I enjoy playing sports, but watching them is not a requirement for me. But, I have friends who were/are devastated that March Madness didn't happen. And I have

I enjoy playing sports, but watching them is not a requirement for me. But, I have friends who were/are devastated that March Madness didn't happen. And I have an overlapping other set of friends who will feel the same way if college football doesn't start in the fall. Are they essential like food? No, but probably essential like socializing is after awhile.