Islanders co-owner Charles Wang dies at 74
New York Islanders co-owner Charles Wang has died at the age of 74.
The former Computer Associates International founder died Sunday in Oyster Bay, N.Y., his attorney, John McEntee, told The Associated Press. No cause of death was announced.
Wang purchased the Islanders in 2000 and was the majority owner until the franchise was sold to Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky in 2016. He remained a minority owner and alternate governor until his death.
"His commitment to, and passion for, his beloved Islanders was matched by his dedication to, and support for, the Long Island community," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said about Wang in a statement. "As the NHL embarks on a journey to grow hockey in China, we do so with the appreciation and knowledge that it was Charles who was the vision and driving force at the forefront of developing the game in his native country.
"We also owe Charles a great debt of gratitude for all that he did in pioneering video streaming of our league so that hockey fans around the world could connect with the NHL."
As owner of the Islanders, Wang was instrumental in keeping the franchise on Long Island. In 2009, he unveiled the Lighthouse Project, an initiative to redevelop the dated Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and its surrounding area.
The Islanders ultimately moved to nearby Brooklyn in 2015 after the Lighthouse Project wasn't granted public approval.