[OutsiderFan]

Since when does "as much" mean "more than"?

There is no doubt gambling plays a very large role in how the sports leagues are operating themselves because it's the greatest driver of revenue growth the leagues have. So "appealing to a younger audience" also means "appealing to a younger audience more interested in gambling."

As for uncertainty of outcome, way back when I was in my first weeks of Sports Management graduate school I read a study of European soccer matches that concluded uncertainty of outcome is the primary factor in whether the marginal fan consumes a contest.

While it is of course true that fans root for local teams, that is not the same as what is driving interest in consumption of the product. Here's a study on the topic by someone I know, who is a sports economist, if you want to learn more.
https://repository.usfca.edu/cgi/viewcon...ontext=ess

[OutsiderFan]

Since when does "as much" mean "more than"?

There is no doubt gambling plays a very large role in how the sports leagues are operating themselves because it's the greatest driver of revenue growth the leagues have. So "appealing to a younger audience" also means "appealing to a younger audience more interested in gambling."

As for uncertainty of outcome, way back when I was in my first weeks of Sports Management graduate school I read a study of European soccer matches that concluded uncertainty of outcome is the primary factor in whether the marginal fan consumes a contest.

While it is of course true that fans root for local teams, that is not the same as what is driving interest in consumption of the product. Here's a study on the topic by someone I know, who is a sports economist, if you want to learn more.
https://repository.usfca.edu/cgi/viewcon...ontext=ess