The Effect of NBA Attendance on Teams’ Performance

Abstract

This paper analyzed how attendance in the NBA during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically, in the 2020-2021 seasons, affected team performance. To answer this question, we used team data of all 30 teams from 2015 to 2022, and attendance data for the 2020-2021 season; we separated team attendance into three levels: Full (or almost full), Partial, and Empty. We used logistic models and the Bradley-Terry Model to analyze each team’s strength coefficient (compared to one baseline team) using the Win/Loss data as the determining factor. Our result showed a slight advantage for home teams when audiences were present. However, results revealed that home court advantage became less evident when there was partial or no audiences.