What did they win?

My perception is that all ability or knowledge related to manufacturing has gone, so anything created pre-apocalypse has potential use and value.

During "minor league" playing, out in the barren wilderness, impression was teams played for free room and board, and maybe a cut of the gambling 'money'.

IIRC, at the "major League" championship level, teams got to associate with, and enjoy the benefits of, the undarground ruling "One Percent", and their wealth and luxuries.