Consider the contrasting fan bases of Norway’s Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup team and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Norway’s viral row chant swept the World Cup stage and the United States (U.S.) during July 2026. Donned in Norwegian flag garb and Viking horns, fans performed synchronized celebrations anywhere they could sit. They enthusiastically chant “ROW! ROW! ROW!” The chant symbolizes a readiness for battle. It simulates a crew pulling oars on a longship. Norway’s emphasis is on fun and participation.
Norwegian fan, Ole Froystad created the Viking Row and successfully pitched it to the official national team fan group. Apparently audience “rowing pits” have been a staple for years in heavy metal music.
As they traveled the U.S., the Norwegian fans rowed on pavements, Boston’s subway platforms, MetLife Stadium (New Jersey), New York’s Times Square and at Citi Field (Flushing, NY) for a baseball game. SNY field reporter, Steve Gelbs found the Norwegian fans in the stands at Citi and taught them to chant “Let’s Go Mets!” as part of their rowing rhythm. Norwegian Victor Hovland, winner of the Travelers Golf Tournament in Cromwell, CT joined in the celebratory row with his countrymen and women in attendance.
Alternatively, WNBA fans are brand loyal, young, and digitally-centered. According to Google AI, men comprise the majority of the league’s audience. The Muse disagrees with Google AI. Connecticut Sun fans are old, LGBTQ+ friendly, some kids, some families, but more women than men. Fans at games in Brooklyn, Golden State, Portland and Toronto appear young with half women and men in attendance. TV viewers are likely more male, and basketball or sports fans in need of games after the NBA season.
The WNBA is known as an activist league. Political and cultural causes get air and protest time. The WNBA and their fans are serious with causes, policies, and cultural positions. Presently transgendered athletes playing with girls/women is the issue du jour.
WNBA initiatives promote systemic, social, and economic changes. Historically these include wearing T-Shirts that state “Say Her Name,” for police brutality victims; “Pay the Players,” prior to the recent collective bargaining agreement; plus “No Space for Hate,” to combat hate and promote respect in WNBA spaces. Other themes include gun control and violence prevention; gender equity and fair compensation; LGBTQ+ advocacy; plus health and wellness. Compared with the Norwegian World Cup fans, the WNBA has a contrasting fan base.
What if these fan bases borrowed from each other? What could the Norwegian World Cup and WNBA fan bases take away and incorporate? A juxtaposition. What might it look like?
The Norwegian fans would don T-Shirts saying “Greenland is Not for Sale;” “No Tariffs;” “Aid to Ukraine;” “Maintain NATO;” and “No Military Involvement in Iran.”
They would assemble respectfully ahead of each contest with signage and their T-Shirt message of the day. There would be a pre-arranged non-harassing safe space dedicated for peaceful demonstration.
Alternatively, the WNBA fans could dress up like their favorite players and chant words of encouragement.
First up would be Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx. Fans would don fake afro wigs and recreation glasses or rec specs. They would shout “Go, Go, Go,” encouraging a fast break or one-on-one move to the basket in transition. Miles’ craftiness would delight. She is considered a MVP candidate this season.
Next up for encouraging chants would be Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream. Fans could dress up as pink Barbie dolls for Bayou Barbie and cheer “Mebound, Mebound, Mebound.” Reese just set a record for 26 rebounds in one game.
Already a league sensation, Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) fans could wear her signature $1.00 white headband and yell “Shoot, Shoot, Shoot” all game. Caitlin would gladly oblige hoisting shots from anywhere over half court. If she is missing shots, this encouragement might get her yanked by her coach, Stephanie White.
The second year expansion team, Golden State Valkyries are way ahead of these trends and have adopted the Norwegian Row! Besides selling out every home game, their fans dress in Valkyries gear including horned head dress in preparation of war. Valkyries are mythical Norse winged women, who determine the fate of fallen soldiers during battle. Some already shout “Row, Row, Row, which can be turned into Go, Go, Go or DEE-DEE-DEE-FENSE!” The Valkyries are known for their tenacious defense and currently hold second place in the league. Except for Gabby Williams, who actually signed with the team, this year’s record is from a second year expansion team of WNBA castoffs.
Fan bases can certainly take from each other. It ensures that a trip to the game is fun and memorable. Enjoy the Muse’s take on contrasting fan bases.
A digression. Summer reading lead to fewer blog posts. A regular IdealHoops reader has been waiting for a new post since June. The completed books are:
King of the Rum Runners: The Life of Big Bill Dwyer, by Steve Radel and Anne O’Dowd – Story of a successful Rum Runner on the East Coast during Prohibition.
Meet the Lunatics Who Run Your Sports Leagues, by Jack Malley – An overview of characters just as the title suggests.
Quiet, by Susan Cain – A deep dive into understanding and valuing introverts.
Yellowstone Has Teeth, by Marjane Ambler – A memoir recounting the trials and tribulations of living in Yellowstone National Park, especially during the winter season.
The books are the Muse’s non-fiction reading list. The most personally resonating was Yellowstone Has Teeth, as the Muse once spent several winter months in the Park.
Viking Row at Citi Field from ESPN
From the Bay Area News Valkyries Fans.
No copyright infringement is intended with the use of photographs.