Indeed, sex appeal is the main reason, just as NFL cheerleading, and which is part of the degeneration of the sport. A women's sexual beauty - and it is beauty and a testimony to special creation - should be for husband to behold and has compliment on her one, though with a love that transcends the physical, and is not for public consumption.
A women of beauty who seeks to attention by baring most of her body cheapens herself, and the "fish" she catches with this "bait" likely will be those who value the superficial and transitory.
God Himself only reveals His glory to those who have entered into covenant with Him, while the basic beauty of His revelation invites seekers to see beyond the veil by entering into this covenant. And which seeking prepares the heart for proper receiving.
This does not mean a tent, but the Godly counsel of "dress in such a way that the first thing a man looks at is your face," corresponds to the Biblical admonition, "that women adorn themselves in modest apparel..." (1 Timothy 2:9)
My post certainly needed proof reading. My apologies.
The sport has been degenerating for a long time. The Baltimore Colts had cheerleaders in the 1950s.
The sociology of it is somewhat interesting if we stop to think about it. The reliance on sex appeal varies greatly by support. Women hockey players dress very appropriately, IMHO. In general, I don’t see a problem in the team sports; there’s nothing wrong with the current dress codes in women’s soccer or basketball. The swimmers and gymnasts are ok; the gymnasts should get rid of the glitter, but leotards are functional for what they do. But women in track and field should be ashamed of themselves. The beach volleyball gals, with a scattering of exceptions, have turned themselves into a joke.
You won't find many here that will accept that premise.