I believe we are saying the same thing - that under the existing agreement, the network paid a fixed fee for the right to air games. NEtworks then turn around and generate revenue by selling advertising time slots. I was saying that i am not aware of any escalator payments from networks to the NFL if for some reason viewership goes up to certain levels. I see such performance based payouts in a lot of deals i work (and i am not one of them lawyer types)...it isn't unusual..i have just never heard of any such thing in the network's contracts with the NFL. That doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
As to it being a contract year, that has nothign to do with what the networks will pay this year. If the season goes off with no fans that doesn't change the terms of the existing agreements. In fact, even if viewership goes up, I am not sure the networks make anymore money as the ad slots are probably already sold. (and, they may take a hit if companies decide not to advertise due to current economic conditions). So, regardless of demand going up, that doesn't mean TV revenue will go up or payments to the NFL in turn go up. The leverage you mention may impact future T's & C's of the next deal, but not the current deal.
Unless....unless the NFL can claim force majaure and try to renegotiate their deal....but, again, i am not one of them slimy lawyer types so I would let a real expert like that slimy lawyer guy around here to chime in on.
