County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced a prospective plan today with The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) that would make the Westchester County Center a site of games for the National Basketball Association (NBA) Development League starting this fall.
Under the proposed plan, which will be presented to the county's Board of Acquisition & Contract on Thursday, the County Center in White Plains would be the home of a New York Knicks-affiliated NBA Development League team. The NBA D-League features professional basketball players who hope to earn spots on NBA teams as well as current NBA players.
"Westchester loves basketball at every level and this agreement would bring professional basketball to the county," Astorino said. "Top-flight basketball at an affordable price in a convenient location is a winning combination and Westchester County is excited for the opportunity to team up with The Madison Square Garden Company, the Knicks and the NBA."
The team would play 24 home games at the County Center between November and April with the possibility of up to six playoff games in April.
Once the proposal is approved by the Board of Acquisition & Contract, a formal licensing agreement would be signed by the county and MSG. The overall plan is still subject to the final approval of the NBA.
The proposed deal is being structured as a five-year licensing agreement with an option for MSG to renew for a second five years. The commitment of 24 home games would make MSG the County Center's premier sports and entertainment partner.
MSG will pay the county a set fee for each game date and pick up any additional costs that may be incurred during short turn-around times to get the Arena ready for games. The county will also receive fees from parking, tickets, food, merchandise, and advertising sales. Depending on ticket sales, the county projects to net between $2,000 and $12,000 a game, or $48,000 to $288,000 per season, not including the playoffs.
"Under the proposal, all of the county's costs would be covered and the deal becomes more lucrative for the county as attendance for games grows," said Astorino.