If you want to avoid a Hunger Games situation where only the rich and famous enjoy your product (the NBA and many musicians care about this) that sort of person needs to be provided for
Now some will argue this is not sufficient but the rub is, if your not going to support the team the full season then why should you have preference over someone who does?
So all teams provide for regular fans. However many people who do complain about the 'system' are fans of fancy, as in fans when the team wins and is in the playoffs.
There are similar passes and priorities for entertainment venues.
It's important to keep the sport seemingly accessible for the long term prospects of the sport.