Scott Soshnick of Bloomberg: The New York Islanders are talking to the owners of the New York Mets about building a new arena across from Citi Field according to sources.
It could be an option of the Islanders owners and the arena officials can’t agree on hockey-specific improvements that need to be done to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Fans complained about obstructive views and the players complained about poor ice.
The owners of the Islanders and Mets have been in talks about a move to Queens for months.
“Last week, Jon Ledecky told the media and later fans at a town hall event that ‘Barclays is our home,”’ Barclays Center spokesman Barry Baum said in an e-mail. “Anyone with questions about this should contact Islanders ownership.”
Chris Botta: “Islanders should be talking Queens. No-lose. Either get their own new arena in Queens or a better deal and setup in Brooklyn. Yes, NYI could do without return of uncertainty. But new owners are right to look for best situation for themselves, team and fans.”
Chris Botta: “Expect much more to come out of this NYI-Queens story. Like the arena for hockey, Isles-Barclays Center relationship isn’t great.”
Brian Compton: Last week co-owner Mr. Ledecky said he was determined to make it work in Brooklyn and didn’t mention Queens.
B.D. Gallof: “I see #isles checking into Queens rumor finally hit the news. I was looped into that rumors months ago. Couldn’t find anything substantial. Will be interesting to see what is actually quotable bc last time rumors made rounds we got NY Post piece Barclays slam weeks later ”
B.D. Gallof: Source saying that if Islanders ownership decides to leave Brooklyn, that being sold to outside interests for Quebec, Seattle, etc is WAY more likely.
B.D. Gallof: A lot of this could be over the new owners anger over state of the ice at the Barclays Center.