Sports fans exist in all forms across the globe, but how do teams establish fanbases? How do true fans identify bandwagon fans?
Sports franchises survive off the fanbase they create and maintain. Cities with large markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and so on typically have a large sports following. Teams in these cities are normally financially stable and rarely ever relocate. The passionate fanbases are to thank for the survival of not only the team, but the sport as a whole.
Teams establish fanbases through multiple methods.
People born in certain areas are naturally inclined to root for the local team. However, teams can artificially bolster their following by simply being good. Whether it be winning championships or signing big-name players, fans are more likely to support a winning team.
To the dismay of true fans, artificial methods bring in artificial fans, often referred to as bandwagon fans.
Fans of recent championship winning teams like the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Washington Capitals (NHL), Houston Astros (MLB) and Golden State Warriors (NBA) are likely experiencing a flood of bandwagon fans sporting championship memorabilia.
Discerning true fans from bandwagon fans is tricky. Dedication to a team isn’t something that can be plotted on a chart or calculated on a computer. So what are some ways you can tell the difference?
The telltale sign of a bandwagon fan is someone who starts sporting a team’s merch only after the team gets good or wins a championship. When the Chicago Cubs broke their infamous title drought in 2016, “fans” from all over started wearing Cubs merchandise. I would buy memorabilia of this, but only because of the historic nature of the event. I wouldn’t throw on a Cubs jersey and tout myself around as a Cubs fan.
If someone has two favorite teams, chances are they’re a bandwagon fan. The only real exception to this rule is if someone was born somewhere and moved to a different city. People who prefer other successful teams over their hometown team likely are insecure about the success of the home franchise.
True fans will make themselves known.
The reincarnated Cleveland Browns have been the worst expansion franchise in any major North American sport. In 2017, the Browns lost every single game they played, yet fans still show up. The Browns have incredible fans that show up for every losing every single year. Browns fans deserve credit for their insane loyalty. We can all learn from Cleveland, as weird as that sounds.
Photo Credit/ Wikimedia Commons
