Musician Maggie Rogers has spent the summer immersing herself in sport, from the Winter Olympics in Milan to courtside seats at New York Knicks games, Wimbledon tennis and the World Cup, describing it as her "big sports summer". She tells Rolling Stone that, amid a difficult and disconnected period globally, the shared experience of fandom has provided the same sense of collective meaning and connection she usually finds through music.

Rogers, who holds a Master's degree from Harvard Divinity School focused on the spirituality of public gatherings, draws parallels between the devotion of athletes and her own decade-long career as a recording artist. She points to the Knicks' championship run, culminating in a parade, as an example of the urgency and clarity she aspires to bring to her own work, including new music she is currently writing at a retreat in Greece. She also reflects on watching the Olympics without the experience feeling nationalistic, instead finding it a celebration of athletes' dedication.