SSRS is on a mission to understand sports fandom around the world.
Our research focuses on pathways of fandom at the international level, and defining what fandom means in different cultures and communities.
The 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) season recently started, and we’re sharing some insight from the NBA fans we spoke to in 9 countries across 8 languages.
Using online bulletin boards with built-in AI translation support, participants were asked to complete a range of activities designed to understand their fan behaviors, including uploading self-reflection videos about what it means to be a sports fan. Read more about this research >>.
We Learned that Key Paths to NBA Fandom Include:
- Exposure to Basketball at a Young Age
For Swann from the UK, her NBA fandom journey started with playing basketball and has deepened through players.
- Professionalism and Culture of the League
For Dlozi from South Africa, His love of the Lakers started as a child and continues to this day driven by players and their cultural importance.
- Following NBA Players
Lahini from Canada watched Vince Carter play basketball which inspired her love of the game.
- Attending Sporting Events While Traveling or Living Abroad
Shuji I. from Japan saw a Lakers game during his first time overseas and never forgot the experience.
Hear directly from NBA fans around the world with SSRS qualitative insights from Sports Poll.
Want the full experience? Watch video clips from participants!
Swann G. | UK | NBA fandom journey started with playing basketball and has deepened through players WATCH >>
Dlozi M. | South Africa | Love of the Lakers started as a child and continues to this day driven by players and their cultural importance WATCH >>
Victor G. | Sweden | Interest in the NBA stems from his belief that the NBA have some of the top athletes in the world WATCH >>
