Evolution of NBA's Popularity

The NBA's popularity is influenced by the star power of players like Magic, Bird, and Jordan. The league faced challenges in the 70s with a cocaine issue and low viewership, but rebounded in the 80s when the stars emerged. The NBA's fan base is polarized, with some loving its connection to hip hop and political activism, while others are put off by these elements. Despite varying opinions, the NBA is set to become even more lucrative with NBC and Amazon bidding to broadcast games, ensuring players will earn significantly more in the future despite concerns about declining viewership.