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DIY Fantasy Football Draftboard
This blog was updated on March 20th, 2025
The most essential part of a fantasy football draft party is the fantasy football draft board. It is the centerpiece of the entire event. Therefore, you want a draft board that is fun, unique, and represents your fantasy football league.
Creating your own draft board is fun and it will only take about an hour of your time to complete. Did I mention that you can also fold it up and reuse it next year?
Why a DIY Fantasy Football Draft Board is a Game Changer
When it comes to hosting a fantasy football draft party, the draft board is undeniably the centerpiece. It's not just a functional tool; it's a representation of your league's personality and creativity. A draft board offers a personal touch, showcasing your commitment to the league and the spirit of friendly competition. While you could buy a pre-made board, nothing beats the satisfaction of having a custom-made creation that reflects the uniqueness of your group.
Plus, the best part is that you can re-use it every year. So, this is an investment in fun memories, year after year! The DIY aspect lets you add personal flair to every corner—whether it’s the team names, colors, or even a creative title that’s specific to your league. It’s one of those details that makes the draft night feel all the more exciting.
Supplies Needed:
- 36x48 Poster Board
- One Inch Thick Masking Tape
- Colored Printer Paper (to designate player’s positions)
- Poster Marker
- Alphabet Stickers (optional)
- Scissors/Paper Cutter
- Measuring Tape/Ruler
- Double Sided Tape
- Glass of Wine (optional but encouraged, except while using sharp objects)
6 Steps for Making Your DIY Draft Board
Step One: Measure your rows and columns. I left more room at the top for the league title and team names.
Allow for 5 inches at the top. My first column measured 2.5 inches and the following ten columns measured 4.5 inches. Each of my 16 rows measured 2 inches.
This allowed me to create a 10 team board with 16 draft rounds.
Important Note: Allow for an extra inch for the masking tape when measuring.
Step Two: Start taping your lines! You’ll want to start at the top where your leagues title will be. After you complete your rows you can start creating the columns.
I had the idea to use tape because it would keep all the lines straight and even.
Step Three: Once you have finished taping the board you can begin to write in the draft rounds in the far left column.
Step Four: Finish the board off with the league title and team names!
Step Five: Now that the board is finished you can move on to player cards. It is nice to have these cards color coded by position to help speed up the selection process.
There are six total positions (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, DEF) so you will need six different colored printer paper.
Step Six: Cut the player cards to 1x4 Inches.
How to Customize Your Fantasy Football Draft Board
The fun part of a DIY project is the customization! You don’t have to stick to the basic layout; there are so many ways to make the board unique. Consider adding some personal touches like:
- League Title: Pick a creative, funny, or bold title for your league that will set the tone for the season.
- Team Logos or Mascots: If your league has its own mascots or team logos, these can be added near the team names for a more professional look.
- Color Coding for Player Cards: As you go through the player draft, color coding each player card by position makes it easy for participants to see their options quickly, which keeps the draft flowing smoothly.
- Player Rankings: If your league has certain rules or rankings (e.g., PPR rankings), add a small section to the side of the board for easy reference.
Personalizing the board makes it feel more like your draft, and it brings a sense of fun and excitement that enhances the whole experience.
Wrapping Up: The Ultimate Fantasy Football Draft Party Experience
Now that your draft board is set up and your player cards are ready to go, it’s time to kick back and enjoy the event! A DIY draft board isn’t just a tool for organizing picks—it’s part of the celebration. The right atmosphere makes all the difference, so make sure to have plenty of snacks, drinks, and a solid playlist to keep things lively. And of course, no fantasy football draft party is complete without the perfect wine to enjoy with friends.
For a truly memorable draft night, I recommend serving up some Murphy-Goode wines. The Pinot Noir, with its vibrant fruit character and smooth finish, pairs perfectly with all the excitement and energy of your draft. If you’re looking for something bolder, the Cabernet Sauvignon delivers rich, full-bodied flavors that will impress any wine lover. And for those seeking something crisp and refreshing, the Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice to keep things light and breezy throughout the night. No matter which varietal you choose, Murphy-Goode’s wines are sure to keep your party going strong and make the night even more enjoyable.
Cheers to an exciting fantasy football season—and may the best team win!
