Fansided

New York Islanders sale denied

By Michael Straw

Apr 10, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; The New York Islanders celebrate their victory over the Montreal Canadiensduring at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; The New York Islanders celebrate their victory over the Montreal Canadiensduring at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /
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Earlier in the afternoon it was reported by Sportsnet that the New York Islanders were set to be sold by Charles Wang to Philadelphia lawyer Andrew Barroway. Unfortunately, that report turned out to be premature, and there is no sale to announce of the franchise.

The news of the sale, which was originally reported by Lou Pellegrino, claimed that an official announcement was set to come after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. A producer on The Brian Kenny Show on NBC Sports Radio, Pellegrino the retracted his report, stating that it wasn’t actually him who posted the news, it was a co-worker.

“Was having a conversation about the topic and left for a meeting. Came back to this. #LessonLearned. I’m so embarrassed and I’m sorry,” his post on Twitter said. “Guys, that tweet is NOT TRUE about the Isles sale. I left my twitter open on my computer and a coworker tweeted that. Sorry 4 the confusion.”

Pellegrino’s account, along with the original Sportsnet article, have since been deleted.

Rumors regarding the future of the Islanders under Wang have been circulating since Wang released the following statement back in March regarding his status as owner:

"“In recent months, there have been numerous expressions of interest in the purchase of the New York Islanders. As I have consistently stated, I have been and remain willing to listen. However, potential buyers expressions of interest in the team or even my listening to them does not mean that any deal will be reached.”"

Wang, who became majority owner of the Islanders back in 2004, joined the organization as part owner in 2000. Less than two years ago, Wang signed a 25-year lease to move the team to the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn after failing to get a new arena built on Long Island. The Islanders begin play in Brooklyn during the 2015-2016 season.

FanSided has reached out to NBC Sports for comment on Pellegrino’s status.

In terms of the status of the Islanders, Barroway’s comment that he can’t speak on matter “yet” keeps the door open that this deal will happen, but it just hasn’t been agreed upon yet. Stay tuned for more as this story developers.

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