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The slide in NFL ratings could be as much a trend as a blip.The presidential campaign, the growing move away from cable, the increase in live streaming sports and competition from compelling baseball have all been given as reasons for a double-digit decline in viewership through the first five weeks.All legitimate explanations, experts say. But one of the main selling points of live sports to the networks -- theyre appointment viewing that most people dont like to record and watch later -- could be eroding, as the fan base fragments, even for Americas most popular sport.Its not to say that less than the majority of people are going to sit down and watch the game at a certain time, said Dennis Deninger, who teaches sports management and sports media courses at Syracuse. Its just to say its retreating, and that retreat puts into question the value thats been attached to TV rights that were locked up for the long-term.According to Sports Media Watch , viewership for last weeks games was down 26 percent for Monday night, 15 percent for Sunday night (against the second presidential debate) and 20 percent for Thursday night. Overall, for the first four weeks of the season, ratings across the league were down 11 percent.The decline was concerning enough that league executives recently sent an internal memo to the NFL media committee, comparing this years slide to a lesser decline during the 2000 election cycle and conceding that, While our partners, like us, would have liked to see higher ratings, they remain confident in the NFL and unconcerned about a long-term issue.The current TV contracts, worth between $8.5 billion to more than $15 billion each, expire in 2021 and 2022. What the networks are willing to pay when its time to renegotiate will be the best indicator of how big an impact Americas changing viewing habits have had on the NFL, and whether pro football remains the nations undisputed entertainment king.But theres still a lot of uncertainty over how new technology will impact viewership. Best example: Yes, you can live stream Thursday night games on Twitter, but what if your connection is shaky? And how much better will that connection get over the next five years?There will be some instances where the composition of (the media deals) will change vastly, and others where theyll continue to engage with traditional partners, said Adam Jones, the director of PwC Sports Advisory Services. All the deals may not yield the same premiums. But we could see a shift in the actual structures of the deals, from traditional rights fees to a smaller base with more digital-based bonuses and incentives on the back end.PwC does not talk about specific sports leagues, though in a recent newsletter , it predicted a moderation in growth of rights fees for North American sports over the next five years.Though Jones says it will take time to see if this seasons sports ratings are cyclical or more long-term, it should be acknowledged that the market is not limitless when it comes to consumption through traditional broadcast.None of this is to say the NFL is hurting. That same league memo that recognized this years ratings issues said overall NFL viewership has increased 27 percent over the past 15 years. In 2015, the NFL accounted for 63 of the top 100 TV shows. Even with recent legal troubles for daily fantasy -- which could also be partially responsible for the ratings dip -- fantasy football is still considered a growth area for the NFL. The current numbers also dont take into account how many people are streaming the games.Deninger says giving viewers more options is the NFLs best long-term bet. He says the league, to some extent, has to feel some of the same effects as all other televised entertainment products -- the increase in nonlinear viewing. He said that according to comscore.com , Google sites that include YouTube draw 182 million unique users every month, all of whom are turning into clips of things they want to watch, when they want to watch them. Other websites post similar stats.The nonlinear sites where you go select whatever you want, they arent complaining about any drop off, he said. More and more, people are not waiting for things to be delivered to them, one way or another.How well the NFL bucks that trend -- or goes along with it -- will help shape the ratings and, from there, the dollar signs for the leagues next round of media-rights deal.AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Fred VanVleet Raptors Jersey . Louis. To which I would say two things: 1. Where there is smoke, there is or perhaps has been a little fire. Or, in other words, the two teams would appear to have at least spoken. And spoken is defined as one calling the other to inquire, no more, no less. Pascal Siakam Jersey .C. Lions has come to an end. Banks told TSN on Jan 2 that he had no interest in playing out the option year of his contract with the Lions in 2014, and he again made that clear in a conversation with Lions GM Wally Buono last week. http://www.nbaraptorsonline.com/Authentic-Norman-Powell-Jersey/ . At a news conference Tuesday where it was thought that the fiery Schallibaum may be shown the door after a dismal finish to the Major League Soccer season, team president Joey Saputo said no decision has been made on whether the Swiss Volcano will be back in 2014. Toronto Raptors Jerseys . The Australian is competing in his final season in Formula One and still looking for his first win this year. He will look to end Vettels run of six straight race wins on Sunday. Webber, who is fifth in the championship, earned his second pole from the past three races and 13th of his career. Marc Gasol Jersey . -- Ty Montgomery had 290 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns, and fifth-ranked Stanford held on to beat No.TORONTO -- While recent reports have linked Toronto FC to Uruguayan star Diego Forlan, Toronto manager Ryan Nelsen has his eye on several players. Nelsen isnt saying if Forlan is one of them. But it seems clear that the rookie coach would not be upset if owner Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment dug deep into its wallet and the 34-year-old Uruguayan walked through the door. The TFC ownership is not short on ambition and new CEO Tim Leiweke has talked of reached for the soccer stars. Nelsen insists, however, that it makes little sense bringing in a marquee name if the team, currently sporting a 2-8-7 record, cannot support him properly. "Can our team handle a player of that calibre?" he asked Wednesday. "Because one player is not going to come in and all of a sudden youre going to win the league. It doesnt happen like that. "We have to get the squad right, the squad balanced right, the balance of the salary cap right. Competition between players. Weve got to get everything sorted out. The foundation of the clubs got to be right and thats been the problem with this club so many years. "They never had it right. Theyve never had the salary cap right. Theyve never had the depth right. And weve got to go through some growing pains before we get there. Once we get that right, once we get a nice balanced squad where the salary caps balanced as well. Youve got young players with experienced players. Then players of that calibre, you dont mind spending that money because theres a foundation." Toronto is not there yet. So short of the planets aligning, dont expect Forlan just yet. Nelsen, who spoke highly of Forlans skills while noting he is under contract to a team in Brazil, is looking at adding two or three players in the transfer window that just opened. The clubs salary cap issues will be eased next season, with contracts expiring, allowing the management to redistribute wages. "You look at anybodys salary ccap, youve got to spend wisely," Nelson said.dddddddddddd "You cant spend a certain amount of money on certain positions. That hasnt really been adhered to at Toronto. It seems to have been just kind of spending for the sake of spending. So weve got to try and have a balance." The 2013 league salary cap is US$2.95 million, which essentially covers 20 players. According to the MLS Players Union, TFC has $766,250 tied up in fullbacks Darren ODea and Richard Eckersley -- thats more than a quarter of the cap. Their take of the cap could be even larger since the league does not divulge how clubs use allocation money to pay down salaries. "It definitely will be a lot easier next season," Nelsen said of the rebuild. "But I think were getting there." A young forward is in the cards. Toronto was foiled in its bid to sign Argentine Maximilano Urruti earlier in the season. That chase may not be over, however. Experience is wanted in midfield, to help the likes of Matias Laba and Jonathan Osorio. That experience could come in the form of another designated player. The trade of attacking midfielder Luis Silva to D.C. United could open up the funds to sign two players, the manager said. Help is also needed at fullback which has been a problem spot despite the big salaries. Eckersley is healthy again after missing the last 14 games with a hamstring issue. ODea was moved to fullback from centre back. Ashtone Morgan, Ryan Richter and Darel Russell have yet to make the position their own. Toronto also has to adjust what it spends on the position, Next season, Nelsen sees bringing in "two or three more North American-type players, MLS experienced players." "And then all of a sudden youre kind of looking at a squad that has the right balance that can handle the league." NOTES -- Forward Kevin Davies, once linked to Toronto, has signed a two-year-deal with Englands Preston North End. ' ' '