Is there a relationship between spectator sports consumption
and life satisfaction?

ABSTRACT

Research Questions: The purpose of study was to investigate spectating behavior impacts on the sports fans' life satisfaction.

Research Methods: We used multiple regression analysis with survey data from 1487 baseball fans. We measured life satisfaction as a dependent variable, team identification as a moderating variable, and spectating behavior frequency as the independent variable.

Results and Findings: Results showed that the more frequently sports fans visited stadiums, the more the fans were satisfied with their lives. However, watching games through media outlets did not have any significant impact on life satisfaction of fans. Additionally, regression analysis results showed very limited moderation effects. Team identification showed a significant coefficient; however, the interactions failed to show statistical significance.

Implications: The live games provide different experiences than watching sports through media. It shows that live games have an impact on fans' life satisfaction, and therefore live games consistently appeal to spectators.

KEYWORDS:

• Life satisfaction
• spectator sports
• sports consumption
• Sports fan behavior

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.