[cardcrimson]

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

"The #1 driver of sports consumption is uncertainty of outcome." from your earlier statement. Now it's: "uncertainty of outcome is the primary factor in whether the marginal fan consumes a contest". Nice qualifier added.

As for the study, brilliant work; love the title: "Do Fans Want Close Contests? A Test of the Outcome Hypothesis Uncertainty in the National Basketball." 

Amazing conclusion, too: "However, in order to increase fan enjoyment and maximize league revenue, each team should win more often at home. Therefore, it is optimal for leagues to attempt to maintain competitive balance throughout the season and concurrently have home teams win more often."

Stunning.

[cardcrimson]

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

"The #1 driver of sports consumption is uncertainty of outcome." from your earlier statement. Now it's: "uncertainty of outcome is the primary factor in whether the marginal fan consumes a contest". Nice qualifier added.

As for the study, brilliant work; love the title: "Do Fans Want Close Contests? A Test of the Outcome Hypothesis Uncertainty in the National Basketball." 

Amazing conclusion, too: "However, in order to increase fan enjoyment and maximize league revenue, each team should win more often at home. Therefore, it is optimal for leagues to attempt to maintain competitive balance throughout the season and concurrently have home teams win more often."

Stunning.