First-Ever Fantasy Football Draft Live at 35,000 Feet via United and Starlink

United Airlines has brought fantasy football into the skies, hosting what it describes as the first-ever fantasy football draft live from an aircraft at 35,000 feet thanks to a collaboration between ESPN, United, and Disney Advertising.

ESPN host Tyler Fulghum was chosen to make the picks live from aboard the United flight powered by Starlink Wi-Fi. On the ground, fellow colleagues drafted from ESPN’s Bristol campus.

“This experience is going to be awesome, showcasing the speed and ease of Starlink Wi-Fi,” Fulghum said before the big event.

“Fantasy football fans will learn that drafting your team is possible literally anywhere. Even league commissioners trying to coordinate and schedule drafts will be happier knowing your league mates can’t use travel as an excuse anymore!”

The airline highlighted the success of the live event in a social media post, encouraging viewers to tune in to ESPN to see the draft taking place during a flight.

The event was made possible by United's rollout of Starlink Wi-Fi, which the airline says provides fast and reliable connectivity while passengers are in the air. The service allows travelers to stay connected to major live events and online activities even during flights.

United is continuing to expand Starlink across its fleet and expects the service to be available on nearly 1,000 aircraft by the end of 2026.

Starlink internet on United flights. Photo: United Airlines

A major feature of United's Starlink service is that it is available free of charge to MileagePlus members.

“This activation with United Airlines marks the beginning of a great season to come,” commented Danielle Brown, Senior Vice President, Sports Brand Solutions at Disney Advertising. Brown added the event "proves how powerful best-in-class content and technology truly can be."

The fantasy football draft provided a high-profile demonstration of that capability, with the event taking place onboard an aircraft at cruising altitude.

United's Starlink rollout is continuing across its fleet, with the airline targeting nearly 1,000 Starlink-equipped aircraft by the end of the year.