NHL team rumored to be relocated strikes a new deal with the city

Things are looking up for the New York Islanders and their quest to obtain a new arena. 

Mark Berner of HorseRacingInsider.com has reported on Tuesday night that Empire State Development "is ever closer" to awarding the Islanders and Oak View Group the bid to build a new arena on the land of Belmont Park in Elmont, NY.

"Empire State Development, New York State’s business development agency, has moved quickly and is ever closer to a decision that will award the bid of the New York Islanders hockey team and its consortium to build a new arena at Belmont Park.

The Islanders hope to break ground next spring."

The Islanders are expected to leave the Barclays Center in Brooklyn after the 2018-19 season, though they must strike a deal to prematurely end the 25-year lease by Jan. 30. 

The deadline for negotiations end on Jan. 1, meaning the Islanders have to find out about Belmont sooner rather than later, but this is a huge step.