Sports is irrational to begin with. That's why team owners can get taxpayer fundng for new stadiums; leaving the city would tarnish the city's image and "quality of life " and fans would be distraught if "their" team left. But more to the point ; the stadium ITSELF isn't profitable; the TEAM is. Tickets, concessions,merchandise,huge media deals,etc. are the owners sources of income. The stadium costs a billion or two to construct, then millions more to maintain over the course of the lease . The government that pays for (or toward) stadium construction, hopes to reap intangible rewards by hosting a major sports team.