2026–27 · ESPN H2H points · 11 managers / 12 teams
THELABFANTASY BASKETBALL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 · 6 P.M. ET

Your roster.
Your $200.

ESPN salary draft. Thirteen players. Every manager can bid on every available player.

DRAFT NIGHTOCT 10 6 PM ET

Saturday · Salary draft

DRAFT BUDGET$200

Virtual money · 13 players

WAIVER BUDGET$100

Separate season-long budget

THE LEAGUE11 / 12

One manager spot open

THE BIDDING

How does a salary draft work?

Everyone starts with $200 in virtual money to draft 13 players. Managers take turns nominating an available player; everyone can bid. The highest bidder wins and pays that amount. Keep at least $1 for each other empty roster spot. Make a price list before the draft, and stop bidding when a player exceeds your limit.

With $40 left and five spots to fill, your maximum bid is $36: reserve $1 for each of the other four spots.

ESPN reference
THE ROSTER

Which positions do we draft?

Draft 13 players: ten active slots and three bench spots. The active lineup is PG, SG, SF, PF, C, G, F and three UTIL. G accepts eligible guards; F accepts eligible forwards; UTIL accepts any position. Follow each player's ESPN position tags. Multi-position players make lineups easier to fill. ESPN caps primary-position centers at four. The extra IR slot is for eligible injured players, not a fourteenth draft pick.

Fill the narrow position slots first when setting a lineup. Save flexible players for G, F and UTIL where possible.

ESPN reference
BEFORE THE CLOCK STARTS

Five tips for your first season

  1. Try an ESPN salary-cap mock draft before Saturday.
  2. Set player price limits before the bidding starts.
  3. Prioritize reliable minutes and roles over a famous name.
  4. Check injuries and set your lineup every day.
  5. Use your pickup budget on players who improve your active lineup.

Your draft builds the roster. Daily lineup decisions turn that roster into points.

ESPN reference
Open the ESPN league Practice in a mock draft