This is America.
They’ll fake the ratings in a feeble attempt to kick start next seasons ticket holder purchases.
Wish I wasn’t so cynical, but it serves me well.
A couple weeks ago there were stories out, which I can't find now, about how the NFL donates unsold tickets to charity groups, then counts those who use the freebies in their attendance numbers.
Likely they have some similar scams going with the television ratings.