FOX Sports Funds Fandom Research Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School

FOX Sports has announced funding for the Fandom and Social Connection Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy. The three-year research initiative will study how fan communities, particularly in sports, affect social bonds, well-being, and shared experiences.

Fandom facilitates human connection, galvanizes relationships, and enhances well-being, says Ben Valenta, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Analytics, FOX Sports. Through this initiative FOX is deepening its commitment to understanding fandom as a social catalyst and cultural force-and to identifying new ways to strengthen, grow, and expand fan communities in meaningful and inclusive ways.

Sports fandom is one of the most powerful forces in American life, and yet it is deeply understudied. This initiative will change that, says Todd Rogers, Weatherhead Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School. Our goal is to understand fandom scientifically: what makes it so meaningful to so many people, how it builds and sustains relationships, and how we can expand and amplify its benefits.

The research will focus on two objectives: understanding fandom as a social good and identifying ways to deepen engagement among existing fans while expanding to new and more diverse audiences.

FOX Sports cites several data points framing the initiative: nearly 90% of Americans identify as fans of a team or sport, with 46% describing themselves as highly engaged; for nearly one-third of Americans, fandom is central to their identity; and research shows that shared viewing can lead to emotional and physiological synchronization between viewers.

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/05/12/fox-sports-funds-fandom-researc...
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