Graduation Year
2017
Date of Submission
5-2017
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Economics
Reader 1
Janet K. Smith
Rights Information
© 2017 Daniel R Fallon-Cyr
Abstract
In this study I examine foul calls by NBA referees alongside the difference in aggressiveness of twelve NBA basketball teams as they compete for the Championship Title. I aim to identify referee biases that increase the likelihood of the NBA Finals ending in a later game due to league revenue incentives. My data consists of 91 individual NBA Finals games played between the 2001 and 2016 NBA Finals. After controlling for changes in play as well as the difference in aggressiveness, I find that NBA referee’s foul calls are more dependent on a call on the opposing team in situations with a larger series score spread. Additionally, I identify a consistent officiating bias towards the home team. My results imply an effort by the NBA to increase the probability of the series ending in a later game, possibly motivated by increased revenues for the league and all parties involved.
Recommended Citation
Fallon-Cyr, Daniel, "Revenue Incentives and Referee Propensity to Make Foul Calls in the NBA Finals" (2017). CMC Senior Theses. 1599.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/1599
Included in
Behavioral Economics Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, Other Economics Commons, Sports Management Commons, Sports Studies Commons
