N.Y. Islanders to move to Barclays Center

NEW YORK, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The New York Islanders Wednesday announced they would be joining the NBA's Brooklyn Nets and playing at the Barclays Center in New York.

The Nets moved from New Jersey and will be playing home games in the Barclays Center this season. Their first regular-season game in the new arena is scheduled for Nov. 1 versus the New York Knicks.

Islanders owner Charles Wang said his team would sign a 25-year agreement to play at the Barclays Center beginning in the 2015-16 season. The team name and logo will remain unchanged.

"It was our goal from Day 1 to keep the Islanders in the local New York area." Wang said. "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to play in Barclays Center, a first-class arena.

"This has been a long journey for the Islanders family starting with our loyal fans, sponsors and employees. I want to personally thank them for their patience, loyalty and support. I am excited about today's announcement and I am looking forward to a long and successful future in Brooklyn."

The Islanders have played at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y., since the team's first NHL game in 1972. Rumors of the team's move to the Barclays Center arose after voters in Nassau County rejected a proposal in August 2011 to build a new arena.