Bibliometric Analysis of Sports and Social Media Research: An Interdisciplinary Perspective

Abstract

This study aimed to examine 1,441 academic publications on sports and social media in the Web of Science (WoS) database between 2010 and 2025 using bibliometric analysis methods. Analyses conducted using VOSviewer software focused on thematic evolution, authors, institutions, countries, citation, and publication trends. The findings reveal that the field initially took shape around the keywords “social media” and “sports,” but over time showed a thematic diversification towards sports marketing, management, fan engagement, athlete welfare, and advanced analytical methods. Geographically, the US, Australia, and the UK are in the lead, while at the institutional level, Griffith University, Indiana University, and Massey University stand out. Michael Naraine and Ann Pegoraro were identified as the most prolific authors, while Michelle Hayes and Andrea N. Eagleman were among the most cited researchers. A particularly noteworthy finding is that the “Sport Sciences” category ranks third with 208 publications (21.18%). This highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the field and shows that social media intersects with traditional areas of sports science such as athlete performance, psychology, and health. The study also reveals that, despite the rapid growth of the field, there are limitations such as geographical concentration, methodological constraints, and a lack of theoretical depth. For future research, it is recommended to develop interdisciplinary collaborations, focus on non-Western contexts, promote the use of advanced analytical methods, and strengthen the perspective of sports science. By outlining the current panorama of the field, this study provides a comprehensive roadmap for future research.