A Shout-Out
This article despite citing other authors, was mainly possible by analyzing great articles written by B. David Tyler and Joe Cobbs. These two bros are legendary in doing research about sports rivalries. Thank you, guys!
Information on this page is basis for Wiki Pages: Rivalry, Derby and Rivalry Meter.TL;DR
The final traits for a rivalry are: Competitive & Contextual Factors, Fan Perceptions & Identity Factors, Emotional Engagement Factors, External Influence Factors and Economic Impact Factors.
For the fun part of me analyzing rivalries with the Rivalry-Meter jump to Chapter THE RIVALRY METER!
This time I want to look at one of the most interesting traits that help grow the sports ecosystems and hype as well – sports rivalries. I have already included rivalries as a trait necessary for an athlete to be hypegenic, but now I want to add analysis of scholar articles that prove that this trait is crucial for basically any entity of the sports ecosystem.
Magic vs. Bird, Connor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo, Spanish El Clasico, Serbian derbies between Partizan and Crvena Zvezda, international hockey derby between Russia and Canada or even the new and upcoming of top women’s basketball prospects Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese rivalry… Wherever there’s a rivalry, you can always anticipate for hype and additional interest from fans, and with that excitement comes the spotlight from media and sponsors. This attention, in turn, boosts the overall value of the sports ecosystem and everything connected to it.
Our goal is to define some key traits of a good rivalry, and then rate some of the iconic rivalries based on those, to define what creates Sports Rivalry that attracts huge attention. We already have a “Hypegenic Meter“, so why not a “Rivalry Meter“?
How Sports Rivalries Influence Attendance?
Tyler et al. (2017) provide a great article by analyzing if sports rivalries influence attendance of the games. According to them, concept of rivalry is widely recognized as a contributing factor to consumer demand for sporting events. Rivalry plays a key role in understanding the demand for sports, as it reflects the unique attention fans give to specific opponents (Havard, Gray, Gould, Sharp, & Schaffer, 2013; Kilduff, Elfenbein, & Staw, 2010).
This research aimed to understand if rivalries do or do not have an actual influence on the attendance of the games and how teams should approach rivalries in order to increase the attendance. Authors Tyler et al. (2017) picked MLS and NHL for their analysis. Their results showed that rivalries does indeed impact attendance, but the type of rivalry that matters varies between leagues.
In MLS, the key driver is the “Rivalry Points” variable, which reflects fans’ perceived intensity of the rivalry; this measure proved to be a strong predictor of attendance, unlike proximity or conference alignment. In the NHL, both geographic proximity and “Rivalry Points” contributed significantly, suggesting fans respond to regional ties as well as the rivalry’s intensity. For sports managers, these findings highlight the importance of understanding fan perception when promoting games: building up rivalry intensity works well for MLS, while in the NHL, focusing on geographic rivalries alongside rivalry intensity could maximize attendance.
By analyzing this article, we can confirm that rivalries do increase the attendance and fan attention, which is beneficial in the context of increasing the value of the whole sports ecosystem.
Enemies with Benefits
Berendt & Uhrich (2016) definitely hit the sweet spot with their title “Enemies with Benefits”. According to them, rivalries are usually seen as something that challenges fans’ identities, so past research has mostly looked at the negative side, but theories and evidence show that rivalry actually affects fans’ sense of self in both good and bad ways, and their research creates and tests a model to show both sides of that impact.
They further analyze about how rivalries are seen as a negative thing: Vogler (2011) describes it as a destructive competition that shares many characteristics with hostility. Sports literature highlights other negative effects of rivalry, like bias (Wann & Grieve, 2005), negative attitudes both open and hidden (Wenger & Brown, 2014), verbal aggression (Burgers, Beukeboom, Kelder, & Peeter, 2014), consumer rage (Grove, Pickett, Jones, & Dorsch, 2012), prejudice and hostility (Lee, 1985), and even violence (Guilianotti, 2013).
A Positive Side to a Sports Rivalry
Still Berendt & Uhrich (2016) are able to find research that suggests that rivalry can have a positive side for fans, who often enjoy the tension and banter it brings to sports. Studies show rivalry can boost team identity (Luellen & Wann, 2010) and even fulfill a “need for rivalry” (Havard & Eddy, 2013). Theories like social identity and disidentification explain that rivalries help fans strengthen their own identities by contrasting with an opposing team (Tajfel & Turner, 1979; Bhattacharya & Elsbach, 2002).
The final results of the research showed that rivalry can have both good and bad effects. On the downside, rivalry can hurt fans’ self-esteem when comparing themselves to rival fans. But on the positive side, rivalry helps fans feel unique and closer to other supporters of their team. Rivalry makes fans feel like they belong to a special group, which is a big part of why they stay loyal to their team and enjoy being a fan.
The study also found that it’s not just seeing a rival as “the other team” that matters, but that fans feel a shared sense of rivalry. This mutual feeling actually does more to boost fans’ self-identity than just disliking the rival team alone. So, rivalry isn’t just negative—it helps fans feel connected, loyal, and proud of their team, which can even attract new fans.
Rival Conceptions of Rivalry: Why Some Competitions Mean More than Others
Here’s another great article by Tyler & Cobbs (2015), where they go deeper into what we’re actually looking for in this article―understanding of what sports rivalry really means. Tyler & Cobbs (2015) aim to look at rivalry and derby matches from the fan’s point of view, highlighting the key elements that make rivalry so impactful.
After their research Tyler & Cobbs (2015) uncovered key elements that characterize a sports rivalry:
- Frequency of Competition – how often teams play each other
- Defining Moments – major events that shape the rivalry
- Recent Parity – recent competitive balance between teams
- Historical Parity – long-term competitive balance
- Star Factors – presence of high-profile players
- Geography – location proximity between teams
- Relative Dominance – one team’s control over another
- Competition for Personnel – competition for players or coaches
- Cultural Similarity – shared cultural background
- Cultural Difference – contrasting cultural identities
- Unfairness – perceived injustice in games or circumstances
Their findings reveal how these elements interact, shaping intense rivalries that fans value as a core part of their sports experience. This deeper look at rivalry traits helps us understand how and why fans connect so passionately to certain matchups.
All Rivals Are Not Equal
Finally, another article from Tyler & Cobbs came in 2016, where they stated that the use of term “rivalry” is often unclear, despite being used all the time. Their research dives into what truly defines a sports rivalry, arguing that understanding it goes beyond casual debates—it impacts everything from player motivation to sponsor support, league setups, and game broadcasts.
Their study explores fan perceptions across sports to identify the core traits of rivalry that past definitions may have missed, ultimately proposing a clearer, simpler measure for future research.
So, basically, here are three main points at which a sports rivalry can actually be misinterpreted, and I agree that it’s extremely crucial to look at this, when rating the level of sports rivalry:
- Non-exclusivity: Fans can perceive multiple teams as rivals at once, rather than a single “one-and-only” rival.
- Continuous Scale: Rivalries vary in intensity; not all rival teams evoke the same level of rivalry feelings among fans.
- Bidirectional Nature: Rivalries aren’t always mutual. One team may see another as a rival, but the feeling might not be equally shared.
This is a great thing to think about, especially from a fans standpoint. I did that myself, and I realized, that there truly are teams that I put extra emphasis on when going to support my club, but for them it’s another day in the office, and that those rivalries aren’t mutual. Amazing work by Tyler & Cobbs, thank you.
Rivalry vs Derby
THE RIVALRY METER!
The Rivalry Meter levels provide insight into how captivating and influential a rivalry truly is within the sports ecosystem. At the lowest level, 0–49, a Bad sports rivalry lacks the defining characteristics or emotional investment from fans to make it memorable. With limited fan or media attention, it doesn’t stand out or generate significant hype.
Moving up to 50–64, a Mediocre rivalry shows some rivalry traits but is still relatively low in intensity and impact. It may be of interest to local fans but doesn’t capture widespread excitement or attention.
At 65–79, a Good sports rivalry begins to gain traction. With notable elements like competitive balance or star players, this rivalry draws respectable fan and media interest, making it one fans will follow and anticipate.
As the score climbs to 80–89, a sports rivalry or derby reaches the Excellent category, marked by high engagement from fans, frequent media coverage, and substantial economic significance for both teams. This rivalry has memorable encounters and storylines that attract large audiences and capture the essence of competitive sports.
Finally, at the pinnacle, 90–100, is the Legendary rivalry. These rivalries are iconic, with deep histories, intense fan passion, and global recognition. They influence the sports ecosystem profoundly, from ticket sales to sponsorship deals, shaping not only the teams involved but often entire leagues or regions. These rivalries are more than just games; they’re cultural phenomena that leave lasting legacies.
Note: The “Hypegenic Meter” evaluation is done with trained AI model.
Bird vs Magic
| Category | Trait | Score (0–10) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competitive & Contextual Factors | Frequency of Encounters | 8 | Frequent head-to-head matchups, including three high-stakes NBA Finals. |
| Competitive Balance (Parity) | 10 | Both players and their teams were equally skilled, creating close contests, especially in the Finals. | |
| Key Moments and Defining Events | 10 | Iconic Finals clashes, especially the 1984 Finals, which became defining moments for both players and the NBA. | |
| Perceived Injustice & Unfairness | 6 | Rivalry fueled by intense competition, though no major unfairness was perceived. | |
| Fan Perceptions & Identity Factors | Identity Threat and Group Cohesion | 10 | Rivalry fueled team loyalty and identity, with fans embracing each player’s contrasting style. |
| Bidirectionality (Mutual Rivalry) | 10 | Both Bird and Magic saw each other as top rivals, with mutual respect and intensity. | |
| Cultural Similarities and Differences | 10 | A clash of styles: Bird’s gritty Boston vs. Magic’s flashy Los Angeles, creating a cultural backdrop fans rallied around. | |
| Emotional Engagement Factors | Intensity of Fan Emotion (Rivalry Points) | 9 | Fans widely invested in the rivalry, which drove excitement around every matchup. |
| Positive Enjoyment vs. Negative Aggression | 8 | Competitive yet respectful rivalry, valued for its intensity rather than hostility. | |
| External Influence Factors | Star Power and Media Amplification | 10 | Both were superstars, and the media amplified their rivalry, making it central to 1980s sports coverage. |
| Geographical Proximity and Accessibility | 8 | East vs. West Coast rivalry, adding to the regional and symbolic significance. | |
| Economic Impact Factors | Attendance & Sponsorship Impact | 10 | Rivalry lifted NBA’s popularity, increased fan attendance, TV ratings, and attracted major sponsorships. |
Rivalry Meter Score: Legendary
Total Points: 109/120
Final Score (Percentage): 91%
Summary: The Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson rivalry achieves a Legendary status on the Rivalry Meter, reflecting its significant impact on the NBA and sports culture. With intense competitive balance, memorable Finals matchups, contrasting styles, and massive media influence, this rivalry became a defining force of 1980s basketball. Bird and Magic’s rivalry captivated fans worldwide, elevated the league’s status, and left a lasting legacy in sports history.
Connor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo
| Category | Trait | Score (0–10) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competitive & Contextual Factors | Frequency of Encounters | 5 | The rivalry had a short span, culminating in a single, highly anticipated match in 2015, with no immediate rematch following. |
| Competitive Balance (Parity) | 7 | Aldo was a dominant champion with an undefeated streak, while McGregor was a rising star; the match pitted top talents against each other, but Aldo lost quickly. | |
| Key Moments and Defining Events | 10 | The 13-second knockout by McGregor at UFC 194 became an iconic moment in MMA history, symbolizing the rivalry’s intensity and defining its legacy. | |
| Perceived Injustice & Unfairness | 6 | Some fans felt Aldo’s quick loss didn’t fully showcase his skills, but McGregor’s win was still widely respected. | |
| Fan Perceptions & Identity Factors | Identity Threat and Group Cohesion | 8 | Fans of both fighters took sides passionately, with McGregor’s flamboyance sharply contrasting with Aldo’s disciplined approach. |
| Bidirectionality (Mutual Rivalry) | 9 | The rivalry was strongly felt by both fighters, with McGregor openly challenging Aldo and Aldo responding in kind. | |
| Cultural Similarities and Differences | 10 | The rivalry featured McGregor from Ireland vs. Aldo from Brazil, adding an international angle that heightened cultural tension. | |
| Emotional Engagement Factors | Intensity of Fan Emotion (Rivalry Points) | 9 | Fan excitement was high, with both fighters boasting passionate fan bases eager to support their contender. |
| Positive Enjoyment vs. Negative Aggression | 7 | The rivalry had moments of aggression and taunting, especially from McGregor, but fans enjoyed the buildup and spectacle. | |
| External Influence Factors | Star Power and Media Amplification | 10 | Both fighters were stars, with McGregor’s promotional antics drawing extensive media attention and making the fight one of the most hyped in UFC history. |
| Geographical Proximity and Accessibility | 6 | Although the fighters came from different continents, the international aspect attracted a global audience, even without close geographic proximity. | |
| Economic Impact Factors | Attendance & Sponsorship Impact | 10 | The fight drew huge pay-per-view numbers, broke UFC records, and brought in substantial sponsorship, making it one of the UFC’s most profitable events. |
Rivalry Meter Score: Excellent
Total Points: 97/120
Final Score (Percentage): 81%
Summary: The Conor McGregor vs. Jose Aldo rivalry ranks as Excellent, driven by high emotional engagement, media amplification, and cultural impact. This sports rivalry was short but intense, fueled by McGregor’s charisma, Aldo’s legacy as a champion, and an unforgettable knockout that secured McGregor’s rise.
Though it lacked the repeated encounters typical of many legendary rivalries, McGregor vs. Aldo captured global attention and left a lasting mark on UFC history, solidifying its “Excellent” status on the Rivalry Meter. Dana White exploited this brilliantly and managed to gain UFC an international recognition.
El Clásico: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona
| Category | Trait | Score (0–10) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competitive & Contextual Factors | Frequency of Encounters | 10 | Real Madrid and Barcelona face each other multiple times each season in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and international competitions, making it one of the most frequent rivalries. |
| Competitive Balance (Parity) | 9 | Both clubs have been highly competitive, sharing a large portion of league titles, with each team often ranked among Europe’s best. | |
| Key Moments and Defining Events | 10 | Memorable matches include intense goal battles, last-minute wins, and historical moments such as the “Manita” and famous brawls, cementing the rivalry’s legacy. | |
| Perceived Injustice & Unfairness | 8 | Many fans feel that refereeing and governing bodies have favored one side or the other over the years, adding a sense of unfairness to El Clásico. | |
| Fan Perceptions & Identity Factors | Identity Threat and Group Cohesion | 10 | Fans strongly identify with either club, with the rivalry transcending sports and rooting itself in regional and political identity. |
| Bidirectionality (Mutual Rivalry) | 10 | Both teams and their fans view each other as primary rivals, with the rivalry equally intense from both sides. | |
| Cultural Similarities and Differences | 10 | El Clásico symbolizes a cultural and political divide: Real Madrid represents Spanish nationalism, while Barcelona embodies Catalan pride and independence. | |
| Emotional Engagement Factors | Intensity of Fan Emotion (Rivalry Points) | 10 | Emotions run high, with fans deeply invested in each match, often making it one of the most-watched games globally. |
| Positive Enjoyment vs. Negative Aggression | 8 | Though competitive and sometimes hostile, fans largely enjoy the rivalry for the high stakes, history, and talent displayed. | |
| External Influence Factors | Star Power and Media Amplification | 10 | The rivalry has featured legendary players like Messi, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Zidane, amplified by massive media coverage and global broadcasting. |
| Geographical Proximity and Accessibility | 7 | While not close geographically, the two teams’ reach is global, making it accessible to a worldwide audience. | |
| Economic Impact Factors | Attendance & Sponsorship Impact | 10 | El Clásico generates massive attendance, viewership, and sponsorship revenue, making it one of the most valuable sports events in the world. |
Rivalry Meter Score: Legendary
Total Points: 112/120
Final Score (Percentage): 93%
Summary: The Real Madrid vs. Barcelona sports rivalry achieves a Legendary status on the Rivalry Meter. This rivalry is marked by frequent and intensely competitive encounters, historical and political significance, and unforgettable moments that have defined football history.
El Clásico captures worldwide attention, fueled by cultural contrasts, a roster of legendary players, and enormous economic impact, making it one of the most iconic rivalries in sports. The rivalry embodies passion, regional pride, and world-class talent, consistently attracting massive global viewership and setting the standard for sports rivalries worldwide.
Also, this rivlary is incredible because for years it was defined by a personal rivalry between two of the best players in the world – Ronaldo vs Messi.
Belgrade Derby: Partizan vs. Crvena Zvezda
| Category | Trait | Score (0–10) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competitive & Contextual Factors | Frequency of Encounters | 10 | Partizan and Crvena Zvezda face off multiple times each season in the Serbian SuperLiga, Cup, and other competitions, keeping the rivalry highly active. |
| Competitive Balance (Parity) | 9 | Both teams are top Serbian clubs with close records over the years, frequently competing for the league title and other honors. | |
| Key Moments and Defining Events | 10 | Memorable matches include dramatic last-minute goals, title-deciding games, and intense clashes that have often resulted in pitch invasions and crowd tension. | |
| Perceived Injustice & Unfairness | 10 | Fans on both sides frequently claim unfair refereeing, corruption, and favoritism, intensifying their feelings of rivalry. | |
| Fan Perceptions & Identity Factors | Identity Threat and Group Cohesion | 10 | Fans’ loyalty is deeply rooted in club identity, with each side perceiving the other as a defining opposition and rallying point. |
| Bidirectionality (Mutual Rivalry) | 10 | The rivalry is mutual and intense, with both fan bases considering each other the primary rival, contributing to a charged atmosphere on and off the pitch. | |
| Cultural Similarities and Differences | 10 | While both clubs are Serbian, Partizan is traditionally associated with the military and Crvena Zvezda with broader nationalist pride, adding a layer of cultural rivalry. | |
| Emotional Engagement Factors | Intensity of Fan Emotion (Rivalry Points) | 10 | Emotions are extremely high, with fans dedicated to supporting their teams, often leading to highly charged stadium environments. |
| Positive Enjoyment vs. Negative Aggression | 10 | Fans enjoy the rivalry’s intensity, but it also includes aggression and clashes, reflecting both passion and hostility. | |
| External Influence Factors | Star Power and Media Amplification | 7 | The rivalry is widely covered in Balkan media, and while not featuring global superstars, it includes popular regional players and draws significant attention in Europe. |
| Geographical Proximity and Accessibility | 10 | Both clubs are located in Belgrade, making matches highly accessible and increasing local fan engagement. | |
| Economic Impact Factors | Attendance & Sponsorship Impact | 8 | The derby attracts strong local attendance and regional sponsorships, though it lacks the international economic impact of larger leagues. |
Rivalry Meter Score: Legendary
Total Points: 114/120
Final Score (Percentage): 95%
Summary: The Belgrade Derby between Partizan and Crvena Zvezda is a Legendary sports rivalry with unparalleled passion, cultural significance, and a deeply rooted competitive history. The frequent and intense matchups are characterized by high fan emotions, strong identity affiliation, and a fierce sense of injustice felt on both sides. While its impact is primarily regional, this rivalry captures the essence of Serbian football and continues to resonate powerfully with fans, making it one of the most intense and storied rivalries in European football.
Hockey: Canada vs Russia
| Category | Trait | Score (0–10) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competitive & Contextual Factors | Frequency of Encounters | 8 | Russia and Canada face off in major international tournaments like the Olympics, World Championships, and historic series, but not as frequently as club-level rivalries. |
| Competitive Balance (Parity) | 10 | Both nations are hockey powerhouses, with a history of close contests and competitive balance that spans decades. | |
| Key Moments and Defining Events | 10 | Iconic moments include the 1972 Summit Series, intense Olympic clashes, and numerous hard-fought games that often define the tournaments they’re part of. | |
| Perceived Injustice & Unfairness | 9 | Over the years, controversial refereeing decisions and clashes in playing style have led to feelings of unfairness and intensified the rivalry. | |
| Fan Perceptions & Identity Factors | Identity Threat and Group Cohesion | 10 | The rivalry is tied to national pride, with each side seeing the other as the ultimate competitor, especially in the context of hockey’s cultural importance. |
| Bidirectionality (Mutual Rivalry) | 10 | Both nations recognize each other as primary hockey rivals, with games between them carrying added significance and intensity on both sides. | |
| Cultural Similarities and Differences | 9 | While both nations share a passion for hockey, they represent contrasting styles: Canada’s physical play vs. Russia’s finesse, adding a unique cultural angle. | |
| Emotional Engagement Factors | Intensity of Fan Emotion (Rivalry Points) | 10 | Emotions run very high, as each country’s fans are deeply invested in winning and often see these games as a battle for national pride. |
| Positive Enjoyment vs. Negative Aggression | 9 | Fans enjoy the rivalry’s intensity and competitive spirit, though games can become aggressive due to the clash in styles and high stakes. | |
| External Influence Factors | Star Power and Media Amplification | 10 | Both teams feature top international stars and draw massive media coverage, especially in Canada and Russia, where hockey is a premier sport. |
| Geographical Proximity and Accessibility | 6 | Although geographically distant, the games are accessible globally and broadcast widely, with large audiences tuning in for major matchups. | |
| Economic Impact Factors | Attendance & Sponsorship Impact | 8 | High-profile games attract significant viewership, sponsorship, and commercial interest, especially during international tournaments. |
Rivalry Meter Score: Legendary
Total Points: 109/120
Final Score (Percentage): 91%
Summary: The international hockey rivalry between Russia and Canada is Legendary, rooted in decades of fierce competition, national pride, and unforgettable moments. Defined by historic clashes such as the 1972 Summit Series and numerous Olympic and World Championship battles, this rivalry showcases a blend of contrasting styles, cultural pride, and sporting excellence. Although they don’t face off as frequently as club-level rivals, each game is a high-stakes event that draws massive attention and emotional investment from fans, marking it as one of the most storied rivalries in international hockey.
Quick Note: Rivalries or Derbies?
Sometimes there’s a misunderstanding between a rivalry and a derby. A difference is very simple. According to bbc.co.uk, in contrast to a sporting rivalry, which may stem from league standings or historical clashes between two teams, a derby is a match between two local clubs situated close to each other geographically—such as teams from the same city or region, for example, Belgrade derby between Partizan and Crvena Zvezda, Athens derby between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos, etc.
To sum up:
- Rivalry: A competition between two teams fueled by league position, historical encounters, or competitive tension. Often develops over time and can exist between teams from different regions or cities.
- Derby: A match between two clubs located geographically close to each other, typically from the same city or area. Rooted in local pride, with fans and players often sharing a common community or regional identity
CITATION
Bakanauskas, P. (2024, October 24). Magic vs Bird Phenomenon: The Birth of the Modern NBA. Play of Values. https://playofvalues.com/magic-vs-bird/
IN-TEXT CITATION: (Bakanauskas, 2024)
List of References
- BBC. (2024, June 17). Football: Why are sport rivalries called Derbies?. BBC Newsround. Full Article
- Berendt, J., & Uhrich, S. (2016). Enemies with benefits: The dual role of rivalry in shaping sports fans’ identity. European Sport Management Quarterly, 16(5), 613-634. Article
- Bhattacharya, C. B., & Elsbach, K. D. (2002). Us versus them: The roles of organizational identification and disidentification in social marketing initiatives. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 21(1), 26-36.
- Burgers, C., Beukeboom, C. J., Kelder, M., & Peeters, M. M. (2014). How Sports Fans Forge Intergroup Competition Through Language: The Case of Verbal Irony. Human Communication Research. Doi: 10.1111/hcre.12052.
- Grove, S. J., Pickett, G. M., Jones, S. A., & Dorsch, M. J. (2012). Spectator rage as the dark side of engaging sport fans: Implications for service marketers. Journal of Service Research. Doi: 1094670511428166.
- Guilianotti, R. (2013). Football, violence and social identity. New York: Routledge.
- Havard, C. T. (2014). Glory Out of Reflected Failure: The examination of how rivalry affects sport fans. Sport Management Review, 17(3), 243-253.
- Havard, C. T., & Eddy, T. (2013). Qualitative assessment of rivalry and conference realignment in intercollegiate athletics. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 6, 216-235.
- Havard, C. T., Gray, D. P., Gould, J., Sharp, L. A., & Schaffer, J. J. (2013). Development and validation of the Sport Rivalry Fan Perception Scale (SRFPS). Journal of Sport Behavior, 36, 45–65.
- Kilduff, G. J., Elfenbein, H. A., & Staw, B. M. (2010). The psychology of rivalry: A relationally dependent analysis of competition. Academy of Management Journal, 53, 943–969
- Leach, C. W., & Spears, R. (2009). Dejection at in-group defeat and schadenfreude toward second-and third-party out-groups. Emotion, 9(5), 659-665.
- Lee, M. J. (1985). From rivalry to hostility among sports fans. Quest, 37(1), 38-49.
- Luellen, T. B., & Wann, D. L. (2010). Rival salience and sport team identification. Sport Marketing Quarterly, 19(2), 97-106.
- Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1979). An integrative theory of intergroup conflict. The social psychology of intergroup relations, 33(47), 33-47.
- Tyler, B. David & Cobbs, Joe. (2015). Rival Conceptions of Rivalry: Why some competitions mean more than others. European Sport Management Quarterly. in-press. 10.1080/16184742.2015.1010558. Full Article.
- Tyler, B. David & Cobbs, Joe. (2016). All Rivals Are Not Equal: Clarifying Misrepresentations and Discerning Three Core Properties of Rivalry. Journal of Sport Management. 31. 1-35. 10.1123/jsm.2015-0371. Full Article.
- Tyler, B. David & Morehead, Craig & Cobbs, Joe & DeSchriver, Timothy. (2017). What is rivalry? Old and new approaches to specifying rivalry in demand estimations of spectator sports. Sport Marketing Quarterly. 26. 204-222. Full Article.
- Vogler, J. (2011). Theorie der Konkurrenz. Rivalität und Wettbewerb in den internationalen Beziehungen [The Theory of Competition. Rivalry and Competition in International Relationships]. Metropolis-Verlag: Marburg.
- Wann, D. L., & Grieve, F. G. (2005). Biased evaluations of in-group and out-group spectator behavior at sporting events: The importance of team identification and threats to social identity. The Journal of Social Psychology, 145(5), 531-546.
- Wenger, J. L., & Brown, R. O. (2014). Sport Fans: Evaluating the Consistency Between Implicit and Explicit Attitudes Toward Favorite and Rival Teams. Psychological Reports, 114(2), 572-584.
What are your most favorite rivalries of all time?
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