Looking to start a new $$$ Dynasty League

[DoAWildThing]

I have been playing fantasy football for years but have never tried a Dynasty League before. I am thinking of setting up a 12 team prize league on MFL and am looking for advice on how much I should charge for a buy-in. I would like to award prizes for First Second and Third places as well as a prize or two for those that don't make the playoffs - maybe a 'Toilet Bowl', for example. I also want to make sure owners are committed and I think there are few better ways to ensure commitment than to charge a significant entry fee.

So, having said all that, I was thinking of $200 or more for a league buy-in - am I way off?

[yankdog]

I play in a dynasty league where the annual ante is $100 and it definitely adds a level of seriousness to it. All of the owners are top quality and been around for years and years frankly. $200 would be too steep for me but I would love to find another $100 league. I suspect you'll hear from others that $200 is a good number to keep folks engaged. But I think it also depends on the payout structure with that amount of money.

[tidewaterjc]

The higher the stakes, the smaller the pool of potential GMs (and replacement owners). I always felt that in a $$ dynasty, GMs should have to pay a year in advance (refundable upon finding a suitable replacement owner, should need be). A $200 buy-in to cover 2 seasons ($100/yr) would attract enough interest and allow for some payouts. Disagree with 'Toilet Bowl' payouts whole-heartedly, but 1st-3rd and maybe division winners.

Seems strange, but I am much more inclined to wager $200 at a live poker table with people I don't know than a FF league.

[blacksheep]

The higher the stakes, the smaller the pool of potential GMs (and replacement owners). I always felt that in a $$ dynasty, GMs should have to pay a year in advance (refundable upon finding a suitable replacement owner, should need be). A $200 buy-in to cover 2 seasons ($100/yr) would attract enough interest and allow for some payouts. Disagree with 'Toilet Bowl' payouts whole-heartedly, but 1st-3rd and maybe division winners.

Seems strange, but I am much more inclined to wager $200 at a live poker table with people I don't know than a FF league.

I'd be willing to invest this much but would want to know all the owners. It would have to be a very intimate league among people I absolutely trust at that dollar amount.

[DoAWildThing]

I play in a dynasty league where the annual ante is $100 and it definitely adds a level of seriousness to it. All of the owners are top quality and been around for years and years frankly. $200 would be too steep for me but I would love to find another $100 league. I suspect you'll hear from others that $200 is a good number to keep folks engaged. But I think it also depends on the payout structure with that amount of money.

Thanks you for your input, it is appreciated. I am thinking $200 may be a bit steep as well.

[DoAWildThing]

The higher the stakes, the smaller the pool of potential GMs (and replacement owners). I always felt that in a $$ dynasty, GMs should have to pay a year in advance (refundable upon finding a suitable replacement owner, should need be). A $200 buy-in to cover 2 seasons ($100/yr) would attract enough interest and allow for some payouts. Disagree with 'Toilet Bowl' payouts whole-heartedly, but 1st-3rd and maybe division winners.

Seems strange, but I am much more inclined to wager $200 at a live poker table with people I don't know than a FF league.

I really like the idea of a 'deposit' which is then refundable once a replacement owner is found. What happens if an owner just leaves and forfeits the deposit? Should the forfeited deposit then be added to the prize money?

[DoAWildThing]

The higher the stakes, the smaller the pool of potential GMs (and replacement owners). I always felt that in a $$ dynasty, GMs should have to pay a year in advance (refundable upon finding a suitable replacement owner, should need be). A $200 buy-in to cover 2 seasons ($100/yr) would attract enough interest and allow for some payouts. Disagree with 'Toilet Bowl' payouts whole-heartedly, but 1st-3rd and maybe division winners.

Seems strange, but I am much more inclined to wager $200 at a live poker table with people I don't know than a FF league.

I'd be willing to invest this much but would want to know all the owners. It would have to be a very intimate league among people I absolutely trust at that dollar amount.

Would having the prize money in an escrow account alleviate mistrust? How are most pay leagues managed when it comes to prize money?

[tidewaterjc]

Many options depending on the shape of the team left behind -
a. used to offer discount for a replacement owner, either in full or partial; or
b. added to the prize pool for that season; or
c. combination of above

All managed thru Leaguesafe. Amongst people you don't know, the safest bet and viewable by all league members.

[DoAWildThing]

Thanks tidewaterjc, I have heard good things about LeagueSafe and will definitely be using their services.

[Chandler Bing]

I think you have to use Leaguesafe. I have seen several Commisioners that have taken money and run in the last few years. Unless it is someone that is well trusted in the forums it is just the best idea to secure the funds

[DoAWildThing]

So, I will be forming:
12-team Dynasty League on MyFantasyLeague.com
Probably with a $100 buy-in and some sort of deposit
All finances managed by LeagueSafe
100% of money for prizes once expenses covered (LeagueSafe, MyFantasyLeague, etc.)
Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and probably prizes for each of the Division winners (other prizes will be voted on by the league members once formed)

Off to a good start.

Next I think will be deciding on rosters. I am leaning towards 1QB 1RB 2WR 2Flex 1TE 1PK 1LB 1DT 1DB and having a total of 30 roster spots. Any thoughts or comments?

[Leghumper]

I would def do a RB2 spot and add IDP's. I think you'll find when you start using IDP's that you'll want to add more and more. It's more work but it's much more rewarding. FWIW, I play in three leagues that all have a $100 entry fee and ownership is strong in all of them for the most part.

[Droseisabeast]

I would like to join if you have a spot. A few guys know me on this site and I play alot in money leagues on RTSsports.com. Alias is SwaggerJacker. Send me a pm.

[DoAWildThing]

I would like to join if you have a spot. A few guys know me on this site and I play alot in money leagues on RTSsports.com. Alias is SwaggerJacker. Send me a pm.

I'll definitely PM you once I have the league up and running - should be in a few days (I want to make sure I do it right the first time!).

DoAWildThing

[DoAWildThing]

Thank you to all for your input!

I have decided that this will be a PPR league and the roster size will be a total of 30 or perhaps 32. Positions will be:

1QB
2RB
2WR
1TE
1PK
2Flex
2LB
2DE
2DB

Anyone have suggestions for Waiver/Free Agency rules?

DoAWildThing