Ah the players and clubs are likely only seeing revenue figures. They wouldn't know the projected profit.
If they are on 45% and asking for 47%, they have little chance of success if the profit is $20m. Once the projected profit of $50m is bragged about, chances of getting the 47% skyrocket, and now they have reason to hold the game hostage.
That seat on the commission demand that the ARLC wants nothing to do with? That goes away a lot easier when you pay them more. After he bragged, there is no pretending that you can't afford the extra money.
You don't brag about how much you are making before you finish negotiations with your 2 biggest stakeholders. It's really that simple, but for some reason you must defend him at all costs.