2020 rewrote the rules on what it means to be a fan as many of the IRL focal points of shared passions – such as live events – were put on an indefinite hiatus. In this Spotlight on Fandom, we explore what it means to be a fan in 2021 and how brands can connect fans to the things they love.

European football has been plunged into shock as 12 of the biggest clubs in Europe released their plans to form a breakaway European Super League. As reports reached the public and footballing authorities, many have been quick to defame the proposal as one that smells of corporate greed.

The Faroe Islands and Belarus are not your go-to hotbeds of sporting intrigue and interest. But given that their football leagues are playing while much of global sport has stopped, these niche teams are experiencing a surge in interest from sports fans hungry for their viewing fix.

Crafting and promoting a strong personal brand is key to finding success as an influencer, but is this creative labour always a solo activity? Canvas8 spoke to Colten Meisner, researcher at Cornell University, about how livestreaming creates a unique interplay between fans and creators.