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KNOW YOUR TEAM.
KNOW YOUR RIVALS.

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RIVALRY RESEARCH

We surveyed over 30,000 fans across different sports to better understand rivalries. Learn more about this research or rivalry in general.

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WHAT SPARKS A RIVALRY?

A thorough explanation can be found in Tyler & Cobbs (2015), but in short, 10 main ingredients fall into three categories: Conflict Conditions, Strong Similarity, and Deep Differences.

CONFLICT CONDITIONS

Consistency: Frequent or recurring competition between the opponents

Conspicuous Moments: Specific incident—positive or negative—between competitors

Conspicuous Characters: Extraordinary individuals (performers, personalities, legacies)

Competitiveness: Comparable success (recent/historic) or uncertainty of outcome

STRONG SIMILARITY

Spatial Proximity: Competitors are located close to each other

Synonymous values/appearance: Shared values/appearance between opponents or supporters

Shared Supply Pool: Competition for labor talent and/or other resources

DEEP DIFFERENCES

Dominance: One competitor aspires to overcome the historical success or dominance of the other

Disparate values/appearance: Conflicting values/appearance between opponents or supporters

Discrimination by authority: Perceived preferential treatment by competition regulators

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KNOW YOUR TEAM. KNOW YOUR RIVALS.