Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an agreement for the New York Mets to purchase the franchise rights to the Syracuse Chiefs. The deal, with negotiation support from Governor Cuomo, ensures that the team will continue to play at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, New York, through at least 2025. Governor Cuomo helped bring the teams together to make the deal possible. The Chiefs play in the International League and are currently an affiliate of the Washington Nationals.
"This partnership will help attract new and old fans alike, and support economic growth in the Syracuse community for years to come," Governor Cuomo said. "It is a home run that ensures the Chiefs stay right where they belong while the next generation of amazin' greats is fostered right here in Central New York."
Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said, "The Mets are excited for the potential opportunity to be part of Triple-A baseball in Central New York and want to thank Governor Cuomo, Senator Schumer and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney for their leadership and support in helping secure this partnership. We look forward to the opportunity to work with the staff to continue to bring affordable, family entertainment to baseball fans in Syracuse." 
The transaction must be approved by the Community Baseball Club of Central New York stockholders, professional baseball and Onondaga County, which holds the lease to the stadium. Active stockholders will shortly receive a voting proxy in the mail with details on the proposed transaction and instructions on how to vote by Nov. 17, 2017.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said, "Let's go Mets and let's go 'Cuse! With Syracuse's rich history and love of baseball, the Mets purchasing the Syracuse Chiefs is a grand slam for the entire community. Soon the world will see just how deep the love of baseball runs in Upstate New York, between Binghamton's Rumble Ponies and now the Syracuse Chiefs being owned and operated by the Mets, today is truly a bright day for baseball fans far and wide."
Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said, "Governor Cuomo is a champion for upstate New York, and we are grateful for his work bringing the Mets to Syracuse. Baseball is important to the entire Central New York community both as a source of pride and as an economic engine and it's because of his commitment and leadership that this agreement was possible."
Bob Julian, Chairman, Community Baseball Club of Central New York Inc., said, "It is an exciting time for baseball in Syracuse. The potential benefit of the proposed sale to our ball club is extraordinary. For our stockholders, the sale would provide an attractive return on their investment and it would ensure professional baseball remains in Syracuse for at least eight more years. We are grateful to the Mets for investing in our community."