TAX REVISIONS OF 2004 AND PRO SPORTS TEAM OWNERSHIP
In: Contemporary economic policy: a journal of Western Economic Association International, Band 28, Heft 4, S. 464-473
ISSN: 1465-7287
Tax law revisions of 2004 altered the "roster depreciation allowance" enjoyed by pro sports team owners. Supporters claimed this would practically eliminate costly legal oversight by the IRS and, ultimately, increase owner tax bills. Government officials and leagues remained silent on team value impacts but outside analysts argued they would rise by 5%. We model this policy change and investigate it empirically. Supporters in Congress were absolutely correct that owner tax payments should increase but outside analysts underestimated team value increases by half. No wonder Major League Baseball and the National Football League favored the revision. (JEL D21, G38, H25, L83)