Fantasy sports is a game where participants act as owners to build a team that competes against other fantasy owners based on the statistics generated by real individual players or teams of a professional sport. These point systems are typically simple enough to be manually be calculated by a "league commissioner." More complex variants use computer modeling of actual games based on statistical input generated by professional sports. In fantasy sports there is the ability to trade, cut, and sign players, just like a real sports owner.

Fantasy football is the most popular form of fantasy sports. Team owners draft players, primarily from the NFL, based off their projected statistical performance in the league. All league scoring systems, roster settings, and rules are unique to the preferences of each league's “team owners”. Standard fantasy football player positions include quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, kicker, and team defense. Due to the weekly format of NFL games and the ease of participation, fantasy football is currently the king of all fantasy sports.

Fantasy baseball is the original fantasy sport. Team owners draft MLB players based off their projected statistical performance in the league. All league scoring systems, roster settings, and rules are unique to the preferences of each league's team owners. Standard fantasy baseball player positions include pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and outfield. Due to the long season and many weekly games, fantasy baseball is the most difficult and time-consuming form of fantasy sports.

Fantasy basketball was inspired in the 1990's by the popularity of fantasy baseball and the advent of the Internet. Team owners draft players, primarily from the NBA, based off their projected statistical performance in the league. All league scoring systems, roster settings, and rules are unique to the preferences of each league's “team owners”. Standard fantasy basketball player positions include point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. Fantasy basketball provides a middle ground for participants looking for a fantasy sports commitment level between baseball and football.