Stability and Change in Sports Fandom Over Time: A Longitudinal Study of U.S. Women’s Professional Soccer Fandom
A summary of the research:
The article "Stability and Change in Sports Fandom Over Time: A Longitudinal Study of U.S. Women’s Professional Soccer Fandom" by Rachel Allison, Radosław Kossakowski, and Stacey Pope explores how fandom for U.S. women's soccer evolves over time. The researchers conducted interviews with 35 U.S. fans who attended both the 2019 and 2023 Women's World Cups, tracking changes in their engagement and the factors influencing those changes. While many fans retained their emotional attachment to the sport, their behaviors varied due to life changes, such as family, work, and health issues, as well as structural factors like stadium access and media coverage. The study reveals that while fans’ commitment to women's soccer remains stable, the ways they engage fluctuate based on personal and external factors.
The researchers highlight two major themes influencing fan engagement: individual life changes and evolving “sporting opportunity structures” such as league expansion and scandals. Life events like parenthood, moving, or job changes affected fans’ ability to engage with the sport. Meanwhile, increased media coverage and the growth of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) influenced fans’ access and enthusiasm. Overall, the study demonstrates how fandom is both stable and fluid, shaped by a combination of personal circumstances and broader structural dynamics.
Key Takeaways
Fans’ emotional attachment to U.S. women's soccer remains generally stable over time, though engagement practices vary.
Life changes, like parenthood or relocation, play a significant role in altering how fans consume women’s soccer.
Structural changes, such as league expansion and improved media access, enhance fan participation but can also introduce challenges.
Authors: Rachel Allison, Radosław Kossakowski, & Stacey Pope
You can read the whole article here.
