"Pass it to your girlfriend!": A collaborative autoethnography of a friendship through women's sports fandom
A summary of the research:
This study is a collaborative autoethnography that explores how women's sports fandom—particularly in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)—shapes personal relationships, identity, and community. The authors, both passionate fans, discuss their experiences of joy and frustration within women's sports spaces, particularly regarding issues of race, gender, and commercialization. While women's sports are often seen as inclusive and feminist, the study highlights the presence of structural anti-Black racism and neoliberal consumerism within these spaces. The authors reflect on feeling alienated from mainstream women's sports fandom, both at live events and in online communities, and how they have created their own personal fandom as a response.
The study uses feminist and critical sports theory to analyze how fandom can be both empowering and exclusionary. The authors argue that being a queer women's sports fan means balancing a deep love for the game with an awareness of its problematic aspects. They call for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to women's sports fandom, one that acknowledges and addresses issues of race, representation, and community building. By documenting their experiences, they provide insight into the complexities of sports fandom and its impact on identity and relationships.
Key Takeaways:
Promote Inclusive Fan Spaces – Women’s sports fandom is often seen as welcoming, but issues of racial exclusion persist. Clubs and leagues should implement initiatives to ensure that all fans, particularly fans of color, feel included in both in-person and digital fan communities.
Recognize and Address Commercialization Concerns – While financial growth is necessary for women’s sports, excessive commercialization can alienate core fanbases. Administrators should strike a balance between profitability and maintaining the grassroots, community-driven spirit of women’s sports.
Support Diverse Representation in Media and Marketing – The study highlights that many fans feel disconnected from mainstream coverage. Clubs and leagues should work to ensure that media narratives and promotional materials reflect the diversity of their player base and fan communities, helping to build a more authentic and engaged audience.
Authors: Cameron Michels & Deepa Sivarajan
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