Report: Islanders to sell stake in team at $3 billion valuation
One of the league’s legendary franchises is going for a big dollar amount these days.
According to Sportico, the New York Islanders have agreed to sell 15 percent of their stake to a group of investors. The valuation of that percentage is around $3 billion.
Per the report, the Islanders mentioned venture capital investor David Shuman as a new investor, but other investors have yet to be revealed. One investor is reportedly in agreement to buy 10 percent of the team, according to Sportico. The investment still requires approval from the NHL. Despite the alleged agreement, day-to-day operations will remain the same, with Scott Malkin remaining as the controlling owner of the Islanders.
The $3 billion valuation for such a small chunk of the team is very surprising. Last year, Sportico valued the Islanders at $1.93 billion, a 15 percent increase from 2024, ranking them 14th in the 32-team league. The 2026 valuations have yet to be announced, but anyone who can do math can realize the massive hike in the Islanders’ worth.
It’s also crazy to think that $3 billion makes up just 15 percent of the franchise’s stock. Malkin and Jon Ledeckey purchased the Islanders back in 2014 for a measly $485 million. The duo has helped turn the team’s fortunes and finances around, making them one of the most successful teams in the league, on and off the ice. Since the two bought the team, the Isles have made the Stanley Cup Playoffs seven times, reaching the Eastern Conference Final in 2020 and 2021. The team also built up enough credit to build UBS Arena, which has set the standard for what new teams look at when building new arenas and entertainment venues.
