Owners are catering to their stars. If they can't field a team, they can't make money.
America needs to end its obsession with sports. Make those players go back on the field for pocket change while holding down a job somewhere else.
That's easier said than done. Affluent society enjoys entertainment, including sports. There is a lot of gambling money at sake.
As long as the society remain affluent, sports will remain popular and athletes well paid.
The wokeness of the NBA and NFL might result in a shift by many to other sports or venues of entertainment. It's unlikely, though, you're going to see athletes in either playing for pocket change unless there is an economic depression.