From 600 to 15,000: Growing a Fantasy Sports Business

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Greg Liegey, the innovative mind behind the first Fantasy NASCAR league created before the internet era. Greg shares his story of how he started with just 600 participants and grew his business to an impressive 15,000 players over five years.

Join us as Greg recounts the early days of running the league from his father-in-law's garage, the unique challenges of managing a fantasy sports business without modern technology, and the strategic decisions that led to explosive growth. He discusses the pivotal moments, including his ingenious marketing strategies, the role of live operators, and the transition to online play.

Greg also opens up about the legal uncertainties of fantasy sports at the time, the impact of timing and market demand, and the lessons learned from both his successes and setbacks. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a fantasy sports enthusiast, or simply interested in a captivating business story, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Tune in to hear how Greg turned a niche idea into a thriving business, navigating the complexities of the pre-internet era and paving the way for future fantasy sports leagues.

Chapters

00:00 The Birth of the First Fantasy NASCAR League

02:07 The Stock Market Approach to Fantasy NASCAR

04:48 The Rapid Growth of the Fantasy NASCAR League

12:27 The Success and Expansion of the League

23:01 Keys to Success: Belief, Financial Planning, and Faith

27:30 The Legal Battle: Acquiring the Web Address and Facing NASCAR

31:17 Support from the NASCAR Community and the Success of Fantasy NASCAR

32:01 The Sale of the Company and Disagreements with New Owners

41:04 The Impact of Fantasy Sports on the Enjoyment of the Sport

48:25 Lessons Learned from an Unsuccessful Ice Cream Franchise