RUNYOURPOOL ALTERNATIVE
Game Day Without the Baggage
Run pick em contests built for friends. Fast web join. Mobile-first hosting made simple.
At a glance
Sportsball is a mobile-first alternative to RunYourPool and Splash for office and friend-group pools: instant setup, automatic scoring, and native app push notifications. Create a full-season NFL pick'em league ($9.99 for the full season or $1.99/week for the host; players join free)—players sign in to join—or run squares where web guests can join with just a name. Sportsball never touches entry fees, only jelly beans.
Updated July 2026
RunYourPool and Splash have pivoted toward real-money contests with entry fees and eligibility rules—Sportsball never touches entry fees, only jelly beans. For season-long NFL pick'em, see our NFL pick'em league overview.
Why Switch from RunYourPool?
The Old Way (RunYourPool)
• Complex login systems
• Desktop-focused interface
• Multiple steps to start
• App downloads required
The Sportsball Way
• Join with one tap
• Mobile-first experience
• Pool ready in 30 seconds
• Works in any browser
Built for Modern Game Day
Easy Join
Web guests join public squares with just a name. Private NFL pick'em leagues use sign-in—still one link, no separate pool-site account.
Mobile-First Design
Built for phones from day one. Perfect experience whether you're on the couch or at the game.
Private Leagues
Keep it between colleagues, family, and friends. Your pool, your rules, your circle.
Instant Setup
From idea to live pool in under 30 seconds. No complex menus or endless configuration.
Share Anywhere
QR codes for in-person sharing, links for group chats. Works however you want to invite.
Mobile-First Experience
Designed for how people actually use their phones. No more pinching and zooming on tiny desktop interfaces—every screen, button, and interaction is built for thumbs-first navigation.
- Create — Spin up a pick'em league or squares game in under 30 seconds.
- Share — Send a link or show a QR code wherever your group hangs out.
- Join — Squares guests enter a name on the web; private NFL pick'em players sign in from your invite link.
- Start picking — Everyone makes picks on their phone while scoring runs automatically.
What players say
Finally, a pool that just works!
Join thousands who've switched from complex pool software to simple, fun game day experiences. Loved by casual and serious players alike.
FAQ
Do players need to create accounts to join my pool?
It depends on the game. Public squares and global challenges on the web: tap the link, enter a display name, and play—no account. Private NFL pick'em leagues: players sign in to join (the host may see email on the roster). That's still far less friction than RunYourPool's player logins.
How is Sportsball different from RunYourPool?
Sportsball is built mobile-first from the ground up, with fast web join for public games and sign-in only where needed for private NFL pick'em leagues, instant pool creation in under 30 seconds, and a clean interface without complex menus. We focus on making game day fun rather than managing complicated software.
Can I switch from RunYourPool mid-season?
Yes! You can create a new pool on Sportsball at any point during the season. While we don't import historical data from other platforms, you can start fresh with your existing group using our simple invite system.
Is Sportsball free to use?
Playing is always free. Creating a private full-season NFL pick em league costs $9.99 for the full season or $1.99/week for the host (preseason trial free; payment at slate launch); other private games may have a small one-time publish fee shown before you publish. Players never pay entry fees.
What types of pools can I create?
You can create football pick em pools, Super Bowl squares, NFL weekly pick em, baseball pools, and custom sports prediction games. All with automatic scoring and real-time updates.
Ready to Ditch the Complexity?
See why thousands have switched from RunYourPool to Sportsball for their game day pools.