The History of Fantasy Sports

From an idea to a worldwide industry.

The fascinating true stories behind the people who built fantasy sports. From passion projects to a billion-dollar phenomenon.

Trusted by Readers Worldwide.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6

Book Description

The History of Fantasy Sports: And the Stories of the People Who Made It Happen.

Fantasy sports aren’t just a game—they’re a cultural juggernaut. Over 50 million Americans play fantasy football, baseball, basketball, and more, while 200 million fans in India dominate fantasy cricket. From humble backyard ideas to a multi-billion-dollar empire, this explosive rise has never been fully told…until now.

In The History of Fantasy Sports, Amazon bestselling author Larry Schechter (Winning Fantasy Baseball) delivers the definitive, first-ever complete chronicle of how it all began. After 18 months of deep research and exclusive interviews with dozens of pioneers, entrepreneurs, and key figures, Schechter uncovers the wild, inspiring, and often hilarious true stories behind the industry.

You’ll discover:

The real (not airplane-inspired) origin of fantasy baseball by Dan Okrent
How a World War II hero helped launch fantasy football nationwide
Five nuns in a Chicago convent running a competitive fantasy football team
A player with ALS finally claiming his championship after 39 years of dedication
The shocking way Monica Lewinsky inadvertently saved fantasy sports
And countless other tales of obsession, innovation, and underdog triumphs that turned passion into fortunes.

This isn’t a dry academic tome—it’s a lively, reader-friendly page-turner packed with entertainment, inspiration, and “I had no idea!” moments. No wonder it’s earning rave reviews:

“Simply fascinating read from start to finish.” —Midwest Book Review

“Despite spending my entire career in the industry, I was enlightened by all the interviews and countless stories throughout the book.” —Paul Charchian, former President, Fantasy Sports Trade Association

“Unlike most sports history books, this is fun to read.” – Mark Stevenson, Book Reviewer

If you’re one of the millions who live and breathe fantasy sports—or just love great underdog business stories—grab this book and dive into the hidden history that shaped your favorite pastime. Available now in paperback and eBook.

1. In the Beginning

2. The Origins of Fantasy Baseball

3. The Origins of Fantasy Football

4. The First Commercial Games

5. Newspaper Games

6. CDM Sports and the Landmark Legal Case

7. First Fantasy Sports Publications

8. First Fantasy Sports Books

9. Advanced Metrics

10. Commissioner Services

11. Fantasy Radio and TV Shows

12. News Services

13. First Football Websites

14. High-Stakes Games

15. Major Media Companies

16. The Fantasy Sports Trade Association

17. Legal Battles and Legislation

18. Injury Experts

19. Innovative Entrepreneurs

20. Experts Leagues

21. Daily Fantasy Sports

22. Fantasy Sports Worldwide

Epilogue

Bibliography

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Larry Schechter

Larry Schechter is the author of the 2014 Amazon bestseller Winning Fantasy Baseball. He has been called one of the best fantasy baseball players in the world. Larry was a two-time winner of the CDM Sports national salary cap contest, defeating 7,500 teams in 2002 and 6,000 teams in 2005. He has competed in the two most prestigious experts leagues, winning the USA Today sponsored LABR league three times and the Tout Wars experts league six times. One of his keys to success in fantasy baseball is attention to detail. He used that ability in researching, conducting interviews, and writing The History of Fantasy Sports. Larry is now retired and lives in Florida.

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testimonials

What readers are saying

4.5 Star Rating

Impressively informative, exceptionally well organized and presented…simply fascinating read from start to finish…especially recommended for library collections.

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

Unlike most sports history books, this is fun to read.

MARK STEVENSON Book Reviewer

Despite spending my entire career in the industry, I was enlightened by all the interviews and countless stories throughout the book.

PAUL CHARCHIAN President of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, 2009-2020

What sets this book apart is its ability to bridge the gap between historical data and the human elements of the fantasy sports community. Schechter brings to life the pioneers and landmark moments that have defined the genre. This is a must-read that captures the essence of fantasy sports with the reverence and depth it deserves.

MARK MARIANI CBS Sports and Turner Sports

Larry regales us with colorful accounts, many of them direct from the source. This is a must- read for any fantasy sports fan.

TRISTAN COCKCROFT ESPN Senior Fantasy Sports Writer

This is the definitive history of fantasy sports, capturing the personal stories and business trajectories of the many competing startups and eventual power players. Larry Schechter brings remarkable detail to the then-and-now dynamic of fantasy, from the bootstrapped early years to the multi-billion-dollar industry it is today.

JOE LEMIRE Sports Business Journal

Contact us

Get in Touch with Larry Schechter

Questions, media inquiries, or speaking requests? Get in touch.

Phone Number

561-400-0572

Email Address

larryschechter@aol.com