Overview of NBA Fantasy: Salary Cap Edition for 2026-27 Season

In NBA Fantasy: Salary Cap Edition, participants select 10 players, consisting of five frontcourt players (small forwards, power forwards, centers) and five backcourt players (point guards, shooting guards). Players can select a maximum of two from the same NBA team. For instance, a player could choose Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns from the New York Knicks but not include OG Anunoby.

Every player has a salary that fluctuates based on demand, with the total salary cap set at $100 million. Players aim to earn as many points as possible based on their real-life performance. Points are awarded as follows: one point for each point and rebound, two points for assists, and three points for steals and blocks.

Each Gameday, participants must set a starting lineup of five players, choosing from two formations: either two frontcourt players and three backcourt players or vice versa. Line-ups must be finalized 30 minutes before the first NBA game, but if participants miss this deadline, the system will automatically select starters. Players on the bench can be substituted for starters who do not play due to injury or other reasons, with priorities assigned for substitutions to ensure the best matchups.

To succeed, it's crucial to construct a balanced team that maximizes the use of the $100 million budget. This involves mixing high-salaried players, who often score considerable points, with lower-salaried players that may yield unexpected value. For example, selecting Nikola Jokić ($23 million), Luka Dončić ($21 million), and Victor Wembanyama ($19.5 million) would consume $63.5 million of the budget, leaving an average of $5.2 million for the remaining seven players.

NBA Fantasy: Salary Cap Edition is free to play, requiring only an NBA.com account to join. Players have the option to create private leagues with friends, accommodating up to 25 leagues with no team limits. Familiarity with the NBA can enhance the experience, but it's not necessary to participate; resources and articles will be available throughout the season for reference.