There can never be enough theories. Several NBA players and veterans have offered their explanations for the decline in NBA ratings. It’s concerning, and fans have also joined the conversation. And just when you thought there couldn’t be more, another explanation has emerged. Former NBA player Carmelo Anthony was asked the same question during a recent interview, and his answer differs from the usual theories circulating on social media.

Doubts about the product were raised on social media, with calls for the league to take action. However, Melo claimed that the NBA had already made a big move. “They just did it by reaching that 10-year billion-dollar TV deal [laughs]. It’s one of the biggest TV deals. So they figured it out, you know what I mean? It’s not like they can’t figure it out. It’s just that everything is down. Numbers are down all across the board, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good or people aren’t watching. People are watching it in different ways,” Melo told Complex.

That move is the $76 billion deal signed just months before the NBA secured the richest sports rights agreement for the next 11 years. This partnership with Disney/ESPN, Amazon, and NBC Universal will bring in $76 billion for the NBA.

While NBC will pay nearly $2.5 billion a year, Amazon will stream regular-season games, some playoffs, and the NBA In-Season Tournament for $1.8 billion annually. Disney is set to pay $2.6 billion for the NBA Finals. This deal is also expected to lead to an increase in NBA players’ salaries. Melo explains that this deal could help save the league.

Furthermore, he pointed out that these are TV ratings, and people have different ways of watching the game. Some watch it later, while others stream it online. He’s not wrong—despite the claims of a drop in NBA ratings, it remains one of the most popular sports.

“Only some people watch it on television. People are on their phones streaming, or people will wait until later to watch it. It’s different ways of watching the actual content. So when you know that, and you know the business side of it, and you understand the numbers, and how this works, it’s, like, ok, the numbers aren’t down,” the New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony claimed.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver believes the sudden drop in ratings is due to one reason.

What does Adam Silver think about the NBA Ratings?

The timing could be an issue, as Commissioner Silver suggests. How? He believes the NBA ratings drop is due to the league being played simultaneously alongside major events that demand more attention. One of these events is the 2024 Presidential Election—fair enough. He also pointed to the significant attention directed at the World Series.

“There’s always some unique things. This year we were up against the World Series, Dodgers-Yankees, two very attractive teams, they brought in a big audience. You had a presidential election which was commanding an enormous amount of attention. So I don’t think it has anything whatsoever to do with the style of play on the floor,” Commissioner Silver said in a conversation with Front Office Sports.

Furthermore, he went on to dismiss opinions claiming the league has an issue and needs to make the game more entertaining. He argued that he doesn’t see the increase in three-pointers, as suggested by Shaquille O’Neal and others, as the real issue here. Another issue pointed out by the fans is the player’s load management and more. However, Melo’s opinion a new take on the issue which might make people reconsider their initial thought.