Fan Voting Draft System for Player Selection and Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for player selection in sports leagues, such as the NFL, do not effectively involve fans and lack a mechanism for providing financial support to retired players, limiting fan engagement and support for former athletes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system and method that allows fans to participate in the draft selection process by voting for undrafted free agents, with the selected players potentially being signed by teams and contributing to a financial safety net for retired players through sponsor funding and revenue sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fans are allowed to vote for draft selections, then fan engagement is improved, but the complexity of the draft selection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The draft selection process is segmented into multiple independent voting rounds, with each round focusing on a specific set of players or positions. This allows fan engagement to be maintained through interactive voting while managing complexity by breaking down the overall process into smaller, more manageable segments that can be processed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A computer system acts as an intermediary between fans and the draft selection process. The system receives votes from fans, processes them according to predetermined rules, and generates draft selections. This intermediary handles the complexity of vote aggregation, validation, and selection logic, keeping the fan interface simple while enabling sophisticated engagement mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If multiple voting rounds are conducted, then player selection precision is improved, but the time required for the draft process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Player performance metrics, team needs assessments, and draft selection rules are predetermined and prepared in advance of the voting process. This preliminary preparation allows multiple voting rounds to be conducted efficiently, as the framework for evaluation is already in place, reducing the time required for each round while maintaining selection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The draft selection process operates continuously through multiple voting rounds without interruption. Votes are processed in real-time or near-real-time, with results from one round immediately informing the next round. This continuous operation maintains selection precision through iterative refinement while minimizing total process time by eliminating idle periods between rounds.
3Quantity of substance
If teams can sign undrafted free agents, then player availability increases, but the financial risk for teams increases
Solution Approach 1:
Teams are given the option to sign undrafted free agents without being forced to do so. The system provides access to additional players beyond the formal draft, but teams can selectively pursue only those players who match their needs and budget constraints. This partial action approach increases player availability for teams while allowing them to limit their financial exposure by choosing only selective signings rather than being obligated to sign all available undrafted players.
Data Source
AI summary
A fan-based draft is disclosed whereby fans select an 8th round draft choice pursuant to a pre-designated voting structure within a reality show format. Fans select players from an eligible pool. NFL teams draft an 8th round choice based on fan selection. The player participates in the team's pre-season training. The player receives an incentive such as a signing bonus. The incentive is paid by the show and/or sponsor(s). Team expenses related to pre-season training are also paid by the show and/or sponsor(s). The player is eligible for a space on the team roster and/or a long-term contract; however the team is not required to provide either. A portion of profits earned are invested into a retired player's fund.