Nothing changed, except perceptions. People with hobbies spend money on them. Those that love the game will continue to find ways, and places, to continue enjoying their passion. Those that simply picked up the game because of an individual sports-persona worship whim come & go. Those that were, are and will be dedicated to the game itself remain the same & will keep playing.
It's absolutely ridiculous to think that this game, which dates back centuries, is going to die.