Verizon study finds fantasy football players believe reliable internet connection is critical to success

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon's survey with Morning Consult reveals critical insights for fantasy football players.
90% of fans consider a reliable internet connection crucial during drafts. Additionally, 82% manage their fantasy teams on-the-go, emphasizing mobile connectivity's importance. Alarmingly, one-third of players experienced missed trades or poor picks due to weak wireless signals. Most engage in fantasy activities at work, friends' homes, or venues, often using smartphones. Verizon, recognized as a leading network provider, ensures strong connectivity even in crowded areas like stadiums.

Positive

• 90% of fans highlight reliable internet as vital for fantasy football success.
• Verizon recognized as the Most Awarded Brand for Wireless Network Quality, marking 29 consecutive wins.
• Over 80% of fans manage their fantasy teams while on the go, supporting Verizon's mobile connectivity relevance.

Negative

• One in three players reported making incorrect picks or missing trades due to poor wireless connectivity.
• -

What you need to know:

• A Verizon and Morning Consult survey found 90% of fans say having a reliable internet connection during a draft is vital to success in fantasy football.
• 82% of fans say they do fantasy football activities while out and about, so reliable mobile connectivity is also vital.
• One in three fantasy football players have missed out on a trade or made the incorrect pick due to a poor wireless connection.
• When not at their own home, players most often handle their fantasy team business at work, at friends’ homes, and at bars/restaurants.

NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With football season right around the corner and fantasy football drafts in full swing, having a reliable internet connection can make or break your team. According to a recent Verizon and Morning Consult survey, 90% of fans say having a reliable internet connection during a draft is vital to success in fantasy football. 

The popularity of fantasy football is undeniable. About 40 million people in the US played last season alone – more than one in eight Americans. It’s a more than $18B a year industry. And reliable connectivity is at the heart of it, according to those surveyed. One in three fantasy football players say they’ve made an incorrect pick or missed out on a trade due to a poor wireless connection. So, while you may not win your league on draft night, you can lose it with one bad pick due to poor connectivity. 

Connectivity isn’t just important on draft day. More than 80% of respondents say they are handling day-to-day management of their teams while they are on the go, underscoring the importance of a reliable mobile connection. When they’re not at home, fantasy players say they’re most likely to participate in fantasy football activities at a friend’s home, at work, or at a bar or other venue. And no matter how or where they are engaging with fantasy football, most fans are doing so on a smartphone.

“Whether fantasy players are making draft picks, checking player statistics or making trades, they depend on reliable connectivity, and we’ve got you covered,” said Brian Mecum, VP of Device Technology and Sports Innovation at Verizon. “In a crowded stadium, while tailgating, at home, or on the go, our network is there for you, even if the players on your fantasy team aren’t. Verizon is the network America relies on.”

Wireless customers know they can rely on Verizon. In the latest J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, Volume 2, Verizon was the Most Awarded Brand for Wireless Network Quality, which marks an unprecedented 29th time in a row over 19 years that Verizon has won more awards in the Study for top network quality.¹ In the latest RootMetrics State of the Mobile Union Report, Verizon earned national awards for overall network performance, reliability, texting, and network accessibility.²

Verizon’s super-fast 5G Ultra Wideband, available in select areas, provides a broadband-like connection in more than 80 stadiums and arenas around the country.

Today’s announcement builds on Verizon’s 5G growth and innovation across industries with its mobility, nationwide broadband, and business solutions offerings. 

Learn more information about Verizon’s 5G technology, and check out the full fantasy football survey. 

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $133.6 billion in 2021. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/. 

¹ Verizon is #1 for Network Quality in the Northeast, West, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and North Central regions. Verizon has also received the highest number of awards in network quality for the 29th time as compared to all other brands in the J.D. Power 2003-2022 Volume 1 and 2 Wireless Network Quality Performance Studies. Network Quality measures customers’ satisfaction with their network performance with wireless carriers. For J.D. Power 2022 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

² Most reliable 5G based on most first place rankings in RootMetrics® 1H 2022 assessments of 125 metros. Overall network performance, reliability, texting and accessibility based on the RootMetrics® United States RootScore® Report: 1H 2022. Experiences vary. Not an endorsement.

Media contact: 
Chris Ashraf
christina.moon.ashraf@verizon.com
(201) 320-4259
@ChrisMoonPR

FAQ

What percentage of fans rely on internet connectivity for fantasy football drafts?

According to the survey, 90% of fans say a reliable internet connection is vital during drafts.

How do fantasy football players typically manage their teams while away from home?

Over 80% of players manage their fantasy teams while on the go from locations such as work, friends' homes, and bars.

What recognition has Verizon received regarding network quality?

Verizon has been recognized as the Most Awarded Brand for Wireless Network Quality, achieving this for 29 consecutive times.

What issues do fantasy players face due to poor connectivity?

One in three fantasy players have missed trades or made incorrect picks because of a poor wireless connection.

Where do most players engage in fantasy football activities?

Players most often handle their fantasy football tasks at work, friends' homes, or bars/restaurants.