Event Title
Does Race Affect Player Income in the NBA?
Faculty Mentor
Benjamin Scafidi
Keywords
Benjamin Scafidi
Abstract
The purpose of this research paper is to determine whether individual race has a substantial effect on player income in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Data was gathered for a series of 100 professional athletes over the past eight seasons from 2005 – 2013. A simple linear regression was utilized in combination with ordinary least squares to measure the magnitude of this effect. Upon completion of the regression, evidence was found suggesting that there is in fact wage discrimination present in the NBA, subject to player ethnicity. Other significant factors such as position, height and major in game statistics also presented a significant impact on player salary.
Session Name:
Race, Gender, and Geography in Sports Economics and Media
Start Date
4-4-2014 9:00 AM
End Date
4-4-2014 10:00 AM
Location
HSB 300
Does Race Affect Player Income in the NBA?
HSB 300
The purpose of this research paper is to determine whether individual race has a substantial effect on player income in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Data was gathered for a series of 100 professional athletes over the past eight seasons from 2005 – 2013. A simple linear regression was utilized in combination with ordinary least squares to measure the magnitude of this effect. Upon completion of the regression, evidence was found suggesting that there is in fact wage discrimination present in the NBA, subject to player ethnicity. Other significant factors such as position, height and major in game statistics also presented a significant impact on player salary.