What is it about?
This research explored the fundamental elements that characterize sport rivalry from the fan's perspective to address the lack of a uniform definition in the academic literature. Using a sequential mixed methods approach, the study defined a rival group based on social identity theory (SIT) as a highly salient out-group that poses an acute threat to the in-group's identity. The qualitative phase identified 11 recurring rivalry elements, which subsequent factor analysis organized into three primary dimensions: Conflict (e.g., Competitiveness, Consistency, Conspicuous Moments), Peer (e.g., Spatial Proximity, Cultural Similarity), and Bias (e.g., Dominance, Unfairness). The Conflict elements were rated as the most empirically vital contributors to the conception of rivalry. This clarification of rivalry antecedents provides a comprehensive empirical foundation for researchers investigating related topics and offers managers guidance on which factors to promote or de-emphasize to manage fan interest and animosity.
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This page is a summary of: Rival conceptions of rivalry: why some competitions mean more than others, European Sport Management Quarterly, February 2015, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/16184742.2015.1010558.
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