Madison Square Garden Takes Heat for Moving NY Liberty to the Burbs

Madison Square Garden's decision to move WNBA team the New York Liberty out of the iconic arena to one in Westchester has drawn ire from fans and politicians.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer called for the arena's $50 million a year property tax break to be reconsidered when it comes up for renewal in 2020.

The team has called Madison Square Garden its home court since 1997, when the women's league was founded. It was one of the eight original teams.

Jami Floyd spoke with Newsday sports columnist Barbara Barker about the economics behind the move.

"The Garden can bring in Phish for seven nights and almost sell out or some monster truck show or some other horrid thing, instead of the world's greatest female athletes," she said.

While the team is moving to Westchester this season, it's still up for sale.

"They need to find an owner...They need to find an owner who is committed to the team and women's basketball," she said. "I don't think it's ever been James Dolan's thing. His thing is the Knicks."

Kimberly Kerns, a spokeswoman for the Madison Square Garden Company, said New York Liberty has lost a combined $100 million over the years and is selling fewer than 5,000 paid tickets per game. 

“The New York Liberty has lost money every year since its inception," she said. She added that the abatement that they receive is on par with what other major sports franchises receive.