Governor Kathy Hochul has addressed the National Hockey League following its decision to remove the 2026 All-Star Weekend from the UBS Arena on Long Island. The event has been replaced with a lead-in to the Winter Olympics. In a letter to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Hochul expressed concerns over the abrupt change, stating that it undermines the state’s investments related to the event.
New York invested over $100 million, including funding for a new Long Island Rail Road station, to develop a world-class venue for the Islanders. The aim was to support major NHL events, such as the All-Star Weekend, and enhance the arena's overall infrastructure. In the words of Governor Hochul, obtained by her office, "We made this investment not only for the local community and the New York Islanders but also in support of the league itself." The Governor's letter conveyed that New York State was unexpectedly impacted, highlighting concerns over unfulfilled commitments.
The highly anticipated All-Star event was expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region, with millions of dollars in activity. Governor Hochul's letter highlights concerns that the cancellation could affect future public-private partnerships, particularly those relying on consistent support from major, community-oriented sports leagues like the NHL.
Governor Hochul has requested that an event of "equal or greater economic activity and cultural value" be brought to Long Island in 2027, following the cancellation. With the NHL headquarters and three of its teams based in New York, her statement emphasizes the importance of mutual support, noting that "New York, home of three NHL franchises and the league’s headquarters, has always been and will continue to be a proud hockey state, and mutual respect is essential in any partnership." The focus is on ensuring trust and expectations of support in future partnerships, as reported by the Governor's office.
