NEW "UNEXPECTED" FANS ARE SO IMPORTANT

Most fans of professional sports are spectators who do not actively play the sports they enjoy watching. Data varies by sport and country, but a general estimate suggests that a large portion, often over 80%, are non-participatory fans. For instance, with popular sports like American football, basketball, and European football, the physical demands, skill requirements, and equipment costs can limit active participation among fans. However, people continue to be passionate spectators due to a variety of factors such as entertainment, community connection, nostalgia, suspense, and loyalty to teams or players.

In the U.S., sports consumption has evolved into a significant social and cultural activity where people bond over shared fan experiences rather than just participation. Research even highlights that suspense and competition are among the biggest draws, keeping fans engaged regardless of their personal involvement in playing the sport. Thus, sports fanship often stems more from psychological and social factors than from hands-on experience.

Non-participant fans represent an untapped audience in the push for roller hockey and youth involvement in the sport. These "unexpected" prospects, who may enjoy the sport without actively playing it, offer a unique growth opportunity. By targeting non-participant fans, roller hockey can build a larger, more enthusiastic community of supporters. This group could be drawn to the excitement, community, and culture surrounding roller hockey, particularly when it emphasizes accessibility, inclusion and fun. Since roller hockey can be played with minimal equipment in parks and outdoor rinks, it stands out as an inclusive entry point for fans who may not otherwise engage with sports due to cost, complexity or visibility.

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Sources:
Pew Research Center
American Phycological Association
HBS Working Knowledge