Game attendance may be in decline, but sports fans are still as passionate and engaged as ever. Whether it’s live-streaming a game or following a team on TikTok, there are so many ways to be a fan. Canvas8 spoke to sports psychologist Dr. Dan Wann to understand how sports fandom is evolving.

With digital channels offering them increased access to their heroes, casual supporters and ‘stans’ alike are embracing novel ways of showing their devotion to celebs and sports teams. How are these passionate individuals forging new cultural tribes and changing expectations of fan interactions?

With most live games cancelled and major international tournaments postponed, many sports fans sought out digital alternatives while COVID-19 kept them in their homes. As lockdown measures end and play resumes, which elements of virtual fandom are likely to stick around post-pandemic?

Whether it’s going down to the local soccer field, shelling out to see a big competition, or even just switching on the TV to catch the game, watching sports is a big part of Americans’ lives. Canvas8 polled 3,789 Americans and spoke to eight people to find out what gets them into professional sports.