Home-Court Advantage: The Controversial Practice of Restricting Ticket Sales

The practice of restricting ticket sales to local fans is a common tactic used by professional sports teams to bolster home-court advantage. The Oklahoma City Thunder, for instance, recently limited ticket purchases for playoff games to residents of Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Similar restrictions were imposed by the Detroit Pistons during the first round of the playoffs. This practice isn't limited to basketball; the Los Angeles Rams employed a similar strategy for an NFC Championship game, and the San Diego Padres did the same for MLB playoff games. A 49ers fan even sued the Seattle Seahawks in 2024 for $50 million over this issue, though the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. While the practice is legal, it sparks debate about fairness and access for out-of-town fans. The Premier League, in contrast, mandates a minimum number of tickets for away fans, recognizing their contribution to the overall game atmosphere. The debate highlights the tension between maximizing revenue for home teams and ensuring fair access for all fans.