Part 4/10:
Recent data underscores the disappointing trajectory for this year's tournament. Sweet 16 games on ESPN averaged just under three million viewers, a staggering 50% decrease from the previous year. Overall, the regional semifinals saw a 30% dip in viewership, and the trend continued into the final four, where ratings were down 31%. The anticipation surrounding high-profile matchups failed to generate interest, with some key games struggling to maintain momentum from earlier rounds.