Even if we concede that argument, ratings would still be down. Whether it's warranted or not, many people don't want to watch sports if it's being politicized. It's not rocket science.

That said, conservatives are foolish for thinking the NBA is losing money. On the flip side, liberals are foolish to think all of this politicization is organic. Americans are too self-absorbed to realize that China is weaponizing industry to influence our political climate, while simultaneously expanding their consumer presence. We will be an afterthought in the near future. Big corporations are reading the tea leaves. Why do you think the MLB, where a majority of players are conservative, is making the choices it's making? It wants to follow the money. All signs point towards China. Trump's economic war with China was one of the most important aspects of his Presidency, that often got overlooked because he's a blathering idiot at times.

---