Cost to Develop an App Like FanDuel: Everything You Need to Know

Key Takeaways:

• With the market projected to exceed $78.5 billion by 2030, now is the ideal time to invest in a fantasy sports app like FanDuel and tap into this booming industry.

• Fantasy sports app like FanDuel can cost between $30,000 and $80,000+, depending on features, platforms, and complexity of the app.

• The expenses of Fantasy sports app like FanDuel depends on UI/UX design, backend tech stack, third-party integrations, platform choice, and team location.

• Top revenue streams include entry fees, in-app purchases, ads, subscriptions, and brand sponsorships, ensuring long-term business viability.

• From MVP to launch, JPLoft provides custom, scalable, and monetization-ready FanDuel fantasy sports apps tailored to your business vision.

The cost to develop an app like FanDuel is one of the most common questions among entrepreneurs and sports tech startups in 2025. With the global fantasy sports market projected to reach $78.5 billion by 2030, building your own fantasy platform is more promising than ever. 

But here’s the big question: how much does it cost to build a fantasy sports app that actually competes with giants like FanDuel? On average, the development cost of a FanDuel like app ranges between $30,000 to $80,000+, depending on features, platform, and tech complexity. 

In this blog, we’ll break it all down to help you plan smart and launch with confidence.

What is the Fanduel App?

The FanDuel app is a leading fantasy sports and real-money gaming platform that allows users to participate in daily fantasy sports contests and online betting. Launched in 2009, it has become a major player in the fantasy sports industry, offering games across NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.

Unlike traditional fantasy leagues that span entire seasons, FanDuel focuses on daily and weekly contests, giving users quicker results and more engagement. 

Players can draft virtual teams, enter paid contests, and win real cash based on real-world player performance.

Some standout features that make FanDuel a fan favorite: real-time score updates, intuitive team drafting, secure payment integration, live chat support, player performance tracking, and personalized contest recommendations based on user behavior.

In addition to fantasy sports, FanDuel also provides sports betting, horse racing, and online casino games, depending on regional legality. 

With millions of users and a sleek user experience, FanDuel has set the standard for modern fantasy gaming platforms. 

It makes this app a top reference point for those looking to develop a fantasy sports app of their own.

How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App Like FanDuel?

The cost to build an app like FanDuel can vary widely depending on your app’s features, complexity, platform (iOS, Android, or both), and the development team's location. 

On average, the cost to develop a fantasy sports app ranges between $30,000 to $80,000+, depending on the app’s complexity.

If you’re building a basic version with essential features like user registration, team creation, real-time score updates, and payment integration, the cost remains on the lower end. 

But for an advanced FanDuel-style app with real-money gaming, live analytics, custom APIs, and a sleek UI/UX, costs increase significantly.

Keep in mind, this is just the development part. Ongoing maintenance, marketing, and legal compliance can also add to the total budget. Here’s a simplified cost breakdown:

The final cost depends on your app’s vision, goals, and target audience. To make the most of your budget, it’s crucial to choose the best mobile app development company and prioritize the features that matter most. A well-planned MVP can also help you launch faster and scale smartly.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Build an App Like FanDuel

If you’re wondering how much does it cost to build a fantasy sports app like FanDuel, the answer depends on multiple interconnected factors. 

From core features to design complexity and platform choices, each decision directly influences your budget, timeline, and scalability.

Whether you're planning a basic MVP or a fully-loaded real-money platform, this guide will help you understand the cost to develop an app like FanDuel and what really drives it.

Let’s break it down:

1. App Features & Functionalities

At the heart of any fantasy platform are the features. 

The more dynamic and user-centric your features are, the higher your FanDuel app development cost. Basic functions like user login, team creation, and live scores are a must-have. 

But if you want to build a fantasy sports app like FanDuel with cash contests, leaderboards, and real-time stats, your budget will naturally rise. 

Advanced features of fantasy sports apps like multi-league support, in-app chat, push notifications, or integration with live match data add both power and cost.

2. UI/UX Design Complexity

A great fantasy sports app design is not just about looks, it’s about delivering smooth, intuitive experiences across devices. 

The cost to create an app like FanDuel significantly depends on how visually engaging and user-friendly the design is.

Simple app wireframes and basic prototyping are budget-friendly, but adding custom UI elements, micro-interactions, animations, and responsive layouts across iOS, Android, and tablets will raise your design budget.

3. Platform Choice (Android, iOS, Web)

The cost to build an app like FanDuel depends on how many platforms you want to launch on. Starting with a single platform (say Android) is cost-efficient. 

But for wider reach and user accessibility, you’ll likely need Android + iOS, and maybe even web versions.

If you want to compete with the best fantasy sports apps, multi-platform support is very essential.

4. Backend Development & Tech Stack

Your backend powers everything from user management to scoring algorithms. 

A scalable, cloud-based architecture using AWS, Firebase, Node.js, and MongoDB ensures performance, but adds to your FanDuel clone app development cost.

Also, if you plan to include real-time updates, large user volume handling, and payment processing, you’ll need a strong backend stack as it is one of the biggest fantasy sports app development challenges while developing an app. 

5. Third-Party Integrations

Want live match data, payment gateways, social sharing, or real-time notifications? These integrations enhance functionality but often come with recurring costs or per-use pricing. Choosing wisely is key to managing your cost to make an app like FanDuel.

To implement them efficiently, it’s smart to hire dedicated developers who can ensure seamless integration and long-term scalability.

6. Location of Development Team

Your development team's region directly impacts the overall cost to develop a fantasy sports app like FanDuel. However, if you're looking to save without compromising on quality, partnering with skilled developers from India or Eastern Europe can offer the best value. 

Partnering a mobile app development company in Denver or any other region with a higher cost of living can naturally lead to increased development expenses.

7. Role of AI & Machine Learning

If you're looking for smarter engagement, integrating AI-based suggestions, behavior analysis, or voice commands can future-proof your app. The role of AI in sports apps is growing fast, especially for real-time insights and personalized recommendations.

But these features are not cheap and will affect the overall cost to create a fantasy sports app like FanDuel. To make the most of these capabilities, many businesses now partner with specialized AI development services to build intelligent, scalable, and user-centric app experiences.

8. Maintenance & Post-Launch Support

The launch is only the beginning. Every FanDuel-like app needs regular app maintenance services, security checks, bug fixes, and updates. Most firms charge 10–20% of the original development cost annually for maintenance.

This ongoing support is critical if you want to stay ahead of fantasy sports app trends and keep your users engaged.

In 2025, the cost of fantasy sports app development is not just about coding, it's about delivering secure, engaging, and scalable solutions. So if you're serious about stepping into the fantasy sports arena, plan smartly and invest wisely.

How to Reduce the Cost to Develop an App Like FanDuel?

Building a fantasy sports app can be expensive, but smart planning can help you save big. Here are some practical tips to reduce the cost to make an app like FanDuel without cutting corners:

• Start with a basic MVP: Instead of going all-in from the beginning, start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that includes only core features. This lowers your initial cost to make an app like FanDuel and helps test user feedback early on.

• Use pre-built modules: Rather than developing every feature from scratch, use ready-made APIs or SDKs for things like live scores, payment gateways, and notifications. This saves time and money.

• Outsource smartly: Consider partnering with development teams in regions offering quality work at competitive rates. Just make sure they have experience in fantasy sports apps.

• Focus on scalable tech: Choose technologies that are scalable from the start. It prevents expensive rebuilds down the road when your app starts growing.

• Avoid unnecessary features: Fancy extras like AI voice assistants or advanced analytics are nice-to-have, but not always essential at launch. Add them later as your budget allows.

By following these steps, you can better manage your cost while still building a powerful and engaging platform. It would be perfect for anyone looking to start an online fantasy sports business with a smart budget.

Revenue Models For Fantasy Sports App Like FanDuel

If you're planning to create an app like FanDuel, understanding how apps like FanDuel make money is absolutely essential. 

The great news is these platforms use multiple revenue streams to keep cash flowing, smartly and sustainably.

Let’s break down the most common and profitable fantasy sports app monetization models used by apps like FanDuel:

► Entry Fees & Contest Charges

At the heart of it all is this model, users pay a small entry fee to join contests, and the platform takes a fixed commission from the total pool. It’s simple, effective, and the core engine of many fantasy sports platforms.

► In-App Purchases

From premium statistics and real-time player updates to virtual coins or boost features, in-app purchases offer extra value to users while generating extra income for the app.

► Ad-Based Revenue

Showing banner ads, video ads, or sponsored content is a great way to monetize your user base, especially if you’re offering free-to-play contests. You can hire mobile app developers to integrate high-performing ad networks without hampering user experience.

► Subscription Plans

Some users want more, VIP access, deeper insights, or early contest entries. Offer them monthly or yearly plans, and you’ve got yourself a recurring revenue model. It’s a smart choice for consistent earnings.

► Sponsorships & Brand Deals

Whether it’s a sportswear brand or a beverage company, sponsorships help fantasy sports apps earn big and grow visibility. Partnering with relevant brands can open up exclusive monetization avenues.

So, if you're wondering how to balance your cost to develop a fantasy sports app, this is it, choosing the right combination of monetization models. The goal is to not just build the app, but to keep it profitable and scalable from day one.

Let JPLoft Turn Your Fantasy Sports App Idea into Reality

If you're ready to build the next big thing in fantasy sports, JPLoft is here to help. As a trusted fantasy sports app development company, we specialize in creating high-performance, scalable, and user-friendly apps tailored to your business goals. 

Whether you want to replicate the FanDuel model or craft something unique, our experienced team has the tools and talent to bring your vision to life. From UI/UX to backend systems and monetization integration, we handle it all, on time and within your budget.

Ready to start your journey? With us, you don't just develop an app, you build a business.

Final Wrap-Up

Building a successful fantasy sports platform requires more than just an idea, it demands strategy, smart budgeting, and the right development partner. 

By understanding the cost to develop an app like FanDuel, planning your features wisely, and choosing the right revenue models, you can set your app up for long-term success.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or an established business looking to start your sports business, this is the perfect time to dive in. Choose your developers wisely, plan efficiently, and don’t be afraid to innovate. 

The fantasy sports world is full of opportunities, make your move now.