It makes sense; sports can become a community, and we know how much that can benefit our mental health:
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Watching sports is linked to greater happiness and lower loneliness, largely due to the social connection and shared identity it creates—psychologists compare the effect to “tribalism,” a healthy sense of belonging without needing to know everyone personally.
https://www.realsimple.com/watching-sports-mental-health-benefits-12036264
But it’s also something to look forward to on the schedule, a way to build emotional resilience after a tough loss, and something we can do just because it’s fun.
So, all the sports fans in your life might be on to something.