Last Updated: 06/01/2026
FootballFives leagues are designed as a long-form fantasy experience, not a one-night draft event.
With 32 teams spread across multiple time zones, organising a single draft date and time can be difficult. A slow draft removes that problem entirely and allows the season to begin much earlier.
What Is a Slow Draft?
Instead of drafting all teams in one live session, picks are made individually over time. Each pick has a set timer, and the draft runs during fixed daily hours to avoid overnight picks.
This allows managers to draft at their own pace without needing to be online at a specific time.
Why FootballFives Uses This Format
A slow draft:
Works fairly across UK and US time zones
Fits around work, family, and busy schedules
Removes pressure and missed picks
Turns the NFL offseason into part of the experience
Drafting begins in May and runs through training camp and preseason, keeping leagues active well before the NFL season starts.
Strategy & Risk
Drafting early or late comes with different advantages.
Some managers will draft earlier with less information, while others will benefit from training camp and preseason news. These trade-offs are intentional and considered part of the competition.
NFL injuries, depth chart changes, and roster moves that occur during the draft are treated as part of the game.
How Long the Draft Runs
With 32 teams and 8 roster spots, there are 256 total picks.
With a 4-hour timer and daily pauses, the draft progresses steadily and is expected to complete before the NFL regular season begins.
Final Note
FootballFives is built around engagement, strategy, and community.
The slow draft format supports that by creating a fair, flexible, and long-running experience for everyone involved.
Football Fives leagues are hosted on the Sleeper platform. Football Fives is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sleeper.