Sports fandom

The sports fandom refers to the community of fans sharing interests in sports.

Emerging as a significant cultural phenomenon in the late 19th century, the sports fandom has evolved alongside the commercialization and globalization of sports, shaping modern entertainment and social identities. Fans participate in various ways, including attending live events, watching broadcasts, engaging in online discussions, and forming dedicated communities around specific sports or teams. While historically associated with the working class, sports fandom has become widespread across different social classes, with factors such as media accessibility and the rising costs of live attendance influencing participation patterns. The nature of sports fandom varies across regions and sports disciplines, encompassing both team-based sports, such as football and basketball, and individual sports, such as boxing and tennis. Dedicated sports fans often exhibit emotional investment in their teams' successes and failures.