Why We Love Our Sports Teams

Tonight is Game 4 of the World Series. About 15 million people per night watched the first three games. Seems like a lot, that is, until you compare that to the 123 million people who watched the Super Bowl earlier this year. In both cases, it's a ton of viewers.

There's a strong connection people have with sports. Putting aside gambling, there's still many people who love and are emotionally invested in their favorite teams. I find this intriguing and wanted to learn more about what motivates people to be sports fans. There's some interesting things I learned about why we love our sports teams.

• Identity

  Many people see their favorite teams as extensions of their own identity, often connecting sports allegiance to where they’re from, family traditions, or social circles. This definitely explains the jersey wearing, face painting and foam cheese headwear.

  
  

• Belonging

  Identifying with a team can lead to a sense of belonging, which is crucial to emotional well-being. Researchers have found that fans experience a strong sense of community and shared purpose, both of which have positive psychological effects, especially when the team is successful.

  
  

• The Drama

  Sports provides real-time stories with heroes and underdogs. Outcomes are unpredictable and can lead to intense gratification, or heartbreak —all with one swing of the bat, or catch in the end zone. Suspense and excitement keep fans emotionally invested as they experience hope, disappointment, and joy alongside their teams. Psychologists note that the unpredictability and tension in sports tap into our brain's reward and survival centers, creating intense emotional responses.

  
  

• Physical Impact

  Studies show that watching sports can trigger the release of dopamine, adrenaline, and oxytocin, chemicals in the brain associated with happiness, excitement, and bonding. This physiological response is similar to what happens when we’re personally involved in an exciting activity or a high-stakes event, making it easy to understand why watching a game can be so intense.

  
  

• The Social Part

  Watching sports often becomes a social ritual where people gather, cheer, and commiserate. The shared experience enhances the emotional intensity, creating lasting memories and strengthening social bonds among friends and family.

Okay. All of this makes sense and helps me understand why Green Bay fans endure frigid temperatures, snow and wind to cheer on their team.