I'd be inclined to agree but they are only getting paid their dues based on how much the sport makes. There are far more people that do very little for their money within the NHL.

Not unpopular, but not an easily fixable one. While people who pay hundreds of dollars to go to games or get TV packages can certainly donate to causes and many of them do, the NHL, players and TV networks can also donate and do more in the community. Ultimately my question is why can't both happen where elite athletes get paid, and society still takes care of people in need?

People give value to the franchise they play for. For example, a good player might increase the sales of a jersey for the team. Players are in a way, like influencers, but constricted to commercials and team goods.

I don't disagree, but..

1. they contribute far more to society and make far less than many.
2. It's a lot harder than "play a sport a few times a week".

It mostly started back in the 70s/80s when team owners managed to turn it into big business. They were making bank with tickets sales, merch sales, sponsorship deals etc and the players were getting pissed. After all, they were the ones out there doing the work and getting hurt so they demanded more compensation. It kind of snowballed from there with prices and salaries going ever up.

Back in the 60s/70s my grandparents owned a restaurant near the LA Rams practice field. Most of the players were regular customers and my grandpa had several team signed footballs that they gave him. At that time most of the players also had off-season jobs. My parents bought their first house from one of the guys who was a realtor.

Uberwealthy people own sports franchises for the most part. It’s an investment to keep the populace entertained. If we don’t have things to entertain and distract us, we might actually notice that’s things are pretty not okay, and that there is a not so subtle boot on all of our necks.

That’s why they get paid so much.