Sports fans use text threads as a form of connection and belonging when apart.Getty Images
“Oh no.”
“I can’t watch!”
“Get back in net!!!”
In Edmonton, Kim Moore’s phone routinely blows up with a series of texts like that. She’s part of a group chat with four friends living in Edmonton and Calgary. During Oilers games, texts typically consist of play-by-play commentary. On non-game days, the group shoots fun sports tweets and TikToks back and forth.
Depending on what’s happening, a game can feel joyous or like a gut punch. Yet Moore’s roller coaster of emotions tends to even out when she checks her phone, especially if her team is down. “Sometimes when you’re going through those moments of despair, it helps to know you’re not alone.”
Moore is among the many sports fans who leverage social media and group chats to connect instantly with their network and follow games, whether they’re on opposite sides of town, in different cities or continents apart.
Such groups help to meet a huge need for sports fans, providing a sense of belonging, says Dr. Ben Schellenberg, an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management.
He says you used to have to put on a jersey and watch a game together to belong. But attending live sporting events or gathering as a group at home or a local pub isn’t always possible. Facebook Messenger, iMessage and WhatsApp have enabled digital meeting spaces. The sense of community from these chat groups can elevate the fan experience.
They have for Moore’s chat group, which formed organically during the pandemic. It started with a few texts about an Oilers game. Within a few weeks, iMessage offered digital camaraderie during a time of social isolation.
Today, the chat group has evolved from hockey talk to include chatter around the Toronto Blue Jays, Formula 1 racing and a bit of NFL football. The group name has also changed to reflect their (delicate) state of mind as Oilers fans. It was once called ‘Sad Sports Fans’, but was renamed ‘Cautiously Optimistic Sports Fans’ after the playoff run last season.
“I feel like I’m more in tune as a sports watcher,” says Moore, adding that her friends in the chat group have also taught her more about the game along the way. “It’s enhanced my sports fandom. I have more of an opinion now.”
In Regina, Bruce McCannel is part of four different sports chat groups, for golf, football, fantasy football and Olympic sports. Members reside from Kelowna, Regina and Toronto to Japan and Australia.
He’ll only mute the chat alerts when he’s at a game in person. “I try to pay attention to the people I’m there with. The last thing you want is getting a bunch of notifications or buzzes in your pocket. You want to watch at key moments.”
Balance is important, says Schellenberg. He says constantly being connected to sports news, chatter, discussions and hype can lead to burnout. “If passion becomes more of an obsession, it kind of consumes you,” he says. “It distracts you and leads to a lower level of well-being, when all you can think about is the game.”
As life gets busier, Moore says her chat group isn’t as rambunctious as it once was. Some days, the familiar dings roll out for hours. Other days, there might be only one or two messages. Regardless, she hopes her group will endure as a safe place to share a fan’s hopes, fears and inside jokes and, perhaps, shed an emoji tear or two.
“Even if you’re not watching the game in person with someone, it will always feel like you are,” says Moore.
