This study examined the factors that constitute a sense of membership in a sport fan community, behavioral and psychological outcomes of membership, and the creation and maintenance of social capital through membership in the sport fan community. Sport fans (N = 525) were surveyed and data were analyzed through a two-step Confirmatory Factor Analysis and subsequent Structural Equation Model analyses. Findings revealed that five factors - Collective Unity, Positivity, Inclusivity, Social Opportunities, and Knowledgeable Members are the key dimensions that contribute to a sense of membership in a sport fan community. Findings also showed that membership in the sport fan community significantly (p < .05) contributed to psychological outcomes such as cognitive and affective benefits, as well as behavioral outcomes of increased game attendance, merchandise sales, and positive word of mouth. Membership in the fan community also contributed to the bridging and bonding of social capital. The results build on previous conceptualizations of sport fan communities and develop a scale to measure one’s sense of membership in a fan community. The findings allow for sport organizations to identify areas in which they can create stronger communities and for researchers to further theoretical understanding of sport fan communities.
