Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Willingness To Pay For Policies To Reduce Health Risks From Covid-19: Evidence From U.S. Professional Sports, Brad Humphreys, Gary A. Wagner, John C. Whitehead, Pamela Wicker

Economics Faculty Working Papers Series

Airborne transmission of COVID-19 increased the need for health policies to reduce transmission in congregate settings associated with minimal risk before the pandemic. While a large literature estimates tradeoffs between policies designed to reduce negative health outcomes, no empirical research addresses consumer willingness to pay for health policies designed to reduce airborne virus transmission. Using survey data from 1,381 fans of professional sports teams, we estimate consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for reduced likelihood of coronavirus transmission through mask and social distancing policies using a stated preference approach. The results indicate increased attendance likelihood if the venue requires masks and …