Extended Dating

It's called hedging your bets - or at least covering your ass.

It's apparently a sweet deal in any case.

The Nets announced today that they had re-upped the CAA lease until the 2012 - 2013 season, just in case they don't finish the new arena in Brooklyn on time. Namely, the 2009 - 2010 season.

Oh, don't fret, Netsfans - by staying at the CAA, whether it's two years or five, the Nets get all the upside revenue in the new deal. If Ratner, I mean Brett Yormark can sell out the joint, the Nets get the additional revenue. As in, all the ticket revenue.

But at least the state won't lose in the deal, either. They are guaranteed income, after having lost as much as $1 million a year with the old lease. A guaranteed check, a guaranteed tenant, and some penalties paid (in some cases, hefty pentalties paid) if the Nets do eventually leave for points other than Brooklyn or Queens.

And if the deal doesn't work out, well, the Nets are more than welcome to stay in NJ.

Will the deal work out? Depending on where you read, it's either a slam dunk with all the most important political backing, or a fight to the death meaning nothing if not delays.

Here's hoping the Nets need to play in NJ at least until the 2012 - 2013 season.

There's always a sweet lease deal if you stay, Mr. Ratner...