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Policy and Policy Response on the Court: A Theoretical and Empirical Examination of the Three-Point Line Extension in Basketball

Author

Listed:
  • Justin A. Ehrlich
  • Shankar Ghimire
  • Thomas R. Sadler
  • Shane D. Sanders

Abstract

This paper considers recent and historical changes in the three-point line distance at the NCAA and NBA levels as an example of policy change with highly-measurable outcome(s). The paper presents several empirical tests describing a point-maximizing basketball team's optimal allocation of two-point and three-point shots. It does so primarily in the context that the NCAA Men's Basketball three-point line was extended from 20′9″ to 21′9″ in advance of the 2019–20 season, and similar analysis for the NBA in the 1990s. We find that a three-point line extension significantly lowers three- and two-point shot proficiency, while decreasing (increasing) three-point (two-point) shot volume.

Suggested Citation

  • Justin A. Ehrlich & Shankar Ghimire & Thomas R. Sadler & Shane D. Sanders, 2023. "Policy and Policy Response on the Court: A Theoretical and Empirical Examination of the Three-Point Line Extension in Basketball," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 24(2), pages 159-173, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jospec:v:24:y:2023:i:2:p:159-173
    DOI: 10.1177/15270025221111790
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shane D. Sanders, 2024. "Wages, Talent, and Demand for NCAA Sport After the Alston v. NCAA Antitrust Case," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 25(2), pages 169-185, February.

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