8 teams with 40 players plus coaches each having to fly for games. Lodging and food in each of those. Medical staffs in each.

8 stadium leases, upwards of 100k per game.

vs no travel. Massive lodging and catering discounts. Only need 2 medical staffs. 1 facility payment greatly discounted in partnership with the host city.

Their focus for the first few years is to minimize expenses. There is no maximizing revenue day 1 of a league like this.