A recent survey commissioned by Qlik reveals that artificial intelligence is increasingly integral to how Americans manage their fantasy football teams. The study, which surveyed 1,000 U.S. fantasy football players, shows that 72% of participants rely on AI for roster decisions. Notably, nearly one-third would entrust the technology to manage their teams entirely. Among players aged 35 to 44, this preference for full AI control rises to 45%, indicating a generational shift in comfort with automation.
Trust and Competitive Concerns
While only 13% of respondents view the use of AI in fantasy football as cheating, 44% express concern that widespread AI adoption could diminish competitive advantages by leveling the playing field. This sentiment reflects similar dynamics in professional environments, where access to AI tools is becoming ubiquitous, and competitive differentiation relies heavily on the quality of data and execution.
Interestingly, the survey highlights that 52% of respondents admit to managing their fantasy teams during work hours. Despite this, 42% feel more comfortable utilizing AI in their professional tasks than in fantasy leagues. This finding challenges the assumption that personal technology adoption directly influences workplace behavior, suggesting that professional contexts may foster stronger incentives and frameworks for trusting AI.
Primary Applications of AI
Fans are primarily turning to AI for structured, high-impact decisions. The top uses include weekly lineup choices at 20%, draft moves at 19%, draft preparation at 18%, and trade evaluations at 16%. Only 9% reported using AI for creative purposes such as team names or banter, underscoring that technology is most trusted in areas where outcomes are clear and measurable.
The survey also indicates a generational divide in attitudes towards AI. Younger and mid-career fans are more inclined to allow AI to take the lead, while older players remain hesitant. Just 12% of respondents over 55 years old would let AI run their team, compared to nearly half of those aged 35 to 44.
Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik, noted, “Fantasy football may be a game, but it is also a low-risk, high-interest environment where people reveal how they will engage with AI in more serious contexts.” He emphasized that success in both fantasy sports and business depends not just on access to AI but also on the ability to provide quality data, interpret results, and make informed decisions.
As AI adoption progresses, fantasy football may act as a cultural barometer for how Americans navigate trust, oversight, and competitive advantage—both on the field and in the workplace.