Tim Leiweke has had a long and distinguished career in sports management — and keeps turning up at the center of major sports transactions.
Leiweke, 60, who spent 17 years leading Anschultz Entertainment and two years as CEO and president of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, formed his own company, Oak View Partners, a little more than two years ago.
While out of the spotlight, Leiweke is leading the New York Islanders hockey team in their tense negotiations with Mikhail Prokhorov’s Barclays Center on a new lease, sources with direct knowledge of the talks said.
The two sides have until the end of January to work out a new lease.
Barclays has threatened to terminate the present 25-year agreement, potentially leaving the Islanders homeless for several seasons until they can finish building a new arena.
Scott Malkin, who owns the Islanders and is building a new arena near Belmont Race Track, would like a new short-term lease. His new arena won’t be ready for three years.
Leiweke has had an up-and-down career.
Phil Anschutz in 2013 forced Leiweke out as CEO of AEG, owner of the Los Angeles Live entertainment complex and part-owner of the Lakers, after Leiweke overpromised and failed to find a buyer for the company, sources said.
The NHL likes the talented and capable Leiweke, and that is why, a source speculated, he keeps landing on his feet.