Everton have claimed the top spot among Premier League clubs in the latest Fan Engagement Index, a benchmark now in its seventh year that objectively measures fan engagement across English men’s football. Only three top-flight clubs made this year’s top 20, with Everton achieving a top 10 placement, up from 13th in 2023/24, highlighting the club’s rapid progress in connecting with supporters.
The Index, created by Kevin Rye of Think Fan Engagement, evaluates clubs based on publicly available data, assessing the dialogue clubs maintain with their supporters, their governance structures around fan engagement, and transparency. Rye noted:
“Everton were recognised for their outstanding progress in engagement, which sets them apart from most of their rivals, against a backdrop of new owners and the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium from their beloved Goodison Park.”
Everton’s Approach to Engagement
Everton’s CEO, Angus Kinnear, prioritised fan engagement from his first day, meeting with representative groups and ensuring supporters had input into the club’s transition to Hill Dickinson Stadium. Kinnear explained:
“A Club is strongest when it listens, involves and evolves alongside its supporters. From helping shape the matchday experience to major moments like planning for and moving into our new stadium, our fans have contributed and participated, both through our regular meetings with formal fan representative groups, and through the feedback we gather from across our fanbase via regular surveys.”
The club maintains a comprehensive fan engagement framework, including:
- Everton Fan Advisory Board – the first independent advisory board established in the Premier League
- Everton Fans’ Forum and Junior Fans’ Forum
- Everton Heritage Society
- Four Supporters’ Club committees representing domestic and international fans
Other Premier League clubs in the Index top 20 include Brighton and Brentford, while Manchester United earned a Merit award, finishing 22nd. Rye emphasised the importance of engagement across the football pyramid:
“Clubs that do well invest in engagement with consistent commitment from staff, owners and fans to ensure there is understanding and adherence to their strategy, culture, and mission.”
Turning Fan Engagement into Strategic Advantage
Everton’s success illustrates that fan engagement is more than a goodwill initiative — it’s a competitive asset. At 365247 Consultancy, we help clubs, leagues, and rights holders transform engagement into measurable business impact by:
- Designing structured dialogue frameworks with supporters that go beyond token consultation
- Integrating fan insights into operational and strategic decision-making, from stadium planning to digital experiences
- Building scalable, transparent engagement programs that align with the club’s brand and commercial goals
- Leveraging engagement data to strengthen sponsorship, merchandising, and community initiatives
For sports organisations seeking to translate fan passion into tangible strategic outcomes, Everton’s model provides a blueprint. Contact 365247 Consultancy to design fan engagement strategies that not only win accolades but also drive long-term growth, loyalty, and revenue.
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IMAGE: EVERTON FC
