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Part 1: How to Create a League on OpenSports (Web Guide)

Part 1: League Creation

Welcome! This is Part 1 of a three-part guide to help you set up and launch a league on OpenSports. In this part, we’ll walk you through creating your league. In Part 2, we’ll cover how to create and publish a round robin schedule. In Part 3, you’ll create and publish an elimination schedule.

Already created a league? Skip to Part 2, here.

Not doing a round robin schedule? Here’s the elimination schedule guide.

Step 1: Create a Group & Connect to Stripe

Already have a group on OpenSports? Skip to Step 2.

A) Create a Group

  1. Log into your admin account.

  2. Visit the Create a Group page.

  3. Enter your group name and location.

  4. Choose the Full Time Plan and subscribe—your account will be reviewed within 24 hours before you can create a league.

  1. Go to your Group Dashboard, click Settings, click Payment.

  2. Click Link to Bank Account.

  3. Complete the Stripe form to start accepting payments.

Need a breakdown on how to connect your group profile to Stripe? Read this article.

Step 2: Create Your League

A) Create League & League Type

  1. On your Group homepage, click Dashboard, go to the Leagues tab.

  2. Click Create League.

  3. Choose between a one-off league or a multi-season league.

B) Season

  • For multi-season leagues, enter a permanent league name (e.g. Friday Night Coed Soccer) and current season (e.g. Spring 2025).

C) Basic Details

  • Banner photo (displayed in the league list and registration page)

  • League name (auto-filled for multi-season leagues)

  • Format: Round-robin, elimination, or both

  • Description: Promote your league! (Markdown supported)

    • Learn more about markdown here

Additional Settings

  • Youth League: Parents/guardians register youth; rosters hidden

  • Enable Team Chat

D) (Optional) Pools/Divisions

  • Set up divisions (e.g. Pool A/B, East/West) — useful for large leagues

  • Pools can be edited after team sign-ups

E) Key Dates

  • Match Dates: When games will occur

  • Join Team Deadline: Last date for players to join via invite

Tags: Help players filter/find leagues

Step 3: Registration Settings

A) League Privacy

  • Public or Secret (only accessible via link)

B) Registration Limits

  • Max number of teams

  • Max players per team

  • Payment currency

C) Registration Options

Team Registration

  • Captains register their teams

  • Payment options:

    • Captain pays in full

    • Fixed split

    • Custom split

  • Note: We provide a detailed guide and breakdown of all the registration options/ways players can pay here.

Free Agent Registration

  • Players register individually

  • Admin assigns them to teams (popular for youth/adult rec leagues)

Add Multiple Registration Options

  • Early bird, mid-season, split payments, etc.

D) Secret Registrations

  • Hidden from public — only accessible with a private link

  • Great for discounts or exclusive offers

E) Registration Forms: Custom Questions

  • Create custom questions for registration (e.g. T-shirt size)

  • Ability to mark questions as Required

  • Save and preview before launching

F) Registration Dates

  • Set when players can view and register for the league

Step 4: Standings Template & Match Settings

  • Standings Template

    • A standings template defines how standings are structured for a specific league or tournament. Templates are tied to a group and can be managed by admins from the group dashboard or directly through this form.

    • Select either a preset standing template or admins can also create custom templates to fit the unique needs of their competitions.

  • Match Settings

    • Default Match Description (optional)

    • Score Entry:

      • Enable “Captains Can Enter Scores” for self-officiated matches

      • Otherwise, only admins can enter scores

Step 5: Forfeit Configurations

  • Forfeit Configuration: A forfeit configuration controls how forfeits are handled in a league or tournament. It allows captains to forfeit matches before the start date and automatically assigns outcomes to both teams. Admins can mark or unmark forfeits at any time.

  • Note: If no forfeit configuration is selected, neither captains nor admins will be able to mark matches as forfeits.

Step 6: Launch Your League!

  1. Review all details

  2. Click Save to create the league

  3. You’ll be taken to the League Dashboard

Step 7: Share & Invite Players

  • Click View Registration to get your league’s registration link

  • Share with your community via email, social, or direct message

  • Captains can invite teammates once registered

Congrats! Your league is live!

Next Up: Part 2 – Create a Round Robin Schedule

Read Part 2 on creating a round robin schedule here.

Questions? Send them our way: support@opensports.net