According the to ground study in africa, there was a increase in the population of wild ball pythons. Possibly because people are clearing land to make farms, which increases rodent populations, which increases ball python populations.
I doubt that we'll see ball pythons becoming extinct any time soon. Africa is a massive area, and ball pythons have a pretty extensive range.
If more new owners would research their newest acquisition first, instead of buying a newly imported non-feeeding baby, and tossing it into a 50 gallon tank without heat or hides.. then maybe one day there WOULD be more in captivity. Until then , I guess we have to continue to educate, and breed quality CBB babys for folks.
JMHO.