Matthew Berry has witnessed a remarkable transformation in fantasy sports—from a niche, “nerdy” pastime to a mainstream industry that now touches sports, entertainment and business circles at every level. In a wide-ranging conversation, Berry describes how the hobby he loves has grown into a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem and how he has navigated its bright lights, high-profile connections and occasional rough edges.
Berry’s career arc reflects the broader arc of fantasy sports itself. He rose to prominence on ESPN from 2007 to 2022 and now appears on NBC Sports and Peacock, where his expertise helps fuel a fan-driven obsession that stretches well beyond Sunday afternoons. He notes the era when fantasy was considered a fringe activity and contrasts it with today’s landscape, where the pastime is intertwined with media deals, celebrity leagues, and high-stakes drafts.
The scale of the fantasy boom is underscored by numbers Berry cites: in 2022, about 62.5 million Americans and Canadians played fantasy sports, a stark jump from roughly 19.4 million in 2007. The growth isn’t just in players; it’s in the culture around fantasy too—the idea that it’s easy to start, hard to master, and subject to the unpredictable quirks of football and life that make the game feel personal and real.
Berry’s world isn’t just about strategy; it’s about access and connections. He reveals a fantasy life that has brought him into rooms and circles that once seemed out of reach: he’s competed in leagues with big-name actors and athletes, and he’s been part of conversations with music and sports power brokers. In one league, he found himself facing off against Avengers stars such as Robert Downey Jr., Ryan Reynolds, Chris Pratt, Chris Hemsworth, and Simu Liu, with trash talk that Berry says was epic and entertaining in equal measure.
There are also lighter, more glamorous moments that highlight how fantasy has permeated popular culture. Berry recounts being summoned to Jay-Z’s fantasy draft to help the rap icon with his picks, a moment that illustrates how far the hobby has traveled from its humble beginnings. He has even drawn on his public persona with a cameo on The Tonight Show and a nod to sports and entertainment crossovers that keep fantasy front and center in the cultural conversation.
Behind the scenes, Berry runs Fantasy Life, a fantasy and gaming company he launched in 2022. The seed round raised about $7 million, drawing participation from a mix of sports owners and former players in addition to entertainment and business allies. Investors included LeBron James and John Legend, along with NFL owner Tony Khan, former star Larry Fitzgerald, Philadelphia 76ers owner David Blitzer, and others. The funding reflects a growing belief that fantasy sports can be a durable platform for fan engagement, media rights, and consumer products.
Berry’s season-ready energy isn’t limited to the draft room. He’s carried his brand into live events, including a Super Bowl radio row appearance and his ongoing “Fantasy Football Happy Hour” sessions with NBC Sports sponsors, where the intersection of sports, media, and sponsorship comes to life in real time. He emphasizes the simple appeal of fantasy—how enjoyable it is to play and how the sport’s unpredictable moments—like a game-changing injury or a late surge by a sleeper—keep fans glued to screens and apps.
Of course, the fantasy boom comes with its share of downsides. Berry and many players have observed a darker side of online fandom: a small percentage of fans who cross lines and direct hostility at athletes during difficult moments. He notes that criticizing a player’s injury or performance can cross into a level of contempt that ignores the real-world impact on the players and their families. Berry urges fans to keep perspective, acknowledging that athletes’ health and livelihoods are at stake, not just fantasy scores.
Despite these cautions, Berry’s outlook remains notably positive. He points to the broader cultural shift toward embracing fantasy as a community-building activity rather than a solitary hobby. He is optimistic about the upcoming NFL season and the continued evolution of his Commanders-watcher perspective, driven by the potential of Jayden Daniels as a quarterback. “He’ll be on all of my teams next year,” Berry says, signaling continued confidence in his players and the enduring appeal of fantasy strategy.
Summary
– Matthew Berry describes fantasy sports as a once-niche hobby that has become a mainstream industry connected to media, entertainment and tech.
– The fantasy-playing population has grown from about 19.4 million in 2007 to roughly 62.5 million in 2022 across the U.S. and Canada.
– Berry’s career spans ESPN and NBC Sports/Peacock, with his Fantasy Life startup receiving significant seed funding from a high-profile group of investors, including LeBron James, John Legend, Tony Khan, Larry Fitzgerald, and David Blitzer.
– He has engaged with a star-studded fantasy ecosystem, including Avengers actors and Jay-Z, and has appeared on high-profile media platforms.
– While online abuse from a small subset of fans is a concern, Berry emphasizes the importance of empathy toward athletes and the real-world stakes behind fantasy performance.
– He closes with renewed optimism about the NFL season and his Commanders, driven by the potential of Jayden Daniels.
Additional value and context
– The growth trajectory of fantasy sports reflects broader trends in sports media: increased fan engagement through fantasy services, real-time data, and cross-platform content that fuels both viewership and sponsor interest.
– The mix of celebrity investors and team owners in Fantasy Life highlights the convergence of sports, entertainment, and tech, which could drive new products, partnerships, and formats for fantasy play.
– For readers, Berry’s career demonstrates how expertise in fantasy sports can translate into media prominence and business opportunities, while also illustrating the responsibilities that come with a highly engaged fan base.
Positive take
– The fantasy sports community appears more inclusive and mainstream than ever, with opportunities for fans to connect with players, teams, and celebrities in innovative ways.
– The ongoing investments and partnerships suggest continued growth, new formats, and more immersive experiences for fans.
Overall, Berry’s story is a testament to how a niche hobby can evolve into a dynamic ecosystem that blends sport, media, and entrepreneurship, while reminding fans to keep sportsmanship and respect at the center of competition.