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When the Stars Are Out: The Impact of Missed Games on NBA Television Audiences

Author

Listed:
  • Patrick Reilly
  • John L. Solow
  • Peter von Allmen

Abstract

Using the 2018–2019 NBA season, we examine the causes and effects of star players missing games. Focusing on 19 star players, we find that injury, proximity to the end of season, games on consecutive days, and opponent quality lead to missed games. We then estimate a model of NBA television audience size using granular data from nationally broadcast games. Doubling the proportion of star players missing games reduces TV audience by approximately 6.5 million household viewings per regular season. A rough estimate of the advertising revenue lost due to stars missing games is between $15 and $20 million per season.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Reilly & John L. Solow & Peter von Allmen, 2023. "When the Stars Are Out: The Impact of Missed Games on NBA Television Audiences," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 24(7), pages 877-902, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jospec:v:24:y:2023:i:7:p:877-902
    DOI: 10.1177/15270025231174616
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • Z2 - Other Special Topics - - Sports Economics

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