How Can Sports Clubs Reward Fans Who Never Visit the Stadium?

Official votes, online activities and digital rewards give overseas supporters a range of ways to participate beyond watching matches.

Believe it or not, sports clubs can actually engage and reward fans who are unable to visit the stadium through online votes, digital collectibles and loyalty programmes that recognise participation from afar.

The number of fans who fit this description isn’t small by any means. In fact, Chiliz’ 2024 Global Fan Report, which surveyed more than 8,000 football fans across eight countries, found that 33% supported an overseas club as their main team.

Every sports fan can relate to staying up late to watch games in a different time zone. But for the 33% of respondents quoted in the report above, this could be a regular occurrence.

Visiting the stadium involves another set of considerations: travel, accommodation, finding a ticket, and potentially taking time off work, or even applying for a VISA or similar travel documents, which could take weeks or months to sort out.

With the growth of technologies like official blockchain-based digital tokens, clubs can now give those fans more opportunities to participate by creating activities and rewards that are always accessible, regardless of where the fans are based.

What Do Overseas Fans Want from their Clubs?

Chiliz’ 2026 Global Fan Report: U.S. Edition offers further evidence of how distant fans could connect with their teams.

Based on a survey of more than 15,000 adult fans of U.S. sports across 11 markets, it found that 83% said non-live digital content, including social media and behind-the-scenes material, kept them engaged. Meanwhile, 79% said technology and digital platforms enhanced their fan experience.

There is also interest in digital fan products: 53% of international respondents expressed interest in Fan Tokens and digital collectibles, while 9% already owned either.

The reports found that 24% of fans wanted their clubs to develop some form of loyalty programmes and rewards for overseas supporters.

Specific events, like virtual meetings with players and votes on selected club decisions each attracted interest from 22% of respondents.

Ultimately, these findings point to practical opportunities. There’s a clear demand from supporters to give them something they can contribute to, wherever they might live, and however far that might be from the club’s stadium.

Examples of How Fans Influenced Events at Stadiums They Never Visited

In May 2026, Barcelona supporters voted through Socios.com to choose corner flags for a home Clásico match against Real Madrid. All that was required to participate was holding at least one $BAR token in the app.

The winning blaugrana design provides a concrete example of an online vote shaping something supporters could subsequently see on the pitch from the comfort of their own homes.

An earlier example came from Juventus. In December 2019 and January 2020, $JUV holders chose Blur’s “Song 2” as the club’s home goal celebration song.

Socios.com reported that tens of thousands of fans worldwide participated. Supporters were able to contribute to the stadium atmosphere through an online vote, without attending the match themselves.

Such opportunities take place throughout the year for the tokens in the Fan Tokens SportFi marketplace, dependent upon the participation of the clubs involved.

Can Online Engagement Reward Fans?

On Socios.com, voting in a poll earns Reward Points which can be used to redeem exclusive rewards in the app.

Fan Tokens and Reward Points serve different purposes. A team’s Fan Token provides eligibility for its activities, while points earned through participation can contribute towards rewards.

Online voting and digital rewards suit supporters who cannot travel. Other benefits require further consideration. For example, merchandise involves delivery, while tickets and hospitality require attendance.

Socios.com’s rewards guidance lists digital and physical collectibles, team merchandise, tickets and experiences. Overseas supporters should assess each offer against their location and circumstances.

Rewards are subject to availability and individual requirements. Socios.com says redemption requires a specified number of Reward Points and the required amount of staked Fan Tokens. These thresholds vary by team, token, and campaign.

Ultimately, clubs should consider local languages, time zones and the practical value of each reward. A virtual player session scheduled at an accessible time, or a collectible available digitally, may suit a distant supporter better than a stadium experience.

Could Online Engagement Boost Fan Loyalty?

Digital participation gives clubs more occasions to recognise overseas supporters. Whether it strengthens loyalty should be measured through repeat participation, supporter feedback and continued engagement.

For a fan who may never reach the stadium, being able to add their own little impact to stadium atmosphere, flag designs, and other decisions offers a new way to help fans build a specific connection to the club they follow from home.

Regular opportunities to participate would also give fans a reason to return between matches.