In an essay titled "The Future of Sport" presented at the 2004 conference of the World Future Society, author and futurist Robin Gunston examines how organized sports will look in years to come. He writes:

The loss of core values in society due to the waning influence of the church creates a spiritual vacuum into which sports may move. 'Religiosport' could develop as major sports replace conventional religion. Religiosport will have its shrines (stadiums), costumes (uniforms), services (games and events), rituals (chants and songs), high priests (star athletes), and piety (fan loyalty).