile app idea in the market. This can be evaluated by learning about the present competition and then learning the need for your app in the market.

Here market research plays a crucial role where you can conduct surveys, and interviews, to analyze the demand of the users and calculate the number of features needed to bring revolution in the market.

You should identify the requirements of the target users and then bridge the market by providing them with their demanded fantasy basketball app.

Step 2: Selecting the Suitable Features

Examining the market will help identify many features helpful to build the app. These features can be the use of AI or AR, adding real-time updates, and many more.

Implementing the right set of features will simplify the search for users for the desired basketball fantasy app.

The aim of the app can be a motivation factor here. It will be helpful in providing the type of features that the users desire to explore within the app.

Step 3: Develop Design

Fantasy sports app design is all about creating the front end of your app. Here, connecting with an experienced set of developers might be helpful.

The UI/UX app design is all about creating the color, theme, and pattern of the app and visualizing the set of designs that will be attractive enough to grasp the attention of the users.

Under this step, you need to build a wireframe and prototype for the fantasy basketball app. Where you can create a user persona and journey map detailing the complete journey of the users.

Step 4: Choose the Tech Stack

Fantasy sports tech stack selection is a tricky process where you need to identify the suitable programming language, database, front-end and backend tools along with APIs.

Under this step, you will also need to identify the type of platforms on which you have to launch the app.

The platforms can be Android, iOS, or Hybrid, depending on the type of users you want to target with the fantasy basketball app.

You can connect with the developers to learn about the suitable technologies for building a basketball fantasy app.

Adding a new set of technologies can be effective in addressing the aim of the app.

Step 5: Building the Complete App

Now, under this step, you should create the complete basketball fantasy app by combining all the essential steps.

Here, you need to develop the Front-End and Back-End of the fantasy basketball app to successfully lead the market.

You can hire mobile app developers to continue with the development process. This will be useful in identifying the current app development patterns and techniques effective for sustaining the app.

Step 6: App Testing

Mobile app testing is all about using the tools and techniques for testing the usability, security, and overall performance of the app.

Here, testing is all about utilizing the tools to enhance the functions and operations of the app. You should identify the bugs and errors that might impact the app and its functions.

Testing is all about finding any errors that can create obstacles while using the app.  Here, all you need is to optimize advanced tools for testing effectively.

Step 7: Launch and Maintenance

Now, it’s time to launch the app in the market after license evaluation and learning the guidelines of the app store.

Well, the task doesn’t end after the launch of the app; now, it’s important to maintain the app. Are you aware of the app maintenance? This will help you update the app based on current practices.

Connect with effective app maintenance services that can help you catch bugs and errors and avoid downtime that might cost you in terms of reputation and money.

These are all the steps to consider for successfully building and launching a fantasy basketball app in the market.

If you want to evaluate the key technologies useful in fantasy basketball development, then the following section is for you.

Modern Technologies Used in Fantasy Basketball Apps

What are the key technologies useful for building a fantasy basketball app?

Here’s a table to consider.

Considering this table, you can proceed with your fantasy basketball app development.

After evaluating the app development process steps, it’s now time to identify the estimated cost of developing a fantasy basketball app.

Cost of Developing a Fantasy Basketball App

The mobile app development cost can be examined by determining several factors impacting the same.

The cost can be examined by evaluating different types of factors, such as the complexity of the app, design, technology stack, security cost, maintenance cost, and many others.

The average cost to build a fantasy basketball app can vary from $20,000 to $100,000.

Well, to evaluate the actual cost of developing a fantasy sports app, you will be required to identify the type of factors and their role in the cost figure.

Now, are you able to cover the cost of developing a fantasy basketball app?

The following section describes a list of monetization strategies helpful in such a context.

Monetization Models For Fantasy Basketball Apps

What are the top monetization strategies to include to make money?

Here is a list of fantasy sports app monetization strategies to consider.

♦ Entry Fees

You can charge users for entering any league or contest. This can become your permanent source of income while developing a fantasy basketball app.

Here the entry fees can differ depending on the type of league and its duration.

♦ In-App Purchases

Here in-app purchases are all about creating extra content or subscriptions that can be bought inside an app.

By providing extra features, you can earn an additional amount of income helpful for increasing your revenue source.

♦ In-App Advertising

You can provide a space for other brands to promote their products and services through a display of paid ads within a mobile app.

Here the app owners can leverage their real estate by providing a space to the advertisers, and in exchange, they can earn commissions.

♦ Data Monetization

Data monetization is all about collecting the type of data provided by the users related to their names, addresses, locations, and other details.

While monetizing the data, it is important to obtain consent from the users before selling reports to third parties.

♦ Merchandising

You can use a merchandising strategy to connect with the target users. Here you can sell shirts – or t-shirts signed by real-time basketball players as a reward for playing fantasy basketball.

This can help you earn a decent amount of profit in the competitive landscape.

These are certain crucial monetization strategies to consider for creating a fantasy basketball app.

Well, are you the one who wants to lead the industry of fantasy basketball apps?

Let’s evaluate the type of trends to include in the app.

Latest Trends in Fantasy Basketball Apps

Fantasy sports app trends should be evaluated to determine the type of current technologies to be included in your next project.

➤ Artificial Intelligence

You can implement artificial intelligence to gain deeper insights related to team statistics, player performance, and game trends.

Through advanced analytics, you can enhance your understanding of the game.

➤ Implementation of AR and VR

Along with this, you can include AR and VR trends in the fantasy basketball app to improve the overall experience of the users with the game.

➤ Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology development will be useful in increasing the security of the app and enhancing the transaction’s safety.

➤ Gamification

Adding gamification to the app will encourage the users to achieve different levels in the game which will enhance user engagement.

Are you still confused about how to proceed with fantasy basketball app development? Let’s evaluate how competitors are doing in this scenario.

Popular Basketball Fantasy Apps

With the best fantasy sports apps, you can learn important strategies of how they are proceeding with the same. 

Learning about the development steps can become simple if you identify how top basketball fantasy apps are performing in the competitive landscape.

Here is a list to consider.

• Fantrax Fantasy Sports

Fantrax is a fantasy basketball app that is a standard NBA option for fans. The app has customized options that allow users to enhance their gameplay.

• Yahoo Fantasy

To develop an app like Yahoo fantasy sports, all you need is a detailed guide. The app attracts basketball fantasy app fans by connecting with a diversified and simple design.

• ESPN Fantasy

Create an app like ESPN Fantasy Sports where the users can create and manage their own basketball teams, make trades, and set strategies by analyzing the current market.

• Dunkest

Dunkest is a popular fantasy basketball app where users can play and enjoy different leagues at the same time.

• CBS Fantasy Sports

You can develop an app like CBS Fantasy Sports, where basketball is a game attracting and engaging users with a simple design landscape.

These are all the important fantasy apps you can consider while making your dream project.

Well, when you develop a fantasy basketball app, there can be a certain list of challenges you might face.

Let’s discover them too, in the following section.

Challenges in Developing a Basketball Fantasy App

What are the mistakes to overcome while developing a fantasy app?

Here is the list you can proceed with.

► Poor Design

A poor design in the fantasy basketball app can impact the complete engagement process of users.

► Scope Creep

Clarity of scope is essential, otherwise, it can lead to confusion among the developers and can impact the complete development process.

► Lack of App Security

You can check out the app’s security, as it is the basis of gaining a user’s trust. Lack of security will lead to losing the users’ trust.

► Avoiding MVP

Ignoring MVP may impact the complete app. You may not bear the failure of the complete app, however, the failure of MVP can be adjusted.

► Ignoring Market Research

If you want to reach the target users, building an app that can attract them is important. Without market research, it will be a vague app.

Are you still puzzled about building a dream fantasy basketball app?

Why Choose Nimble AppGenie For Your Fantasy Basketball App?

Well, to build your dream app, the developers should be effective.

At Nimble AppGenie, we understand the importance of your resources and their value in converting your dream project to success.

Thus, we are the best Fantasy Sports App development Company delivering quality and integrity in our projects.

With us, you can hire developers as per your demand and can consult with us about your strategic plans anytime and anywhere.

Conclusion

Creating a niche app requires apt guidance. Hence, you need to start with in-depth research to enhance the process. Later, selecting the design, tech stack, and testing tricks are among the important steps to build your dream app.

Along with this, you can include features depending on the target users such as for end users, push notifications, real-time updates, and for the admins, a control panel.

You might face a certain number of challenges while developing a fantasy basketball app.

Additionally, there can be a number of factors to consider that might impact the cost such as complexity, app design, tech stack, etc.

FAQs

Niketan Sharma

Niketan Sharma is the CTO of Nimble AppGenie, a prominent website and mobile app development company in the USA that is delivering excellence with a commitment to boosting business growth & maximizing customer satisfaction. He is a highly motivated individual who helps SMEs and startups grow in this dynamic market with the latest technology and innovation.