yes, the ratings have cratered for the NBA playoffs.
We hear what Adam Silver said. But what wasn’t said may be as significant. I’m sure there was a lot privately said behind closed doors, about how these ratings being so low, will negatively affect the TV contracts which give the NBA so much money in the first place. Networks won’t be willing to pony up nearly as much for the rights to NBA games if these ratings are going to be so bad.
And I’m sure things were said privately, about how not all NBA fans agree with Black Lives Matter, and don’t believe all this structural racism talk. And I’m sure things were said that with the NBA taking sides on a contentious social/political issue, is costing them fan support.