Who’s the next face of the league? We surveyed 500+ U.S. sports fans to find out. Today’s standouts aren’t just elite performers—they’re purpose-driven leaders who connect with fans beyond the game. From Mahomes to LeBron to rising stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this report reveals what fans value most: authenticity, community impact, and emotional resonance. Whether you’re a brand or a league, the future of fandom is personal.
In an era where fans crave more than stats, we set out to understand what really makes an athlete the “face” of a league. Is it championships? Charisma? Cultural connection? We dug into the values driving fan admiration—and the traits today’s top performers need to stand out.
We surveyed 500+ U.S. sports fans to find out. In this report, you’ll learn:
