This study examines the effect of spectator-based sports team reputation on fan identification. The study group consists of a total of 648 participants (198 (30.6%) female and 450 (69.4%) male) living in Siirt. Data collection tools of the study were the spectator-based sports team reputation scale developed by Wonseok, Yong & Sylvia, (2015) and adapted into Turkish by Yavuz Eroğlu & Eroğlu (2020) and the sports fan identification scale developed by Wann & Branscombe (1993) and adapted into Turkish by Günay & Tiryaki (2003). A correlation analysis was used together with descriptive statistics in the study. The relationship between spectator-based sports team reputation and fan identification was analysed using structural equation modelling. As a result, the correlation analyzes revealed a positive correlation among the level of fanaticism towards the supported team, the knowledge level about the supported team, team performance, team tradition, social responsibility, spectator orientation, management quality, financial performance, and fan identification. Furthermore, it was determined that team tradition, social responsibility, and spectator orientation increase fan identification. However, it was determined that team performance, management quality, and financial performance do not affect fan identification.

Sports team, reputation, identification, fans