The parameters of the list were provided - essentially a measurement of fame based on endorsements and social media.  On that basis the list is probably pretty accurate.  The fact that soccer and cricket win the theoretical numbers game based on the populations of impoverished third world countries isn't particularly relevant.  No doubt the 10 year old children of India likely know the names of their cricket hero's over that of Lebron James or Drew Brees.  But the point of the list is that one doesn't even have to be a basketball fan to know the name Lebron James, Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry.  You know the names because they have endorsements, fill your news feed or otherwise make the headlines.  How many people who don't follow cricket or soccer can name the top player(s)?  How many Indian kids can even name more than a handful of cricket players?