The IFBB needs Lee just as much as he needs them. He's a huge fan favorite.
Look at the top 5 guys at the AC. Basically no charisma, no personality, and poor marketability. Lee is STILL one of the most recognizable names and faces in BB. That is what Sponsors pay for. Do you think Dexter or Vic are very recongnizable? No, most people would not be able to name them. However, I have friends who don't follow BB and they know who Lee, Ronnie, and Jay are.
Like it or not, its the truth. BB needs guys like this if it wants to keep growing. He's one of the few "personalities" left in the sport. When will you meatheads recognize the importance of that. Not to mention a freaky physique. Lee is the epitome of the fabled giant slayer. I lot of fans identify with that...
I'm really surprised he doesn't have one of the larger contracts right now. Puma w/ King? What the hell are they thinking? He's known, but not that well. He's looked like shit for years now. Ronnie can barely read. Every time I watch one of his videos I'm laughing my god damn ass off. Everyone respects his genetics but they mock him at the same time. It reminds me of how Ferrigno got no real respect. That shows you how far you get with pure physique and zero charisma. Do I even need to mention how Arnold's personality literally changed bodybuilding and made it grow? Jay is cool but he's not much of a personality and he doesn't choose to be. Before long there will be NO personality left in BB...you think its bad now.
You will all miss Superman when he's gone....

p.s. He is still one of the few guys who manages to have freaky proportions without having a huge distended belly. By the way, this very same fame is what makes so many of you losers and trolls attracted to Lee bashing. Its extremely obvious why he's a favorite target. Dont you realize that? People leave the no names alone for the most part. You're just making his name even more well known. Every damn thread with the word "Lee" in it ends up being 8+ pages deep. I don't even know who he's signed with right now. What are these sponsors thinking? This is what happens when corp. marketing teams are made up of jackasses with formal educations and zero love or understanding for the sport. They end up missing the mark with sponsorship choices by choosing ineffective representatives. I N S T A N T R E C O G N I T I O N I S K I N G. Marketing & Advertisement 101.