Exploring the Change in Motivations for Fantasy Sport Participation During the Life Cycle of a Sports Fan

Abstract

A total of 529 respondents who had participated in fantasy sport in the past year completed a survey regarding their media consumption habits and motivations for play. Significant age divides were uncovered between players who were younger than age 35 as opposed to respondents who were 35 and older. Overall, younger participants consumed 4.2 more hours of sports media content per week and were more likely to participate in fantasy sport because of entertainment, enjoyment, and surveillance desires. In contrast, older participants were more likely to participate in fantasy sport to pass the time, even though consumption research indicates that they spent less time devoted to the activity than their younger counterparts. In addition, younger participants were more likely than older participants to exhibit a desire to establish and exhibit elements of personal sports knowledge. Implications for communication researchers interested in media and/or sport are articulated.