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From buzzer beaters and bracket busters to home run heroes and photo finishes, it’s no secret that Americans love rooting for their favorite teams and athletes. 

What keeps people glued to their screens or cheering in the stands? It turns out that behind the fans’ painted faces lies a deep human motivation.

It’s all about connection

Being a sports fan, particularly one affiliated with a team with a large fanbase, allows one to feel connected to a community. Connection is a fundamental need that directly impacts mental and physical well-being, experts say.

The community around sports fandom extends well beyond the arenas and stadiums to bars and internet message boards. The evolution of technology has allowed for more methods of engagement than ever before. One can be part of a fan community from their own living room. 

Bouncing back

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ fandom is a labor of love that can often result in heartbreak. After all, in almost any team sport, a season culminates in only one franchise celebrating their supremacy. The odds are it’s not going to be yours.

Athletes serve as role models because it takes dedication, discipline, accountability and resilience to achieve high levels of athletic performance. And it takes even more motivation and mental resiliency to overcome setbacks like game losses and injuries, which athletes have to face.

Goal setting

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ fans have a lot of reasons to admire athletes. They train hard, believe in themselves and stay focused on their goals, which could inspire fans to follow along and cheer them on.

Deep-rooted loyalties 

Fans can feel deep emotional ties to a sports team for various reasons. The team could be from their alma mater or serve as a hometown hero from where they grew up. 

Anticipation for the next season could also make fans feel more connected to their preferred sports and teams. The sheer anticipation of the next big game can be a powerful emotional driver. In-the-moment excitement can trigger the release of endorphins and dopamine — neurochemicals that boost mood and enhance overall well-being, experts say. This emotional high, paired with a sense of belonging, helps explain why fans remain deeply invested.

Looking for new ways to connect with others who love sports, visit .

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