Just because you don't tangibly OWN something after the sporting event, that doesn't make it materialistic. A true emotional event doesn't require any money to enjoy. A materialistic passion is one that requires giving a great deal of material value (like currency) for something susceptible to either of your five senses (including food and music). That doesn't automatically make it BAD, but materialistic nonetheless.
Again, those who actually still "collect" comics don't do it for the physical comic - either they do it for the investment/gamble (in the sports world this would be equivalent to betting on a game) or for the "experience" of owning the issue. You can easily sit back and poke at the stereotype and say "sports fans take a more normal approach" to their practices, but to compare stereotype to stereotype would have been much more appropriate.
The truth is that both hobbies are a materialistic one. They can entice an emotional reaction, yes - but they are still materialistic.
Sheesh man, it seems like you're trying to argue that sporting events are practically spiritual....