"A major leaguewide dip in attendance could have other consequences. Some team officials privately worry that the salary cap — which is tied to revenue — may decrease next season. That has happened only once in the cap’s 25-year history.

It is too soon to project revenues for the season, but league officials do not anticipate a drop in the salary cap. A great portion of revenue is already locked in, through television contracts and corporate sponsorships."

hold up

If the sudden drop in NASCAR sponsorships is any indicator, kvetching over 2010 is a waste of time. With the next CBA right around the corner, the gymnastics in who to keep (or not) are moot. When perennial Super Bowl (GM, Ford) sponsors withdraw, it is time to stop counting salary cap equations and start crossing your fingers the fragile US economy does not implode. (Attendance figures around the league in some markets are shaky)

Sure, I'd love to keep all the Knicks under-30 core together. But if you want to play amateur GM, you better have a better-than-good crystal ball.

Meanwhile, Nate is playing his azz off.