Blockchain and sports industry: a systematic literature review of Fan Tokens and their implications

Background: Fan tokens emerge as a significant innovation that enables a new form of interaction between clubs and their followers and introduces an alternative economic model for sports entities. Purpose: The review discusses the technical characteristics of fan tokens and their role in enhancing fan participation in minor club decisions, reinforcing the sense of belonging and community. Methods: The research encompassed a systematic literature review, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Evidence-Based Systematic Mapping in Software Engineering (EBSE). Thus, it presented a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the applications of fan tokens in the sports industry. Results: Despite engagement and monetization opportunities, the results highlight significant challenges, such as price volatility and appropriate regulation to ensure safe and effective adoption. The discussion also includes the ethical and social implications of using fan tokens, emphasizing the need for strategies that prioritize inclusion and fairness for fan engagement. Conclusion: Finally, the study proposes future research directions that consider continuous technological development and changes in fan expectations, aiming to optimize the use of fan tokens to benefit the stakeholders involved. Keywords: Sport Management; Blockchain; Fan Engagement; Fan Tokens; Digital Assets; Tokens