The BBs have stated before that those who finish 4th will earn more in arena income next season to cover the costs of playoffs compare to those finishing 5th.
Two problems. First this is like the Arabia Felx, everyone has heard of it but no-one has actually seen it.
Second even if it was true that you get a substantial income raise each week, maybe $20,000 a week, which I don't believe at all.
But even if it was true which would you rather have?
$200,000 right now that you can see and invest in arena seats, new staff, players for the next season etc.
or
$20,000 a week maybe coming in next season assuming your arena is very well organised.
I think every single non-noob player in the game knows without a doubt that unless you have a reasonable chance of upsetting the top seed that 5th is better than 3rd or 4th. Why is 5th so clearly better than 3rd or 4th?
An example:
These are the league averages from the ABBL this week.
League Averages from Last Week Expenses Revenue
Player Salaries: $ 613 052 Attendance: $ 498 453
Staff Salaries: $ 63 667 Merchandise: $ 89 906
Scouting: $ 4 687 TV Contract: $ 201 476
Total: $ 681 406 Total: $ 789 835
League Average Net Income: $ 108 429
So teams spend roughly $600,000 a week on salaries and get back roughly $500,000 per home game.
The week they come 5th they save $600,000 but don't get the $500,000 game income. So it is $100,000 BETTER than a normal week.
The week they come 3rd or 4th they pay their $600,000 salaries and get 1/3 of the $500,000 revenue or about $170,000 so they are $330,000 WORSE off than usual.
So the team coming 5th in the ABBL is $430,000 better off right away. The team coming 3rd or 4th has the assurance from the BBs that somewhere down the line they will have some improved income...maybe.