MSG released a statement in response to the decision, reading, “While we are disappointed with the County’s decision, we are not at all surprised given the history of this project, and will be watching closely as this process moves to the County Legislature,” the statement read. “We continue to believe that Madison Square Garden's proposal, expertise and proven track record represent the best and most realistic opportunity to revitalize the Nassau Coliseum. We remain deeply supportive of the efforts to create a rich and vibrant destination for all Long Island residents, and sincerely hope that, regardless of today’s decision, Long Island ultimately gets the world-class destination it deserves.”

MSG’s proposal’s included $250 million in renovations, including a 150,000 square-foot entertainment district called "Long Island Live!" which would have housed live entertainment, an MSG Zone, restaurants, bars and retail.

Their group would have brought at least one of its professional sports teams — the New York Liberty of the WNBA, the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League, or the Erie Bayhawks of the NBA Development League, as well as Rangers and Knicks practices, boxing and tennis.

Two other proposers, Syosset-based Blumenfeld Development Group, and Bayville’s New York Sports and Entertainment, were eliminated from contention in July.

Shortly after, Ratner announced that Ed Blumenfeld, the president of Blumenfeld Development, would join his team, acting as a consultant, aiding development with retail and restaurants around the 77-acre site.

Forest City Ratner's other partners include SHoP Architects, Live Nation, Jay-Z's Roc Nation, Legends and Guggenheim Partners.