Jon Ledecky and Carolyn Tisch Blodgett Featured in 'Sportico Sports Business' Discussion
In the world of sports, two iconic New York teams are making headlines. Let's start with the New York Islanders, who are gearing up for the 2024-25 NHL season.
The Islanders will kick off their regular season on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Oct. 9, followed by their home opener against the Philadelphia Flyers on Oct. 11 at the UBS Arena. This multifunctional arena, designed for both hockey and music events, is a significant contributor to the team's financial sustainability.
Jon Ledecky, co-owner and alternate team governor of the Islanders, has emphasised that the UBS Arena, which opened in 2021, is designed to generate multiple revenue streams through hosting a wide range of entertainment and sporting events. The arena's ability to host hockey games and concerts allows the Islanders to capitalise on higher venue utilisation and revenue diversification, which is critical for long-term financial stability.
Meanwhile, over in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), Gotham FC is making waves. Operating owner and club governor Carolyn Tisch Blodgett discussed the rising tides of women's soccer. Gotham FC currently has a record of 5-3-5 in the 2025 season.
Blodgett emphasised that competition within the NWSL and outside of the league is continuing to raise the bar for women's soccer. Teams like Angel City FC and Kansas City are elevating the sport globally, she said. Blodgett also highlighted the positive impact of clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal competing for players, as it brings increased attention and investment to women's soccer.
The New York Islanders, too, have made a splash in the off-season, securing the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft lottery and selecting 17-year-old Matthew Schaefer out of the Ontario Hockey League. The team paid $100 million to ensure the acoustics of UBS Arena are optimal for performances, not just hockey games.
Stay tuned for more updates on these dynamic New York teams as the seasons unfold.
The New York Islanders, in the sports business realm of ice hockey, are preparing for the 2024-25 NHL season and will kick off their regular season at the UBS Arena, a multifunctional venue strategically designed to boost the team's financial sustainability through hosting various entertainment and sports events. Meanwhile, Gotham FC, a team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), is thriving in the 2025 season, with competition within the league and globally rallying around the rising tide of women's soccer, a testament to the growing significance of sports business in this sector.
