The fantasy sports have changed and are not like what they used to be quite some time ago. From building virtual teams to competing in real-time matches, fantasy sports apps have turned casual viewers into active participants. With millions of users joining DraftKings and FanDuel, entrepreneurs and startups are now looking to build their own fantasy sports apps to make profits in this booming market.
Although developing a fantasy sports app is all about creating a seamless gaming experience, before investing, there are many things that need to be known. The biggest thing is cost.
In this article, we will learn how much it costs to make a fantasy sports application, the factors affecting it, and more. Let’s start with the title itself!
The average cost to build a fantasy sports app starts from $15,000 for a white label fantasy sports app. A custom build can cost between $30,000 to $100,000+, depending on features, integrations, and platform development. In short, the average range is between $15,000 to $100,000 or even more.
The cost varies in different forms. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cost of creating a fantasy sports app:
1. Cost as per Features
The more advanced features you add to the app, the higher the cost will be. A basic fantasy sports app with standard features like user login, team creation, and live scoring can start at around $15,000 to $25,000.
Adding premium features like AI-based predictions, live chat, leaderboards, and referral systems can push the cost to $40,000 to $70,000.
For top-tier apps with live streaming, blockchain wallets, and 3D graphics, the budget can go above $80,000.
Feature
Estimated Cost
Details
User Profile Management
$800 ~ $2,500
Basic authentication with email/social logins.
Team Creation & Management
$2,000 ~ $4,000
Core functionality for fantasy apps.
Live Scoring System
$3,000 ~ $6,000
Uses third-party sports data APIs.
Leaderboards & Rankings
$2,000 ~ $4,000
Adds gamification and competition elements.
Referral & Reward System
$3,000 ~ $5,000
Helps increase app engagement and retention.
AI-based Predictions
$8,000 ~ $15,000
Uses machine learning to analyze player data and outcomes.
Live Streaming Functionality
$10,000 ~ $20,000
Integrates live video feeds; requires high server capacity.
Blockchain Wallets / Crypto Integration
$15,000 ~ $25,000
Adds crypto-based payments and token systems.
Push Notifications & Alerts
$500 ~ $2,000
For user engagement and real-time match updates.
Admin Dashboard & Analytics
$3,000 ~ $6,000
Tracks user data, contest entries, and revenue insights.
2. Cost as per Type of Software
The development approach also affects pricing. A white-label solution is the most budget-friendly, while custom-built apps require higher investment but offer total flexibility.
Type of Fantasy Sports Software
Estimated Cost Range
White-Label Solution
$15,000 ~ $25,000
Turnkey Solution
$25,000 ~ $45,000
Custom-Built App
$50,000 ~ $100,000+
3. Cost as per Developer Location
Developer rates differ based on locations. Hiring from regions like Asia can reduce costs, while developers in the US or Europe generally charge more due to higher hourly rates.
Developer Region
Hourly Rates in USD
South Asia
$12 ~ $30/hr
Eastern Europe
$30 ~ $60/hr
Western Europe / USA / Canada
$50 ~ $100+/hr
4. Cost as per Platform Choice
The platform you choose has a major impact on total cost. For first-time launch or a limited budget, choose a single platform. If funding is not a problem, go for a cross-platform app.
Platform
Estimated Range
Description
Android or iOS (Single Platform)
$15,000 ~ $35,000
Single codebase for both Android + iOS reduces long-term cost
2 Native Apps (Android + iOS)
$30,000 ~ $70,000+
Expensive, you have to make two separate apps
Cross-Platform (Android + iOS)
$30,000 ~ $50,000+
Single codebase for both Android + iOS reduces long term cost
5. Cost as per Integrations (APIs)
Fantasy sports apps often integrate multiple APIs for live scores, payment gateways, social logins, and analytics. The more integrations you add, the higher the cost.
More advancements mean more cost. Let’s break it down below:
App Type
Description
Estimated Cost
Basic Fantasy App (Single Sport)
Focusing on only one sport, like cricket or football, with standard gameplay
$15,000 ~ $25,000
Advanced Fantasy App (Multi-Sport)
Focusing on only one sport, like cricket or football with standard gameplay
$40,000 ~ $70,000
Premium Fantasy Platform (All Features)
Covering multiple sports, live scores, and real-time leaderboards + features of the basic app
$80,000 ~ $100,000+
8. Cost of Tech Stack
Backend development ensures scalability and real-time updates during live matches. Frontend is all about the visual layout where users interact with the app. Invest in a strong backend so that there is no problem in scaling your platform as it grows in the future. Backend includes different components that impact the cost:
Backend
Backend Component
Estimated Cost
Details
Server Setup (AWS/Firebase/Google Cloud)
$2,000 ~ $6,000
Depends on the hosting plan and region
Database (MySQL, MongoDB, Firebase)
$1,500 ~ $4,000
Varies by data volume and storage needs
API Integration & Real-Time Data Handling
$3,000 ~ $8,000
Sports data APIs like SportRadar or BetRadar
Security, Authentication & Encryption
$1,000 ~ $2,500
SSL, KYC, and user data protection setup
Scalability & Load Balancing
$2,000 ~ $5,000
Ensures performance during peak events
Frontend
Frontend Component
Estimated Cost
Info
UI Components & Screen Design
$3,000 ~ $20,000
Custom layouts, animations, and navigation for Android and iOS
User Interaction & Animations
$2,000 ~ $8,000
Adds smooth transitions, gestures, and dynamic visuals
Device & OS Optimization
$2,000 ~ $4,000
Ensures flawless performance across multiple devices and OS versions
Native APIs (Camera, GPS, Notifications)
$1,500 ~ $3,000
Integration with device hardware for enhanced functionality
Performance Testing & Debugging
$2,000 ~ $4,000
Includes UI testing, crash fixes, and optimization for speed, bug finding
Cross-Platform Component
Cross-Platform Component
Estimated Cost
Info
Unified UI Design & Layout
$2,000 ~ $20,000
Shared design system for Android and iOS screens
Codebase Development (Flutter/React Native)
$6,000 ~ $12,000
Single codebase reduces development time by up to 40%
Third-Party Plugin Integration
$2,000 ~ $4,000
Adds APIs for login, payments, and analytics
Testing & Device Compatibility
$2,000 ~ $4,000
Ensures smooth performance across both platforms
App Optimization & Deployment
$2,000 ~ $5,000
Covers build optimization, debugging, and app store releases
The overall cost is finalized after careful evaluation of your project requirements.
What Factors Affect Fantasy Sports App Development Cost?
The cost to develop a fantasy sports app depends on several technical and business factors. Each one plays a key role in deciding the total investment. Below is a detailed breakdown of the main cost-driving factors.
Platform Choice (Android, iOS, or Web)
The platform you choose directly impacts your development cost.
Android apps are usually cheaper to build but require testing on multiple devices.
iOS apps demand higher design precision and may cost a bit more.
Web platforms are useful for cross-device access but need additional security layers.
If you want your app on both Android and iOS, you can go for cross-platform development (using Flutter or React Native) to reduce cost and time. New and small startups should build for one platform (Android) as it is cost-effective and will help to target more users.
The type of fantasy sports experience you offer defines the overall project size. More features mean more development and finally higher cost.
A single-sport app (like only cricket or football) requires fewer features and fantasy sports APIs.
A multi-sport platform (covering cricket, football, basketball, etc.) needs more integrations, player databases, and backend power.
UI/UX Design (User Interface and Experience)
A visually engaging and easy-to-navigate interface is what keeps users hooked.
The cost of design depends on:
Custom graphics and animations
Interactive dashboards
Personalized user flows
A clean, intuitive design not only enhances user satisfaction but also boosts retention. But it will also slightly increase the development budget.
Tech Stack (Frameworks, APIs, and Tools Used)
The technology stack you choose defines app performance, scalability, and cost.
Modern fantasy sports apps use:
Frontend: React Native, Flutter, Swift, Kotlin
Backend: Node.js, Laravel, or Django
Database: MongoDB, Firebase, MySQL
Real-time APIs: Sports data providers like SportsRadar or BetRadar
Cloud Hosting: AWS, Google Cloud
If you add AI algorithms, blockchain, or Web3 features, your cost rises, but so does your app’s long-term value.
Third-Party Integrations (APIs and Payment Gateways)
Fantasy sports apps rely on multiple third-party tools for smooth operation, such as:
Payment gateways (Paytm, Stripe, Razorpay)
Live data APIs for real-time player stats
Push notification systems
Social login APIs (Google, Facebook, Apple)
These integrations improve user convenience but add to the cost depending on usage fees and licensing.
Backend Infrastructure (Servers and Databases)
A strong backend keeps your fantasy sports app running seamlessly during live matches and high traffic. Fantasy sports app developers usually use cloud-based solutions like AWS or Firebase to ensure scalability and uptime. Always invest in a scalable backend architecture to avoid downtime during tournaments.
The cost varies based on:
Data volume
Server type (dedicated or shared)
Real-time updates and load handling
Compliance and Legal Licensing
Fantasy sports platforms must follow local gaming and data protection laws. Additionally, responsible gaming policies and secure payment practices increase user trust and platform credibility.
The cost here includes:
Licensing fees
Legal consultation
Data protection compliance (GDPR, Indian IT Act)
Developer Location (Regional Pricing)
Development costs change based on where your team is located. For instance:
Asian developers charge the lowest: $10~30 per hour (best choice)
European Developers charge: $30~$50 per hour
US and UK Developers $60~$120 per hour (highest quality possible)
Hiring fantasy sports app developers from Asia can significantly reduce your development expenses while maintaining high quality.
Why is Fantasy Sports App Development Booming in 2026?
The global fantasy sports market is rapidly expanding, driven by sports fandom, data technology, and smartphone adoption.
As per research, the global fantasy sports market is projected to reach USD 56,381.2 million by 2030, with a CAGR of ~15.2% from 2025 to 2030.
This shows a great potential of the fantasy sports industry and also shows that it is a profitable opportunity for startups to invest in developing a fantasy sports app.
Should You Invest in Fantasy Sports App Development: Top 3 Reasons to Invest
Fantasy sports apps are transforming the way people engage with digital sports. With emerging techs like AI, blockchain, and data analytics entering the gaming space, users now want much more than before. If you are planning to invest in fantasy sports app development, here are three solid reasons why it is a smart business move in 2026.
Fast-Growing Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
The global fantasy sports industry is expanding faster than ever. According to market reports, it was valued at over $30 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach nearly $60 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of around 15%.
This growth is powered by:
Increasing smartphone usage
High-speed internet access
Fans are looking for interactive and rewarding sports experiences
For startups and businesses, investing in this market now means entering a proven, revenue-generating sector that continues to attract millions of active users every year.
Engaged and Loyal Sports Audience
Fantasy sports apps have one major advantage: a ready-made audience. Millions of sports fans already follow leagues, players, and stats passionately. These users quickly adapt to fantasy platforms where they can build virtual teams and compete with others.
For example, platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel have seen user growth in the millions, turning ordinary fans into daily active participants. By offering exciting features like real-time scoring, leaderboards, and social sharing, fantasy sports apps build strong communities that keep users coming back season after season.
High Earning and Monetization Opportunities
Fantasy sports apps are highly profitable as they allow you to implement multiple revenue models. For example:
Paid contests and entry fees
In-app purchases
Ads and sponsorships
Premium memberships
Affiliate marketing
You can easily create sustainable income streams. Top apps like Prizepicks Fantasy Sports and Sorare have already proven their potential, and they are generating millions in annual revenue while maintaining strong user engagement.
How BR Softech Can Help You Develop a Fantasy Sports App
BR Softech is a leading fantasy sports app development company with 13+ years of experience in gaming and sports solutions. We offer a wide range of fantasy sports app solutions to cater to the diverse needs of clients. Whether you are looking for a quick market entry with a pre-made app or want a unique custom app, we have everything to offer. Here is what makes us stand out in the market:
250+ expert developers
Custom & white label fantasy platforms
Real-time data and analytics integration
Cross-platform (Web, Android, iOS) development
AI, blockchain, and Web3 implementation
24×7 support & post-launch maintenance
If you want to build a fantasy sports app of any type with any features or integrations, click here and make your dream turn into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum cost to develop a fantasy sports app?
On average, the cost to develop a fantasy sports app ranges from $15,000 to over $100,000, depending on the platform type, features, and integrations. A basic white-label fantasy sports app can cost between $15,000 and $20,000, while a custom fantasy sports app typically costs between $50,000 and $100,000 or more.
How long does it take to create a fantasy sports app?
It takes around 3 to 6 months to build a fantasy sports app, depending on how complex your app is and how many features you want in it/ A ready-made fantasy sports app can be deployed in 3 to 4 weeks.
What are the best ways to monetize a fantasy sports app?
You can earn money from a fantasy sports app in several ways: Entry fees: Users pay to join contests. In-app ads: Display ads and brand promotions. In-app purchases: Sell extra points or rewards. Sponsorships: Partner with sports brands or leagues. Premium memberships: Offer exclusive contests or rewards for paid users.
Can I include crypto or NFT features in my fantasy app
Yes, modern fantasy sports app developers can integrate crypto wallets, NFTs, and token-based rewards into their platform. This makes your app more engaging and attracts users who enjoy blockchain-based gaming experiences.
Which is more affordable, native or cross-platform?
A cross-platform app (built with Flutter or React Native) is about 30 to 40% cheaper than native apps. The reason is that one codebase works for both Android and iOS, saving time and cost in development and maintenance.
What’s the post-launch maintenance cost?
After launch, you will need to spend around $5,000 to $10,000 per year on app maintenance. This covers server costs, feature updates, bug fixes, and regular technical support to keep your app running smoothly.
Do I need licenses to operate a fantasy sports app?
To run a fantasy sports app legally, you need to follow local gaming and data protection laws. In some countries, fantasy sports are completely banned as they are referred to as a game of chance. So check your target country’s rules before investing.
Nitin Garg is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and the visionary founder of BR Softech, a globally recognized leader in game development. With over 13 years of industry experience, he has been instrumental in transforming BR Softech into a powerhouse of innovation, offering cutting-edge solutions in Video Games, Blockchain Games, NFT Game Development, and card games like Poker, Rummy, and Teen Patti.
Nitin’s deep expertise in emerging technologies, combined with a sharp business acumen, has helped position BR Softech as a trusted name in the international gaming arena. Under his leadership, BR Softech has built a global clientele of 3,000+ satisfied customers and scaled a dedicated in-house team of 180+ skilled professionals.
