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Discrimination and subjective player ratings: Evidence from China

Author

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  • Chen, Shuoyu
  • Collins, Clay
  • Collins, Ivy

Abstract

This paper provides an empirical examination of how fans perceive and evaluate athlete performances. Using NBA games during the 2022–23 season, this paper employs a unique dataset from the Chinese app Hupu, which allows users to grade the performances of players for each game. We model, controlling for player characteristics and performance, if ratings respond to game outcomes or a player’s racial characteristics. We use the Classification Algorithm for Skin Color (CASCo) to measure the effect of skin tone on player ratings. We find that controlling for performance, players on winning (losing) teams are rated more positively (negatively), with roughly symmetric effects caused by upsets. Consistently, players with darker skin tones are rated more positively than lighter skin players. The effect appears consistent through a variety of robustness checks.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Shuoyu & Collins, Clay & Collins, Ivy, 2025. "Discrimination and subjective player ratings: Evidence from China," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:quaeco:v:103:y:2025:i:c:s1062976925000742
    DOI: 10.1016/j.qref.2025.102033
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • Z20 - Other Special Topics - - Sports Economics - - - General

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