“Then there is an exit” : an analysis of German soccer fans' tendencies to abandon their (former) favored clubs

Title data

Kaden, Martin ; Brandt, Christian ; Bauers, Sebastian Björn ; Hovemann, Gregor:
“Then there is an exit” : an analysis of German soccer fans' tendencies to abandon their (former) favored clubs.
In: Sport, Business and Management. (2025) .
ISSN 2042-678X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SBM-11-2024-0162

Official URL:

Abstract in another language

Purpose
Fans who invest time, money and passion in their relationship with fan objects are essential for the future of soccer. Despite this significance, there has been an increasing number of recent media reports on declining loyalty, increasing alienation or even the exit of soccer fans. The existing state of research on the subject is incomplete and characterized by contradictions. Against this background, this study examines the relationship between German soccer fans and their favorite clubs, with a particular focus on potential exits.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on a qualitative-explorative research design. Three focus group discussions were held with five experts each. The results were evaluated using thematic analysis.

Findings
Although the experts did not identify any far-reaching exit in fan behavior, there are various signs of increasing emotional estrangement between fans and clubs. This estrangement precedes an exit in a procedural structure and is driven by issues relating to the commercialization, governance and attractiveness of soccer. The dynamics of estrangement are countered by various opportunities for fans’ participation in clubs. In addition, the results emphasize the relevance of personal factors, concerning changes in the private and individual circumstances of individual fans.

Originality/value
This is the first article to address potential fan exits in German soccer using focus groups and the involvement of experts.

Further data

Item Type:	Article in a journal
Refereed:	Yes
Institutions of the University:	Faculties > Faculty of Cultural Studies > Department of Sport Science > Chair Sport Science II - Sport Governance and Event Management Research Institutions > Central research institutes > Bayreuth Center of Sport Science (BaySpo)
Result of work at the UBT:	Yes
DDC Subjects:	300 Social sciences 700 Arts and recreation > 790 Sports, games, entertainment
Date Deposited:	28 Apr 2025 09:08
Last Modified:	28 Apr 2025 09:08
URI:	https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/93366