Ticket sales, advertising, merchandise... the list goes on an on. The flow of money through the sports and entertainment industries is amazing. The reason actors, athletes and other entertainers make the enviable sums they do is because they put asses in seats, plain and simple. They have a talent that other people will pay their hard earned money to see. They are expected to keep that talent sharp so they can continue to draw a crowd.
People will complain that members of our armed forces don't make enough money and it isn't fair that entertainers make so much more than the people defending our freedoms. I don't agree at all. Those of us that wear the uniform made a choice, for whatever reason, to join the military. I have a roof over my head, my family and I eat good food every night and we really don't want for anything. I know that we will have food next week and the week after. I know that this house will be here (unless the volcano decides to go active, then we're screwed).
The point is, I chose this path. The pay scale for the military is freely available online. I could have continued where I was before, I could have skipped town and made a run for Hollywood or anything else I wanted. That's the beauty of capitalism; you get by on your abilities, whatever they may be. What you can do, who you know and how well you recognize opportunities when they arise.
The democratic system gives us each our single vote every November. The addition of capitalism gives us a second vote: our dollar. Where you spend your money is completely up to you, other than the taxes, at least. Hell, even taxes are a choice. If you're comfortable with the consequences you don't have to pay those either. Where you send your money shows your support and belief in that product or service and encourages them to continue to provide that product or service.
The entertainers and athletes that produce the movies and events you love to watch are only getting their slice of the pie. Their just due. Everyone who is a sports fan has a favorite team or athlete or whatever and some of those fans buy jerseys and other merchandise to show support for their team. When you and all your buddies buy the quarterback of your choice's jersey it shows the owners of the team that people want to see that quarterback, that his presence on the team sells tickets and swag. They will offer him more money when his contract is due to keep him around and keep his fans interested in the team. He is only getting paid his share of the immense amount of money coursing through any major sports franchise.
Here is my solution for those of you that believe athletes, actors, musicians and novelists make too much money: Don't support them. Do not watch them, listen to them or purchase the products that are advertised during their performances. That is your vote. That is your power as a consumer. If you feel strongly about something, get your friends and family to support or boycott it and get them to ask their friends and family to do the same. If you can influence at least two other people, and they can do the same, you can change things. I'm sure it's harder now with so much apathy everywhere, but that's a topic for another day.