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AIPROPX ReportForbes · 3h ago
Destination Drafts Are A Top Pick In The $42 Billion Fantasy Sports Market
Travel Destination Drafts Are A Top Pick In The $42 Billion Fantasy Sports Market By Doug Gollan ,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Doug Gollan covers private aviation and the business of luxury travel. Follow Author Jul 27, 2026, 04:26pm EDT Jul 27, 2026, 04:39pm EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary The travel industry is increasingly targeting the booming fantasy sports market, estimated to reach $80.3 billion by 2031, with dedicated fantasy football draft weekends. Baha Mar in the Bahamas will host ESPN's Ultimate Draft Weekend in August 2026, featuring beach activities and ESPN talent. New this year, La Zebra in Tulum offers a luxury experience with former NFL coach Rex Ryan, private draft rooms, and resort amenities. Las Vegas is also a major player, with BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy offering a sweepstakes for a draft weekend hosted by Rob Riggle at The Cosmopolitan. Additionally, Draft Nation at Circa Resort & Casino will host over 1,000 participants, featuring NFL legends like Adrian Peterson and drafting from poolside cabanas. These events highlight the growing trend of elevating the fantasy draft experience into a luxury travel event.
If you are in a fantasy football league, you can now make your draft day special with a destination draft. The leagues are already big business, and the travel industry is seeking to gain a share of that pie with dedicated fantasy draft weekends.
According to Mondor Intelligence, the Fantasy Sports Market is estimated at $42.4 billion and expected to grow to $80.3 billion by 2031. American football accounts for 74.9% of that activity.
Baha Mar in the Bahamas will host its 3rd Annual ESPN Fantasy Football Ultimate Draft Weekend, August 21 through 24, 2026.
There will be beach-combined activities, a draft-prep cocktail party, dinner with talent from ESPN, and, of course, a celebration party.
Joining the fray for the first time this year is La Zebra in Tulum, a member of Small Luxury Hotels.
The Draft at La Zebra is "a premier destination event designed for leagues looking to elevate their fantasy draft experience."
The event runs August 27 through August 31, 2026.
Former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan will headline the event.
Each league gets its own dedicated draft room.
Social activities are centered around "Tulum's largest beachfront sports bar," the resort calls “the ultimate hub for gameday viewing and post-draft celebrations.”
Team owners can also relax and recharge at the resort's spa or retreat to the nearby PGA Riviera Maya golf course to work on their fairway skills.
Secretary of Tourism Bernardo Cueto Riesto says, "We are delighted to host this prestigious fantasy football event in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. Bringing an iconic figure like Rex Ryan to La Zebra in Tulum highlights our commitment to attracting world-class experiences that showcase the very best of Quintana Roo."
A spokesperson for the hotel adds, "The Draft at La Zebra is about more than just picking a roster—it's about the camaraderie of the league."
Baha Mar and La Zebra are far from alone.
Just today, BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy announced a Vegas Fantasy Draft sweepstakes.
Members who link their Bonvoy loyalty accounts with their BetMGM accounts can win a draft weekend in Las Vegas hosted by actor and comedian Rob Riggle.
The trip includes a two-night stay at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, round-trip flights for up to 12 guests, and a $4,000 MGM Resorts credit for dining and spa experiences.
BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost says, "Creating legendary experiences for our players is at the core of what we do. We're building on the momentum and success of last year's Vegas Fantasy Draft with Marriott Bonvoy as we bring fans another unforgettable weekend."
Meanwhile, Draft Nation is inviting leagues to "draft like an all-star, party like a rock star" August 20 through 22, 2026, at Circa Resort & Casino, also in Las Vegas.
Former NFL stars, including Adrian Peterson, Jeff Garcia, and Earl Thomas, will join sports media personalities, including Michelle Beadle and betting analyst Jen Piacenti. Over 1,000 participants will draft from poolside cabanas in front of a 143-foot screen at Stadium Swim.
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