The Effects of ICT on Sports Fan Management

This contribution studies the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the fan engagement process and the role ITC can play in enabling the reconfiguration of a sports organization. This approach combines social enterprise, sports context and ICT theories in discussing the concepts of fan quantity, feedback and involvement. The study highlights the value of fans as relevant stakeholders in sports organizations and as key players in the creation of value. Sport organizations as social enterprises simultaneously seek sporting, economic as well as social results. ICT can increase the value of fans as assets, reinforcing the integration of these three forms of results. Three emblematic case histories describe and exemplify the theoretical argument presented in this chapter and offer stimuli for the discussion of both theoretical and managerial implications.