The Varsity Matt Berry’s Real Life Sports Fantasy
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Jul 13, 2025 Matthew Berry, NBC Sports' fantasy sports analyst and entrepreneur, discusses the success story of his startup, Fantasy Life, which boasts 1.5 million daily users. He reveals how he attracted high-profile investors like LeBron James and shares insights on the evolving relationship between fantasy sports and legalized betting. Berry emphasizes innovative advertising strategies and the impact of fantasy leagues on audience engagement. His personal journey in the fantasy industry, including a pivotal meeting with the NBA commissioner, adds an inspiring touch.
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Berry’s Bold Investor Pitch
- Matthew Berry secured $7 million in funding from high-profile investors like LeBron James and Maverick Carter through strong pitches and existing relationships.
- Many investors were involved due to believing in Berry and Fantasy Life's vision and numbers, with most saying yes after hearing the story.
Leagues Value Fantasy Fans
- All sports leagues now recognize fantasy sports fans as the most engaged fans who consume more content and spend more on their sport.
- Fantasy sports players buy more tickets, merch, and subscriptions, making them highly valuable to leagues.
Adam Silver’s Supportive NBA Story
- Matthew Berry once pitched fantasy basketball plans to the NBA, working as a consultant for two years before joining ESPN.
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver encouraged him to take the ESPN opportunity without issue, showing strong support.