Madison Square Garden Sports Corp
For the period ended Sep 30, 2024. Filed Nov 1, 2024.
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Sep 30, 2024 · Filed Nov 1, 2024
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
All amounts included in the following Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in thousands, except per share data or as otherwise noted.
Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (together with its subsidiaries, collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” “MSG Sports,” or the “Company”) owns and operates a portfolio of assets featuring some of the most recognized teams in all of sports, including the New York Knickerbockers (“Knicks”) of the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) and the New York Rangers (“Rangers”) of the National Hockey League (“NHL”). Both the Knicks and the Rangers play their home games in Madison Square Garden Arena (“The Garden”). The Company’s other professional sports franchises includetwo development league teams — the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League and the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League. These professional sports franchises are collectively referred to herein as the “sports teams” or the “teams.” The Company also operates a professional sports team performance center — the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, NY.
The Company operates and reports financial information inone segment. The Company’s decision to organize asone operating segment and report inone segment is based upon its internal organizational structure; the manner in which its operations are managed; and the criteria used by the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, its Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), to evaluate segment performance. The Company’s CODM reviews total company operating results to assess overall performance and allocate resources.
The Company was incorporated on March 4, 2015 as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Networks Inc. (“MSG Networks”). All the outstanding common stock of the Company was distributed to MSG Networks stockholders (the “MSGS Distribution”) on September 30, 2015.
On April 17, 2020, the Company distributed all of the outstanding common stock of Sphere Entertainment Co. (“Sphere Entertainment”) to its stockholders (the “Sphere Distribution”).
On July 9, 2021, MSG Networks merged with a subsidiary of Sphere Entertainment and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sphere Entertainment. Accordingly, agreements between the Company and MSG Networks are now effectively agreements with Sphere Entertainment on a consolidated basis.
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (“MSG Entertainment”), Sphere Entertainment and MSG Networks refer to such entity, together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated interim financial statements (referred to as the “Financial Statements” herein) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim financial information, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 (“fiscal year 2024”). The Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, the Financial Statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full fiscal year. The dependence of MSG Sports on revenues from its NBA and NHL sports teams generally means it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues in the second and third quarters of the Company’s fiscal year, which is when the majority of the sports teams’ games are played.
Note 2. Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, other current assets, goodwill, intangible assets, other long-lived assets, fair value of investments, deferred tax valuation allowance, tax accruals, and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, revenue sharing expense (net of escrow and excluding playoffs), luxury tax expense, income tax expense (benefit), performance and share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, litigation matters and other matters. Management believes its use of estimates in the Financial Statements to be reasonable.
Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. The Company adjusts such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management’s best judgment at a point in time and, as such, these estimates may ultimately differ from actual results. Changes in estimates resulting from weakness in the economic environment or other factors beyond the Company’s control could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements in future periods.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements. This ASU amends certain provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842, Leases that apply to arrangements between related parties under common control. The Company adopted this standard as of the beginning of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 (“fiscal year 2025”) and the adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU expands public entities’ segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount and description of its composition for other segment items, and interim disclosures of a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets. All disclosure requirements under ASU 2023-07 are also required for public entities with a single reportable segment. The ASU is effective for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2025 and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its segment disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU enhances annual disclosures related to the effective income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The ASU is effective for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026 and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its income tax disclosures.
Note 3. Revenue Recognition
Contracts with Customers
All revenue recognized in the consolidated statements of operations is considered to be revenue from contracts with customers. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not have any impairment losses on receivables or contract assets arising from contracts with customers.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table disaggregates the Company’s revenues by type of goods or services in accordance with the disclosure requirements set forth in ASC Subtopic 280-10-50-38 to 40 and the disaggregation of revenue required disclosures in accordance with ASC Subtopic 606-10-50-5 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
| Three Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| September 30, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Event-related (a) | $6,085 | $5,821 |
| Media rights (b) | 7,353 | 7,219 |
| Sponsorship, signage and suite licenses | 5,188 | 5,314 |
| League distributions and other | 34,681 | 24,692 |
| Total revenues from contracts with customers | $53,307 | $43,046 |
(a)Consists of (i) ticket sales and other ticket-related revenues, and (ii) food, beverage and merchandise sales at The Garden.
(b)Consists of (i) local media rights fees, (ii) revenue from the distribution through league-wide national television contracts, and (iii) other local radio rights fees.
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The following table provides information about contract balances from the Company’s contracts with customers as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024:
| September 30, | June 30, | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | |
| Receivables from contracts with customers, net (a) | $45,210 | $19,930 |
| Contract assets, current (b) | 9,333 | 14,054 |
| Deferred revenue, including non-current portion (c), (d) | 307,959 | 149,825 |
(a)Receivables from contracts with customers, net, which are reported in Accounts receivable, net and Net related party receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, represent the Company’s unconditional rights to consideration under its contracts with customers. As of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, the Company’s receivables reported above incl uded $235 and $0, respectively, related to contracts with customers that are related parties. See Note 16 for further details on these related party arrangements. Receivables from contracts with customers, net, excludes amounts recorded in Accounts receivable, net, associated with amounts due from the NBA related to luxury tax payments.
(b)Contract assets, current, which are reported as Other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, primarily relate to the Company’s rights to consideration for goods or services transferred to the customer, for which the Company does not have an unconditional right to bill as of the reporting date. Contract assets are transferred to accounts receivable once the Company’s right to consideration becomes unconditional.
(c)Deferred revenue, including non-current portion, primarily relates to the Company’s receipt of consideration from customers, inclusive of sales tax collected, or billing customers in advance of the Company’s transfer of goods or services to those customers. Deferred revenue is reduced and the related revenue is recognized once the underlying goods or services are transferred to a customer. The Company’s deferred revenue related to local media rights was $34,241 and $0 as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, respectively. See Note 16 for further details on these related party arrangements.
(d)Revenue recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2024 relating to the deferred revenue balance as of June 30, 2024 was $16,713.
Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations
The following table depicts the estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of September 30, 2024. In developing the estimated revenue, the Company applies the allowable practical expedient and does not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less. Additionally, the Company has elected to exclude variable consideration from its disclosure related to the remaining performance obligations under its local media rights arrangements with MSG Networks, league-wide national and international television contracts, and certain other arrangements with variable consideration.
| Fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 (remainder) | $161,652 |
|---|---|
| Fiscal year ending June 30, 2026 | 110,059 |
| Fiscal year ending June 30, 2027 | 70,484 |
| Fiscal year ending June 30, 2028 | 39,724 |
| Fiscal year ending June 30, 2029 | 29,480 |
| Thereafter | 19,616 |
| $431,015 |
Note 4. Computation of Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
The following table presents a reconciliation of loss allocated to common shares and a reconciliation of weighted-average shares used in the calculations of basic and diluted loss per common share attributable to the Company’s stockholders (“EPS”) and the number of shares excluded from diluted loss per common share, as they were anti-dilutive.
| Three Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| September 30, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Net loss allocable to common shares, basic and diluted (numerator): | ||
| Net loss | $(7,542) | $(18,821) |
| Less: Dividends to other-than-common stockholders (a) | 8 | 6 |
| Net earnings allocable to common shares, basic and diluted (numerator): | $(7,550) | $(18,827) |
| Weighted-average shares (denominator): | ||
| Weighted-average shares for basic EPS | 24,049 | 23,971 |
| Dilutive effect of shares issuable under share-based compensation plans | — | — |
| Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS | 24,049 | 23,971 |
| Weighted-average shares excluded from diluted EPS | 92 | 94 |
| Basic loss per common share attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.’s stockholders | $(0.31) | $(0.79) |
| Diluted loss per common share attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.’s stockholders | $(0.31) | $(0.79) |
(a)Dividends to other-than-common stockholders consists of forfeitable rights to dividends declared and payable to holders of the Company’s unvested restricted stock units and performance restricted stock units.
Note 5. Team Personnel Transactions
Direct operating and selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations include a net provision or credit for transactions relating to the Company’s sports teams for waiver/contract termination costs, player trades and season-ending injuries (“Team personnel transactions”). Team personnel transactions were a net provision of $833 for the three months ended September 30, 2024. There wereno Team personnel transactions for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Note 6. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
The following table provides a summary of the amounts recorded as cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
| As of | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| September 30,2024 | June 30,2024 | September 30,2023 | |
| Captions on the consolidated balance sheets: | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $52,252 | $89,136 | $51,208 |
| Restricted cash (a) | 5,832 | 5,771 | 1,211 |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash on the consolidated statements of cash flows | $58,084 | $94,907 | $52,419 |
(a)Restricted cash as of September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 included cash deposited in an escrow account (see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 for more information).
Note 7. Leases
The Company’s leases primarily consist of the lease of the Company’s principal executive offices under the Sublease Agreement with MSG Entertainment (the “Sublease Agreement”) and a lease agreement for an aircraft. In addition, the Company accounts for the rights of use of The Garden pursuant to the Arena License Agreements (as defined below) as leases under the ASC Topic 842, Leases. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 for more information regarding the Company’s accounting policies associated with its leases.
As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s exis ting operating leases, which are recorded in the accompanying financial statements, have remaining lease terms ranging from 1 month to 31 years. In certain instances, leases include options to renew, with varying option terms. The exercise of lease renewals, if available under the lease options, is generally at the Company’s discretion and is considered in the Company’s assessment of the respective lease term. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
The following table summarizes the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024:
| Line Item in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet | September 30,2024 | June 30,2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right-of-use assets: | |||
| Operating leases | Right-of-use lease assets | $692,412 | $694,566 |
| Lease liabilities: | |||
| Operating leases, current (a) | Operating lease liabilities, current | $49,799 | $50,267 |
| Operating leases, noncurrent (a) | Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent | 738,555 | 749,952 |
| Total lease liabilities | $788,354 | $800,219 | |
(a)As of September 30, 2024, Operating lease liabilities, current and Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent included balances of $43,220 and $705,233, respectively, that are payable to MSG Entertainment. As of June 30, 2024, Operating lease liabilities, current and Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent included balances of $43,689 and $715,507, respectively, that are payable to MSG Entertainment.
The following table summarizes the activity recorded within the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
| Line Item in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations · Three Months Ended September 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 · 2023 | |||
| Operating lease cost | Direct operating expenses | $1,311 | $1,311 |
| Operating lease cost | Selling, general and administrative expenses | 2,471 | 2,320 |
| Total lease cost | $3,782 | $3,631 | |
Supplemental Information
For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities was $13,493 and $13,072, respectively.
The weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2024 was 29.6 years. The weighted average discount rate was 7.1% as of September 30, 2024 and representedthe Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate, assuming a secured borrowing, based on the remaining lease term at the time of either (i) adoption of the standard or (ii) the period in which the lease term expectation commenced or was modified.
Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2024 were as follows:
| Fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 (remainder) | $38,387 |
|---|---|
| Fiscal year ending June 30, 2026 | 52,155 |
| Fiscal year ending June 30, 2027 | 53,516 |
| Fiscal year ending June 30, 2028 | 54,919 |
| Fiscal year ending June 30, 2029 | 56,363 |
| Thereafter | 1,985,246 |
| Total lease payments | 2,240,586 |
| Less imputed interest | (1,452,232) |
| Total lease liabilities | $788,354 |
Note 8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the Company performed its annual impairment test of goodwill and determined that there wereno impairments identified as of the impairment test date. The carrying amount of goodwill as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024 was $226,523.
The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024 were as follows:
| Sports franchises | $102,564 |
|---|---|
| Photographic related rights | 1,080 |
| $103,644 |
During the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the Company performed its annual impairment test of identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets and determined that there wereno impairments identified as of the impairment test date.
Note 9. Investments
The Company’s Investments reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, consisted of the following:
| September 30,2024 | June 30,2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Equity method investments: | ||
| NRG | $7,306 | $7,536 |
| Other equity method investments | 4,846 | 5,038 |
| Equity investments with readily determinable fair values: | ||
| Xtract One Technologies Inc. (“Xtract One”) common stock | 16,847 | 17,380 |
| Other equity investments with readily determinable fair values held in trust under the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan | 21,939 | 18,837 |
| Equity investments without readily determinable fair values (a) | 7,561 | 6,757 |
| Derivative instruments: | ||
| Xtract One warrants | 5,951 | 6,995 |
| Total investments | $64,450 | $62,543 |
(a)For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not record any impairment charges or changes in carrying value of its equity securities without readily determinable fair values in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Equity Method Investments
NRG
In April 2023, the Company sold its controlling interest in Counter Logic Gaming (“CLG”), a North American esports organization, to Hard Carry Gaming, Inc. (“NRG”), a professional gaming and entertainment company, in exchange for a noncontrolling equity interest in the combined NRG/CLG company. The Company received preferred shares representing approximately 25% of the capital stock of NRG. The Company deconsolidated the CLG business and recorded the investment in NRG at fair value as an equity method investment in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized its net share of losses of $230 and $415, respectively, in Miscellaneous expense, net within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024, the Company’s ownership in NRG was approximately 25%.
Equity Investments with Readily Determinable Fair Values
The Company holds investments in equity instruments with readily determinable fair value:
Xtract One, a technology-driven threat detection and security solution company that is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “XTRA”. The Company holds common stock of Xtract One and holds warrants entitling the Company to acquire additional shares of common stock of Xtract One which are considered derivative instruments. Refer to Note 10 for further details regarding the Company’s warrants, including the inputs used in determining the fair value of the warrants.
Other equity investments held in trust under the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. Refer to Note 13 for further details regarding the plan.
The fair value of the Company’s investments in common stock of Xtract One and other investments held in trust are determined based on quoted market prices in active markets, which are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy.
The cost basis and carrying value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values are as follows:
| September 30, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Basis | Carrying Value/Fair Value | Cost Basis | Carrying Value/Fair Value | |
| Xtract One common stock | $7,221 | $16,847 | $7,721 | $17,380 |
| Other equity investments with readily determinable fair values | 18,647 | 21,939 | 16,510 | 18,837 |
| $25,868 | $38,786 | $24,231 | $36,217 | |
The following table summarizes the realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity investments with readily determinable fair values, recorded within Miscellaneous expense, net within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Unrealized loss - Xtract One common stock | $(533) | $(6,553) |
| Unrealized gain (loss) - other equity investments with readily determinable fair values | 965 | (130) |
| Realized gain - other equity investments with readily determinable fair values | — | 26 |
| $432 | $(6,657) | |
Note 10. Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which include cash equivalents:
| Fair Value Hierarchy | September 30,2024 | June 30,2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets: | |||
| Money market accounts | I | $22,523 | $37,594 |
| Time deposits | I | 27,066 | 49,510 |
| Equity investments | I | 38,786 | 36,217 |
| Warrants | III | 5,951 | 6,995 |
| Total assets measured at fair value | $94,326 | $130,316 | |
Level I Inputs
Assets that are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy are valued using observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The carrying amount of the Company’s money market accounts and time deposits approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities. Refer to Note 9 for further details regarding equity investments.
Level III Inputs
The Company’s level III assets consist of warrants entitling the Company to acquire additional common stock of Xtract One. The Company’s warrants are included within Investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are measured at each reporting date and are recorded within Miscellaneous expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Company’s warrants in Xtract One were determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following are key assumptions used to calculate the fair value of the warrants as of September 30, 2024 and June 30, 2024:
| September 30,2024 | June 30,2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Expected term | 1.68 years | 1.80 years |
| Expected volatility | 60.51% | 64.15% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.77% | 4.73% |
The following table presents additional information about our assets for which we utilize Level III inputs to determine fair value:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Balance at beginning of period | $6,995 | $13,098 |
| Unrealized losses on warrants | (1,044) | (5,418) |
| Balance at end of period | $5,951 | $7,680 |
The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
| September 30, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CarryingValue | FairValue | CarryingValue | FairValue | |
| Liabilities | ||||
| Debt, current (a) | $30,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Long-term debt (b) | $275,000 | $275,000 | $275,000 | $275,000 |
(a)The Company’s debt, current is classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy as it is valued using quoted indices of similar securities for which the inputs are readily observable. The fair value of the Company’s debt, current is the same as its carrying amount based on valuation of similar securities. See Note 12 for further details.
(b)The Company’s long-term debt is classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy as it is valued using quoted indices of similar securities for which the inputs are readily observable. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is the same as its carrying amount as the debt bears interest at a variable rate indexed to current market conditions. See Note 12 for further details.
Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
As more fully described in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, the Company’s commitments consist primarily of the Company’s obligations under employment agreements that the Company has with its professional sports teams’ personnel that are generally guaranteed regardless of employee injury or termination. In addition, see Note 7 for more information on the contractual obligations related to future lease payments. The Company did not have any material changes in its contractual obligations, including off-balance sheet commitments, since the end of fiscal year 2024 other than activities in the ordinary course of business.
Legal Matters
The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. Although the outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty (including the extent of available insurance, if any), management does not believe that resolution of these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Note 12. Debt
Knicks Revolving Credit Facility
On September 30, 2016, New York Knicks, LLC (“Knicks LLC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement (the “2016 Knicks Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders providing for a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $200,000 with a term offive years to fund working capital needs and for general corporate purposes.
On November 6, 2020, the Company amended and restated the 2016 Knicks Credit Agreement in its entirety (the “2020 Knicks Credit Agreement”). On December 14, 2021, Knicks LLC entered into Amendment No. 2 to the 2020 Knicks Credit Agreement, which amended and restated the 2020 Knicks Credit Agreement (as amended and restated, the “Knicks Credit Agreement”).
The Knicks Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $275,000 (the “Knicks Revolving Credit Facility”) to fund working capital needs and for general corporate purposes. The maturity date of the Knicks Credit Agreement is December 14, 2026. Amounts borrowed may be distributed to the Company except during an event of default.
All borrowings under the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility are subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, including a representation as to the absence of a bankruptcy or insolvency event (as set forth in the Knicks Credit Agreement) with respect to the obligor (including MSG Networks) under any local media rights agreement. Borrowings under the Knicks Credit Agreement bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of Knicks LLC may be either (i) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.250% to 0.500% per annum or (ii) term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.100% per annum plus a margin ranging from 1.250% to 1.500% per annum depending on the credit rating applicable to the NBA’s league-wide credit facility. Knicks LLC is required to pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.250% to 0.300% per annum in respect of the average daily unused commitments under the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility. The outstanding balance under the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility was$275,000 as of September 30, 2024, which was recorded as Long-term debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The interest rate on the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2024 was 6.22%. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 the Company made interest payments of$4,793 in respect of the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility.
All obligations under the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first lien security interest in certain of Knicks LLC’s assets, including, but not limited to, (i) the Knicks LLC’s membership rights in the NBA, (ii) revenues to be paid to Knicks LLC by the NBA pursuant to certain U.S. national broadcast agreements, and (iii) revenues to be paid to Knicks LLC pursuant to local media contracts.
Subject to customary notice and minimum amount conditions, Knicks LLC may voluntarily prepay outstanding loans under the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (except for customary breakage costs with respect to SOFR-based loans). Knicks LLC is required to make mandatory prepayments in certain circumstances, including without limitation if the maximum available amount under the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility is greater than 350% of qualified revenues.
In addition to the financial covenant described above, the Knicks Credit Agreement and related security agreement contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default. The Knicks Revolving Credit Facility contains certain restrictions on the ability of Knicks LLC to take certain actions as provided in (and subject to various exceptions and baskets set forth in) the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility, including the following: (i) incurring additional indebtedness and contingent liabilities; (ii) creating liens on certain assets; (iii) making restricted payments during the continuance of an event of default under the Knicks Revolving Credit Facility; (iv) engaging in sale and leaseback transactions; (v) merging or consolidating; and (vi) taking certain actions that would invalidate the secured lenders’ liens on any Knicks LLC’s collateral.
The Knicks Revolving Credit Facility requires Knicks LLC to comply with a debt service ratio of at least 1.5:1.0 over a trailing four quarter period. As of September 30, 2024, Knicks LLC was in compliance with this financial covenant.
Rangers Revolving Credit Facility
On January 25, 2017, New York Rangers, LLC (“Rangers LLC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement (the “2017 Rangers Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders providing for a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $150,000 with a term offive years to fund working capital needs and for general corporate purposes.
On November 6, 2020, the Company amended and restated the 2017 Rangers Credit Agreement in its entirety (the “2020 Rangers Credit Agreement”). On December 14, 2021, Rangers LLC entered into Amendment No. 3 to the 2020 Rangers Credit Agreement, which amended and restated the 2020 Rangers Credit Agreement (as amended and restated, the “Rangers Credit Agreement”).
The Rangers Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility of up to $250,000 (the “Rangers Revolving Credit Facility”) to fund working capital needs and for general corporate purposes. The maturity date of the Rangers Credit Agreement is December 14, 2026. Amounts borrowed may be distributed to the Company except during an event of default.
All borrowings under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility are subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, including a representation as to the absence of a bankruptcy or insolvency event (as set forth in the Rangers Credit Agreement) with respect to the obligor (including MSG Networks) under any local media rights agreement. Borrowings under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of Rangers LLC may be either (i) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.500% to 1.000% per annum or (ii) term SOFR plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.100% per annum plus a margin ranging from 1.500% to 2.000% per annum depending on the credit rating applicable to the NHL’s league-wide credit facility. Rangers LLC is required to pay a commitment fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.625% per annum in respect of the average daily unused commitments under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility. There wereno borrowings under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2024 and accordingly the Company didnot make any interest payments during thethree months ended September 30, 2024 in respect of the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility.
All obligations under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility are, subject to the Rangers NHL Advance Agreement (as defined below), secured by a first lien security interest in certain of Rangers LLC’s assets, including, but not limited to, (i) Rangers LLC’s membership rights in the NHL, (ii) revenues to be paid to Rangers LLC by the NHL pursuant to certain U.S. and Canadian national broadcast agreements, and (iii) revenues to be paid to Rangers LLC pursuant to local media contracts.
Subject to customary notice and minimum amount conditions, Rangers LLC may voluntarily prepay outstanding loans under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (except for customary breakage costs with respect to SOFR-based loans). Rangers LLC is required to make mandatory prepayments in certain circumstances, including without limitation if qualified revenues are less than 17% of the maximum available amount under the Rangers Credit Agreement.
In addition to the financial covenant described above, the Rangers Credit Agreement and related security agreement contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default. The Rangers Revolving Credit Facility contains certain restrictions on the ability of Rangers LLC to take certain actions as provided in (and subject to various exceptions and baskets set forth in) the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility, including the following: (i) incurring additional indebtedness and contingent liabilities; (ii) creating liens on certain assets; (iii) making restricted payments during the continuance of an event of default under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility; (iv) engaging in sale and leaseback transactions; (v) merging or consolidating; and (vi) taking certain actions that would invalidate the secured lenders’ liens on any of Rangers LLC’s assets securing the obligations under the Rangers Revolving Credit Facility.
The Rangers Credit Agreement includes an event of default that is implicated by a bankruptcy or insolvency event with respect to a material media rights counterparty, including MSG Networks.
The Rangers Revolving Credit Facility requires Rangers LLC to comply with a debt service ratio of at least 1.5:1.0 over a trailing four quarter period. As of September 30, 2024, Rangers LLC was in compliance with this financial covenant.
Rangers NHL Advance Agreement
On March 19, 2021, Rangers LLC, Rangers Holdings, LLC and MSG NYR Holdings LLC entered into an advance agreement with the NHL (the “Rangers NHL Advance Agreement”) pursuant to which the NHL advanced $30,000 to Rangers LLC. The advance is required to be utilized solely and exclusively to pay for Rangers LLC operating expenses.
All obligations under the Rangers NHL Advance Agreement are senior to and shall have priority over all secured and other indebtedness of Rangers LLC, Rangers Holdings, LLC and MSG NYR Holdings LLC. All borrowings under the Rangers NHL Advance Agreement were made on a non-revolving basis and bear interest at 3.00% per annum, ending on the date any such advances are fully repaid. Advances received under the Rangers NHL Advance Agreement are payable upon demand by the NHL. It is expected that the advanced amount will be set off against funds that would otherwise be paid, distributed or transferred by the NHL to Rangers LLC. The outstanding balance under the Rangers NHL Advance Agreement was $30,000 as of September 30, 2024 and was recorded as Debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 the Company made interest payments of $225.
Deferred Financing Costs
The following table summarizes deferred financing costs, net of amortization, related to the Company’s credit facilities as reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets:
| September 30,2024 | June 30,2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Other current assets | $1,145 | $1,145 |
| Other assets | 1,379 | 1,665 |
Note 13. Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Company sponsors the MSG Sports, LLC Excess Cash Balance Plan (the “Excess Cash Balance Plan”), an unfunded non-contributory, non-qualified excess cash balance plan and the MSG Sports, LLC Excess Retirement Plan, an unfunded non-contributory, non-qualified defined benefit pension plan for the benefit of certain employees (collectively referred to as the “Pension Plans”). All benefits in the Company’s Pension Plans are frozen and participants are not able to earn benefits for future service under these plans, and no employee of the Company who was not already a participant as of the date the respective plan was frozen may become a participant in the Pension Plans. Existing account balances under the Excess Cash Balance Plan are credited with monthly interest in accordance with the terms of the plan.
The following table presents components of net periodic benefit cost for the Pension Plans included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Components of net periodic benefit cost are reported in Miscellaneous expense, net:
| Three Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| September 30, | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Interest cost | $63 | $68 |
| Recognized actuarial loss | 20 | 9 |
| Net periodic benefit cost | $83 | $77 |
Defined Contribution Plans
MSG Sports employees participate in The Madison Square Garden 401(k) Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”), which is a multiple employer plan sponsored by MSG Entertainment Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of MSG Entertainment. In addition, the Company sponsors the MSG Sports LLC, Excess Savings Plan (the “Excess Savings Plan”), which provides non-qualified retirement benefits to eligible MSG Sports employees.
Expense related to the 401(k) Plan and Excess Savings Plan for thethree months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 was$1,283 and$1,294, respectively.
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 for more information regarding the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”).
The Company recorded compensation expense/(compensation cost credits) of $965 and$(104) for thethree months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, within Selling, general and administrative expenses to reflect the remeasurement of the Deferred Compensation Plan liability. In addition, the Company recorded gains/(losses) of$965 and$(104) for thethree months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, within Miscellaneous expense, net to reflect the remeasurement of the fair value of assets under the Deferred Compensation Plan.
The following table summarizes amounts recognized related to the Deferred Compensation Plan in the consolidated balance sheets:
| September 30,2024 | June 30,2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current assets (included in investments) | $21,939 | $18,837 |
| Current liabilities (included in accrued employee related costs) | (1,318) | (1,233) |
| Non-current liabilities (included in other employee related costs) | (20,621) | (17,604) |
Note 14. Share-based Compensation
See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 for more information regarding the Company’s 2015 Employee Stock Plan (the “Employee Stock Plan”) and its 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
Share-based compensation expense is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of Selling, general and administrative expenses. Share-based compensation expense was $4,268 and $4,149 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. There wereno costs related to share-based compensation that were capitalized for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Restricted Stock Units Award Activity
The following table summarizes activity related to the Company’s restricted stock units and performance restricted stock units, collectively referred to as “RSUs,” held by current and former employees of the Company and non-employee directors, for the three months ended September 30, 2024:
| Number of · Weighted-AverageFair Value Per Share atDate of Grant (a) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| NonperformanceBased VestingRSUs · PerformanceBased VestingRSUs | |||
| Unvested award balance, June 30, 2024 | 105 | 153 | $170.61 |
| Granted | 43 | 46 | $205.31 |
| Vested | (44) | (59) | $164.24 |
| Forfeited / Cancelled | (1) | (2) | $170.43 |
| Unvested award balance, September 30, 2024 | 103 | 138 | $186.26 |
(a)Weighted-average fair value per share at date of grant does not reflect any adjustments to awards granted prior to the Sphere Distribution.
The fair value of RSUs that vested during the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $21,227. Upon delivery, RSUs granted under the Employee Stock Plan were net share-settled to cover the required statutory tax withholding obligations. To fulfill the Company’s current and former employees’ required statutory tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes,39 of these RSUs, with an aggregate value of $7,951, inclusive of $24 related to the Company’s former employees (who vested in the Company’s RSUs), were retained by the Company and the taxes paid are reflected as a financing activity in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2024.
The fair value of RSUs that vested during the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $16,637. The weighted-average fair value per share at grant date of RSUs granted during the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $178.45.
Stock Options Award Activity
The following table summarizes activity related to the Company’s stock options for the three months ended September 30, 2024:
| Number ofTime Vesting Options | Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share | Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance as of June 30, 2024 | 94 | $138.78 | ||
| Granted | — | $— | ||
| Cancelled | — | $— | ||
| Balance as of September 30, 2024 | 94 | $138.78 | 3.21 | $6,519 |
| Exercisable as of September 30, 2024 | 94 | $138.78 | 3.21 | $6,519 |
Note 15. Stock Repurchase Program
Effective as of October 1, 2015, the Company’s board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $525,000 of the Company’s Class A Common Stock (“Class A Common Stock”). Under the authorization, shares of Class A Common Stock may be purchased from time to time in open market or private transactions, block trades or such other manner as the Company may determine, in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. The timing and amount of purchases will depend on market conditions and other factors.
During thethree months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company didnot repurchase any shares under its share repurchase program. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $184,639 of availability remaining under its stock repurchase authorization.
Note 16. Related Party Transactions
As of September 30, 2024, certain members of the Dolan family, including certain trusts for members of the Dolan family (collectively, the “Dolan Family Group”), for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, collectively beneficially owned 100% of the Company’s outstanding Class B Common Stock and approximately 3.0% of the Company’s outstanding Class A Common Stock. Such shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, collectively, represented approximately 70.9% of the aggregate voting power of the Company’s outstanding common stock as of September 30, 2024. Members of the Dolan family are also the controlling stockholders of Sphere Entertainment, MSG Entertainment and AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks”).
The Company was party to the following agreements and/or arrangements with MSG Entertainment as of September 30, 2024:
Arena license agreements, entered into in April 2020 (the “Arena License Agreements”), pursuant to which MSG Entertainment (i) provides the right to use The Garden for games of the Knicks and the Rangers for a 35-year term in exchange for arena license fees, (ii) shares revenues collected for suite and club licenses, (iii) operates and manages the sale of the sports teams’ merchandise at The Garden for a commission, (iv) operates and manages the sales of food and beverage concessions in exchange for 50% of net profits from sales and catering services during Knicks and Rangers home games, (v) shares revenues collected for the sale of venue indoor signage space and sponsorship rights at The Garden that are not specific to our sports teams, (vi) provides day of game services, and (vii) provides other general services within The Garden;
Sponsorship sales and service representation agreements pursuant to which MSG Entertainment has the exclusive right and obligation to sell the Company’s sponsorships for an initial stated term of 10 years for a commission. In addition, under these agreements, the Company is charged by MSG Entertainment for sales and service staff and overhead associated with the sales of sponsorship assets;
Team sponsorship allocation agreement with MSG Entertainment, pursuant to which the sports teams receive an allocation of sponsorship and signage revenues associated with sponsorship agreements that include the assets of both the Company and MSG Entertainment;
Services agreement (the “Services Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company (i) receives certain services from MSG Entertainment, such as information technology, accounts payable, payroll, human resources, and other corporate functions, and executive support services, in exchange for service fees and (ii) provides certain services to MSG Entertainment, such as certain communications, legal and ticketing services, in exchange for service fees;
Arrangements pursuant to which the Company provides MSG Entertainment certain services associated with the management of premium hospitality sales and other business operations services;
The Sublease Agreement, pursuant to which the Company leases office space from MSG Entertainment;
Group ticket sales representation agreement, pursuant to which MSG Entertainment appointed the Company as its sales and service representative to sell group ticket packages related to MSG Entertainment events in exchange for a commission and reimbursement for sales and service staff and overhead associated with ticket sales on behalf of MSG Entertainment;
Single night rental commission agreement, pursuant to which the Company may, from time to time, sell (or make referrals for sales of) licenses for the use of suites at The Garden for individual MSG Entertainment events in exchange for a commission; and
Other agreements with MSG Entertainment entered into in connection with the Sphere Distribution, including a trademark license agreement and certain other arrangements.
The Company was also party to the following agreements and/or arrangements with Sphere Entertainment (including through its subsidiary MSG Networks) as of September 30, 2024:
Media rights agreements between the Company and MSG Networks, entered into in July 2015 with stated terms of 20 years, providing MSG Networks with local telecast rights for Knicks and Rangers games in exchange for media rights fees;
Arrangements with MSG Networks pursuant to which the Knicks and the Rangers have allocated revenues with MSG Networks related to virtual advertising inventory;
Arrangements pursuant to which the Company provides Sphere Entertainment with certain business operations services;
Other agreements with Sphere Entertainment in connection with the Sphere Distribution, including a distribution agreement, a tax disaffiliation agreement and an employee matters agreement and certain other arrangements; and
Other agreements with MSG Networks entered into in connection with the MSGS Distribution, including an employee matters agreement, agreements related to audio-only distribution rights for Knicks and Rangers games, and certain other arrangements.
Prior to April 1, 2024, the Company was also party to arrangements with MSG Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment pursuant to which the Company provided certain sponsorship services to MSG Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment in exchange for services fees.
The Company is also party to time-sharing and dry lease arrangements with MSG Entertainment in connection with aircraft leased by the Company and MSG Entertainment, as well as arrangements with MSG Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment pursuant to which the three companies have agreed to allocate expenses in connection with the use by each company of such aircraft.
In addition, the Company shares certain executive support costs, including office space, executive assistants, security and transportation costs for: (i) the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with MSG Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment, (ii) the Company’s Vice Chairman with MSG Entertainment, Sphere Entertainment, and AMC Networks, and (iii) the Company’s Executive Vice President with Sphere Entertainment and AMC Networks. Additionally, the Company, MSG Entertainment, Sphere Entertainment, and AMC Networks allocate the costs of certain personal aircraft and helicopter usage by their shared executives.
Revenues and Operating Expenses (Credits)
The following table summarizes the composition and amounts of the transactions with the Company’s affiliates. These amounts are reflected in revenues and operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Revenues (a) | $8,904 | $8,817 |
| Operating expenses: | ||
| Expense pursuant to the Services Agreement | $8,477 | $9,887 |
| Rent expense pursuant to Sublease Agreement | 894 | 750 |
| Costs associated with the Sponsorship sales and service representation agreements | 2,612 | 2,601 |
| Operating lease expense associated with the Arena License Agreements | 1,311 | 1,311 |
| Other costs associated with the Arena License Agreements | 1,013 | 804 |
| Other operating credits, net | (150) | (612) |
(a)Primarily consist of local media rights recognized from the licensing of team-related programming under the media rights agreements covering the Knicks and the Rangers.
Note 17. Income Taxes
In general, the Company is required to use an estimated annual effective tax rate to measure the tax benefit or tax expense recognized in an interim period. The estimated annual effective tax rate exceeds the statutory federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to state taxes, nondeductible officers’ compensation, and players’ disability insurance premiums expense. The estimated annual effective tax rate is revised on a quarterly basis.
Income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2024 of $7,048 reflects an effective tax rate of 48%.
Income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2023 of $15,144 reflects an effective tax rate of 45%.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $10,280.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.