, Yellow, with
Fenerbahçe S.K. supporters The sports fandom, emerging in the late 19th century as a popular pastime for the
working class, and gaining much popularity in the 20th century, has become an important modern
subculture. and
esports. Sport fandom is increasingly affected by the
commercialization and
commodification of sports, with numerous products designed for sports fans, from merchandise (sport-themed apparels,
memorabilia, and like) to services (such as
sport bars, themed events like sport-themed weddings, and others). Most fans have an emotional attachment to, and appreciation for, their favorite teams and players; less common is the more general attachment and appreciation to the entire type of sport. One of the differences between sports fans and fans of other types of activities (such as fans of various media) is the sport-related focus on winning, losing, and uncertainty of outcomes. Many fans participate in face to face events with other fans, most can be seen as being a part of an
imagined community, perceiving themselves as sports fans. Sports fans vary in how important their hobby is to their lives. One can consider themselves a sports fan despite never having played said sport (and most sports fans are not actively playing their favorite sports), having witnessed a professional sporting event, or having connected with other sports fans. The most common activity of a sports fan is watching sports on
television. The most dedicated sports fans have extensive knowledge about their sports, and can even develop careers in fields such as
sports commentators or
sports writers, or can be involved in
managing sports teams, either professionally or through mobilization in activities such as those designed to change (or prevent the change) in the ownership of the team. Scholars have created a number of differing and sometimes contradictory
typologies of sport fans. The majority of sports fans are male. Working class members are more likely to be fans of the most popular sports, while
middle and
upper class members are more likely to be fans of less popular ones. Some sports fans
engage in violence (such as
sports riot or
football hooliganism). ==See also==