Soccer legend Pele famously quoted years ago, “The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning.” There’s not much easy about winning in a small market in sports these days.
In a league controlled by its stars, fans are more likely to follow their favorite star, than the hometown they grew up in. Those stars traditionally prefer the big markets.
The NBA, who even in the 80’s and 90’s had numerous super teams at once, are in unprecedented times. Players appear more likely to leave lesser fortunate franchises for an opportunity to play with multiple superstars at in all time rate.