The Bridgeport Islanders are reportedly close to leaving the city the team has called home for more than two decades.

Hockey insider Frank Seravalli reported that a deal is nearly finalized to move the team to Hamilton, Ontario, in time for the 2026–27 season. Hamilton has been without a team for two seasons while undergoing a $300 million arena renovation.

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim said the city is monitoring the situation.

"The Islanders are an important part of Bridgeport as the entertainment capital of Connecticut," Ganim said. "They've been a great team here. There have been rumors, I know that, and if they're having thoughts or moving in that direction, I'm sure we'll hear from them."

Islanders management declined to comment when asked about the report, according to Newsday.

The team ranked 28th in the American Hockey League last season, averaging 3,665 fans per game.

The Islanders have played in Bridgeport since 2001, when the team was introduced as the Sound Tigers.