Top 10 Celebrity Bandwagon Fans: When Loyalty Takes a Backseat

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Explore the top 10 celebrity bandwagon fans who switch teams as often as trends, proving loyalty isn’t their strong suit.

In the passionate world of sports fandom, loyalty isn’t just expected—it’s demanded. Yet some celebrities treat team allegiance like a trending hashtag, hopping from one bandwagon to the next faster than they change outfits at award shows. Let’s talk about these A-listers who love to play sports fans when it’s convenient. One day they’re courtside in Lakers gold, the next they’re dapping up Steph and Dray at a Warriors game professing Dub Nation. While true fans stick it out through rebuilding seasons and heartbreaking playoff exits, these celebrity bandwagon fans switch sides like they’re changing scripts. Here’s our definitive ranking of Hollywood’s most notorious team-hoppers.

Jake Gyllenhaal: The Capricious Cap Collector

Collage of Jake Gyllenhaal in Boston Red Sox gear and in a NY Yankees hat

The pinnacle of sports loyalty confusion sits squarely on Jake Gyllenhaal’s head—literally. Spotted wearing a New York Yankees cap at numerous events, proudly repping the Bronx Bombers like a lifelong fan. Yet in April 2016, he casually strolled onto Fenway Park’s hallowed mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch alongside Boston Marathon survivor Jeff Bauman, suddenly a Red Sox sympathizer.

This bandwagon-jumping places him at the center of baseball’s most heated rivalry—a cardinal sin in the sport’s unwritten rulebook. The audacity of playing both sides, even under the noble guise of charity, shows just how easily celebrity fans can shift allegiances when the cameras are rolling. Is Jake a true Boston convert, or just Hollywood’s most adaptable bandwagon fan? Either way, both Yankees Universe and Red Sox Nation are keeping receipts.

Adam Sandler: The NFL’s Undecided MVP

Collage of Adam Sandler in a NY Jets t-shirt and Steelers cap

Adam Sandler’s NFL fandom reads like a comedy script with multiple endings. Born and raised in New York, his connection to the Jets seems authentic—complete with self-deprecating jokes about their perpetual struggles. But then comes the plot twist: his inexplicable Steelers devotion.

Beyond just filming “The Longest Yard” as a former Steelers QB, Sandler’s Pittsburgh connection runs deeper than a Hollywood set. He convinced legendary Steelers coach Bill Cowher to appear in “The Waterboy” and regularly gushes about the team in interviews. It’s the ultimate celebrity bandwagon move—claiming allegiance to both an underdog hometown team and a storied franchise with six Super Bowl rings.

[Content continues with similar enhanced sections for each celebrity, maintaining the witty tone while emphasizing the bandwagon aspect. Would you like me to continue with the remaining celebrities?]

Snoop Dogg: The NFL’s Fanboy

Collage of Snoop Dogg wearing a Cowboys gear, Raiders jersey, Steelers gear, and Seattle Seahawks gear

When it comes to celebrity bandwagon fans. Snoop Dogg’s sports loyalties are as eclectic as his music career. Originally a die-hard fan of the Los Angeles Raiders, Snoop’s allegiance has evolved over the years, showcasing his love for multiple NFL teams. He’s been spotted in Steelers, Raiders, and even Cowboys gear, embracing the iconic styles and cultures of these franchises.

Snoop’s connection to the Steelers is particularly notable. In interviews, he’s expressed admiration for the team’s toughness and historic success. His appearances in Steelers merchandise have sparked conversations about his fandom, adding a layer of intrigue to his broader support for the NFL.

While some see his multi-team allegiance as a reflection of his dynamic personality, others argue that supporting rival teams is a faux pas in the world of sports fandom. Regardless, Snoop’s passion for football remains undeniable, blending a mix of loyalty, admiration, and pure love for the game.

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Hayden Panettiere: The Love-Driven Fangirl

Collage of Hayden Panettiere wearing a NY Jets jersey and a San Francisco 49ers jersey

Hayden Panettiere’s NFL fandom has taken some unexpected turns. Her relationship with former New York Jets wide receiver Scotty McKnight was well-documented, and during that time, she was often seen cheering on the Jets, embracing the team’s Gang Green spirit.

However, her apparent support for the San Francisco 49ers later on raised eyebrows. Transitioning from East Coast to West Coast allegiances, especially in the NFL, is no small shift. It’s a move that’s sparked questions about the motivations behind her fandom and whether her loyalties were tied more to personal connections than to a deep-rooted passion for a specific team.

Hayden’s journey through NFL fandom reflects the complexity of celebrity sports allegiances—a mix of relationships, geography, and perhaps a touch of opportunism. Regardless, her presence at games brought attention to both teams, even if fans were left wondering where her true loyalties lay.

Penny Marshall: The Hollywood Hoops Hopper

Collage of Penny Marshall in a Lakers hat and wearing a Clippers T-shirt

Penny Marshall’s connection to basketball has long been a part of her public persona. Known for her iconic directorial work, Marshall was also a regular courtside at Los Angeles Lakers games during the team’s heyday. Her presence alongside other celebrity fans made her a recognizable figure in the Lakers’ fan community.

However, her support for the Los Angeles Clippers during their playoff runs added an unexpected twist. Transitioning from Lakers loyalist to Clippers supporter was surprising to many, given the rivalry between the two teams. Whether it was a reflection of her appreciation for basketball as a whole or a newfound admiration for the Clippers’ emerging success, her shift in allegiance sparked plenty of chatter.

Marshall’s NBA fandom mirrored her creative spirit—unpredictable, multifaceted, and unapologetically her own. While fans of both teams might have questioned her divided loyalties, there’s no denying her genuine love for the game.

John Cena: The Split-Loyalty Superstar

Collage of John Cena in Lakers jersey and in a Boston Celtics jersey

John Cena’s dominance in the wrestling ring is unquestionable, but his NBA fandom has raised more than a few eyebrows. Known for his Massachusetts roots, Cena has often been associated with the Boston Celtics, a fitting allegiance given his hometown pride. However, his occasional appearances at Los Angeles Lakers games have sparked confusion among fans.

Supporting both the Celtics and the Lakers—teams locked in the NBA’s most storied rivalry—is a move that’s difficult to justify. For die-hard basketball fans, it’s akin to siding with both the Hatfields and the McCoys. While Cena’s larger-than-life persona might allow him to transcend traditional loyalties, this dual support has left some questioning where his true fandom lies.

In the world of sports, loyalty is often non-negotiable, but Cena’s approach to NBA allegiances reflects his ability to embrace multiple sides of a story—even if it means alienating a few purists along the way. Or maybe he thinks we just can’t see him.

Rihanna: The Fair-Weather Fan

Collage of Rihanna wearing Miami Heat jersey and Lakers jersey while holding up custom Lakers jersey with her social handle 'badgalriri' on the back

When it comes to celebrity bandwagon fans Riri might be tied with Snoop Dogg. Rihanna’s sports fandom has been as dynamic and unpredictable as her chart-topping career. A longtime Los Angeles Lakers supporter, she was often seen courtside during the team’s peak years. However, her allegiance shifted during the Miami Heat’s glory days, as she proudly supported LeBron James and company through their championship runs.

When LeBron took his talents to Cleveland, Rihanna’s fandom followed, and she made appearances at Cleveland Cavaliers games during their NBA Finals matchups. While her unwavering support for LeBron is clear, her tendency to jump between teams based on his jersey has left fans wondering where her true loyalties lie. Much like the wait for her next album, her team preferences remain a topic of intrigue and speculation.

Justin Bieber: The Trend-Chaser

Collage of Justine Bieber wearing LA Lakers jersey, Miami Heat Hat, and Raptors bomber jacket.

Justin Bieber’s sports fandom has been as unpredictable as his ever-changing hairstyles. Back in 2010, he was the Los Angeles Lakers’ freshest (and perhaps most polarizing) courtside addition, basking in the glow of their championship reign. By 2013, however, Bieber had traded in his purple and gold gear for a Miami Heat hat, aligning himself with the Heatles during their peak era.

The quick pivot from Lakers to Heat fan raised plenty of eyebrows, as Bieber’s allegiances seemed to follow the trendiest teams of the moment. Thankfully for Cleveland, Bieber didn’t hop on the Cavaliers bandwagon during their LeBron-led Finals runs—one less thing for Cavs fans to worry about. While his sports loyalty might be fleeting, one thing is certain: Bieber always finds a way to keep himself in the spotlight, whether courtside or center stage.

Jessica Alba: The Courtside Chameleon

Collage of Jessica Alba at Golden State Warriors game, a Clippers game, and a Lakers game.

Even by celebrity bandwagon fans’ standards, Alba’s ability to support rival teams simultaneously is impressive. Her presence at both Clippers and Warriors games showcases the unique privilege of celebrity sports fandom, where traditional rivalry boundaries don’t seem to apply.

While regular fans choose sides in the California basketball wars, Alba demonstrates the ultimate celebrity bandwagon approach – supporting whoever’s having the better season. From courtside at Warriors championship runs to Clippers playoff pushes, her basketball allegiance seems to follow winning percentages rather than team loyalty.


Celebrity fandom often feels like an extension of Hollywood itself—flashy, fickle, and sometimes as deep as a red carpet interview. While regular fans stick by their teams through crushing losses and baffling trades, these stars treat loyalty like a prop they pick up and drop depending on the narrative of the season. In the end, their ever-shifting allegiances say more about their image than the game itself.

Honorable Mentions

The Benchwarmers of Bandwagoning

Drake

The evidence:

  • Drake has been spotted wearing gear from multiple teams across the NBA, NFL, and MLB. One day he’s courtside cheering for the Toronto Raptors (his hometown team), and the next, he’s hugging the Warriors after their Finals win.
  • He even has tattoos of Stephen Curry’s and Kevin Durant’s jersey numbers but was shamelessly heckling them during the Raptors-Warriors Finals in 2019.
  • Let’s not forget his photo ops with Kentucky Wildcats, Miami Heat, and Alabama football players. Drake has been everywhere.

Verdict: Drake might as well be the ambassador of the “Whoever’s Winning” fan club.

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Jennifer Lopez

The evidence:

  • J.Lo is a known New York Yankees fan but was also seen throwing her support behind the Boston Red Sox during her relationship with Ben Affleck.
  • She even wore Red Sox gear—a cardinal sin in Yankees fandom.

Verdict: Love makes you do crazy things, like betray your Bronx roots.

Floyd Mayweather

The evidence:

  • Mayweather has a habit of showing up courtside in gear for whichever team is hot. He’s been seen in Warriors, Lakers, and Heat jerseys depending on the year.
  • Let’s not forget how he frequently bets on teams he clearly doesn’t have any emotional attachment to.

Verdict: Money Mayweather follows the cash flow, not the teams.

Mark Wahlberg

The evidence:

  • A Boston sports diehard… until the Patriots blew their lead in the Super Bowl against the Falcons. Wahlberg famously left the stadium early during the game. Some fan!

Verdict: Wahlberg is loyal—until it’s inconvenient.

Kim Kardashian

The evidence:

  • Kim has been spotted wearing various sports team jerseys, including the Yankees, Dodgers, and even the Patriots, with no clear allegiance.
  • Let’s also not forget her infamous jump into soccer fandom when Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami.

Verdict: Kim’s team loyalty is as curated as her Instagram feed.

Nicki Minaj

The evidence:

  • Nicki claimed to be a diehard Brooklyn Nets fan but switched to shouting out the Lakers when they got LeBron.
  • She’s also dabbled in shouting out Serena Williams for tennis clout but doesn’t seem to follow the sport too deeply.

Verdict: Nicki’s fandom feels as flexible as her rap flows.

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