Self-categorization process in sport: An examination of the “Linsanity” phenomenon in Taiwan

•This research illustrated international consumers’ self-categorization process.•Taiwanese identification positively influenced player identification.•Player identification positively influenced team identification.•Player identification mediated between Taiwanese identification and team identification.•Team identification positively influenced NBA involvement.The “Linsanity” phenomenon attracted an increase in attention toward the National Basketball Association (NBA) for a short period of time. Drawing on self-categorization theory to elucidate current literature on team identification, this research proposed a conceptual model delineating the social psychological process for international consumers during the phenomenon. Using an online survey with a convenience sample in Taiwan, structural equation modeling, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and path analysis, validated the conceptual model and confirmed the relationships between constructs in the model. Results indicated that Taiwanese identification positively influenced player identification, while player identification mediated the relationship between Taiwanese identification and team identification. Consequently, team identification positively influenced NBA involvement. The research findings together contribute to explicating the mechanism behind consumers’ self-categorization process during the “Linsanity” phenomenon while offering implications for international sport marketing. The research concludes with suggestions for future research.