An unlikely candidate has emerged to potentially help the New York Islanders develop a new arena in Queens: New York Rangers (and Knicks) owner James Dolan.
According to Bloomberg, Dolan and a handful of New York executives are “lining up” to invest in a new arena in Queens for the Islanders. The Islanders’ contract at Barclays can be terminated in January, and it’s likely the organization will need a new home.
Per the Bloomberg report, the group — which includes owners of the New York Mets — is proposing a joint venture among Oak View Group (Dolan’s an investor) and Sterling Project Development.
Chances are slim that the Islanders will remain at Barclays long-term. Unless something changes, signs strongly point to the team leaving in 2019. The two sides never appeared to get along as branding and commute issues plagued the relationship.
Back in July, Newsday reported a potential landing spot for the new arena would be next to Citi Field.
With falling attendance, poor ice conditions, and the possibility of investors interested in building a new arena, the Islanders should be thrilled a group within the city is reportedly offering to help out. Even if it’s spearheaded by the always-controversial James Dolan and rival New York Rangers.
Perhaps the arena will be the start of a blossoming friendship between the Islanders and the Rangers. Or maybe it adds more fuel to their rivalry, knowing there’s finally long-term stability for both franchises.
Either way, it’s good for hockey that the Islanders may finally be getting a home to call their own.
