Why do professional sport players deserve so much money?

Answer 1

It isn't a question of whether or not they deserve it, it is a question of what the market will bear. Back in the early 1970's, George Steinbrenner who owns the Yankees, said this: "You don't judge a ball player by how many home runs he hits, you judge a ball player by how many fannies he puts in the seats." A philosophy by which he still lives, apparently, having signed Roger Clemens. People will show up to see him pitch, no matter what kind of product he brings. There is huge money in entertainment in this country, and sports is entertainment. And bringing in huge money is contingent upon having a decent product to watch. Basketball, by in large, is not doing very well, but the Lakers still pack in the spectators. St. Louis Cardinals are not very good this year, but still the stands are packed. It is a perception of usually having a good product, but it's also a fine line. Short answer. They don't deserve it, but they may very well be worth it.