Bettman confirms NY Islanders to host All-Star style event at UBS Arena in 2027

Big things are coming to Belmont, and it's hockey related.

The NHL may have taken back the 2026 All-Star Game from UBS Arena. Still, the league is making it up to New York Islanders fans in a big way, Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed on Wednesday before the start of the Stanley Cup Final in Edmonton. In 2026, the Isles will host an Olympic send-off event ahead of the Winter Games in Milan. Then, in 2027, UBS will take center stage for a marquee NHL All-Star-style event that promises to showcase some of the biggest names in the sport.

Let’s start with the Olympic event. Since the NHL is (finally!) allowing its players to return to the Olympics, the league is replacing the traditional All-Star Weekend with a send-off showcase. UBS Arena will be the main hub for the festivities, giving fans a rare chance to see the league’s top international stars—possibly including Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, or Noah Dobson suiting up for Team Canada—before they head overseas. Who knows, maybe Simon Holmstrom can do enough to impress Team Sweden. Unfortunately for Ilya Sorokin, Russia won't be Olympics-bound in 2026.

As for 2027? Bettman heard the groans loud and clear when the All-Star Game was pulled. In response, he confirmed that an “All-Star-style” event will come to UBS Arena that year. While details are still under wraps, it could feature a new tournament format, skills competitions, and a massive fan fest, giving Isles fans the All-Star atmosphere they deserve.

You may remember that Governor Kathy Hochul was vocal last month in pushing the NHL to do right by Long Island, and the league listened. Now, Isles Country gets not one but two massive league events in back-to-back years. For a fan base that’s waited decades for its state-of-the-art barn, these events are another sign that UBS Arena is firmly on the NHL map.