nep-spo New Economics Papers
on Sports and Economics
Issue of 2024‒09‒16
three papers chosen by
Humberto Barreto, DePauw University


  1. Non-Transitive Patterns in Long-Term Football Rivalries By Jan C. van Ours
  2. Predicting full retirement attainment of NBA players By Foutzopoulos, Giorgos; Pandis, Nikolaos; Tsagris, Michail
  3. ServerFi : A New Symbiotic Relationship Between Games And Players By Shetty, Pavun

  1. By: Jan C. van Ours (Erasmus University Rotterdam)
    Abstract: The phenomenon of non-transitivity in outcomes, typically observed in non-effort games with predetermined probabilities and immediate clarity, extends to team- based, time-consuming games requiring effort that unfold over a long period of time. This study explores this aspect through an empirical analysis of professional football matches in the Netherlands involving three prominent teams: Feyenoord, Ajax, and PSV. Contrary to conventional expectations, the results reveal a non- transitive pattern over more than three decades, indicating that Feyenoord is more likely to triumph over PSV, PSV over Ajax, and Ajax over Feyenoord than the reverse scenarios.
    Keywords: Non-transitive match outcomes, football, bookmakers, Elo-rating
    JEL: C25 D01 Z2
    Date: 2024–05–10
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tin:wpaper:20240031
  2. By: Foutzopoulos, Giorgos; Pandis, Nikolaos; Tsagris, Michail
    Abstract: The aim of this analysis is to predict whether an National Basketball Association (NBA) player will be active in the league for at least 10 years so as to be qualified for NBA's full retirement scheme which allows for the maximum benefit payable by law. We collected per game statistics for players during their second year, drafted during the years 1999 up to 2006, for which, information on their career longetivity is known. By feeding these statistics of the sophomore players into statistical and machine learning algorithms we select the important statistics and manage to accomplish a satisfactory predictability performance. Further, we visualize the effect of each of the selected statistics on the estimated probability of staying in the league for more than 10 years. Finally, as an illustration, we collected data from players that were drafted 11 years ago (and some are still active) and estimated their probability of surviving in the league for at least 10 years.
    Keywords: BA, career duration, exit discrimination, retirement scheme
    JEL: C21 C38 C4 C53
    Date: 2024–07–23
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:121540
  3. By: Shetty, Pavun (Yale University)
    Abstract: Blockchain-based games have introduced novel economic models that blend traditional gaming with decentralized ownership and financial incentives, leading to the rapid emergence of the GameFi sector. However, despite their innovative appeal, these games face significant challenges, particularly in terms of market stability, player retention, and the sustainability of token value. This paper explores the evolution of blockchain games and identifies key shortcomings in current tokenomics models using entropy increase theory. We propose two new models—ServerFi, which emphasizes Privatization through Asset Synthesis, and a model focused on Continuous Rewards for High-Retention Players. These models are formalized into mathematical frameworks and validated through group behavior simulation experiments. Our findings indicate that the ServerFi is particularly effective in maintaining player engagement and ensuring the long-term viability of the gaming ecosystem, offering a promising direction for future blockchain game development.
    Date: 2024–08–14
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:tsxj2

This nep-spo issue is ©2024 by Humberto Barreto. It is provided as is without any express or implied warranty. It may be freely redistributed in whole or in part for any purpose. If distributed in part, please include this notice.
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