A Qualitative Examination of the Social Manifestations of Participating in Fantasy Sports
Keywords:
fantasy sport, social tool, nostalgia, motivation, fan camaraderieAbstract
As technology infiltrates society, the popularity of products like fantasy sports has become apparent. In 2024, 18% of adults in the United States played fantasy sports according to the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA) (Mossa, 2025). Most scholarly attention has focused on participants’ motivation for playing fantasy sports, with less examination of the social dynamics. To gather a deep understanding of the social dimensions of fantasy leagues, the authors conducted semi-structured interviews with individuals who participate in annual leagues. Results of these interviews revealed that fantasy sports operate as a social tool to foster camaraderie, maintain connections, and stimulate conversation. Additionally, both smack talk/bragging rights and nostalgia were significant aspects of the fantasy sport experience. This study contributes to the fantasy sport literature and provides insights for sport managers and marketers. The research is useful and novel as it takes a qualitative approach and examines outcomes of fantasy sport participation in detail.
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