I wouldn’t really know. I’ve never been into professional sports. Nobody in my family was, either. I don’t like football. As riding a bicycle, I wasn’t aware riding a bicycle was allowed on Sunday or holidays. Years ago, it was how I got to Church! I didn’t own a car and there was no bus available at the right time. Sometimes, I’d go for a leisurely ride in the country on my bicycle.
Professional sports, I agree, is better not to have or watch on Sunday. As for it replacing Mass, it has, unfortunately, for some people. I have a suspicion if sports were not held on Sunday, they wouldn’t go to church. They’d find some other non-religious activity or have it be just another day. (If you work out of public necessity on Sunday, ie. in medical, law enforcement, safety, necessary support of others, gas station, food service, etc. please except yourself from my comment. These are all dispensed.)