In motocross this time of the year is called "silly season". Actually silly season was a couple of weeks ago. It is the time when riders switch sponsors and, get dropped from a ride or pick up a new sponsorship. The future for paid deals isn't looking too bright. The economy might not have hit BMX as hard as it did the car industry but bike companies don't know what's ahead so instead of spending their money, they better hold on to it, or spend less.
Latest victims are Specialized riders
Marcus Tooker and
Allan Cooke so it looks like Specialized dropped it's BMX rider program altogether. Allan also lost Boost Mobile and FOX as his sponsors so if anyone can modify his RV to drive on veggy oil, get in touch with him.
Kevin Kirali and
Kim Hayashi lost their rides with Redline,
TJ Lavin lost Schwinn,
Simon Tabron and
Steve McCann got dropped
from Mongoose's payroll. It's not that bike companies have given up on sponsoring riders, but most of the high(er) paid riders will have to agree to a paycut, or look elsewhere. But there are not many ways to go.
You see, the talent pool is deep. Instead of paying a monthly salary to a top guy, companies can hook up several riders from different areas and use them for web videos, ads and a few road trips a year. For BMX companies to be able to financially support riders, they need to sell a lot of stuff, and let's hope they will. But it's good that there are Energy Drinks out there, Shoe companies, Clothing companies and other outside BMX sponsors. Riders do have a value to them and as long as BMX gets on TV, they'll be willing to invest.
Think positive. Good luck out there, 2009 is coming up quick.
BdJ 
You see, the talent pool is deep. Instead of paying a monthly salary to a top guy, companies can hook up several riders from different areas and use them for web videos, ads and a few road trips a year. For BMX companies to be able to financially support riders, they need to sell a lot of stuff, and let's hope they will. But it's good that there are Energy Drinks out there, Shoe companies, Clothing companies and other outside BMX sponsors. Riders do have a value to them and as long as BMX gets on TV, they'll be willing to invest. 
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.