Re:How Former Ref Tim Donaghy Conspired to Fix NBA Games
by Scoundreller on Wednesday February 20, 2019 @04:27PM
(#19212167)
The Toronto Maple Leafs would like a word with you.
I think there can also be a bias in favour of teams that are still in developing regions that the sport is still trying to conquer.
When a team can sell out a stadium for decades despite their record, who cares if they win or lose?
Re:How Former Ref Tim Donaghy Conspired to Fix NBA Games
by kevinmchugh on Wednesday February 20, 2019 @08:08PM
(#19213637)
Is it common that teams sell out a stadium with a bad record? I know there's the Cubs and some other "lovable losers", but I wasn't under the impression that it was exceptional. White sox ticket prices/sales seem responsive to their record.
I can't speak to the rest of your comment, but this might not be "actively encouraged" since it is universal in every sport. Every single study that I have seen on sports refs shows an inherent bias in favor of the home team. It is just human nature for your actions to be subconsciously swayed by how you know the 10,000+ people around you will react. This is one of the many things that makes up home field advantage in sports.