Does Home-Field Advantage Matter in Every Sport?

By: Lucy Roberts, Guest Contributor
September 14, 2024

According to years of data and countless statistics, teams playing on their home turf are more likely to win. This phenomenon is known as home-field advantage and is recognized in many sports.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the physiological and psychological benefits of playing at home impact teams in some of today’s most popular sports.

Does Home-Field Advantage Matter in Every Sport?

No, it doesn’t apply to every sport. However, it has been shown to significantly benefit the home team in many major sports competitions.

For example, home-field advantage plays a key role in sports like soccer (football), basketball, international cricket, the National Hockey League (NHL), rugby, American football, Major League Baseball (MLB), and Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball.

It’s worth noting that when teams play at neutral venues, where neither side has a home crowd, the advantage disappears. Below are some statistics showing how home teams tend to perform better in various sports:

• Soccer (football): Average home win rate: 60% (in Africa and Asia), 69.1% in the United States

• Basketball (NBA): Average home win rate: 62.7%

• Cricket (international): Average home win rate: 60.1%

• Ice Hockey (NHL): Average home win rate: 59%

• Rugby: Average home win rate: 58%

• American Football (NFL): Average home win rate: 57.6%

• Baseball (MLB): Average home win rate: 54.1%

• Baseball (Nippon League): Average home win rate: 53.3%

How Does the Crowd Influence Home-Field Advantage?

One of the key factors in home-field advantage is the crowd. At home games, the vast majority of the audience—typically 90% or more—supports the home team. Away teams are left with a much smaller portion of the crowd on their side, usually around 10%.

Without the support of their home fans, away teams often struggle to perform as well as they might on their own turf. This passionate home crowd creates a lively, supportive atmosphere that can lift players and boost their confidence.

Loud home crowds can also disrupt communication for the away team. The noise can make it difficult for players to hear play calls and instructions from their coach or teammates, leading to confusion and mistakes on the field or court. This kind of disruption can impact the away team's ability to coordinate, especially in fast-paced sports like football and basketball, where quick communication is key.

For tourists attending sporting events in foreign cities, getting involved in supporting the local teams can enhance the experience. Iconic clubs like FC Barcelona and Manchester City are known for attracting large numbers of 'tourist fans' to their home games, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

This crowd support can translate into a psychological boost for the home team. Fan chants, for instance, are a powerful way to show support. The volume and unity of home supporters often drown out any noise made by the away fans, which can negatively affect the visiting team’s performance.

Engaging in chants and cheers also adds to the excitement for fans, turning a day at the stadium into a memorable experience. For players, hearing their fans rally behind them can make a real difference in how they perform on the field.

Does Home-Field Advantage Impact Sports Betting?

Home-field advantage is also something that sports betting operators pay close attention to. Odds are often adjusted to reflect the increased likelihood of a home team winning and home-field advantage is even built into sports analytics tools. This insight helps bettors make more informed wagers, although nothing is ever guaranteed in sports.

Other Ways Home-Field Advantage Affects Major Events

Travel is another factor. When teams play away games, they often face long trips by bus or plane, which can cause fatigue. In some cases, away players may even suffer from jet lag, negatively impacting their performance.

In contrast, the home team is well-rested, with no travel fatigue, giving them a clear advantage. With more time to prepare and relax, home teams often go into games with greater confidence and energy.

Final Thoughts

It’s not uncommon for referees and officials to be swayed by home crowds as well. When tens of thousands of home fans react negatively to a decision, referees may unconsciously favor the home team in certain calls, even though this isn’t always fair.

In high-pressure moments—like a three-point shot in basketball or a penalty kick in soccer—the noise and reactions from the home crowd can put extra pressure on the visiting team, often leading to mistakes that can decide the game.

Next time you attend a game, whether at home or as a visiting fan, keep an eye on the home-field advantage. You might just see it in action.