Blask Reports 3% Year-on-Year Growth in Global Fantasy Sports Demand

Fantasy sports demonstrated a 3% year-on-year global demand increase from July 2025 to June 2026, well ahead of the overall iGaming sector's 0.7% growth rate, according to Blask’s newly released Fantasy Sports 2026 report. The Blask Index tracked this expansion across 100 countries and all 50 US states, confirming the category's broader momentum and highlighting several notable regional surges.

Blask Index: Measuring Fantasy Sports Growth

Blask’s composite measure of iGaming activity, the Blask Index, rose from 59.1 million to 60.8 million over the reporting period. Fantasy sports contributed strongly, posting a 3% annual increase and lifting its share of the global iGaming market to 6.4%. This advance outpaced the sector average, with fantasy's growth rate coming in at four times that of the aggregate iGaming categories.

The report’s findings span more than 100 jurisdictions, including all 50 United States. According to Blask, 49 countries posted simultaneous growth in both absolute fantasy demand and fantasy’s percentage share, compared to 25 where both metrics declined. Another 22 showed rising fantasy demand despite a fall in share.

Regional Leaders and Key Markets

Lithuania, Romania, and Hungary recorded the most dramatic growth:

• Lithuania: +100% year-on-year demand
• Romania: +94%
• Hungary: +90%

The United Kingdom and the United States, however, retained their positions as the largest fantasy sports markets by volume, together representing 40% of the worldwide category. This concentration underscores the ongoing relevance of these mature markets, even as emerging markets in Eastern Europe accelerate.

Seasonal Impact of Major Tournaments

Blask’s report points to an intriguing seasonal pattern. During major national-team tournaments such as the 2022 World Cup, UEFA EURO 2024, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup, overall fantasy sports demand dips below its typical seasonal baseline. Blask attributes this slump to interruptions in club leagues and the deferral of season-long fantasy formats. Despite these regular pauses, full-year fantasy demand still posted substantial gains, demonstrating resilience in the segment.

"Both the consistency in mature markets and explosive growth in newer territories signal a healthy trajectory for fantasy sports ahead of key seasonal launches," observed a Blask analyst.

Looking Ahead to the 2026/27 Peak Fantasy Season

Blask’s study frames these results in the context of the upcoming peaks in fantasy activity. The Premier League 2026/27 campaign begins 21 August, with the NFL season following on 9 September. For sports operators, product managers, and marketers, these dates represent core engagement windows as validated by the current growth patterns.

Markets wishing to capture upside in fantasy will be following performance in Lithuania, Romania, and Hungary closely, while the stable leadership of the UK and US signals ongoing need for tailored offerings. Meanwhile, platform vendors and data suppliers should monitor evolving demand signals highlighted in Blask’s reporting, including country-level divergences and tournament-cycle volatility.

Implications for iGaming Operators and Vendors

The clear outperformance of fantasy sports suggests operators may want to reassess allocation of marketing, product development, and infrastructure spend relative to traditional iGaming categories. Suppliers targeting international B2B expansion could find significant opportunities in markets where fantasy’s share is rising fastest. For a detailed breakdown of regulatory and product updates in new territories, review our b2b and regulation coverage.

Significantly, Blask’s data highlights that growth in fantasy sports is not limited to major sporting events but rather persists year-round, subject to recognizable seasonal dips tied to national-team tournaments. For stakeholders betting on the sector’s medium-term trajectory, the report offers both reassurance and a roadmap.