Hofstra University has entered a five-year partnership with the New York Islanders and UBS Arena, creating new academic and professional opportunities for students while strengthening ties between the three Long Island institutions.
Under the agreement, Hofstra becomes the Official University Partner of the Islanders and the nearby UBS Arena. Students will gain access to internships, experiential-learning projects and behind-the-scenes exposure in sports media, marketing, pubic relations, video production and other areas within the professional sports and entertainment industry.
The partnership also introduces several campus benefits, including a dedicated ticket portal offering preferred pricing for select Islanders home games, annual guest lectures by team and arena executives and joint community events featuring Islanders mascots Sparky and Nyisles alongside Hofstra’s Kate and Willy.
“I am very excited about this partnership with the New York Islanders and UBS Arena, and the opportunities it will provide our students,” Hofstra President Susan Poser said in a statement. “Collaborations like this prepare students for success and grow Hofstra’s network on Long Island and beyond.
Full-time employees of the Islanders, UBS Arena and Oak View Group — the arena’s operating partner — will also be eligible for graduate tuition reimbursement at Hofstra.
“This partnership is a true win for the Islanders, UBS Arena and the students of Hofstra University,” said Kelly Cheeseman, president of business operations for the Islanders and UBS Arena. “We’re excited to offer unmatched, hands-on professional experiences and to give students and faculty incredible access to the entertainment and energy of our games.”
The deal aligns with Hofstra 100, the university’s strategic plan guiding its goals through its 2035 centennial, emphasizing student success, community engagement and expanded institutional research.
