Hoyoon Jung, Bomin Paek, Yoon Tae Sung

Abstract

In this study, we endeavor to estimate the degree to which Major League Soccer (MLS) fans are sensitive to the MLS playoff format and its changes while controlling for three demand determinants (i.e., designated players, soccer-specific stadiums, and the Hispanic population). Using MLS average annual team attendance data from 1996 to 2017, our panel data analysis shows that the relative number of teams advancing to the playoffs plays a significant role in explaining MLS attendance. This finding implies that lowering the threshold for clinching a playoff berth could increase fan demand in MLS. Along with this finding, MLS could benefit from having a higher number of local superstars than international superstars, because we find the number of domestic designated players to be positively associated with annual attendance.

Keywords: Major League Soccer, attendance, demand, playoff format, designated players

Citation: Jung, H., Paek, B., & Sung, Y. T. (2024). Do fans care about playoff structure? The impact of playoff format
 on fan demand in major league soccer. International Journal of Sport Management, 25(4), 379-406.

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