We often think of sports as an escape from reality and politics as the sober management of it. One is played on a pitch, in a stadium and/or arena, the other is debated in marble halls over legislation. Yet, if you spend an hour scrolling through social media or sitting in a crowded bar, the lines between the two start to blur. The cheers, the groans, and the fierce loyalty look remarkably similar in both arenas.

While they serve very different purposes in society, the common thread weaving them together is a powerful human fundamental: identity.

I was inspired to write this post following last week’s PRO Sports Assembly’s Leadership Summit on “Navigating Politics in Leadership: When to Expend Political Capital” at SoFi Stadium. Discussions ranged in scope on these themes, yet the concept of identity and how we relate to ourselves and others was a throughline. 

The Strength of the “Home Team”

I’ve worked for three teams in three leagues across three markets in the US in my 15 year career. In the world of sports, we’ve always understood the concept of the “die-hard fan.” Being a fan isn’t just a hobby; for many, it’s a primary way of relating to their community. Tattoos. Bumper stickers. Jerseys. Pet bandanas. When “we” win the championship, fans feel a genuine sense of personal achievement. This is a classic example of social identity—finding a sense of self through the groups we belong to.

In recent years, many political observers have noted a similar trend in the voting booth. While many people still vote based on specific policy interests, a growing number of us view our political affiliation as a core part of who we are. It’s less about a dispassionate review of a tax plan and more about a shared sense of belonging with a “team” that shares our values and culture.

Parallels in Behavior

When politics and sports both become rooted in identity, we start to see overlapping behaviors:

1. Selective Perception: Just as a fan might overlook a foul committed by their own star player while shouting for a penalty when the opponent does the same, we often find ourselves being more “forgiving” of our preferred political figures while holding the opposition to a much stricter standard.
2. The Rise of the Rivalry: In sports, a rivalry defines the season. In politics, the “opposition” is increasingly seen not just as a group with different ideas, but as a rival team that must be defeated. There are examples throughout history where these lines have been blurred such as El Clasico, the storied rivalry between Spanish futbol teams FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. In fact, soccer tends to be more polarizing than other sports because supporter groups are usually formed around specific issues. 
3. The Emotional Rollercoaster: The high of an election night victory or the low of a defeat often mirrors the emotional stakes of a Game 7. The stakes in politics are arguably much higher, but the psychological processing of the “win” or “loss” feels strikingly similar.

The Nuance of the Middle Ground

It’s important to note that this isn’t an absolute transformation. Not everyone treats politics like a blood sport, and many sports fans appreciate the game without the tribalism. There are still many “swing voters” and “casual fans” who look for performance and results rather than a lifelong brand commitment. Perhaps ironically, these are the groups that sports marketing teams and campaign managers go after first to “convert” as a customer or follower. 

However, the “identity” lens helps explain why discourse has become so difficult. When a policy is criticized, it can feel like a personal attack on one’s community or character. If we view a political stance as a “jersey,” then changing our mind feels like “betraying the team,” which is a difficult thing for any social animal to do.

The Process of Becoming

How does one become a Red Sox fan? How does one become a Republican? A significant part is determined by sense of belonging, or feeling seen. We can experience this both consciously and subconsciously, asking ourselves questions like:

1. How do I see myself?
2. Can I see myself in others?
3. Can they see me?

Fundamentally, in both sports and in politics, our identities are shaped by how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how others relate to us. That last part no individual can control, which is where many conflicts begin and end. The Process of Becoming applies to several dimensions of social life, and explains many nuances of human behavior when it comes to identity. 

Moving Forward

In politics and sports, recognizing the role of identity doesn’t mean we have to stop being passionate. It simply provides a bit of much-needed perspective. By acknowledging that our “fanhood” might be influencing our “citizenship,” we can start to separate our sense of self from the heat of the moment.The next time you find yourself frustrated by a political headline, it might be worth asking: Is this about the logic of the argument, or am I just rooting for my team? Understanding the difference might be the first step toward a more constructive conversation and a greater understanding of yourself and others.the game is the first step toward staying sane in the stands.

Sara Salam is an organizational effectiveness consultant focused on growing the bottom line by growing high performing and effective cultures. She can be reached at sara@bysarasalam.com.