Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to determine for what objectives Turkish Sports Federation Spor Toto Super League sports clubs use social networking site Facebook and how they are involved in Facebook applications. Qualitative research methods were used in the study. Research sample is composed of five persons responsible for Facebook applications from five sports clubs that have declared to participate in the study. Collected data was qualified by descriptive analysis method to determine what results were produced concerning the study purpose. Interpretations and data outlined in descriptive analysis were detailed by content analysis. In conclusion, there are certain variables affecting the sports club supporters’ use of Facebook applications of their clubs in the sub-dimensions of “knowledge, follow and support”, “communication”, “sharing” and “generating income for the club.” The sub-dimension of “knowledge, follow and support” has been found the primary purpose for sports club supporters to use Facebook applications of their clubs. Sports club supporters have generally self-defined themselves as “viewers” when using Facebook. Besides, commercial approach and meeting supporters’ demands have become important for sports clubs in the dimension of actualizing Facebook applications.

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