The Growing Influence of Video Games on Sports Fandom

In an evolving digital age, video games are becoming the primary gateway for young enthusiasts to engage with sports like soccer, according to a senior executive at Electronic Arts. The increasing complexity and expense of attending live sporting events mean that many fans, particularly younger ones, are experiencing these sports through gaming platforms rather than traditional match attendance. Monica Dinsmore, EA's senior director of esports, highlighted this shift during a recent interview at CES 2025. She emphasized how EA's titles, especially those closely tied to European football, serve as an excellent introduction for new fans, particularly in regions where access to live matches is limited.

Traditionally, parents have introduced children to sports by taking them to live games. However, Dinsmore noted that this trend is reversing. Today, kids are more likely to encounter sports through digital platforms, with video games serving as their first point of contact. For instance, young Chelsea supporters may never attend a match due to generational ticketing challenges or paywalls but can still deeply engage with their favorite team through EA FC. This shift allows children to bring their enthusiasm back home, potentially sparking interest in their parents as well.

The integration of esports into mainstream sports events further illustrates this crossover. Dinsmore pointed to a recent event where the eChampions League winner was celebrated on the actual Champions League final pitch, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world sports. This convergence offers fans of all ages unique ways to connect with the sport they love, regardless of how they choose to consume content.

Beyond soccer, other sports are also embracing this digital transformation. Last December, an NFL game between the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs was streamed within EA’s Madden NFL game. This innovative approach blended elements of the video game into the broadcast, introducing younger audiences to the sport in a novel way. Dinsmore sees this as part of a broader trend where the boundaries between virtual and real sports continue to blur, creating exciting new opportunities for engagement.

This evolving landscape highlights the growing importance of digital platforms in shaping the future of sports fandom. As video games provide accessible and engaging entry points, they are not only attracting new fans but also redefining how people experience and interact with their favorite sports. The fusion of traditional and digital worlds promises to create richer, more diverse fan experiences across generations.