You didn’t sign up for a typical fantasy league. And the FUBU League draft? Yeah — that’s not typical either.

This year, the league is throwing tradition out the window and rolling with a two-part draft system that’s as creative as it is strategic. It’s bold, it’s different, and it just might be the future for deeper, more complex dynasty formats.

Here’s what you need to know.

Part One: The Auction Draft (Rounds 1–5)

We kick things off with an auction draft for the first five rounds. This means every manager gets a chance to bid on any player — no waiting your turn in a snake and hoping your guy doesn’t get snatched two picks ahead of you.

Each manager starts with a set amount of draft-only FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget) — separate from your in-season waiver budget — that you’ll use to bid on players. This auction FAAB is a one-time pool just for the draft. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, but it won’t affect your ability to compete on the waiver wire during the season.

Here’s how it works:

• A player is nominated for bidding by a manager (nomination order is randomly determined).

• Once nominated, every team has a chance to bid, raising the price until someone wins the player.

• The winning bidder spends the amount from their auction FAAB and adds that player to their roster.

• This process continues until every team has drafted five players.

It’s part poker, part chess. Do you go big early and grab your cornerstone superstar? Or do you play it cool, wait for value, and scoop up mid-tier studs while others blow their budget?

The auction format levels the playing field and rewards preparation and strategy. No more watching players fall off the board while you wait your turn — if you want someone, go get them.

Part Two: The Slow Snake Draft (Rounds 6-15)

Once every team has their first five players, the league hits pause. Then we shift into a slow snake draft to fill out the rest of each roster.

This portion will unfold over several days, giving managers time to think through picks and respond to changing draft boards. It’s a more relaxed, thoughtful pace — perfect for the kind of roster construction that dynasty leagues demand.

Here’s the twist:

The order of the snake draft will be based on how much auction FAAB each team has left after the first five rounds. The more money you conserve in the auction, the earlier your pick in the snake. It's a subtle but intentional way to reward discipline and give strategic managers a second lane to build out competitive teams.

Why It Matters

Look, I get it. This isn’t the draft format most of you are used to. But the league isn’t trying to be like every other league — and that’s the point.

This structure balances aggression and patience. It gives you a chance to go get your guys without being punished later. And most importantly, it injects agency into roster building. No one’s stuck with the back end of a random snake. Every pick — and every dollar — matters.

Not everyone will love it. That’s the nature of innovation. But the decision wasn’t made on a whim. It reflects what this league is built on: structure, creativity, and giving managers the tools to actually manage.

The first FUBU League draft is going to be a wild ride — and I, for one, can’t wait to see who plays it smart, who plays it bold, and who walks away with the most dangerous roster in the game.

There’s a new Dynasty league on the rise — and it’s changing how we think about defense in fantasy football.

The FUBU League (For Us, By Us) is launching its first season with a bold twist: ditching traditional team defenses in favor of IDP — Individual Defensive Players. And while that might sound intimidating for fantasy managers used to just picking a DST and calling it a day, it’s a move that makes a ton of sense, especially in a league of this scale.

Let’s break it down.

What is IDP?

Instead of drafting an entire team defense (like the 49ers DST or Eagles DST), the FUBU League allows managers to draft actual players on defense — linebackers, safeties, and edge rushers. These defenders earn fantasy points based on what they do individually on the field, not as part of a unit.

This change opens up new layers of strategy and more scoring opportunities — essential in a large, competitive league. More starters on both sides of the ball means more decisions that separate the great teams from the good ones.

How Does IDP Scoring Work?

Here’s the good news: some of the scoring is just like what you’re used to.

Similar to Offensive Players:

• Touchdown: 6 points (yes, defenders can score too)

• Yardage on returns from INTs or fumbles: 1 point for every 10 yards

Now here’s what’s unique to defense:

• Sack: 4 points

• Blocked Kick (any kind): 6 points

• Fumble Recovery: 2 points

• Safety: 10 points (only 5 were recorded league-wide in 2024)

• Pass Defended: 1 point

Then there’s tackling, which can seem complicated at first but is actually pretty intuitive:

• Solo Tackle: 1 point

• Assisted Tackle: 0.5 points

• Tackle for Loss: 3 points

These plays add up — fast.

So, Is It Worth It?

Here’s some perspective. With these settings, Zaire Franklin — the top IDP performer of the 2024 season — would have posted 206.4 fantasy points. That would’ve placed him just behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who finished as the WR30 in most PPR formats.

Translation? A top-tier IDP can absolutely hold their own in your flex spot or even carry you through bye weeks. Ignore IDP at your own risk.

Final Thoughts

The FUBU League is pushing fantasy football into more realistic, more competitive territory — and IDP is a big part of that. While it might feel like a steep learning curve at first, understanding defensive player value will give you an edge most managers won’t be prepared for.

Stay tuned — I’ll be breaking down IDP draft strategy, sleeper defenders, and position-by-position targets all offseason long.

You don’t want to get caught sleeping on this side of the ball.

There’s a new dynasty league making noise, and this one’s built differently — by design.

Introducing the FUBU League: For Us, By Us — a fresh take on fantasy football that combines deep structure, strategic complexity, and a community-first mindset. If you’re tired of cookie-cutter leagues with the same five owners dominating every year, you’ll want to keep reading.

The FUBU League mirrors the NFL in both layout and philosophy. With 32 teams split into 8 divisions across 2 conferences, the league mimics the structure of real football. That means division rivalries. Conference pride. And a playoff chase that feels earned, not handed out.

But what really sets this league apart? IDP — Individual Defensive Players.

Yeah, it’s a shift. Most managers are used to drafting a team defense, plugging them in, and calling it a day. Not here. In the FUBU League, you’ll be drafting real defenders — linebackers, safeties, edge rushers — and they’ll be scoring you points every week. That means every solo tackle, every sack, every fumble recovery becomes a moment that matters.

The reason? Scale. In a league this large, relying on traditional team defenses just wouldn’t cut it. IDP opens up the player pool, balances the competition, and gives you more ways to outmaneuver your opponents. More starters, more strategy, more chances to shine.

And don’t worry — if this is your first time playing with IDPs, you’re not alone. The commissioner is dropping short, digestible videos throughout the offseason to walk you through scoring, draft prep, and more. This isn’t gatekeeping — it’s growth.

Look, I’ve seen a lot of dynasty leagues. Some fall apart by midseason. Some die a slow death from apathy. But the FUBU League? It’s being built with intention. From its structure to its scoring, everything is designed to create long-term engagement and a real sense of ownership.

Even the Year 1 buy-in is low, acknowledging that this is a test run — a foundation-setting season where lessons will be learned and tweaks will be made. That kind of transparency is rare in fantasy, and it speaks volumes.

So if you’re looking for a league that actually rewards smart roster construction, forward thinking, and weekly engagement — and not just luck or name-brand value — this might be the dynasty you’ve been waiting for.

FUBU isn’t just a name. It’s a mindset.

For Us, By Us — and it’s about time.