THE COMMISSIONER’S PLAYBOOK
A GUIDE TO CREATING THE FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE OF YOUR DREAMS-AND A LEGACY THAT LASTS
Foreword by Field Yates
Build More Than a League—Build a Legacy
The Commissioner’s Playbook is the ultimate guide for anyone passionate about fantasy football and eager to create a league that’s more than just a game. It’s not just about settings and scoring—it’s about connection, community, and crafting unforgettable experiences that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re starting your first league or looking to breathe new life into a long-standing one, this book is your blueprint for transforming your fantasy league into something extraordinary.
What Makes The Commissioner’s Playbook Different?
Commissioner-Focused,
Culture-Driven
Yes, you’ll get expert advice on rules, scoring, and league formats—but this book goes further. It’s a deep dive into how commissioners shape league identity, inspire engagement, and create lasting bonds.
Built for Every
Fantasy Football Fan
While designed with commissioners in mind, The Commissioner’s Playbook is packed with ideas, inspiration, and practical tips for anyone who wants to enrich their league experience.
Actionable and Inspirational
With real-world examples, creative ideas, and a customizable League Constitution Template, this book balances the nuts and bolts of running a league with the heart and soul of why we play in the first place.
What’s Inside?
Across eight immersive sections, you’ll discover:
How to build an inclusive, connected league culture
Scoring systems, rule variations, and innovative trade policies
Draft-day themes, live events, and unforgettable traditions
Creative ideas for trash talk, punishments, newsletters, and podcasts
Conflict resolution, league finances, and long-term sustainability
Ways to leave a legacy through charity, tradition, and community impact
Real-life stories from legendary leagues—both grassroots and high-profile
Special Features Include:
150+ Last Place Punishment Ideas
125+ Creative Ways to Set Draft Order
How to Host the Ultimate Fantasy Draft
Unique League Awards & Honors
Sample League Constitution Template
Spotlights on Award-Winning Leagues & Commissioners
Who It’s For:
Commissioners looking to lead with clarity, creativity, and heart
Fantasy football veterans who want to take their league to the next level
League members who care about connection and culture
Content creators, analysts, and fantasy industry pros who celebrate the magic of the game
More Than Just a Game
From the introduction:
"This book was born from a love of the game—but more than that, from a belief in what a fantasy football league can become when it’s built with heart, creativity, and purpose."
From the conclusion:
"Fantasy football is the vehicle—but the destination is friendship, fun, and lasting connection. So go out and build something amazing. Make your league unforgettable. Make it yours."
Are you ready to elevate
your league?
Get The Commissioner’s Playbook—and start building something legendary!
PRAISE FOR THE COMMISSIONER’S PLAYBOOK
“You don’t write a book like this because you like fantasy football. You write it because you love it. Kevin Murray lives the Commish Life—and he understands what the fantasy football experience is really all about.
Kevin is one of the most enthusiastic, welcoming, and inventive commissioners I know—and this book captures the heart, hustle, and wisdom he’s poured into fantasy football for years.
Being a commissioner is a tough gig, but this book makes it easy. Look, the whole point of playing fantasy football is to have fun. Otherwise, what’s the point? And if you can’t make your league more fun after reading this book... you might be dead inside.”
— Matthew Berry, Founder of Fantasy Life, NBC Sports Senior Fantasy Analyst, and New York Times Best-Selling Author
“Our League of Record isn’t just where we play—it’s where we compete, connect, lord over our rivals after a successful waiver wire claim, and create lifelong memories. It’s heartbreak, hilarity, and that perfect blend of chaos and camaraderie that keeps us coming back.
Kevin Murray understands how special the fantasy league experience is—as much as anyone we know. He’s poured years of passion, creativity, and commissioner wisdom into this book.
The Commissioner’s Playbook is about building something unforgettable. A league built to last. It’s about connection, tradition, and celebrating what truly matters, beyond the game itself.
If you want to create the kind of chaos-fueled joy we experience in our own league—this is the perfect place to start.”
— Andy, Mike & Jason, The Fantasy Footballers
"Kevin Murray’s enthusiasm for the game within the game is the best kind of contagious. Full of joy, heart, and positivity, The Commissioner’s Playbook captures the passion of the fantasy community with ease and glory. More than just a guide, TCP highlights the best parts of the virtual game—serving up strategy while never forgetting to have fun. Kevin’s honest and inventive approach is motivating, engaging, and brilliantly fuels the flames of fantasy football fandom."
— Liz Loza, Fantasy Sports Writer & Analyst, ESPN
“There is no person in the entire fantasy sports industry more qualified to create a guide for being a commissioner. Kevin is simply the best at it—from creative ways to run a league, to fun elements that can be added, to creating something truly special for the people involved.
He has a unique way of not just helping newer commissioners with the basics, but also showing veteran commissioners how to take their leagues to the next level.”
— Scott Fish, Founder of Fantasy Cares and The Scott Fish Bowl
“Home leagues are the backbone of fantasy football, and the commissioner is the one who sets the tone. Kevin Murray has crafted an essential guide for anyone serious about building a league that lasts.
The Commissioner’s Playbook is more than a handbook—it’s a blueprint for leadership, culture, and lasting fun.”
— Joe Bryant, Co-Founder of Footballguys
If you are a fantasy football commissioner, the resources below were made for you. A unique fantasy football league takes thought, dedication, and planning. The resources below will be here for you as you build your league into the fantasy football league of your dreams.
COMMISSIONER RESOURCES
