Fantasy sports leagues are big business, estimated to reach over $80 billion by 2031. A hot trend is destination drafts by fantasy football leagues, with team owners going to popular resorts in the Bahamas, Mexico and Las Vegas.
La Zebra Tulum
If you are in a fantasy football league, you can now make your draft day special with a destination draft. The leagues are already big business, and the travel industry is seeking to gain a share of that pie with dedicated fantasy draft weekends.
According to Mondor Intelligence, the Fantasy Sports Market is estimated at $42.4 billion and expected to grow to $80.3 billion by 2031. American football accounts for 74.9% of that activity.
Baha Mar in the Bahamas will host its 3rd Annual ESPN Fantasy Football Ultimate Draft Weekend, August 21 through 24, 2026.
There will be beach-combined activities, a draft-prep cocktail party, dinner with talent from ESPN, and, of course, a celebration party.
Joining the fray for the first time this year is La Zebra in Tulum, a member of Small Luxury Hotels.
The Draft at La Zebra is “a premier destination event designed for leagues looking to elevate their fantasy draft experience.”
The event runs August 27 through August 31, 2026.
Former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan will headline the event.
Each league gets its own dedicated draft room.
Social activities are centered around “Tulum’s largest beachfront sports bar,” the resort calls “the ultimate hub for gameday viewing and post-draft celebrations.”
Team owners can also relax and recharge at the resort’s spa or retreat to the nearby PGA Riviera Maya golf course to work on their fairway skills.
Secretary of Tourism Bernardo Cueto Riesto says, “We are delighted to host this prestigious fantasy football event in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. Bringing an iconic figure like Rex Ryan to La Zebra in Tulum highlights our commitment to attracting world-class experiences that showcase the very best of Quintana Roo.”
A spokesperson for the hotel adds, “The Draft at La Zebra is about more than just picking a roster—it’s about the camaraderie of the league.”
Baha Mar and La Zebra are far from alone.
Just today, BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy announced a Vegas Fantasy Draft sweepstakes.
Members who link their Bonvoy loyalty accounts with their BetMGM accounts can win a draft weekend in Las Vegas hosted by actor and comedian Rob Riggle.
The trip includes a two-night stay at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, round-trip flights for up to 12 guests, and a $4,000 MGM Resorts credit for dining and spa experiences.
BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost says, “Creating legendary experiences for our players is at the core of what we do. We’re building on the momentum and success of last year’s Vegas Fantasy Draft with Marriott Bonvoy as we bring fans another unforgettable weekend.”
Meanwhile, Draft Nation is inviting leagues to “draft like an all-star, party like a rock star” August 20 through 22, 2026, at Circa Resort & Casino, also in Las Vegas.
Former NFL stars, including Adrian Peterson, Jeff Garcia, and Earl Thomas, will join sports media personalities, including Michelle Beadle and betting analyst Jen Piacenti. Over 1,000 participants will draft from poolside cabanas in front of a 143-foot screen at Stadium Swim.