why am paying for a regional sports fee

Are you able to watch a regional sports channel on your current plan? If so, then you don't get a choice as to whether or not you have to pay the fee. Consider it part of the plan's full price.

Ever notice the threads on this forum calling for Xfinity to include a sports channel (e.g. Twins.TV, or CHSN)? One of the reasons it doesn't is, it is in an argument (er, "negotiations") with the channel's owner over (a) at what service level the channel will be made available, and (b) what Xfinity will pay the company per household, whether or not that household wants the channel. Part of (b) is the "regional sports fee."

@user_wpcu37 Thanks for bringing your bill concerns to our attention. I have a link from our help and support page which goes into help articles we have about or products and services. This link goes into the taxes, fees, and other charges on your bill including the Regional sports fee. This fee is a universal charge to our cable subscribers. 

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/most-common-taxes-fees-surcharges-on-your-bill

I am happy to review your bill and see what options we have for lowering it. Please send us a direct message with your name and address. 

Here's the detailed steps to direct message us:
• Click "Sign In" if necessary
• Click the "Direct Message” icon (upper right corner of this page)
• Click the "New message" (pencil and paper) icon
• Type "Xfinity Support" in the to line and select "Xfinity Support" from the drop-down list
• Type your message in the text area near the bottom of the window
• Press Enter to send your message.