Fan engagement
How NextName works.
NextName works in four steps. You join fan groups for your teams, follow athletes and team news, earn Fan Power by showing up, and meet other fans at watch parties and game-day events. Everything is free to join, and the app is on iPhone.
Updated July 2026
Step 01
Join fan groups
Find your crew for every team.
Independent fan platform. Team names used nominatively. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any school, conference, or the NCAA.
- Create a free account, then join any fan group for the teams you follow.
- Groups are made by fans, for fans. Talk through the season, share takes, and plan watch parties.
- Search by team or sport and drop into the conversation in seconds.
Fan groups are the home base. Every team you follow has a group waiting for you.
Step 02
Find events. Follow athletes.
Never miss a moment.
Independent fan platform. Team names used nominatively. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any school, conference, or the NCAA.
- Browse watch parties, meetups, and game-day events near you.
- RSVP, see who is going, and meet your group in person.
- Follow your favorite college athletes and get their news, updates, and posts in your feed.
Events and athlete feeds keep you connected to what matters, on and off the field.
Step 03
Earn Fan Power
Your fandom earns its place.
- Earn points for showing up: join groups, RSVP to events, check in on game day, and watch content.
- Level up from Rookie to Legend across 6 levels. Your level is a record of how you back your teams.
- Add friends, send direct messages, and get into your group chats.
6 fan levels: Rookie, Enthusiast, Supporter, Superfan, Champion, Legend. The more you show up, the higher you climb.
Step 04
Show up
Meet your people in person.
- RSVP to watch parties and game-day meetups hosted by your fan groups.
- Check in when you arrive and put faces to the names from group chat.
- Bring a friend. Every event grows the community around your team.
The season is better in person. NextName gets you in the room with your group when the game starts.
Questions answered
Who can join, what's free, and how fan groups and events work. Read the full FAQ for clear answers on fans, athletes, and schools.
Get started free
Ready to join?
Download the app, join a fan group, and follow the athletes you care about. Free to start.