Abstract

The growth of the fantasy sport industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. With estimates of 500,000 in the mid-1990s, to a current North American consumer estimate of 59.3 million, the industry has evolved quickly and with quite a force. Historical roots date fantasy activity back to the 1950s and 1960s. Since then, this industry has seen many phases of growth, expansion, trials, and tribulations. For many years, the Fantasy Sports Trade Association (FSTA) has served as ‘the voice’ for the industry in many matters, as its members and professional associations strived for legitimacy, legality, and longevity in creating professional careers. The FSTA has invited major (and minor) players to join as one association and attend semi-annual conferences to collaborate, learn, share, and grow the industry as a whole. Fighting off player strikes, gambling law, and incredible growth of daily fantasy sport operation, this organization has guided industry professionals throughout. This article provides an historical account of the formation of the organization responsible for holding this flourishing industry together and growing as one. Data were gathered from oral accounts of key events in the life of this organization.

摘要

奇幻体育产业的增长简直是非凡的。1990 年代中期估计有 500,000 人，而目前北美消费者估计为 5930 万，该行业发展迅速，并且具有相当大的力量。幻想活动的历史根源可以追溯到 1950 年代和 1960 年代。从那时起，这个行业经历了成长、扩张、考验和磨难的许多阶段。多年来，梦幻体育贸易协会 (FSTA) 一直在许多事务中充当该行业的“代言人”，其成员和专业协会在创造职业生涯时努力争取合法性、合法性和寿命。FSTA 已邀请主要（和次要）参与者作为一个协会加入并参加半年一次的会议，以协作、学习、分享和发展整个行业。打击球员罢工，赌博法以及日常幻想体育运营的惊人增长，该组织一直在指导行业专业人士。本文提供了负责将这个蓬勃发展的行业聚集在一起并作为一个整体发展的组织的形成的历史记录。数据是从该组织生命中关键事件的口头叙述中收集的。