CrossFit Games: A Case Study of Consumer Engagement on Social Live-Streaming Service Platforms

Social media platforms offer a direct channel for broadcasting live content to followers, emphasizing the immediacy of interaction. Social live-streaming services present a unique opportunity for niche sport organizations to engage with their communities in real time, providing new opportunities for interaction and engagement. This paper employs a case study of the 2022 CrossFit (CF) Games to understand how social live-streaming services in fl uence consumer engagement in niche sports. Using an online survey and content analysis, the study fi nds that viewing the CF Games inspires participation and that viewers with a stronger connection to CF are less likely to engage in chat functions. These insights highlight the potential for niche sports to leverage social live-streaming services for enhanced engagement, offering a viable alternative to traditional broadcasting. Although the focus is on CF, the fi ndings may provide valuable lessons for other niche sports facing similar challenges in visibility and audience engagement.