Wang: We've run out of options
New York Islanders owner Charles Wang at a bill signing ceremony where the County Legislature passed a law allowing residents to vote on the County Executive's Economic Development and Job Creation Plan for the Nassau Coliseum redevelopment at a public referendum to be held on August 1. (May 31, 2011) Credit: Howard Schnapp
Appearing on WFAN's Boomer and Carton show Friday morning, Islanders team owner Charles Wang painted a grim picture for fans and Nassau County residents if a referendum for a new Coliseum doesn't pass on Aug. 1.
"We have to face reality in that we don't have a place to play anymore," Wang said during his week-long media blitz leading up to Monday's referendum. "After the 2015 lease expires, we have to have a place to play and we've run out of options."
When asked if he will be forced to move the team out of Nassau County, Wang responded:
"We have no choice. We have to go to a place where we can play."
Carton brought up the possibility of the Islanders moving to another borough -- both Brooklyn and Queens have been discussed as potential landing spots -- but Wang dismissed the question.
"I really don't want to get into that because it's off topic."
Wang said he has lost over $230 million as owner of the Islanders and $20 million alone on the now-defunct Lighthouse Project.
He said he's willing to pony up more if the August 1 vote passes; up to $25 million in contruction overages and the election costs of Monday's referendum -- if it passes.
When Boomer Esiason asked if that's even legal, Wang said:
"I don't know but I have an agreement with the county," he said. "I'm sure they'll collect it."
Boomer, a loyal Rangers fan and Nassau County resident, said he'll be voting "Yes" on Monday, but ended the show with a friendly jab to Wang and the Islanders. He said he hopes the Islanders don't leave for the Rangers' sake.
"I always count on those six wins every year."
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