You know how many sports would kill to have a 21.8 be “down”?
None, when the current TV contract revenue is based on ratings that were 23% higher last year. When the league budgets, team budgets and the salary caps are based on revenue, losing 23% will present huge problems. Everyone is gonna take a huge hit over the next couple years as revenues continue to fall.
Remember, the CBA only runs through 2020. Good luck with the NFL trying to get the players to take pay cuts if this thing doesn't turn around. Remember when the NHL cleaned up its house - cancelling contracts and restricting salaries?