The ill-fated relationship between the Barclays Center and New York Islanders could be coming to a close, according to Scott Soshnick of Bloomberg.
Although it seems as if neither side has nixed the deal in their mutual opt-out clause yet, it would appear as if the once optimistic relationship could end as soon as the offseason. From Soshnick:
As of earlier this month, a financial projection shared with potential investors showed the Islanders won’t contribute any revenue after the 2018-19 season — a clear signal that the team won’t play there, the people said.
What’s more, Soshnick reports, is that the area stands to make more money from concerts or other events — like boxing — than any single Islanders game and the professional hockey team currently ranks third-worst in attendance this season. Many have complained about the arena’s configuration and the amount of obstructed view seating the NHL games have, so, at this point, a mutual split may be for the best.
But where would they play?
In July, Bloomberg News reported that Ledecky and Malkin were considering building a new arena adjacent to Citi Field in Queens. Prokhorov now owns the team’s former home, the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, but the owners paid a hefty premium for the team in 2014 based on the pending move to New York City.
One thing is for sure, though, they’ll not be moving back to Long Island — but, just like the Nets, the move to the big city has officially gotten off to a slow start for the Islanders as well.
Brooklyn’s Barclays Center Is Dumping the Islanders — Bloomberg
