What is a Season Draft League?
In a Season Draft League, all managers take part in a single draft before the NBA season (or at a set date). You take turns selecting players until your roster is complete. That roster is yours for the whole season — you set lineups each week and earn points based on your players’ real NBA performance. It’s the most traditional and immersive format: one draft, one team, months of competition.
- One draft at the start of the season; your roster is locked except for trades and waivers.
- Set your lineup every week (or daily, depending on league settings).
- Ideal for players who enjoy long-term strategy and following the NBA all season.
How the draft works
Draft order is usually random or snake (e.g. 1–10 in round one, then 10–1 in round two so the last pick gets two close together). You must fill required positions: point guard (PG), shooting guard (SG), small forward (SF), power forward (PF), and centre (C), plus often one or two utility spots. Strategy involves balancing star players early with value picks later, and considering which stats your league rewards. See our Scoring System to plan your draft.
Managing your team
Each week you choose which players are “active” in your lineup. Only active players earn fantasy points; bench players do not. You can often add free agents from the waiver wire and propose trades with other managers, depending on league settings. Staying on top of injuries, rest days, and favourable matchups is key to maximising your score.
💡 Tip
- Check injury reports and team news before setting your lineup.
- Use the waiver wire when a star gets injured — someone has to pick up the slack.
Scoring and winning
Points are calculated using our scoring system. In points leagues, totals are summed over the season or per week. In category (head-to-head) leagues, you win or lose head-to-head in several stat categories each week. The manager with the best record or most points at the end of the season wins the league. No real money is involved — it’s for fun and competition only.