A societal perspective on nostalgia in satellite sports fandom: insights from the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions

Nostalgia has been identified as a critical influence on sport fans. Although researchers have explored various aspects of satellite fans’ nostalgia, none have approached it from a societal standpoint. Therefore, this study explored the relationship between social connectedness needs and sport nostalgia among satellite fans. In addition, we examined how nostalgia is related to affective relationships, subjective well-being, and travel intention based on Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. Data were collected from 222 Singapore satellite fans using an online questionnaire. Results showed that satellite fans’ nostalgic feelings, which arose from social connectedness needs, positively impacted their affective relationships and subjective well-being. These feelings motivated them to travel to sporting events. The findings enhance our understanding of how social connectedness needs influences satellite fans’ psychology and behaviour. Furthermore, it illustrates how nostalgia can expand and strengthen emotional connections and subjective well-being, underscoring its ability to affect travel intentions.