Inside Resorts World’s Bold Bet: The Jet Center Aims to Turn Queens Into a Global Sports and Media Hub

Resorts World New York City is making a big bet on the future of Queens with the launch of The Jet Center, a new sports and media hub created in partnership with NBA legend and Queens native Kenny “The Jet” Smith. The project is part of Resorts World’s proposed innovation campus that aims to make the facility not only the largest integrated resort in the United States but also a center for workforce, education, and community development.

Since opening nearly fifteen years ago at the historic Aqueduct Racetrack, Resorts World has generated more than $4.5 billion for New York State’s public education system and attracted more than 8 million visitors each year. But company leaders say the next chapter will go far beyond gaming. With The Jet Center, Resorts World is positioning itself as a platform for preparing the next generation of athletes, broadcasters, and business leaders.

Smith says the center will teach young people that sports is more than just playing the game—it’s a gateway to careers in media, leadership, and the business of sports. Alongside The Jet Center, Resorts World’s expansion plan includes a health and wellness facility for hospitality workers, a STEM and arts learning center, a 7,000-seat multipurpose entertainment venue, 30 new dining concepts from renowned chefs, and 12 acres of public greenspace designed with community input.

The economic promises are significant. Resorts World says the project will create 24,000 jobs, including 5,000 permanent roles, 5,000 union construction jobs, and thousands more indirect opportunities. The development is projected to generate $1 billion in new revenue for New York State starting in 2026 and another $1 billion for the MTA within the first five years of licensure.

For Queens, the benefits go beyond headline numbers. Local suppliers will have access to new contracting opportunities in construction, food and beverage, and event services. Thousands of residents could enter career pathways in hospitality, entertainment, and technology. Community organizations will have new opportunities to partner on youth mentorship, education, and public space activation.

Cultural credibility also plays a role. With backing from Kenny Smith and fellow Queens icon Nas, who created a video tribute to the project, Resorts World is anchoring the development in local identity and pride. The company’s executives emphasize that their goal is to remain a true community partner, with initiatives that reflect and benefit the borough.

If approved by regulators, the expansion could be operational by July 2026, giving Resorts World a speed-to-market advantage over competitors. But its long-term success will depend on whether The Jet Center and the broader campus truly deliver on the promise of economic mobility, cultural alignment, and community benefit.

In the end, this is more than a casino expansion. It is a test of whether a gaming operator can transform itself into a community development anchor—one that combines entertainment, education, and opportunity to make Queens not just the “World’s Borough,” but a global hub for growth and innovation.

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