First, the folks that get paid all those millions very often do mean a lot to the cities they play for. They set up a lot of charity and do a lot of charity work. Additionally, they're part of the reason all of those empty menswear stores you appreciate so much are actually staffed. See, major sports are big business and they bring all sorts of money into the city which creates all sorts of jobs. Bars, restaurants and stores of all kinds see people pop in that they wouldn't otherwise. These teams are a major part of the economy in most of the cities they're in and the players very often make a lot of charitable donations to the area as well. If you doubt it ask the folks in New Orleans what they think about Drew Brees. That's just one example of many.
Second, as for the appeal, well, if you don't get it you don't get it and it's probably because you don't want to get it. There's nothing wrong with that but assuming there's something wrong with people who do see an appeal to sports most assuredly is. It's beyond simply rallying around a team. There's a whole lot more to sports than the score and a lot of people appreciate those smaller details. Basically, your ignorance by choice in no way qualifies you to judge those that watch sports. You just don't know nearly enough to make the sort of assertions you have.