because it is football, with built-in fan bases and a very long history. I don't think that goes away just because there is consolidation or players get endorsement deals.

You and others may not prefer consolidation, but I don't think that means it lacks common sense.

And I am sure you are right that there will be lots of fans who check out if there is consolidation, including fans of teams that don't make it into the consolidated league. But the teams that make it won't care much at all. And there will be lots of folks who watch, even casually.