The Psychology of Being a Sports Fan: Why We Care So Much
by Kent Koen
I’ve always been intrigued by why people care so much about the success or failure of the sports teams they follow, professional or collegiate. For some, I’d imagine, it’s to maintain ties to the school they attended or the community they grew up in. Perhaps they’ve moved across the country and it’s a way to feel closer to home, friends, and family.
In the interest of full disclosure, while I haven’t moved away from my hometown, I am a huge sports fan, and I do follow how my university’s teams are performing. At the professional sports level, I’ve become team agnostic. Sure, I’d like to see Texas-based teams perform well, but, often, I find myself rooting for players rather than teams or cheering on a team where I have a personal connection, like a friend who’s the radio announcer.
So, why do we as fans feel so deeply connected to teams and athletes we may never meet? Why are the heartbreak of a last-second loss and the exhilaration of a championship win the emotional rollercoaster so many of us ride? The answer, according to some, lies in psychology, identity, and the power of shared experiences.
Psychology of Sports Fandom
Sports fandom isn't just about entertainment, it’s a neurological experience. Research shows that when our favorite team wins, our brains release dopamine, the same chemical tied to pleasure and reward. [1] It’s why a big victory makes us euphoric and why a painful loss can feel like a personal defeat.
On a deeper level, our brains struggle to distinguish between personal achievements and the success of our team. That’s why we as fans often say, “We won!” - even though we never stepped onto the field. [2]
The Power of Identity
For many fans, sports are tied to personal identity. Whether it's supporting a hometown team, following a family tradition, or staying loyal to a team through decades of ups and downs, fandom becomes a part of who we are.
Psychologists call this "BIRGing" (Basking in Reflected Glory) - when we associate ourselves with a team’s success as if it were our own. [3] On the flip side, "CORFing" (Cutting Off Reflected Failure) happens when we, as fans, distance ourselves from losses. ("They lost" instead of "We lost.")
The Social Connection
For many of us, being a fan is about more than the game itself. Being a fan is about community. Sports give us a reason to come together, whether it’s tailgating with friends, debating player stats at work, or bonding with strangers at a bar during the playoffs.
A study by Wann and Branscombe published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 1993, found that highly identified fans tend to experience greater social well-being and feelings of belonging. For casual fans, the social element may be the biggest draw. Watching a big event like the Super Bowl or World Cup creates shared moments, even for those who don’t follow the sport regularly.
The Thrill of the Unexpected
Unscripted drama is part of what makes sports irresistible. Unlike movies or TV shows, where stories are written in advance, sports provide real-time suspense with unpredictable outcomes. The possibility of witnessing history - a buzzer-beater, an underdog story, or a record-breaking performance - keeps us coming back for more.
Neuroscientists suggest that our brains are wired to seek out novelty and unpredictability, which is why sports engage us so deeply. [4] This unpredictability triggers an emotional investment that can make us feel deeply connected, even if we only tune in for the biggest moments.
Why We Need Sports
Life is stressful, and sports offer an escape. Cheering for a team gives us a break from daily worries and provides an emotional release, whether it’s the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat.
For some, fandom also creates a sense of stability. No matter what else changes in life, our team remains constant. This emotional attachment explains why some fans stick with struggling teams for years, even when logic says they shouldn’t. [5]
Why It’s Okay to Be a Die-Hard or Casual Fan
Whether you live and breathe sports or just tune in for the big games, fandom is a deeply human experience. It connects us to something bigger than ourselves, offers an emotional journey, and brings joy (and sometimes heartbreak) in ways few other things can.
So, the next time someone asks why you care so much, just tell them: It’s science. It’s identity. And it’s community.
References:
[1] Murray & Fazio, Social Psychological and Personality Science, 2019
[2] Wann et al., International Journal of Sport Psychology, 1995
[3] Cialdini et al., Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1976
[4] Knutson & Wimmer, Neuron, 2007
[5] Wann, Sport Fans: The Psychology and Social Impact of Spectators, 2006