What's happened
Through two weeks, home teams have won about 29% of games, the worst start in 30 years. New York is the only team with a winning record at home. Attendance is up 6%, and scheduling may be a factor. Chicago has started 3-1 on the road, defying the trend.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The home-court drop is notable but not yet a trend; several top teams have been on the road early.
- Attendance gain suggests fan engagement remains strong; the market could rebound as schedules normalize.
- The comment from ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo underscores a potential policy lever: more home games for top teams could restore balance.
- The data imply a short-term anomaly rather than a structural shift in the league.
How we got here
AP News reports that through nearly two weeks, home teams have a 29% win rate, the lowest start in 30 years. Las Vegas and New York have spent much of the early season on the road, affecting home-court advantage. Attendance is up 6% this season.
Our analysis
AP News has compiled the season’s early home-win statistics, with Elias Sports Bureau providing the data; ESPN commentary adds context.
Go deeper
- Will the home win percentage rebound as teams return to more balanced home/road schedules?
- Which teams will capitalize on home games as the schedule adjusts?
- How will this affect playoff seeding if the trend persists?
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