U.S. Open Association Sues New York City Over Proposed Casino Near Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
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New York, NY – November 17, 2025 – The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has filed a lawsuit against new York City, alleging the city is violating the terms of its lease agreement by negotiating with Steve Cohen’s team to build a casino adn entertainment complex, dubbed “Metropolitan Park,” on the Citi Field parking lot. A Manhattan State Superior Court has issued a temporary restraining order halting any new agreements between the city and Cohen until the USTA’s rights are addressed.
Background: The Dispute Over Land Use
The lawsuit centers around a long-term lease between the USTA and New York City concerning the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open. The USTA argues the city is failing to uphold a “right of first use” clause within the lease.Specifically, the agreement stipulates the city cannot approve activities during the U.S. Open that would “substantially impair” the tournament’s operation or reduce available parking for spectators.
According to the USTA,the city has not engaged in consultations for over a year and has denied access to the draft agreement for the past five months. The USTA fears the proposed casino and entertainment complex will negatively impact the over one million spectators who attend the U.S. Open annually. They characterize the potential disruption as posing a “real…and potentially catastrophic” threat to the tournament.
The Metropolitan Park Project and Lease Negotiations
Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, signed a 99-year lease with the city for the Citi Field site, encompassing the baseball stadium and surrounding parking areas. The planned Metropolitan Park project requires a renegotiation of this lease to repurpose the parking lot for a casino and integrated entertainment venue.
Cohen’s team was anticipating finalizing a new land agreement soon to meet the requirements for a New York State casino license. The USTA’s legal challenge introduces meaningful uncertainty into the project’s timeline and viability. New York State is currently considering applications for up to three downstate casino licenses. https://www.nysgamingcommission.gov/gaming/casino-licensing/
City and Metropolitan Park Response
A spokesperson for Metropolitan Park expressed disagreement with the court’s decision and indicated plans to pursue further action. They argued the restraining order will negatively impact the economy of Queens and New York City. The city has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the lawsuit.
Key takeaways
* The USTA is suing New York City to protect its lease rights related to the U.S.Open.
* The dispute revolves around the proposed Metropolitan Park casino and entertainment complex near the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
* A temporary restraining order has been issued, halting negotiations between the city and Steve Cohen’s team.
* The lawsuit adds uncertainty to the future of the casino project and the state’s casino licensing process.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for both the U.S. Open and the progress of casino gaming in New York State.Further court proceedings are expected to determine whether the city’s negotiations with cohen violate the USTA’s lease agreement and whether the Metropolitan Park project can proceed as planned. The New York State Gaming Commission will continue to evaluate casino license applications, but the availability of the Citi Field site is now in question.
Editor in charge: Chen Minqi