NEW YORK -- The Mets might owe the city $1 million in back rent for Shea Stadium, the New York Post reported Thursday.

"It's a projection based on an initial audit,'' Megan Sheekey, a spokeswoman for the Parks Department, told the Post.

Sheekey said the estimate covers the past few years.

The Mets pay about $10 million in rent each year, but the amount fluctuates based on attendance and revenue.

Dave Howard, the Mets' senior vice president for business and legal affairs, told the Post that he did not think the team owed as much as the city estimated.

"We're not saying we don't owe any money, but not to that level,'' Howard said.