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Direct preferences of sports fans: Is there a superstar effect in the fantasy league?

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  • Kotrba, Vojtěch

Abstract

This paper investigates the presence of the superstar effect among the users of the Czech fantasy league during the 2015–16 season. Both the main points of view found in previous literature are taken into consideration, namely Rosen's theory and Adler's theory. The biggest advantage of the virtual fantasy league environment is the ability to gain direct preferences, not just those provided by mediated variables, for the athletes’ characteristics which are important for users. Using regression models, which employ the method of pooled ordinary least squares, I show a positive superstar effect according to both theories. The effect based on Adler's theory is substantially bigger than the effect based on Rosen's theory. Nevertheless, some of the other examined influences are more important, such as the athlete's performance; the athlete's nationality being the same as the user's; or how famous the club the athlete started in was.

Suggested Citation

  • Kotrba, Vojtěch, 2019. "Direct preferences of sports fans: Is there a superstar effect in the fantasy league?," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 89-97.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:78:y:2019:i:c:p:89-97
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2018.12.010
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    Cited by:

    1. Vojtěch Kotrba, 2020. "Heuristics in fantasy sports: is it profitable to strategize based on favourite of the match?," Mind & Society: Cognitive Studies in Economics and Social Sciences, Springer;Fondazione Rosselli, vol. 19(1), pages 195-206, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fans; Fantasy league; Popularity; Soccer; Superstar effect; Talent;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J44 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Professional Labor Markets and Occupations
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism

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