Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
This study offers the opportunity to examine the welfare contribution of the Minnesota Vikings to Minnesota households in the context of a credible threat of team relocation. We find the credibility of the threat of relocation is essential to providing unbiased estimates of welfare. This study utilizes contingent valuation methodology (CVM) and a random utility model (RUM) to analyze Minnesotans' decision‐making mechanisms for supporting a new stadium initiative. While previous studies have attempted to measure the welfare associated with a sports franchise, we develop and discuss bias that may be imparted to estimates when the researcher fails to calculate a “choke price.” Further, we develop an unbiased approach to identify welfare when respondents perceive a risk of losing the franchise. The range of welfare contribution by the Vikings to households in Minnesota is $;445.3 million to $;1,571.3 million according to a 95% confidence interval based on our study.