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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended
September 30, 2025
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number:
001-39245
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
84-3755666
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Two Penn Plaza
New York
,
NY
10121
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(
725
)
258-0001
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock
SPHR
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
☑
Yes
☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
☑
Yes
☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☑
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐
Yes
☑
No
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 31, 2025:
Treasury stock, at cost,
1,054
and
0
shares as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024
(
50,040
)
—
Accumulated deficit
(
251,180
)
(
219,846
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(
280
)
(
7,508
)
Total stockholders’ equity
2,155,101
2,201,419
Total liabilities and equity
$
4,138,568
$
4,515,300
__________________
(a)
Class A Common Stock, $
0.01
par value per share,
120,000
shares authorized;
28,434
and
28,960
shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
(b)
Class B Common Stock, $
0.01
par value per share,
30,000
shares authorized;
6,867
shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Revenues
(a)
$
262,511
$
227,913
$
825,762
$
822,638
Direct operating expenses
(a)
(
136,984
)
(
139,696
)
(
426,625
)
(
443,255
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(a)
(
99,692
)
(
118,977
)
(
326,984
)
(
349,166
)
Depreciation and amortization
(
84,102
)
(
81,913
)
(
252,238
)
(
244,117
)
Impairments and other losses, net
(
65,457
)
(
4,033
)
(
69,619
)
(
9,768
)
Restructuring charges
(
5,993
)
(
913
)
(
8,781
)
(
5,721
)
Operating loss
(
129,717
)
(
117,619
)
(
258,485
)
(
229,389
)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
—
—
346,092
—
Interest income
2,737
7,039
10,699
22,422
Interest expense
(
9,399
)
(
26,974
)
(
61,467
)
(
81,014
)
Other expense, net
(
328
)
(
695
)
(
2,068
)
(
6,564
)
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes
(
136,707
)
(
138,249
)
34,771
(
294,545
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
35,511
32,966
(
66,105
)
70,805
Loss from continuing operations
(
101,196
)
(
105,283
)
(
31,334
)
(
223,740
)
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes
—
—
—
24,631
Net loss
$
(
101,196
)
$
(
105,283
)
$
(
31,334
)
$
(
199,109
)
Basic loss per common share
Continuing operations
$
(
2.80
)
$
(
2.95
)
$
(
0.87
)
$
(
6.29
)
Discontinued operations
—
—
—
0.69
Basic loss per common share attributable to Sphere Entertainment Co.’s stockholders
$
(
2.80
)
$
(
2.95
)
$
(
0.87
)
$
(
5.60
)
Diluted loss per common share
Continuing operations
$
(
2.80
)
$
(
2.95
)
$
(
0.87
)
$
(
6.29
)
Discontinued operations
—
—
—
0.69
Diluted loss per common share attributable to Sphere Entertainment Co.’s stockholders
$
(
2.80
)
$
(
2.95
)
$
(
0.87
)
$
(
5.60
)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic
36,200
35,663
36,197
35,551
Diluted
36,200
35,663
36,197
35,551
_________________
(a)
See Note 14. Related Party Transactions, for further information on related party revenues and expenses.
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Net loss
$
(
101,196
)
$
(
105,283
)
$
(
31,334
)
$
(
199,109
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes:
Pension plans and postretirement plans:
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service credit included in net periodic benefit cost, net
85
(
53
)
255
397
Net unamortized loss arising during the period
(
319
)
—
(
956
)
(
851
)
Cumulative translation adjustments
(
101
)
3,461
10,561
3,330
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before income taxes
(
335
)
3,408
9,860
2,876
Income tax benefit (expense)
89
(
898
)
(
2,632
)
(
619
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes
(
246
)
2,510
7,228
2,257
Comprehensive loss
$
(
101,442
)
$
(
102,773
)
$
(
24,106
)
$
(
196,852
)
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2025
2024
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
$
(
31,334
)
$
(
199,109
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
252,238
244,117
Impairments and other losses, net
69,619
9,768
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs
2,044
2,991
Amortization of deferred production content
21,663
21,067
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
63,627
(
59,336
)
Share-based compensation expense
48,979
46,726
Net unrealized and realized (gain) loss on equity investments with readily determinable fair value and loss in nonconsolidated affiliates
(
8
)
3,377
Gain on extinguishment of debt
(
360,155
)
—
Other non-cash adjustments
2,357
(
605
)
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net
(
16,341
)
65,981
Related party receivables and payables, net
22,719
(
1,282
)
Prepaid expenses and other current and non-current assets
(
97,703
)
(
57,071
)
Accounts payable
(
2,819
)
7,852
Accrued and other current and non-current liabilities
7,408
(
23,304
)
Deferred revenue
82,831
(
3,416
)
Right-of-use lease assets and operating lease liabilities
(
1,998
)
4,918
Net cash provided by operating activities
63,127
62,674
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures, net
(
37,139
)
(
52,747
)
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates
—
(
1,299
)
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired
—
(
9,424
)
Proceeds from dispositions, net
48,757
—
Other investing activities
(
236
)
(
2,272
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
11,382
(
65,742
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal repayments on debt
(
120,166
)
(
63,223
)
Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation
(
22,469
)
(
16,922
)
Stock repurchases, inclusive of tax
(
50,040
)
—
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
595
8,827
Payments for financing costs
—
(
546
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(
192,080
)
(
71,864
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
192
322
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
(
117,379
)
(
74,610
)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period
515,633
627,827
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
$
398,254
$
553,217
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid
$
1,790
$
10,021
Share-based compensation capitalized in property and equipment
$
723
$
1,444
Non-cash forgiveness of Holoplot Loan
$
—
$
9,626
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
Stockholders’ Equity
Common
Stock
Issued
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Deficit
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
359
$
2,428,414
$
—
$
(
219,846
)
$
(
7,508
)
$
2,201,419
Net loss
—
—
—
(
81,954
)
—
(
81,954
)
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
—
1,985
1,985
Share-based compensation
—
21,921
—
—
—
21,921
Tax withholding associated with shares issued for share-based compensation
—
(
1,307
)
—
—
—
(
1,307
)
Balance as of March 31, 2025
$
359
$
2,449,028
$
—
$
(
301,800
)
$
(
5,523
)
$
2,142,064
Net income
—
—
—
151,816
—
151,816
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
—
5,489
5,489
Share-based compensation
—
19,070
—
—
—
19,070
Tax withholding associated with shares issued for share-based compensation
1
(
4,753
)
—
—
—
(
4,752
)
Balance as of June 30, 2025
$
360
$
2,463,345
$
—
$
(
149,984
)
$
(
34
)
$
2,313,687
Net loss
—
—
—
(
101,196
)
—
(
101,196
)
Other comprehensive loss
—
—
—
—
(
246
)
(
246
)
Share-based compensation
—
8,711
—
—
—
8,711
Stock options exercised
—
595
—
—
—
595
Repurchases of Class A common stock, inclusive of excise tax
—
—
(
50,040
)
—
—
(
50,040
)
Tax withholding associated with shares issued for share-based compensation
4
(
16,414
)
—
—
—
(
16,410
)
Balance as of September 30, 2025
$
364
$
2,456,237
$
(
50,040
)
$
(
251,180
)
$
(
280
)
$
2,155,101
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Stockholders’ Equity
Common
Stock
Issued
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2023
$
352
$
2,365,913
$
105,213
$
(
6,314
)
$
2,465,164
Net loss
—
—
(
47,240
)
—
(
47,240
)
Other comprehensive loss
—
—
—
(
660
)
(
660
)
Share-based compensation
—
18,075
—
—
18,075
Exercise of stock options
1
8,826
—
—
8,827
Tax withholding associated with shares issued for share-based compensation
—
(
567
)
—
(
567
)
Balance as of March 31, 2024
$
353
$
2,392,247
$
57,973
$
(
6,974
)
$
2,443,599
Net loss
—
—
(
46,586
)
—
(
46,586
)
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
407
407
Share-based compensation
—
13,703
—
—
13,703
Exercise of stock options
1
—
—
—
1
Tax withholding associated with shares issued for share-based compensation
—
(
1,359
)
—
—
(
1,359
)
Distributions to MSG Entertainment
—
5,787
—
—
5,787
Balance as of June 30, 2024
$
354
$
2,410,378
$
11,387
$
(
6,567
)
$
2,415,552
Net loss
—
—
(
105,283
)
—
(
105,283
)
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
2,510
2,510
Share-based compensation
—
16,392
—
—
16,392
Tax withholding associated with shares issued for share-based compensation
4
(
15,001
)
—
—
(
14,997
)
Balance as of September 30, 2024
$
358
$
2,411,769
$
(
93,896
)
$
(
4,057
)
$
2,314,174
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
All amounts included in the following notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) are presented in USD and in thousands, except per share data or as otherwise noted.
0
Note 1.
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
Sphere Entertainment Co. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Sphere Entertainment”) is a leader in immersive entertainment, technology and media. The Company is comprised of
two
reportable segments, Sphere and MSG Networks. Sphere is a next-generation entertainment medium, and MSG Networks operates
two
regional sports and entertainment networks, as well as a direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) and authenticated streaming product.
Sphere
: This segment reflects Sphere
TM
, a next-generation entertainment medium powered by cutting-edge technologies to create multi-sensory experiences at an unparalleled scale. The Company’s first Sphere opened in Las Vegas in September 2023, and the Company is working with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (“DCT Abu Dhabi”) to bring the world’s second Sphere to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Sphere in Las Vegas can accommodate up to
20,000
guests and can host a wide variety of events year-round, including The Sphere Experience
TM
, which features original immersive productions, as well as concerts and residencies from renowned artists, and marquee sports and corporate events. Production efforts are supported by Sphere Studios
TM
, an immersive content studio dedicated to creating multi-sensory entertainment experiences exclusively for Sphere. Sphere Studios is home to a team of creative, production, technology and software experts who provide full in-house creative and production services. The studio campus in Burbank includes a
68,000
-square-foot development facility, as well as Big Dome, a
28,000
-square-foot,
100
-foot high custom dome, with a quarter-sized version of the interior display plane at Sphere in Las Vegas, that serves as a specialized screening, production facility, and lab for content at Sphere. The entire exterior surface of Sphere, referred to as the Exosphere
TM
, is covered with nearly
580,000
square feet of fully programmable LED paneling, creating the largest LED screen in the world — and an impactful display for artists, brands and partners.
MSG Networks:
This segment is comprised of the Company’s regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as its DTC and authenticated streaming offering, MSG+ (which is included in the Gotham Sports streaming product). MSG Networks serves the New York designated market area, as well as other portions of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania and features a wide range of sports content, including exclusive live local games and other programming of the New York Knicks (the “Knicks”) of the National Basketball Association (the “NBA”) and the New York Rangers (the “Rangers”), New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (the “NHL”), as well as significant coverage of the New York Giants and the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League.
The Company was originally organized under the laws of the State of Delaware and, on June 4, 2025, redomesticated to the State of Nevada by conversion. The Company conducts substantially all of its business activities presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements through Sphere Entertainment Group, LLC (“Sphere Entertainment Group”) and MSG Networks Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “MSG Networks”), and each of their direct and indirect subsidiaries.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions of Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In connection with its fiscal year-end change from June 30 to December 31, the Company filed audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto with the SEC on March 3, 2025, on a Transition Report on Form 10-KT for the transition period ended December 31, 2024 (the “Form 10-KT”). The condensed consolidated financial statements herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto (the “Audited Consolidated Financial Statements”) included in the Form 10-KT.
In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2025 and its results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024, and the accompanying notes were derived from the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements, but do not contain all of the footnote disclosures from the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
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 year. For example, our MSG Networks segment earns a higher share of its annual revenues in the first and fourth
7
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
quarters as a
result of MSG Networks’ advertising revenue being largely derived from the sale of inventory in its live NBA and NHL professional sports programming.
Reclassifications
For purposes of comparability, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation in accordance with GAAP.
Note 2.
Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Sphere Entertainment Co. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated 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 provision for credit losses, valuation of investments, goodwill, intangible assets, deferred production content costs, other long-lived assets, deferred tax assets, pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and the related net periodic benefit cost, ultimate revenue (as described below), and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, rights fees expense, performance and share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, litigation matters and other matters. Management believes its use of estimates in the condensed consolidated 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 condensed consolidated financial statements in future periods.
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2024-03,
Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses
, requiring additional disclosures about specified categories of expenses included in certain expense captions presented on the face of the income statement. This standard will be effective for the Company as of and for the annual period ending December 31, 2027, and may be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date of this ASU or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04,
Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments
, providing clarification on the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt should be accounted for as induced conversions. This ASU will be effective for the Company as of and for the annual period ending December 31, 2026, and may be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date of this ASU or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05,
Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets.
This ASU provides all entities with a practical expedient that allows for the assumption that current conditions as of the balance sheet date do not change for the remaining life of the asset when estimating credit losses for such assets. This standard will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of the annual period ending December 31, 2026 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06,
Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software,
clarifying and modernizing the accounting for costs related to internal-use software. The ASU removes the consideration of software project development stages. Under the new guidance, cost capitalization would begin when (i) management has authorized and committed to
8
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
funding the software project, and (ii) it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used to perform its intended function (referred to as the “probable-to-complete recognition threshold”). This standard will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of the annual period ending December 31, 2028 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07,
Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures
. This ASU aims to improve segment disclosures through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The standard requires disclosure of significant expense categories and amounts for such expenses, including those segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, easily computable from information that is regularly provided, or significant expenses that are expressed in a form other than actual amounts. This standard was effective for the Company as of and for the six-month period ended December 31, 2024 and was applied retrospectively to all prior periods, as presented in Note 15. Segment Information.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09,
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
, a final standard on improvements to income tax disclosures which applies to all entities subject to income taxes. The standard requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. The standard is intended to benefit investors by providing more detailed income tax disclosures that would be useful in making capital allocation decisions. This standard is effective for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the annual period ending December 31, 2025. The standard should be applied prospectively, however retrospective application is permitted. This standard affects financial statement disclosure only and, as a result, does not affect the Company’s statement of operations, balance sheet or statement of cash flows.
Note 3.
Revenue Recognition
Contracts with Customers
See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 5. Revenue Recognition, to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-KT, for more information regarding the details of the Company’s revenue recognition policies. All revenue recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations is considered to be revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606,
Revenue From Contracts with Customers
, except for revenues from subleases that are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 842,
Leases
.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following tables disaggregate the Company’s revenue by major source and reportable segment based upon the timing of transfer of goods or services to the customer for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2025
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Event-related
(a)
$
155,717
$
—
$
155,717
Sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising, and suite license revenues
(b)
11,144
328
11,472
Media related, primarily from affiliation agreements
(b)
—
87,959
87,959
Other
6,790
134
6,924
Total revenues from contracts with customers
173,651
88,421
262,072
Revenues from subleases
439
—
439
Total revenues
$
174,090
$
88,421
$
262,511
9
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Event-related
(a)
$
112,346
$
—
$
112,346
Sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising, and suite license revenues
(b)
8,476
1,314
9,790
Media related, primarily from affiliation agreements
(b)
—
99,382
99,382
Other
5,482
145
5,627
Total revenues from contracts with customers
126,304
100,841
227,145
Revenues from subleases
768
—
768
Total revenues
$
127,072
$
100,841
$
227,913
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2025
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Event-related
(a)
$
442,868
$
—
$
442,868
Sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising, and suite license revenues
(b)
43,701
1,584
45,285
Media related, primarily from affiliation agreements
(b)
—
313,607
313,607
Other
19,271
3,349
22,620
Total revenues from contracts with customers
505,840
318,540
824,380
Revenues from subleases
1,382
—
1,382
Total revenues
$
507,222
$
318,540
$
825,762
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Event-related
(a)
$
380,517
$
—
$
380,517
Sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising, and suite license revenues
(b)
57,270
2,584
59,854
Media related, primarily from affiliation agreements
(b)
—
368,102
368,102
Other
8,561
3,299
11,860
Total revenues from contracts with customers
446,348
373,985
820,333
Revenues from subleases
2,305
—
2,305
Total revenues
$
448,653
$
373,985
$
822,638
_________________
(a) Event-related revenues consist of (i) ticket sales and other revenue directly related to the exhibition of The Sphere Experience, (ii) ticket sales and other ticket-related revenues to other events at our venue, (iii) venue license fees from third-party promoters, and (iv) food, beverage and merchandise sales. Event-related revenues are recognized at a point in time. As such, these revenues have been included in the same category in the tables above.
(b) See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Revenue Recognition and Note 5. Revenue Recognition, to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-KT, for further details on the pattern of recognition of sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising, suite licenses, and media related revenue.
In addition to the disaggregation of the Company’s revenue by major source based upon the timing of transfer of goods or services to the customer disclosed above, the following tables disaggregate the Company’s consolidated revenues by type of goods or services in accordance with the required entity-wide disclosure requirements of 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:
10
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2025
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Ticketing and venue license fee revenues
(a)
$
124,653
$
—
$
124,653
Sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising, and suite license revenues
17,191
—
17,191
Food, beverage, and merchandise revenues
25,017
—
25,017
Media networks revenues
(b)
—
88,421
88,421
Other
6,790
—
6,790
Total revenues from contracts with customers
173,651
88,421
262,072
Revenues from subleases
439
—
439
Total revenues
$
174,090
$
88,421
$
262,511
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Ticketing and venue license fee revenues
(a)
$
92,101
$
—
$
92,101
Sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising, and suite license revenues
13,258
—
13,258
Food, beverage, and merchandise revenues
16,794
—
16,794
Media networks revenues
(b)
—
100,841
100,841
Other
4,151
—
4,151
Total revenues from contracts with customers
126,304
100,841
227,145
Revenues from subleases
768
—
768
Total revenues
$
127,072
$
100,841
$
227,913
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2025
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Ticketing and venue license fee revenues
(a)
$
349,790
$
—
$
349,790
Sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising, and suite license revenues
63,989
—
63,989
Food, beverage, and merchandise revenues
72,790
—
72,790
Media networks revenues
(b)
—
318,540
318,540
Other
19,271
—
19,271
Total revenues from contracts with customers
505,840
318,540
824,380
Revenues from subleases
1,382
—
1,382
Total revenues
$
507,222
$
318,540
$
825,762
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Ticketing and venue license fee revenues
(a)
$
307,729
$
—
$
307,729
Sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising, and suite license revenues
74,125
—
74,125
Food, beverage, and merchandise revenues
60,343
—
60,343
Media networks revenues
(b)
—
373,985
373,985
Other
4,151
—
4,151
Total revenues from contracts with customers
446,348
373,985
820,333
Revenues from subleases
2,305
—
2,305
Total revenues
$
448,653
$
373,985
$
822,638
_________________
(a) Amounts include ticket sales, other ticket-related revenue, and venue license fees from the Company’s events such as (i) concerts, (ii) The Sphere Experience and (iii) other live entertainment and sporting events.
(b) Primarily consists of affiliation fees from cable, satellite, fiber-optic and other platforms that distribute MSG Networks’ programming and, to a lesser extent, advertising revenues through the sale of commercial time and other advertising inventory during MSG Networks’ programming.
11
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Contract Balances
The following table provides information about contract balances from the Company’s contracts with customers as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024:
As of
September 30,
December 31,
2025
2024
Receivables from contracts with customers, net
(a)
$
171,978
$
154,949
Contract assets, current
(b)
2,005
1,500
Contract assets, non-current
(b)
591
1,307
Deferred revenue, including non-current portion
(c)
220,887
138,057
_________________
(a) As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company’s receivables from contracts with customers above included $
1,013
and $
325
, respectively, related to various related parties. See Note 14 . Related Party Transactions for further details on these related party arrangements.
(b) Contract assets, current and Contract assets, non-current, which are reported as Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other non-current assets in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, primarily relate to the Company’s rights to consideration for goods or services transferred to customers, 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) Revenue recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 relating to the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2024 was $
3,134
and $
87,059
, respectively.
Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations
As of September 30, 2025, the Company’s remaining performance obligations were $
410,747
, of which
42
% is expected to be recognized over the next
two years
and
58
% of the balance is expected to be recognized thereafter. This primarily relates to performance obligations under sponsorship agreements and the Company’s agreements with DCT Abu Dhabi that have original expected durations longer than one year and for which the respective consideration is not variable.
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.
Note 4.
Restructuring Charges
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company incurred costs for termination benefits for certain executives and employees. As a result, the Company recognized restructuring charges of $
5,993
and $
8,781
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, which were recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Restructuring charges of $
913
and $
5,721
were recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, which are recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Changes to the Company’s restructuring liability through September 30, 2025 were as follows:
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Note 5.
Investments
As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company’s investments consisted of the following:
Investment As of
Ownership Percentage as of September 30, 2025
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
Equity method investments:
SACO Technologies Inc.
30
%
$
18,518
$
18,095
Gotham Advanced Media and Entertainment, LLC
50
%
9,426
10,000
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values
8,721
8,721
Other equity investments with readily determinable fair values held in trust under the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
(a)
3,708
3,580
Total investments
$
40,373
$
40,396
_________________
(a)
The Company’s investments with readily determinable fair values are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued based on
quoted prices in active markets.
Refer to Note 11. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, for further detail on the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
The Company had an unrealized gain on equity investments with and without readily determinable fair values of $
160
and $
400
, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and $
157
and $
464
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, which are recorded in Other expense, net.
Note 6.
Property and Equipment, net
As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
As of
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
Land
$
—
$
43,838
Buildings
2,269,239
2,263,750
Equipment, furniture, and fixtures
1,216,833
1,189,495
Leasehold improvements
23,839
23,835
Construction in progress
6,138
7,496
Total property and equipment, gross
3,516,049
3,528,414
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(
738,757
)
(
492,684
)
Property and equipment, net
$
2,777,292
$
3,035,730
The property and equipment balances above include $
132,372
and $
142,989
of capital expenditure accruals (primarily related to Sphere construction) as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, which are reflected in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. See Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-KT, for details on the Company’s estimated useful lives for each major category of property and equipment.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company completed the sale of its land in Stratford, London for $
48,757
, which was net of related expenses of $
1,915
. As a result of the sale, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $
3,741
, including the reclassification of a currency translation adjustment of $
6,175
. The loss was included in Impairments and other losses, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The Company recorded depreciation expense on property and equipment of $
82,446
and $
247,326
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and $
80,115
and $
240,088
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, which is recognized in Depreciation and amortization in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
13
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Note 7.
Original Immersive Production Content
The Company’s deferred production content costs for its original immersive productions are included within Other non-current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, total deferred immersive production content costs consisted of the following:
As of
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
Production content:
Released, less amortization
$
151,642
$
52,782
In-process
23,205
49,837
Total production content
$
174,847
$
102,619
The following table summarizes the Company’s amortization of production content costs, which are reported in Direct operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 as follows:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Production content costs
(a)
$
8,574
$
6,185
$
21,663
$
21,067
_________________
(a) For purposes of amortization and impairment, each deferred immersive production content cost is classified based on its predominant monetization strategy.
The Company’s current original immersive productions are monetized individually. Refer to Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Production Costs for the Company’s Original Immersive Productions, to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-KT, for further explanation of the monetization strategy.
Note 8.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The carrying amounts of goodwill as of September 30, 2025 were as follows:
Sphere
MSG Networks
Consolidated
Balance at June 30, 2024
$
45,644
$
424,508
$
470,152
Acquisitions
1,220
—
1,220
Impairments
—
(
61,200
)
(
61,200
)
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
46,864
$
363,308
$
410,172
Impairments
—
(
65,400
)
(
65,400
)
Balance at September 30, 2025
$
46,864
$
297,908
$
344,772
During the quarterly period ended September 30, 2025, the Company performed its annual impairment tests of goodwill. With respect to the Sphere segment, the Company performed a qualitative assessment and determined that, as of the annual impairment test date, there was
no
impairment of the Sphere segment’s goodwill.
With respect to the MSG Networks’ segment, the Company could not support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount as of the annual impairment testing date and thus elected to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. In doing so, the Company estimated the fair value of the MSG Networks reporting unit based on a discounted cash flow model (income approach). This approach relied on numerous assumptions and judgments within the model that were subject to various risks and uncertainties. Principal assumptions utilized, all of which are considered Level III inputs under the fair value hierarchy, include the Company’s estimates of future revenue, estimates of future operating cost, margin assumptions, terminal growth rates and the discount rate applied to estimate future cash flows.
Based upon the results of the Company’s annual quantitative impairment test, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the MSG Networks reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value as of the annual impairment testing date and recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $
65,400
as a result of projected declines in the reporting unit’s business. No
additional indicators of impairment were identified through the remainder of the quarterly period ended September 30, 2025.
The Company continues to closely monitor the performance and fair value of its MSG Networks reporting unit. A significant adverse
14
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
change in market factors or the business outlook for the MSG Networks reporting unit could negatively impact the fair value of the MSG Networks reporting unit and result in an additional goodwill impairment charge at that time.
The Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 were as follows:
As of
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
Gross carrying amount
Accumulated amortization
Intangible assets, net
Gross carrying amount
Accumulated amortization
Intangible assets, net
Affiliate relationships
$
83,044
$
(
72,142
)
$
10,902
$
83,044
$
(
69,806
)
$
13,238
Technology
15,508
(
4,394
)
11,114
15,508
(
2,068
)
13,440
Trade name
2,032
(
575
)
1,457
2,032
(
327
)
1,705
Total
$
100,584
$
(
77,111
)
$
23,473
$
100,584
$
(
72,201
)
$
28,383
The Company recognized amortization expense on intangible assets of $
1,656
and $
4,912
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and $
1,798
and $
4,029
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, which is recorded in Depreciation and amortization in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Note 9.
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
As of September 30, 2025,
commitments of the Company in the normal course of business in excess of one year were as follows:
Commitments
2025
(Remainder)
2026
2027
2028
2029
Thereafter
Total
Sphere
Event-related commitments
$
2,264
$
20,086
$
15,000
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
37,350
Letter of credit
906
—
—
—
—
—
906
Other
500
2,000
333
—
—
—
2,833
Total Sphere Commitments
$
3,670
$
22,086
$
15,333
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
41,089
MSG Networks
Broadcast rights
$
49,199
$
198,253
$
208,610
$
201,677
$
113,008
$
39,393
$
810,140
Purchase commitments
9,518
22,357
16,607
3,065
—
—
51,547
Total MSG Networks Commitments
$
58,717
$
220,610
$
225,217
$
204,742
$
113,008
$
39,393
$
861,687
Total Commitments
$
62,387
$
242,696
$
240,550
$
204,742
$
113,008
$
39,393
$
902,776
See Note 11. Leases
to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-KT,
for more information regarding the Company’s contractually obligated minimum lease payments for operating leases having an initial noncancelable term in excess of one year. These commitments are presented exclusive of the imputed interest used to reflect the payment’s present value.
See Note 10. Credit Facilities and Convertible Notes, for details of the principal repayments required under the Company’s various credit facilities.
Legal Matters
Fifteen
complaints were filed in connection with the merger between a subsidiary of the Company and MSG Networks Inc. (the “Networks Merger”) by purported stockholders of the Company and MSG Networks Inc.
Nine
of these complaints involved allegations of materially incomplete and misleading information set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus filed by the Company and MSG Networks Inc. in connection with the Networks Merger. As a result of supplemental disclosures made by the Company and MSG Networks Inc. on July 1, 2021, all of the disclosure actions were voluntarily dismissed with prejudice prior to or shortly following the consummation of the Networks Merger.
Six
complaints involved allegations of fiduciary breaches in connection with the negotiation and approval of the Networks Merger and were consolidated into
two
remaining litigations.
15
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
On September 10, 2021, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Court”) entered an order consolidating
two
derivative complaints filed by purported Company stockholders. The consolidated action is captioned:
In re Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. Stockholders Litigation
, C.A. No. 2021-0468-KSJM (the “MSG Entertainment Litigation”). The consolidated plaintiffs filed their Verified Consolidated Derivative Complaint on October 11, 2021. The complaint, which named the Company as only a nominal defendant, retained all of the derivative claims and alleged that the members of the board of directors and controlling stockholders violated their fiduciary duties in the course of negotiating and approving the Networks Merger. Plaintiffs sought, among other relief, an award of damages to the Company including interest, and plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees. Pursuant to the indemnity rights in its bylaws and Delaware law, the Company advanced the costs incurred by defendants in this action, and defendants asserted indemnification rights in respect of any adverse judgment or settlement of the action.
On March 14, 2023, the parties to the MSG Entertainment Litigation reached an agreement in principle to settle the MSG Entertainment Litigation, without admitting liability, on the terms and conditions set forth in a binding term sheet, which was incorporated into a long-form settlement agreement (the “MSGE Settlement Agreement”) that was filed with the Court on April 20, 2023. The MSGE Settlement Agreement provided for, among other things, the final dismissal of the MSG Entertainment Litigation in exchange for a settlement payment to the Company of approximately $
85,000
, subject to customary reduction for attorneys’ fees and expenses, in an amount to be determined by the Court. The settlement’s amount was fully funded by the other defendants’ insurers. The MSGE Settlement Agreement was approved by the Court on August 14, 2023, which constituted the final judgment in the action. During the quarter ended September 30, 2023,
a realized gain of approximately $
62,600
was recorded in Other income (expense), net on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations in connection with the settlement payment to the Company.
On September 27, 2021, the Court entered an order consolidating
four
complaints filed by purported former stockholders of MSG Networks Inc. The consolidated action is captioned:
In re MSG Networks Inc. Stockholder Class Action Litigation, C.A. No. 2021-0575-KSJM
(the “MSG Networks Litigation”). The consolidated plaintiffs filed their Verified Consolidated Stockholder Class Action Complaint on October 29, 2021. The complaint asserted claims on behalf of a putative class of former MSG Networks Inc. stockholders against each member of the board of directors of MSG Networks Inc. and the controlling stockholders prior to the Networks Merger. Plaintiffs alleged that the MSG Networks Inc. board of directors and controlling stockholders breached their fiduciary duties in negotiating and approving the Networks Merger. The Company was not named as a defendant but was subpoenaed to produce documents and testimony related to the Networks Merger. Plaintiffs sought, among other relief, monetary damages for the putative class and plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees. Pursuant to the indemnity rights in its bylaws and Delaware law, the Company advanced the costs incurred by defendants in this action, and defendants asserted indemnification rights in respect of any adverse judgment or settlement of the action.
On April 6, 2023, the parties to the MSG Networks Litigation reached an agreement in principle to settle the MSG Networks Litigation, without admitting liability, on the terms and conditions set forth in a binding term sheet, which was incorporated into a long-form settlement agreement (the “MSGN Settlement Agreement”) that was filed with the Court on May 18, 2023. The MSGN Settlement Agreement provided for, among other things, the final dismissal of the MSG Networks Litigation in exchange for a settlement payment to the plaintiffs and the class of approximately $
48,500
, of which approximately $
28,000
has been paid by the Company and approximately $
20,500
has been paid to the plaintiffs by insurers (who agreed to advance these costs subject to final resolution of the parties’ insurance coverage dispute). The MSGN Settlement Agreement was approved by the Court on August 14, 2023, which constituted the final judgment in the action. MSG Networks Inc. has a dispute with its insurers over whether and to what extent there is insurance coverage for the settlement (and has settled with one of the insurers). As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, approximately $
18,000
has been accrued in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (reduced from approximately $20.5 million accrued as of March 31, 2024 in connection with the aforementioned settlement). Unless MSG Networks Inc. and the remaining insurers settle that insurance dispute, it is expected to be finally resolved in a pending Delaware insurance coverage action.
The Company is a defendant in various other lawsuits. Although the outcome of these other lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty (including the extent of available insurance, if any), management does not believe that resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company.
16
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Note 10.
Credit Facilities and Convertible Notes
The following table summarizes the presentation of the outstanding balances under the Company’s credit agreements and convertible notes as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024:
As of
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Principal
Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs
Net
Principal
Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs
Net
Current portion
MSG Networks term loan facility
(a)
$
88,788
$
—
$
88,788
$
829,125
$
—
$
829,125
Current portion of long-term debt, net
$
88,788
$
—
$
88,788
$
829,125
$
—
$
829,125
_________________
(a) The September 30, 2025 carrying amount of the MSG Networks term loan facility, which was refinanced on June 27, 2025, is calculated pursuant to the troubled debt restructuring guidance as further discussed below in this Note 10.
As of
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Principal
Debt Discount
Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs
Net
Principal
Debt Discount
Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs
Net
Non-current portion
MSG Networks term loan facility
(a)
$
260,015
$
—
$
—
$
260,015
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
LV Sphere Term Loan Facility
275,000
—
(
2,425
)
272,575
275,000
—
(
3,240
)
271,760
3.50
% Convertible Senior Notes
258,750
(
4,527
)
(
744
)
253,479
258,750
(
5,595
)
(
905
)
252,250
Long-term debt, net
$
793,765
$
(
4,527
)
$
(
3,169
)
$
786,069
$
533,750
$
(
5,595
)
$
(
4,145
)
$
524,010
_________________
(a) The September 30, 2025 carrying amount of the MSG Networks term loan facility, which was refinanced on June 27, 2025
,
is calculated pursuant to the troubled debt restructuring guidance, as further discussed below in this Note 10.
MSG Networks Credit Facilities
General.
MSGN Holdings L.P. (“MSGN L.P.”), MSGN Eden, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company and the general partner of MSGN L.P. (“MSGN Eden”), Regional MSGN Holdings LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company and the limited partner of MSGN L.P. (“Regional MSGN”), and certain subsidiaries of MSGN L.P. had senior secured credit facilities pursuant to a credit agreement (as amended and restated on October 11, 2019, and as further amended from time to time prior to June 27, 2025, the “Prior MSGN Credit Agreement”) consisting of: (i) an initial
$
1,100,000
term l
oan facility (the “Prior MSGN Term Loan Facility”) and (
ii) a $
250,000
revolving credit facility (together, the “Prior MSGN Credit Facilities”). The outstanding principal amount under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement of $
829,125
matured without repayment on October 11, 2024, and an event of default occurred pursuant to the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement due to MSGN L.P.’s failure to make payment on the outstanding principal amount on the maturity date. On October 11, 2024, there were
no
borrowings or letters of credit issued and outstanding under the revolving credit facility and all revolving credit commitments under such facility terminated.
On October 11, 2024, MSGN L.P. and the guarantors under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement entered into a forbearance agreement that was subsequently extended (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Forbearance Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain lenders under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement (the “Supporting Lenders”). Subject to the terms of the Forbearance Agreement, the Supporting Lenders agreed to forbear, during the forbearance period, from exercising certain of their available remedies under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement, including with respect to or arising out of MSGN L.P.’s failure to make payment on the outstanding principal amount under the Prior MSGN Term Loan Facility on October 11, 2024. The Forbearance Agreement was superseded by the Transaction Support Agreement (as defined below) and the forbearance period expired on April 24, 2025.
On April 24, 2025, MSG Networks, MSGN L.P., certain other subsidiaries of MSG Networks, the lenders under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement identified therein (the “Consenting Lenders”), New York Rangers, LLC, New York Knicks, LLC (together with New York Rangers, LLC, the “Teams”) and the Company entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (the “Transaction Support Agreement”) with respect to the restructuring of the debt of subsidiaries of MSG Networks, amendments to the media rights agreements between MSG Networks and the Teams, and certain other matters. Under the Transaction Support Agreement, the Consenting Lenders agreed to forbear from exercising certain of their available remedies under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement,
17
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
including with respect to or arising out of MSGN L.P.’s failure to make payment on the outstanding principal amount of the Prior MSGN Term Loan Facility on October 11, 2024. On June 27, 2025, the Proposed Transactions contemplated by the Transaction Support Agreement were consummated.
On June 27, 2025, MSG Networks, MSGN L.P., MSGN Eden, Regional MSGN, Rainbow Garden Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Networks (collectively with MSG Networks, MSGN Eden and Regional MSGN, the “MSGN Holdings Entities”), and certain subsidiaries of MSGN L.P. entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement (the “A&R MSGN Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (the “MSGN Lenders”). The A&R MSGN Credit Agreement amended and restated the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement in its entirety.
Pursuant to the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, the Prior MSGN Credit Facilities were replaced with a $
210,000
term loan facility (the “MSGN Term Loan Facility”), which matures on December 31, 2029. The outstanding balance under the MSGN Term Loan Facility was $
200,000
as of September 30, 2025. In October 2025, MSGN L.P. made a $
31,063
mandatory cash sweep payment based on excess cash as of September 30, 2025.
In connection with the execution of the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, the Company, the MSGN Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. entered into an investor agreement, pursuant to which, among other matters, (i) the Company made a capital contribution to MSG Networks in an amount equal to $
15,000
; and (ii) the parties agreed that MSGN L.P. will be a part of the same affiliated group of which the Company is the common parent that files U.S. federal income tax returns on a consolidated basis. On June 27, 2025, MSGN L.P. made a cash payment of $
80,000
(including the $
15,000
capital contribution from the Company to MSG Networks) to the MSGN Lenders.
Interest Rates.
Borrowings under the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum, which at the option of MSGN L.P., may be equal to either (i) adjusted Term SOFR (i.e., Term SOFR as defined in the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, plus
0.10
%) plus
5.00
% or (ii) Alternate Base rate, as defined in the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, plus
4.00
%. Upon a payment default in respect of principal, interest or other amounts due and payable under the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement or related loan documents, default interest will accrue on all overdue amounts at an additional rate of
2.00
% per annum. The interest rate on the MSGN Term Loan Facility as of September 30, 2025 was
9.27
%.
Covenants.
The A&R MSGN Credit Agreement and the related security agreement contain certain customary representations and warranties, and certain affirmative covenants and events of default. The A&R MSGN Credit Agreement contains significant restrictions (and in some cases prohibitions) on the ability of MSGN L.P. and the MSGN Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined below) to take certain actions as provided in (and subject to various exceptions and baskets set forth in) the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, including without limitation the following: (i) incurring additional indebtedness and contingent liabilities; (ii) creating or granting liens on certain assets; (iii) making investments, loans or advances in or to other persons; (iv) paying dividends and distributions or repurchasing capital stock; (v) changing its lines of business; (vi) engaging in certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) amending specified agreements; (viii) with respect to restricted subsidiaries, issuing shares of stock such that MSGN L.P.’s ownership of any such restricted subsidiary is reduced; (ix) merging, dissolving, liquidating, consolidating, or disposing of all or substantially all of its assets; (x) making certain dispositions; (xi) making certain changes to its accounting practices; (xii) entering into agreements that restrict the granting of liens; (xiii) requesting any borrowing the proceeds of which are used in violation of anti-corruption laws or sanctions; (xiv) engaging in a liability management transaction; and (xv) limiting certain operating expenses incurred by MSGN L.P. and the MSGN Guarantors (as defined below). The MSGN Holdings Entities are subject to the restrictions described in the foregoing clauses (iv) and (xv), as well as customary passive holding company covenants.
Principal Repayments
. Subject to customary notice and minimum amount conditions, MSGN L.P. may voluntarily prepay outstanding loans under the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (except for customary breakage costs with respect to Term Benchmark (as defined in the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement) loans). The MSGN Term Loan Facility has a fixed amortization of $
10,000
per quarter commencing on September 30, 2025. On September 30, 2025, MSGN L.P. made a fixed amortization payment of $
10,000
. MSGN L.P. is required to make mandatory prepayments pursuant to a mandatory cash sweep, determined at the end of each fiscal quarter, that requires
100
% of MSGN L.P.’s and the MSGN Subsidiary Guarantors’ excess balance sheet cash over certain thresholds (subject to certain exclusions) to be used to repay the principal amount outstanding. In October 2025, MSGN L.P. made a $
31,063
mandatory cash sweep payment based on excess cash as of September 30, 2025. MSGN L.P. is further required to make mandatory prepayments in certain circumstances, including from the net cash proceeds of certain dispositions of assets or casualty insurance and/or condemnation awards (subject to a threshold below which payments are not required, as well as certain reinvestment, repair and replacement rights) and upon the incurrence of indebtedness (subject to certain exceptions).
In connection with the execution of the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, the Limited Partnership Agreement of MSGN L.P. was amended to provide for the issuance of contingent interest units (the “Contingent Interest Units”) to the MSGN Lenders. Beginning
18
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
with the fiscal calendar year-end following the repayment in full of the MSGN Term Loan Facility, the Contingent Interest Units entitle the MSGN Lenders to receive annual payments in an amount equal to
50
% of the difference between MSGN L.P.’s balance sheet cash (subject to certain exclusions) and certain minimum cash balances, specified with respect to the applicable measurement date, until the earlier of (i) December 31, 2029 and (ii) payment of $
100,000
in the aggregate to the MSGN Lenders. The Contingent Interest Units are also entitled to receive
50
% of the proceeds of a merger and/or acquisition event related to MSG Networks and its subsidiaries occurring prior to December 31, 2029, subject to an aggregate cap of $
100,000
considered together with the annual payments of excess cash described in the previous sentence.
Guarantors and Collateral.
All obligations under the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the MSGN Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P.’s direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that are not designated as unrestricted subsidiaries (the “MSGN Subsidiary Guarantors” and, together with the MSGN Holdings Entities, the “MSGN Guarantors”). All obligations under the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by certain of the assets of MSGN L.P. and each MSGN Guarantor (collectively, “MSGN Collateral”), including, but not limited to, a pledge of the equity interests in MSGN L.P. held directly by the MSGN Holdings Entities and the equity interests in each MSGN Subsidiary Guarantor held directly or indirectly by MSGN L.P. The Company, Sphere Entertainment Group and the subsidiaries of Sphere Entertainment Group (collectively, the “Non-Credit Parties”) are not legally obligated to repay the outstanding borrowings under the MSGN Term Loan Facility, nor are the assets of the Non-Credit Parties pledged as security under the MSGN Term Loan Facility.
The following were the terms of the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement, which was replaced by the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement on June 27, 2025:
Interest Rate
s. Prior to October 11, 2024, borrowings under the Prior
MSGN Credit Agreement bore interest at a floating rate, which at the option of MSGN L.P. could be either (i) a base rate plus an additional rate ranging from
0.25
% to
1.25
% per annum (determined based on a total leverage ratio), or (ii)
adjusted Term SOFR (i.e., Term SOFR plus
0.10
%)
plus an additional rate ranging from
1.25
% to
2.25
% per annum (determined based on a total leverage ratio). After
October 11, 2024
, borrowings under the
Prior
MSGN Credit Agreement bore interest at the default rate consisting of (i) adjusted Term SOFR (i.e., Term SOFR plus
0.10
%) plus an additional rate ranging from
1.25
% to
2.25
% per annum (determined based on a total leverage ratio), plus (ii) the additional rate of
2.00
% per annum.
Covenants.
The Prior MSGN Credit Agreement generally required the MSGN Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to comply with a maximum total leverage ratio of
5.50
:1.00 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of
2.00
:1.00. Under the Transaction Support Agreement, the Consenting Lenders agreed to forbear from exercising their available remedies under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement with respect to or arising out of the failure to maintain compliance with the maximum total leverage ratio and the minimum interest coverage ratio described above until the earlier of the date on which the termination of the Transaction Support Agreement was effective with respect to the Consenting Lenders and the date on which the Proposed Transactions were consummated.
In addition to the financial covenants discussed above, the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement and the related security agreement (as modified in certain cases by the Transaction Support Agreement) contained certain representations and warranties, affirmative covenants, and events of default. The Prior MSGN Credit Agreement (as modified in certain cases by the Forbearance Agreement and Transaction Support Agreement) contained significant restrictions (and in some cases prohibitions) on the ability of MSGN L.P. and its restricted subsidiaries to take certain actions as provided in (and subject to various exceptions and baskets set forth in) the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement, including the following: (i) incurring additional indebtedness and contingent liabilities; (ii) creating liens on certain assets; (iii) making investments, loans or advances in or to other persons; (iv) paying dividends and distributions or repurchasing capital stock; (v) changing their lines of business; (vi) engaging in certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) amending specified material agreements; (viii) merging or consolidating; (ix) making certain dispositions; and (x) entering into agreements that restrict the granting of liens. The MSGN Holdings Entities were also subject to customary passive holding company covenants.
Guarantors and Collateral.
All obligations under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement were guaranteed by the MSGN Holdings Entities, other than MSG Networks and Rainbow Garden Corp., and MSGN L.P.’s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that were not designated as excluded subsidiaries or unrestricted subsidiaries (together with the MSGN Holdings Entities, other than MSG Networks and Rainbow Garden Corp., the “Prior MSGN Guarantors”). All obligations under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement, including the guarantees of those obligations, were secured by certain assets of MSGN L.P. and each Prior MSGN Guarantor, including, but not limited to, a pledge of the equity interests in MSGN L.P. held directly by the MSGN Holdings Entities and the equity interests in each MSGN Subsidiary Guarantor held directly or indirectly by MSGN L.P.
19
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Based on conditions at MSGN L.P. and the terms of the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, the entry into the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement met the criteria to be accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring. The troubled debt restructuring accounting model requires the inclusion of future principal, interest and potential contingent payments as part of the carrying amount of the modified debt to prevent recognizing a gain at the time of restructuring that may be offset by future expenses. As such, the original carrying amount of the MSGN Term Loan Facility includes the $
210,000
principal amount, along with expected interest payments (based on interest rates in effect on June 27, 2025) and potential contingent payments of future excess cash flows from the Contingent Interest Units. ASC Topic 470-60 does not allow the consideration of the probability of occurrence of the contingencies when including contingent payments as part of the carrying amount. The gain on extinguishment was also further offset by fees, expenses and other direct costs incurred to effect the troubled debt restructuring.
The resulting gain of $
346,092
, recorded on June 27, 2025, is included in Gain on extinguishment of debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and was calculated as follows:
MSG Networks
term loan facility
Original carrying amount before restructuring
$
804,125
June 27, 2025 repayment
(
80,000
)
Original carrying amount after repayment
724,125
Carrying amount calculation under troubled debt restructuring:
Principal
210,000
Undiscounted interest payments (at current rates)
53,970
Contingent Interest Units
100,000
Total initial carrying amount on June 27, 2025
363,970
Reduction in recorded carrying amount:
360,155
Fees and expenses and other direct costs
(
14,063
)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
$
346,092
Interest payments reduce the carrying amount of the debt. Consistent with the initial application of the troubled debt restructuring guidance, for subsequent accounting purposes, fluctuations in variable interest rate will not result in immediate gains that could be offset by future cash payments.
LV Sphere Term Loan Facility
General.
On December 22, 2022, MSG Las Vegas, LLC (“MSG LV”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto, providing for a
five-year
, $
275,000
senior secured term loan facility (as amended, the “LV Sphere Term Loan Facility”).
Interest Rates
. Borrowings under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of MSG LV may be either (i) a base rate plus a margin of
3.375
% per annum or (ii) adjusted Term SOFR (i.e., Term SOFR plus
0.10
%) plus a margin of
4.375
% per annum. The interest rate on the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility as of September 30, 2025 was
8.63
%.
Principal Repayments
. The LV Sphere Term Loan Facility will mature on December 22, 2027. The principal obligations under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility are due at the maturity of the facility, with no amortization payments prior to maturity. Under certain circumstances, MSG LV is required to make mandatory prepayments on the loan, including prepayments in an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of casualty insurance and/or condemnation recoveries (subject to certain reinvestment, repair or replacement rights), subject to certain exceptions.
Covenants
. The LV Sphere Term Loan Facility and related guaranty by Sphere Entertainment Group include financial covenants requiring MSG LV to maintain a specified minimum debt service coverage ratio and requiring Sphere Entertainment Group to maintain a specified minimum liquidity level.
The debt service coverage ratio covenant began testing in the quarter ended December 31, 2023 on a historical basis and on a prospective basis. Both the historical and prospective debt service coverage ratios are required to be at least
1.35
:1.00. As of September 30, 2025, the historical and prospective debt service coverage ratio requirements were met. In addition, among other conditions, MSG LV is not permitted to make distributions to Sphere Entertainment Group unless the historical and prospective debt service coverage ratios are at least
1.50
:1.00. The minimum liquidity level for Sphere Entertainment Group is set at $
50,000
, with
20
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
$
25,000
required to be held in cash or cash equivalents and is tested as of the last day of each quarter based on Sphere Entertainment Group’s unencumbered liquidity, consisting of cash and cash equivalents and available lines of credit, as of such date.
In addition to the covenants described above, the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility and the related guaranty and security and pledge agreements contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The LV Sphere Term Loan Facility contains certain restrictions on the ability of MSG LV and Sphere Entertainment Group to take certain actions as provided in (and subject to various exceptions and baskets set forth in) the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility and the related guaranty and security and pledge agreements, including the following: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) make investments, loans or advances in or to other persons; (iii) pay dividends and distributions (which will restrict the ability of MSG LV to make cash distributions to the Company); (iv) change its lines of business; (v) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; (vi) amend organizational documents; (vii) merge or consolidate; and (viii) make certain dispositions.
Guarantors and Collateral
. All obligations under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Sphere Entertainment Group. All obligations under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by all of the assets of MSG LV and certain assets of Sphere Entertainment Group including, but not limited to, MSG LV’s leasehold interest in the land on which Sphere in Las Vegas is located and a pledge of all of the equity interests held directly by Sphere Entertainment Group in MSG LV.
3.50
% Convertible Senior Notes
On December 8, 2023, the Company completed a private unregistered offering of $
258,750
in aggregate principal amount of its
3.50
% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 (the “
3.50
% Convertible Senior Notes”), which amount includes the full exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional
3.50
% Convertible Senior Notes. See Note 14. Credit Facilities and Convertible Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-KT for details on the
3.50
% Convertible Senior Notes.
Debt Maturities
Debt maturities over the next five years for the outstanding principal balance under the MSGN Term Loan Facility, LV Sphere Term Loan Facility and
3.50
% Convertible Senior Notes as of September 30, 2025 were as follows:
MSGN Term Loan Facility
(a)
LV Sphere Term Loan Facility
3.50
% Convertible Senior Notes
Total
2025 (remainder)
$
10,000
$
—
$
—
$
10,000
2026
40,000
—
—
40,000
2027
40,000
275,000
—
315,000
2028
40,000
—
258,750
298,750
2029
70,000
—
—
70,000
Thereafter
—
—
—
—
Total debt
$
200,000
$
275,000
$
258,750
$
733,750
(a) The carrying amount of the MSGN Term Loan Facility, which is calculated by applying the troubled debt restructuring guidance as discussed above, is $
348,803
. Due to uncertainty in amounts payable and timing, Contingent Interest Units and undiscounted interest payments are excluded from the table above. Furthermore, the debt maturities shown above do not reflect potential acceleration from quarterly mandatory cash sweeps.
Interest payments and loan principal repayments made by the Company under the credit agreements and convertible notes for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 were as follows:
Interest Payments
Loan Principal Repayments
Nine Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
MSG Networks term loan facility
$
41,359
$
50,117
$
115,000
$
61,875
LV Sphere Term Loan Facility
18,897
20,301
—
—
3.50
% Convertible Senior Notes
4,528
4,352
—
—
Total Payments
$
64,784
$
74,770
$
115,000
$
61,875
21
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
The carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 were as follows:
As of
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Carrying
Value
(a)
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
(a)
Fair
Value
Liabilities:
MSG Networks term loan facility
$
348,803
$
183,000
$
829,125
$
335,796
LV Sphere Term Loan Facility
275,000
270,875
275,000
273,625
3.50
% Convertible Senior Notes
254,223
491,780
253,155
353,246
Total debt
$
878,026
$
945,655
$
1,357,280
$
962,667
_________________
(a) The total carrying value of the Company’s debt as of September 30, 2025
and
December 31, 2024
is equal to the current and non-current principal payments for the Company’s debt, excluding unamortized deferred financing costs of $
3,169
and $
4,145
, respectively.
The Company’s debt is classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy as it is valued using quoted indices of similar instruments for which the inputs are readily observable.
Note 11.
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
The Company sponsors (i) both funded and unfunded and qualified and non-qualified pension plans, including the Networks 1212 Plan (as defined below), Networks Excess Cash Balance Plan, and the Networks Excess Retirement Plan (together, the “Networks Plans”), (ii) an excess savings plan and (iii) a postretirement benefit plan (the “Postretirement Plan”). In connection with the distribution of approximately
67
% of the outstanding common stock of MSGE Spinco, Inc. (now known as Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. and referred to herein as “MSG Entertainment”) to the Company’s stockholders on April 20, 2023 (the “MSGE Distribution”), the Company established an unfunded non-contributory, non-qualified frozen excess cash balance plan (the “Sphere Excess Plan”) covering certain employees who participated in the pre-MSGE Distribution cash balance plan, which was transferred to MSG Entertainment in connection with the MSGE Distribution. The Networks Plans and Sphere Excess Plan are collectively referred to as the “Pension Plans.” Prior to the MSGE Distribution, the Company sponsored
two
contributory welfare plans which provided certain postretirement healthcare benefits to certain employees hired prior to January 1, 2001.
The sponsorship of the Postretirement Plan covering Networks employees was retained by the Company while the postretirement plan covering MSG Entertainment employees was transferred to MSG Entertainment in connection with the MSGE Distribution. In addition, the liabilities associated with the postretirement plan for MSG Entertainment employees were transferred from the Company to MSG Entertainment in connection with the MSGE Distribution. See Note 15. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-KT for more information regarding these plans.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefit Plan
The following tables present components of net periodic benefit cost for the Pension Plans and Postretirement Plan included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024. Service cost is recorded in direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses. All other components of net periodic benefit cost are recorded in Other expense, net.
Pension Plans
Postretirement Plan
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Service cost
$
48
$
61
$
4
$
5
Interest cost
494
499
24
22
Expected return on plan assets
(
238
)
(
243
)
—
—
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)
85
84
—
(
6
)
Net periodic benefit cost
$
389
$
401
$
28
$
21
22
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Pension Plans
Postretirement Plan
Nine Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Service cost
$
144
$
182
$
12
$
13
Interest cost
1,482
1,626
72
77
Expected return on plan assets
(
714
)
(
1,079
)
—
—
Recognized actuarial loss
255
523
—
5
Net periodic benefit cost
$
1,167
$
1,252
$
84
$
95
Contributions for Qualified Defined Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors
one
non-contributory, qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain of its union employees, the “Networks 1212 Plan.” During each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company contributed $
500
to the Networks 1212 Plan.
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company sponsors the MSGN Holdings, L.P. Excess Savings Plan and the Sphere Entertainment Excess Savings Plan, and participates in the Madison Square Garden 401(k) Savings Plan (collectively, the “Savings Plans”). Expenses related to the Savings Plans included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations were $
2,020
and $
6,032
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and $
2,134
and $
5,297
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively.
Executive Deferred Compensation
See Note 15. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, to the Company’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-KT, for more information regarding the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Executive Deferred Compensation Plan”). The Company recorded compensation expense of $
160
and $
400
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and $
157
and $
326
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, within Selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations to reflect the remeasurement of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan liability. In addition, the Company recorded a gain of $
160
and $
400
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and $
157
and $
326
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, within Other expense, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations to reflect remeasurement of the fair value of assets under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
The following table summarizes amounts recognized related to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets:
As of
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
Non-current assets (included in Investments)
$
3,719
$
3,580
Non-current liabilities (included in Other non-current liabilities)
$
(
3,719
)
$
(
3,580
)
Note 12.
Share-based Compensation
The Company has
three
share-based compensation plans: the 2020 Employee Stock Plan, the 2020 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors and the MSG Networks Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Plan, in each case as amended from time to time. See Note 16. Share-based Compensation, to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-KT, for more detail on these plans.
Share-based compensation expense for the Company’s restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance stock units (“PSUs”), stock options and/or cash-settled stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) are
recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as a component of direct operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expenses.
23
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
The following table summarizes the Company’s share-based compensation expense:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Share-based compensation
(a)
$
10,608
$
16,083
$
51,526
$
46,510
Fair value of awards vested and exercised
$
36,969
$
32,270
$
48,429
$
44,112
_________________
(a) Share-based compensation excludes costs that have been capitalized of $
723
and $
1,444
for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024,share-based compensation expense excludes costs of $
0
and $
1,166
, respectively, that have been reclassified to Restructuring charges in the consolidated statements of operations.
As of September 30, 2025, there was $
78,095
of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs, PSUs, stock options and SARs held by the Company’s employees. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately
1.9
years.
For the three and nine months periods ended September 30, 2025, all RSUs, PSUs and stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share because the Company reported a net loss for the period and, therefore, their impact on reported loss per share would have been anti-dilutive.
Award Activity
RSUs
During the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, approximately
465
and
508
RSUs were granted, respectively, and approximately
547
and
492
RSUs vested, respectively.
PSUs
During the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, approximately
368
and
35
PSUs were granted, respectively, and approximately
451
and
367
PSUs vested, respectively.
Stock options
During the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, approximately
1,685
and
2,275
stock options were granted, respectively, and approximately
20
options and
184
options were exercised, respectively.
Note 13.
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock
The Company is authorized to issue
15,000
shares of preferred stock, par value $
0.01
. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024,
no
shares of preferred stock were outstanding.
Stock Repurchase Program
On March 31, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $
350,000
of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The program was re-authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors on March 29, 2023. Under the authorization, shares of Class A Common Stock may be purchased from time to time 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 the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company repurchased
1,054
shares of Class A Common Stock for approximately $
50,040
, inclusive of $
40
in excise taxes. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had approximately $
300,000
remaining available for repurchases of the Company’s Class A Common Stock.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following tables detail the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss:
24
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Pension Plans and
Postretirement
Plan
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustments
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
(
5,877
)
$
(
1,631
)
$
(
7,508
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
—
1,941
1,941
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (a)
(
233
)
—
(
233
)
Income tax benefit
62
215
277
Other comprehensive (loss) income, total
(
171
)
2,156
1,985
Balance as of March 31, 2025
$
(
6,048
)
$
525
$
(
5,523
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
—
2,546
2,546
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (a)
(
234
)
6,175
5,941
Income tax benefit (expense)
63
(
3,061
)
(
2,998
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, total
(
171
)
5,660
5,489
Balance as of June 30, 2025
$
(
6,219
)
$
6,185
$
(
34
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
—
(
101
)
(
101
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (a)
(
234
)
—
(
234
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
124
(
35
)
89
Other comprehensive loss, total
(
110
)
(
136
)
(
246
)
Balance as of September 30, 2025
$
(
6,329
)
$
6,049
$
(
280
)
Pension Plans and
Postretirement
Plan
Cumulative
Translation
Adjustments
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Balance as of December 31, 2023
$
(
5,240
)
$
(
1,074
)
$
(
6,314
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
—
(
968
)
(
968
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (a)
77
—
77
Income tax (expense) benefit
(
19
)
250
231
Other comprehensive income (loss), total
58
(
718
)
(
660
)
Balance as of March 31, 2024
$
(
5,182
)
$
(
1,792
)
$
(
6,974
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
—
837
837
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (a)
(
478
)
—
(
478
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
126
(
78
)
48
Other comprehensive (loss) income, total
(
352
)
759
407
Balance as of June 30, 2024
$
(
5,534
)
$
(
1,033
)
$
(
6,567
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
—
3,461
3,461
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (a)
(
53
)
—
(
53
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
14
(
912
)
(
898
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, total
(
39
)
2,549
2,510
Balance as of September 30, 2024
$
(
5,573
)
$
1,516
$
(
4,057
)
_________________
(a) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss represent the amortization of net actuarial loss and net unrecognized prior service credit included in net periodic benefit cost, which is reflected under Other income (expense), net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations (see Note 11. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan). For the three months ended June 30, 2025, amounts include reclassification of cumulative
25
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
translation adjustment as discussed in Note 6. Property and Equipment, net
.
Note 14.
Related Party Transactions
As of
September 30, 2025, certain m
embers of the Dolan family, including certain trusts for the benefit of members of the Dolan family (collectively, the “Dolan Family Group”), collectively beneficially owned
100
% of the Company’s outstanding Class B Common Stock, par value $
0.01
per share (“Class B Common Stock”) and approximately
6.8
%
of the Company’s outstanding Class A Common Stock (inclusive of options exercisable within
60
days after
September 30, 2025
) for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, collectively, represent approximately
72.5
% of the aggregate voting power of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Members of the Dolan family are also the controlling stockholders of MSG Entertainment, Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (“MSG Sports”) and AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks”).
See Note 19. Related Party Transactions, to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-KT, for a description of the Company’s related party arrangements. There were no material changes in such related party arrangements during
the
three and nine
months ended September 30, 2025, except as described below.
On June 27, 2025, the media rights agreements between subsidiaries of MSG Networks, on the one hand, and New York Knicks, LLC and New York Rangers, LLC, on the other hand, were amended
to (among other things) (i) reduce the annual rights fees payable to
New York Knicks, LLC and New York Rangers, LLC to effect a reduction of
28
% and
18
%, respectively, as of January 1, 2025, (ii) eliminate the annual rights fee escalators, and (iii) reduce the terms of the agreements to expire after the 2028-29 NBA and NHL seasons, respectively, subject to a right of first refusal in favor of MSG Networks. Additionally on June 27, 2025, MSG Networks issued penny warrants to MSG Sports exercisable for
19.9
% of the common stock of MSG Networks. The penny warrants met the requirements for equity classification. The estimated fair value of the warrant was $
0
at inception and its recognition in equity had no impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
In addition, the Company’s transition services agreement (the “MSGE TSA”) with MSG Entertainment was terminated and was replaced by a services agreement, effective January 1, 2025, to continue to receive certain services from MSG Entertainment, such as information technology, human resources, finance, security, payroll, tax, certain legal functions, booking services, insurance and risk management, government affairs, investor relations, corporate communications, benefit plan administration and reporting, and internal audit functions as well as certain marketing functions, in exchange for service fees. The Company also provides certain corporate services to MSG Entertainment in exchange for service fees. On September 2, 2025, the Company, through its subsidiary, MSGN L.P., entered into a consulting agreement with a subsidiary of AMC Networks, whereby AMC Networks is providing certain advisory services to MSG Networks. The Company, through its Holoplot business, is also providing certain technology services to MSG Entertainment venues.
The Company has entered into certain commercial agreements with its equity method investment nonconsolidated affiliates in connection with Sphere, including an arrangement with Crown Properties Collection LLC (“CPC”), pursuant to which CPC provided the Company sponsorship and sales services. Under this arrangement, the Company recorded commission expense of $
1,747
for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and $
614
and $
5,495
for the
three and nine
months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. In June 2025, CPC repurchased the Company’s equity interest in CPC, and as a result, CPC is no longer considered to be a related party.
As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, accrued liabilities associated with other equity method investment nonconsolidated affiliates were $
18,204
and $
18,242
, respectively, and are reported under
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
in the accompanying
condensed consolidated
balance sheets.
26
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Revenues and Operating Expenses
The following table summarizes the composition and amounts of the transactions with the Company’s related parties. These amounts are reflected in revenues and operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Revenues
$
1,298
$
21
$
3,784
$
1,559
Operating expenses:
Media fees
(
33,329
)
(
45,017
)
(
102,453
)
(
131,809
)
Corporate general and administrative expenses, net - MSG Entertainment Transition/Services Agreement
(
16,202
)
(
23,491
)
(
50,724
)
(
78,340
)
Origination, master control and technical services
(
1,161
)
(
1,282
)
(
3,483
)
(
3,847
)
Other operating expenses, net
(a)
(
3,343
)
(
3,556
)
(
10,840
)
(
13,532
)
Total operating expenses, net
(b)
$
(
54,035
)
$
(
73,346
)
$
(
167,500
)
$
(
227,528
)
_________________
(a) Other operating expenses, net, includes reimbursements to MSG Entertainment for aircraft-related expenses, professional and payroll fees, and CPC commissions.
(b) Of the total operating expenses, net, $
34,436
and $
106,134
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and $
46,232
and $
134,746
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, are included in direct operating expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Of the total operating expenses, net, $
19,599
and $
61,366
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively, and $
27,114
and $
92,782
for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Note 15.
Segment Information
As of September 30, 2025, the Company was comprised of
two
reportable segments: Sphere and MSG Networks. The Company takes into account whether
two
or more operating segments can be aggregated together as one reportable segment as well as the type of discrete financial information that is available and regularly reviewed by its Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”). The CODM is the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
The CODM evaluates segment performance and determines how to allocate resources based on the Company’s key financial measure of adjusted operating income (“AOI”), a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company defines AOI as operating income excluding:
(i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets,
(ii) amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs,
(iii) share-based compensation expense,
(iv) restructuring charges or credits,
(v) merger, debt work-out, and acquisition-related costs, including merger-related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries,
(vi) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses and associated settlements,
(vii) the impact of purchase accounting adjustments related to business acquisitions, and
(viii) gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (which was established in November 2021).
The Company believes that the exclusion of share-based compensation expense or benefit allows investors to better track the performance of the Company’s business without regard to the settlement of an obligation that is not expected to be made in cash. The Company eliminates merger, debt work-out, and acquisition-related costs, including merger-related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries, when applicable, because the Company does not consider such costs to be indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the Company as they result from an event that is of a non-recurring nature, thereby enhancing comparability. In addition, management believes that the exclusion of gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan provides investors with a clearer picture of the Company’s operating performance given that, in accordance with GAAP, gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan are recorded in Operating (loss) income whereas gains and losses related to the remeasurement of the assets under
27
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, which are equal to and therefore fully offset the gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities, are recorded in Other (expense) income, net, which is not reflected in Operating (loss) income.
The CODM uses AOI for each segment predominantly throughout the annual budget and forecasting process. The CODM also considers budget-to-actual variances in AOI, at least quarterly, when making decisions about the allocation of operating and capital resources to each segment. Management believes AOI is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of its business segments and the Company on a consolidated basis. AOI and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors and analysts to analyze the Company’s performance. The Company uses revenues and AOI measures as the most important indicators of its business performance, and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators.
AOI should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating (loss) income, net income (loss), cash flows from operating activities, and other measures of performance and/or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Since AOI is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures with similar titles used by other companies. The Company has presented the components that reconcile operating (loss) income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to AOI.
Information as to the operations of the Company’s reportable segments is set forth below.
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2025
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Revenues
$
174,090
$
88,421
$
262,511
Event-related expenses
(a)
(
71,611
)
—
(
71,611
)
Rights fee expense
—
(
47,869
)
(
47,869
)
Network programming and production costs
—
(
10,382
)
(
10,382
)
Other direct operating expenses
(a)
(
7,122
)
—
(
7,122
)
Overhead expenses
(b)
(
92,697
)
(
6,995
)
(
99,692
)
Other segment expenses
(c)
(
87,094
)
(
68,458
)
(
155,552
)
Operating loss
$
(
84,434
)
$
(
45,283
)
$
(
129,717
)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
—
Interest income
2,737
Interest expense
(
9,399
)
Other expense, net
(
328
)
Loss from operations before income taxes
$
(
136,707
)
Reconciliation of operating loss to adjusted operating income:
Operating loss
$
(
84,434
)
$
(
45,283
)
$
(
129,717
)
Adjustments:
Share-based compensation expense
12,409
(
3,876
)
8,533
Depreciation and amortization
81,996
2,106
84,102
Restructuring charges
5,041
952
5,993
Impairment and other losses, net
57
65,400
65,457
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries
257
—
257
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs
1,579
—
1,579
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities
160
—
160
Adjusted operating income
$
17,065
$
19,299
$
36,364
28
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Revenues
$
127,072
$
100,841
$
227,913
Event-related expenses
(a)
(
55,433
)
—
(
55,433
)
Rights fee expense
—
(
65,456
)
(
65,456
)
Network programming and production costs
—
(
11,791
)
(
11,791
)
Other direct operating expenses
(a)
(
7,016
)
—
(
7,016
)
Overhead expenses
(b)
(
104,950
)
(
14,027
)
(
118,977
)
Other segment expenses
(c)
(
84,754
)
(
2,105
)
(
86,859
)
Operating (loss) income
$
(
125,081
)
$
7,462
$
(
117,619
)
Interest income
7,039
Interest expense
(
26,974
)
Other expense, net
(
695
)
Loss from operations before income taxes
$
(
138,249
)
Reconciliation of operating (loss) income to adjusted operating income:
Operating loss
$
(
125,081
)
$
7,462
$
(
117,619
)
Adjustments:
Share-based compensation expense
13,180
2,387
15,567
Depreciation and amortization
79,838
2,075
81,913
Restructuring charges
883
30
913
Impairment and other losses, net
4,033
—
4,033
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries
692
4,128
4,820
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs
—
22
22
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities
157
—
157
Adjusted operating (loss) income
$
(
26,298
)
$
16,104
$
(
10,194
)
29
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2025
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Revenues
$
507,222
$
318,540
$
825,762
Event-related expenses
(a)
(
202,457
)
—
(
202,457
)
Rights fee expense
—
(
154,318
)
(
154,318
)
Network programming and production costs
—
(
46,687
)
(
46,687
)
Other direct operating expenses
(a)
(
23,163
)
—
(
23,163
)
Overhead expenses
(b)
(
285,490
)
(
41,494
)
(
326,984
)
Other segment expenses
(c)
(
257,756
)
(
72,882
)
(
330,638
)
Operating (loss) income
$
(
261,644
)
$
3,159
$
(
258,485
)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
346,092
Interest income
10,699
Interest expense
(
61,467
)
Other expense, net
(
2,068
)
Income from operations before income taxes
$
34,771
Reconciliation of operating (loss) income to adjusted operating income:
Operating loss
$
(
261,644
)
$
3,159
$
(
258,485
)
Adjustments:
Share-based compensation expense
50,316
(
1,338
)
48,978
Depreciation and amortization
245,708
6,530
252,238
Restructuring charges
7,829
952
8,781
Impairment and other losses, net
4,219
65,400
69,619
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries
3,596
3,934
7,530
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs
4,737
—
4,737
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities
400
—
400
Adjusted operating income
$
55,161
$
78,637
$
133,798
30
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2024
Sphere
MSG Networks
Total
Revenues
$
448,653
$
373,985
$
822,638
Event-related expenses
(a)
(
172,868
)
—
(
172,868
)
Rights fee expense
—
(
200,038
)
(
200,038
)
Network programming and production costs
—
(
50,604
)
(
50,604
)
Other direct operating expenses
(a)
(
19,745
)
—
(
19,745
)
Overhead expenses
(b)
(
316,035
)
(
33,131
)
(
349,166
)
Other segment expenses
(c)
(
253,114
)
(
6,492
)
(
259,606
)
Operating (loss) income
$
(
313,109
)
$
83,720
$
(
229,389
)
Interest income
22,422
Interest expense
(
81,014
)
Other expense, net
(
6,564
)
Loss from operations before income taxes
$
(
294,545
)
Reconciliation of operating (loss) income to adjusted operating (loss) income:
Operating income
$
(
313,109
)
$
83,720
$
(
229,389
)
Adjustments:
Share-based compensation expense
38,790
6,822
45,612
Depreciation and amortization
237,665
6,452
244,117
Restructuring charges
5,681
40
5,721
Impairment and other losses, net
9,768
—
9,768
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries
2,018
(
1,253
)
765
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs
—
65
65
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities
325
—
325
Adjusted operating (loss) income
$
(
18,862
)
$
95,846
$
76,984
_______________
(a)
Event-related expenses include, but are not limited to, day-of-event costs, direct operating expenses for The Sphere Experience, venue operating expenses, and other event-related direct operating expenses. Other direct operating expenses include, but are not limited to, expenses related to sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising, suite licenses, and other operating expenses. In total, these expenses when combined with MSG Networks rights fee expense and network programming and production costs represent the Company’s Direct operating expenses as presented on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(b)
For each reportable segment, Overhead expenses currently include selling, general and administrative costs.
(c)
For each reportable segment, Other segment expenses include all other expenses that do not meet the definition of other previously disclosed expenses, primarily depreciation and amortization, impairment and other losses, net and restructuring charges.
Concentration of Risk
Accounts receivable, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 include amounts due from the following individual customers, which accounted for the noted percentages of the gross balance:
As of
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
Customer A
12
%
14
%
Customer B
9
%
14
%
Customer C
8
%
10
%
31
SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(continued)
Revenues in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 include amounts from the following individual customers:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Customer 1
11
%
14
%
11
%
12
%
Customer 2
9
%
14
%
6
%
12
%
Customer 3
8
%
11
%
8
%
9
%
Note 16.
Additional Financial Information
The following table provides a summary of the amounts recorded as cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
As of
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
Cash and cash equivalents
$
384,835
$
501,954
Restricted cash
13,419
13,679
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
398,254
$
515,633
The Company’s c
ash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy as they are valued using
observable inputs that reflect quoted prices for identical assets in active markets. The Company’s restricted cash includes cash deposited in escrow accounts. The Company has deposited cash in interest-bearing escrow accounts related to credit support, debt facilities, and collateral to its workers compensation and general liability insurance obligations.
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:
As of
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
Prepaid expenses
$
33,868
$
32,384
Other receivables
14,294
92
Inventory
12,630
12,583
Deferred costs, current
12,407
12,211
Other
13,696
7,737
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
86,895
$
65,007
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:
As of
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
Accrued payroll and employee related liabilities
$
52,634
$
42,892
Cash due to promoters
119,452
109,078
Capital expenditure accruals
132,372
142,989
Accrued legal fees
20,021
22,046
Other accrued expenses
61,084
71,365
Total Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
$
385,563
$
388,370
Income Taxes
During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $
2,279
. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company received income tax refunds, net of payments, of $
15,934
.
32
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
All dollar amounts included in the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) are presented in thousands, except as otherwise noted.
This MD&A contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this MD&A, there are statements concerning the future operating and future financial performance of Sphere Entertainment Co. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “our,” “Sphere Entertainment,” or the “Company”), including (i) the success of Sphere and The Sphere Experience and development of new
immersive productions content,
(ii) our plans to bring Sphere to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, under a franchise model
, (iii)
our ability to reduce or defer certain discretionary capital projects, (iv) our plans for possible additional debt financing and (v) MSG Networks subscriber declines. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” “continue,” “intends,” “plans,” and similar words and terms used in the discussion of future operating and future financial performance identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, results or events and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results or developments may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that may cause such differences to occur include, but are not limited to:
•
the substantial amount of debt we have incurred, the ability of our subsidiaries to make payments on, or repay or refinance, such debt under their respective credit facilities (including MSG Networks’ ability to make its quarterly principal amortization payments pursuant to its term loan facility), and, if unsuccessful, the implications thereof;
•
our ability to make payments on our 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes (as defined below);
•
our ability to obtain additional financing, to the extent required, on terms favorable to us or at all;
•
the popularity of The Sphere Experience, as well as our ability to continue to attract advertisers and marketing partners, and audiences to attend, and artists to perform at, residencies, concerts and other events at Sphere in Las Vegas and other future Sphere venues;
•
the successful development of The Sphere Experience and related original immersive productions and the investments associated with such development, as well as investment in personnel, content and technology for Sphere;
•
our ability to successfully provide design, construction and pre- and post-opening services to Sphere partners, including the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (“DCT Abu Dhabi”) in connection with Sphere Abu Dhabi
TM
, as well as our ability to construct, finance and operate new Sphere venues, and the investments, costs and timing associated with those efforts, including obtaining financing, the impact of inflation and tariffs, and any construction delays and/or cost overruns;
•
DCT Abu Dhabi’s ability to complete construction of Sphere Abu Dhabi;
•
general economic conditions, especially in the Las Vegas and New York City metropolitan areas where we have significant business activities, including the impact of a recession or a government shutdown on our business;
•
our ability to successfully implement cost reductions and reduce or defer certain discretionary capital projects, if necessary;
•
the level of our expenses and our operational cash burn rate, including our corporate expenses;
•
the demand for MSG Networks programming among cable, satellite, fiber-optic and other platforms that distribute its networks (“Distributors”) and the number of subscribers thereto, and our ability to enter into and renew affiliation agreements with Distributors, including the terms of any such renewals, as well as the impact of consolidation among Distributors;
•
our ability to successfully execute MSG Networks’ strategy for its DTC and authenticated streaming offering, MSG+ (which is included in the Gotham Sports streaming product), the success of such offering and our ability to adapt to new content distribution platforms or changes in consumer behavior resulting from emerging technologies;
•
the ability of our Distributors to minimize declines in subscriber levels;
•
any adverse changes in the distribution of our networks or the impact of subscribers selecting Distributors’ packages that do not include our networks or distributors that do not carry our networks at all;
•
MSG Networks’ ability to renew, renegotiate or replace its media rights agreements with professional sports teams and its ability to perform its obligations thereunder;
33
•
the relocation or insolvency of professional sports teams with which we have a media rights agreement;
•
the demand for advertising and marketing partnership offerings at Sphere and advertising sales and viewer ratings for our networks;
•
competition, for example, from other venues (including the construction of new competing venues) and other regional sports and entertainment offerings;
•
our ability to effectively manage any impacts of future pandemics or public health emergencies, as well as renewed actions taken in response by governmental authorities or certain professional sports leagues, including ensuring compliance with rules and regulations imposed upon our venues, to the extent applicable;
•
the effect of any postponements or cancellations of events by third-parties or the Company as a result of future pandemics, due to operational challenges, force majeure events and other health and safety concerns;
•
the extent to which attendance at Sphere in Las Vegas or future Sphere venues may be impacted by government actions, health concerns of potential attendees or reduced tourism;
•
the security of our MSG Networks program signal and electronic data;
•
the on-ice and on-court performance and popularity of the professional sports teams whose games we broadcast on our networks;
•
changes in laws, guidelines, bulletins, directives, policies and agreements, and regulations under which we operate;
•
any economic, social or political actions, such as boycotts, protests, work stoppages or campaigns by labor organizations, including the unions representing players and officials of the National Basketball Association (the “NBA”) and the National Hockey League (the “NHL”), artists or employees involved in our productions or other work stoppages that may impact us or our business partners;
•
seasonal fluctuations and other variations in our operating results and cash flow from period to period;
•
business, reputational and litigation risk if there is a cyber or other security incident resulting in loss, disclosure or misappropriation of stored personal information, disruption of our Sphere or MSG Networks businesses or disclosure of confidential information or other breaches of our information security;
•
activities or other developments (including pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic) that discourage or may discourage congregation at prominent places of public assembly, including our venue;
•
the level of our capital expenditures and other investments (and any impairment charges related thereto);
•
the acquisition or disposition of assets or businesses and/or the impact of, and our ability to successfully pursue, acquisitions or other strategic transactions;
•
our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, new venues or new businesses into our operations and secure intellectual property rights in territories where such businesses operate and/or conduct business;
•
the operating and financial performance of our strategic acquisitions and investments, including those we do not control, and the impact of goodwill and other impairments with respect to businesses (including as a result of changes to the MSG Networks business);
•
our internal control environment and our ability to identify and remedy any future material weaknesses;
•
the costs associated with, and the outcome of, litigation and other proceedings to the extent uninsured, including litigation or other claims against companies we invest in or acquire;
•
the impact of governmental regulations or laws, changes in these regulations or laws or how those regulations and laws are interpreted, as well as our ability to maintain necessary permits, licenses and easements;
•
the impact of sports league rules, regulations and/or agreements and changes thereto;
•
financial community perceptions of our business, operations, financial condition and the industries in which we operate;
34
•
the ability of our investees and others to repay loans and advances we have extended to them;
•
the performance by our affiliated entities of their obligations under various agreements with us, as well as our performance of our obligations under such agreements and ongoing commercial arrangements;
•
the tax-free treatment of the distribution of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (“MSG Entertainment”) from the Company in 2023 and the distribution from Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (“MSG Sports”) in 2020; and
•
the additional factors described under “Risk Factors” included in Part II of this Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 (this “Form 10-Q”) and under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Report on Form 10-KT for the six-months ended December 31, 2024 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 3, 2025 (the “Form 10-KT”).
These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those described in “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and in the Form 10-KT. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this Form 10-Q may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.
You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We cannot guarantee that the future results, levels of activity, performance or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. Moreover, except as required by law, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this Form 10-Q to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.
Introduction
This MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) and accompanying notes thereto included in “— Item 1. Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q, as well as the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of and for the period ended December 31, 2024 (the “Audited Consolidated Financial Statements”) included in the Form 10-KT, to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. The Company conducts substantially all of its business activities presented in the financial statements through Sphere Entertainment Group, LLC (“Sphere Entertainment Group”) and MSG Networks Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “MSG Networks”), and each of their direct and indirect subsidiaries.
Business Overview
The Company is a leader in immersive entertainment, technology and media. The Company is comprised of two reportable segments, Sphere and MSG Networks. Sphere is a next-generation entertainment medium, and MSG Networks operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, as well as a direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) and authenticated streaming product.
Sphere
: This segment reflects Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium powered by cutting-edge technologies to create multi-sensory experiences at an unparalleled scale. The Company’s first Sphere opened in Las Vegas in September 2023, and the Company is working with DCT Abu Dhabi to bring the world’s second Sphere to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Sphere in Las Vegas can accommodate up to 20,000 guests and can host a wide variety of events year-round, including The Sphere Experience, which features original immersive productions, as well as concerts and residencies from renowned artists, and marquee sports and corporate events. Production efforts are supported by Sphere Studios, an immersive content studio dedicated to creating multi-sensory entertainment experiences exclusively for Sphere. Sphere Studios is home to a team of creative, production, technology and software experts who provide full in-house creative and production services. The studio campus in Burbank includes a 68,000-square-foot development facility, as well as Big Dome, a 28,000-square-foot, 100-foot high custom dome, with a quarter-sized version of the interior display plane at Sphere in Las Vegas, that serves as a specialized screening, production facility, and lab for content at Sphere. The entire exterior surface of Sphere, referred to as the Exosphere, is covered with nearly 580,000 square feet of fully programmable LED paneling, creating the largest LED screen in the world — and an impactful display for artists, brands and partners.
MSG Networks:
This segment is comprised of the Company’s regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as its DTC and authenticated streaming offering, MSG+ (which is included in the Gotham Sports streaming product). MSG Networks serves the New York designated market area, as well as other portions of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania and features a wide range of sports content, including exclusive live local games and other
35
programming of the New York Knicks (the “Knicks”) of the NBA and the New York Rangers (the “Rangers”), New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres of the NHL, as well as significant coverage of the New York Giants and the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League.
Our MD&A is organized as follows:
Results of Operations.
This section provides an analysis of our unaudited results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 on both a (i) consolidated basis and (ii) segment basis.
Liquidity and Capital Resources.
This section provides a discussion of our financial condition and liquidity, an analysis of our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, as well as certain contractual obligations and off-balance sheet arrangements.
Seasonality of Our Business.
This section discusses the seasonal performance of our business.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Policies.
This section discusses accounting pronouncements that have been adopted by the Company, recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted by the Company, as well as the results of the Company’s impairment testing of goodwill. This section should be read together with our critical accounting policies, which are discussed in the Form 10-KT under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Estimates” and in the notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included therein.
Factors Affecting Operating Results
The operating results of our Sphere segment are largely dependent on our ability to continue to attract (i) audiences to The Sphere Experience, (ii) advertisers and marketing partners, and (iii) guests to attend, and artists, entertainers and athletes, to perform at, residencies, concerts and other events at our venue. The operating results of our MSG Networks segment are largely dependent on (i) the terms of MSG Networks’ affiliation agreements with Distributors (including renewals thereof), (ii) the number of subscribers of MSG Networks’ Distributors, (iii) the terms of MSG Networks’ media rights agreements (including renewals thereof), (iv) the ability of MSG Networks to make its required debt service payments, including quarterly principal amortization payments pursuant to the terms of its term loan facility, (v) the success of MSG+, MSG Networks’ DTC and authenticated streaming offering (which is available through the Gotham Sports streaming product), and (vi) the advertising rates MSG Networks charges advertisers. Certain of these factors in turn depend on the popularity and/or performance of the professional sports teams whose games MSG Networks broadcasts on its networks.
Our Company’s future performance is dependent in part on general economic conditions and the effect of these conditions on our customers. Weak economic conditions may lead to lower tourism and lower demand for our entertainment offerings (including The Sphere Experience) and programming content, which would also negatively affect concession and merchandise sales, and could lead to lower levels of advertising, sponsorship and venue signage. Recent developments relating to tariffs have intensified concerns over the global macroeconomic environment, which has resulted in a rise in volatility across financial markets and concerns over the prospect of a U.S. recession. These conditions may also affect the number of immersive productions, concerts, residencies and other events that take place in the future. An economic downturn could adversely affect our business and results of operations. The Company continues to explore additional opportunities to expand our presence in the entertainment industry both domestically and internationally. Any new investment may not initially contribute to operating income, but is intended to contribute to the success of the Company over time. Our results will also be affected by investments in, and the success of, new immersive productions.
Recent Developments
MSG Networks Debt Restructuring
On April 24, 2025, the Company, MSG Networks and certain subsidiaries of MSG Networks entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (the “Transaction Support Agreement”) with the other parties thereto with respect to the restructuring of the debt of subsidiaries of MSG Networks, amendments to the media rights agreements between subsidiaries of MSG Networks, on the one hand, and New York Knicks, LLC and New York Rangers, LLC, each a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Sports, on the other hand, and certain other matters. On June 27, 2025, the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Support Agreement were consummated, as
36
further described below.
MSGN Term Loan Facility
MSGN Holdings, L.P. (“MSGN L.P.”), MSG Networks, MSGN Eden, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company and the general partner of MSGN L.P. (“MSGN Eden”), Regional MSGN Holdings LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company and the limited partner of MSGN L.P. (“Regional MSGN”), Rainbow Garden Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Networks (“Rainbow Garden Corp.” and, collectively with MSG Networks, MSGN Eden and Regional MSGN, the “MSGN Holdings Entities”), and certain subsidiaries of MSGN L.P. entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement (the “A&R MSGN Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (the “MSGN Lenders”). Pursuant to the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, MSGN L.P.’s prior credit facility was replaced with a $210,000 term loan facility (the “MSGN Term Loan Facility”), which matures on December 31, 2029. See Note 10. Credit Facilities and Convertible Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I — Item 1. of this Form 10-Q for a more detailed discussion of the MSGN Term Loan Facility.
Investor Agreement
The Company, the MSGN Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. entered into an investor agreement, pursuant to which, among other matters, (i) the Company made a capital contribution to MSG Networks in an amount equal to $15,000 and (ii) the parties thereto agreed that MSGN L.P. will be a part of the same affiliated group of which the Company is the common parent that files U.S. federal income tax returns on a consolidated basis.
Limited Partnership Agreement of MSGN L.P.
The Limited Partnership Agreement of MSGN L.P. was amended to provide for the issuance of contingent interest units (the “Contingent Interest Units”) to the MSGN Lenders. Beginning with the fiscal calendar year-end following the repayment in full of the MSGN Term Loan Facility, the Contingent Interest Units entitle the MSGN Lenders to receive annual payments in an amount equal to 50% of the difference between MSGN L.P.’s balance sheet cash (subject to certain exclusions) and certain minimum cash balances, specified with respect to the applicable measurement date, until the earlier of (i) December 31, 2029 and (ii) payment of $100,000 in the aggregate to the MSGN Lenders. The Contingent Interest Units are also entitled to receive 50% of the proceeds of a merger and/or acquisition event related to MSG Networks and its subsidiaries occurring prior to December 31, 2029, subject to an aggregate cap of $100,000 considered together with the annual payments of excess cash described in the previous sentence.
Amendments to Media Rights Agreements
The media rights agreements between subsidiaries of MSG Networks, on the one hand, and New York Knicks, LLC and New York Rangers, LLC, on the other hand, were amended to provide for (among other things):
•
Knicks:
•
a modification to the annual rights fee to effect a 28% reduction as of January 1, 2025;
•
an elimination of the annual rights fee escalator; and
•
a change to the contract expiration date to the end of the 2028-29 season, subject to a right of first refusal in favor of MSG Networks; and
•
Rangers:
◦
a modification to the annual rights fee to effect a reduction of 18% as of January 1, 2025;
•
an elimination of the annual rights fee escalator; and
•
a change to the contract expiration date to the end of the 2028-29 season, subject to a right of first refusal in favor of MSG Networks.
MSG Networks also entered into amendments with certain other professional sports teams that provide for, among other matters, reductions in the annual rights fees payable to such teams.
Warrants for Common Stock of MSG Networks
MSG Networks issued penny warrants to MSG Sports exercisable for 19.9% of the common stock of MSG Networks.
Sphere Abu Dhabi
On July 25, 2025, Sphere Entertainment Group and DCT Abu Dhabi finalized and entered into a Franchise Agreement, a Joint
37
Development and Partnership Agreement and a Pre-Opening Services Agreement relating to the construction, development and operation of Sphere Abu Dhabi.
Pursuant to the terms of the Franchise Agreement, Sphere Entertainment Group granted DCT Abu Dhabi the exclusive right to build and operate Sphere Abu Dhabi. Subject to the terms of the Franchise Agreement, DCT Abu Dhabi also has the exclusive right to build and operate additional Sphere venues in the geographic region spanning the Middle East and North Africa (the “Exclusive Region”) for a period of at least 10 years after the opening date of Sphere Abu Dhabi, on terms and conditions to be negotiated in good faith and mutually agreed by Sphere Entertainment Group and DCT Abu Dhabi.
Sphere Entertainment Group has also granted DCT Abu Dhabi licenses for the relevant technology, patents, trademarks, The Sphere Experience content and other ancillary content for the development and operation of Sphere Abu Dhabi. DCT Abu Dhabi’s use of Sphere Entertainment Group’s intellectual property is subject to customary guidelines, restrictions and approvals, as well as quality control procedures.
In consideration for the grants of the franchise rights and licenses described above, DCT Abu Dhabi has agreed to pay Sphere Entertainment Group a franchise initiation fee and royalties for the use of Sphere Entertainment Group’s intellectual property (including The Sphere Experience content and other creative content), in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Franchise Agreement. A portion of the franchise initiation fee was previously paid to Sphere Entertainment Group. The remainder of the franchise initiation fee will be paid in a series of installments in connection with the achievement of specified milestones prior to the opening date of Sphere Abu Dhabi. The royalties will be payable in quarterly installments from and after the opening date of Sphere Abu Dhabi. The intellectual property royalty will be an annual fee based on a specified percentage of Sphere Abu Dhabi’s total revenues (other than total ticket sales for The Sphere Experience content licensed to DCT Abu Dhabi by Sphere Entertainment Group) for that year, subject to a specified minimum annual payment. The Sphere Experience content royalty will be an annual fee based on a specified percentage of total ticket sales for The Sphere Experience content licensed to DCT Abu Dhabi by Sphere Entertainment Group for that year, subject to a specified minimum annual payment. The royalty for ancillary content will be based on an initial annual fee that is increased by a fixed percentage annually. The Franchise Agreement has an initial term of 25 years from the opening of Sphere Abu Dhabi, with up to two 10-year renewal terms at DCT Abu Dhabi’s option.
Pursuant to the terms of the Pre-Opening Services Agreement, Sphere Entertainment Group will also receive fees in connection with the provision of pre-construction and construction related services to DCT Abu Dhabi. In addition, prior to the opening of Sphere Abu Dhabi, Sphere Entertainment Group and DCT Abu Dhabi expect to enter into an Operational Services Agreement, pursuant to which Sphere Entertainment Group will provide to be agreed upon operational services to DCT Abu Dhabi following the opening of Sphere Abu Dhabi.
Other Matters
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the reconciliation bill commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (the “OBBBA”). OBBBA includes a broad range of tax reform provisions affecting businesses, including extending and modifying certain key Tax Cuts & Jobs Act provisions (both domestic and international), expanding certain Inflation Reduction Act incentives, and accelerating the phase-out of other incentives. The Company has analyzed the provisions of the Act and determined that the financial impact is not material to its interim or annual consolidated financial statements for the periods presented.
38
Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations
Comparison of the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 versus the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
The tables below set forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Change
2025
2024
Amount
Percentage
Revenues
$
262,511
$
227,913
$
34,598
15
%
Direct operating expenses
(136,984)
(139,696)
2,712
(2)
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(99,692)
(118,977)
19,285
(16)
%
Depreciation and amortization
(84,102)
(81,913)
(2,189)
3
%
Impairments and other losses, net
(65,457)
(4,033)
(61,424)
NM
Restructuring charges
(5,993)
(913)
(5,080)
NM
Operating loss
(129,717)
(117,619)
(12,098)
10
%
Interest income
2,737
7,039
(4,302)
(61)
%
Interest expense
(9,399)
(26,974)
17,575
(65)
%
Other expense, net
(328)
(695)
367
(53)
%
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
(136,707)
(138,249)
1,542
(1)
%
Income tax benefit
35,511
32,966
2,545
NM
Net loss
$
(101,196)
$
(105,283)
$
4,087
(4)
%
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Change
2025
2024
Amount
Percentage
Revenues
$
825,762
$
822,638
$
3,124
0
%
Direct operating expenses
(426,625)
(443,255)
16,630
(4)
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(326,984)
(349,166)
22,182
(6)
%
Depreciation and amortization
(252,238)
(244,117)
(8,121)
3
%
Impairments and other losses, net
(69,619)
(9,768)
(59,851)
NM
Restructuring charges
(8,781)
(5,721)
(3,060)
53
%
Operating loss
(258,485)
(229,389)
(29,096)
13
%
Gain on extinguishment of debt
346,092
—
346,092
NM
Interest income
10,699
22,422
(11,723)
(52)
%
Interest expense
(61,467)
(81,014)
19,547
(24)
%
Other expense, net
(2,068)
(6,564)
4,496
(68)
%
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
34,771
(294,545)
329,316
(112)
%
Income tax (expense) benefit
(66,105)
70,805
(136,910)
NM
Loss from continuing operations
(31,334)
(223,740)
192,406
(86)
%
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes
—
24,631
(24,631)
NM
Net loss
$
(31,334)
$
(199,109)
$
167,775
(84)
%
_________________
NM — Absolute percentages greater than 200% and comparisons from positive to negative values or to zero values are considered not meaningful.
39
The following is a summary of changes in our segments’ operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, which are discussed below under “—Business Segment Results.”
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2025
Changes attributable to
Revenues
Direct operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Impairments and other losses, net
Restructuring charges
Operating income (loss)
Sphere segment
$
47,018
$
(16,284)
$
12,253
$
(2,158)
$
3,976
$
(4,158)
$
40,647
MSG Networks segment
(12,420)
18,996
7,032
(31)
(65,400)
(922)
(52,745)
$
34,598
$
2,712
$
19,285
$
(2,189)
$
(61,424)
$
(5,080)
$
(12,098)
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2025
Changes attributable to
Revenues
Direct operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Impairments and other losses, net
Restructuring charges
Operating income (loss)
Sphere segment
$
58,569
$
(33,007)
$
30,545
$
(8,043)
$
5,549
$
(2,148)
$
51,465
MSG Networks segment
(55,445)
49,637
(8,363)
(78)
(65,400)
(912)
(80,561)
$
3,124
$
16,630
$
22,182
$
(8,121)
$
(59,851)
$
(3,060)
$
(29,096)
Depreciation and amortization
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, depreciation and amortization increased $2,189 and $8,121, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods due to the increase in total property and equipment, gross in 2025 as compared to 2024.
Impairments and other losses, net
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company recognized impairments and other losses, net of $65,457 and $69,619, respectively. The current year charges primarily relate to a $65,400 goodwill impairment charge for the MSG Networks reporting unit. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recognized a charge relating to fixed assets at Sphere Las Vegas that were removed from the venue and were impaired.
Restructuring charges
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $5,993 and $8,781, respectively, as compared to restructuring charges of $913 and $5,721 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, related to termination benefits provided for certain executives and employees.
Gain on Debt Extinguishment
For
the
nine
months ended September 30, 2025, the Company recorded a gain on extinguishment of debt of
$346,092
, reflecting the net impact of the restructuring of the Prior MSGN Credit Facilities (as defined below). Refer to Note
10.
Credit Facilities and Convertible Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in “
—
Item 1. Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q for additional information.
Interest income
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, interest income decreased $4,302 and $11,723, respectively, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to lower average cash and cash equivalent balances.
Interest expense
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, interest expense decreased $17,575 and $19,547, respectively, as compared to the prior year period primarily due to (i) a reduction in the average outstanding principal balance of the MSGN Term Loan Facility as compared to the prior year period, (ii) the application of troubled debt restructuring for interest recognition for the MSGN Term Loan Facility and (iii) a reduction in commitment charges resulting from the termination of the revolving credit facility under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement (as defined below) on October 11, 2024.
40
Other expense, net
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, other expense, net decreased $367 and $4,496, respectively, compared to the prior year period, primarily due to smaller losses on equity method investments and foreign exchange.
Income tax expense
In general, the Company is required to use an estimated annual effective tax rate to measure the tax benefit or expense recognized in an interim period. The estimated annual effective tax rate is revised on a quarterly basis.
For U.S. income tax purposes, the Company is required to recognize cancellation of debt income (“CODI”) on the difference between the face value of debt exchanged and the fair market value of new debt issued. On June 27, 2025, in connection with the execution of the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement (as defined below), the Company recognized CODI of approximately $614 million, all of which was excluded from taxable income under the insolvency provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 108.
Income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2025 of $35,511, reflects an effective tax rate of 26%. The effective tax rate is higher than the statutory federal tax rate of 21%, primarily due to income tax benefit related to state and local taxes.
Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 of $66,105, reflects an effective tax rate of 190%. The effective tax rate is higher than the statutory federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to discrete income tax expense related to the impact of CODI, partially offset by discrete income tax benefit from the reversal of the U.S. GAAP gain on extinguishment of debt and income tax benefits due to a decrease in the valuation allowance and state and local taxes.
Income tax benefit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 of $32,966 and $70,805, respectively, reflects an effective tax rate of 24% for both periods. The effective tax rate exceeds the statutory federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to income tax benefit related to state and local taxes, partially offset by income tax expense from nondeductible officer’s compensation.
Adjusted operating income
The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to adjusted operating income (loss) (as defined in Note 15. Segment Information to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in “— Item 1. Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 as compared to the prior year period:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Change
2025
2024
Amount
Percentage
Operating loss
$
(129,717)
$
(117,619)
$
(12,098)
10
%
Share-based compensation
8,533
15,567
(7,034)
(45)
%
Depreciation and amortization
84,102
81,913
2,189
3
%
Restructuring charges
5,993
913
5,080
NM
Impairments and other losses, net
65,457
4,033
61,424
NM
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries
257
4,820
(4,563)
(95)
%
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs
1,579
22
1,557
NM
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities
160
157
3
2
%
Adjusted operating income (loss)
$
36,364
$
(10,194)
$
46,558
NM
41
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Change
2025
2024
Amount
Percentage
Operating loss
$
(258,485)
$
(229,389)
$
(29,096)
13
%
Share-based compensation
48,978
45,612
3,366
7
%
Depreciation and amortization
252,238
244,117
8,121
3
%
Restructuring charges
8,781
5,721
3,060
53
%
Impairments and other losses, net
69,619
9,768
59,851
NM
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries
7,530
765
6,765
NM
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs
4,737
65
4,672
NM
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities
400
325
75
23
%
Adjusted operating income
$
133,798
$
76,984
$
56,814
74
%
________________
NM — Absolute percentages greater than 200% and comparisons from positive to negative values or to zero values are considered not meaningful.
Adjusted operating income (loss) for the three months ended
September 30, 2025 increased $46,558 as compared to the prior year period to $36,364. Adjusted operating income (loss) for the nine months ended
September 30, 2025 increased $56,814 as compared to the prior year period to $133,798. The changes in adjusted operating income were attributable to the following:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
Changes attributable to
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
Sphere segment
$
43,363
$
74,023
MSG Networks segment
3,195
(17,209)
$
46,558
$
56,814
For a discussion of these variances, see “—Business Segment Results” below.
42
Business Segment Results
Sphere
The tables below set forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and a reconciliation of operating loss to adjusted operating income (loss) for the Company’s Sphere segment.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Change
2025
2024
Amount
Percentage
Revenues
$
174,090
$
127,072
$
47,018
37
%
Direct operating expenses
(78,733)
(62,449)
(16,284)
26
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(92,697)
(104,950)
12,253
(12)
%
Depreciation and amortization
(81,996)
(79,838)
(2,158)
3
%
Impairments and other losses, net
(57)
(4,033)
3,976
(99)
%
Restructuring charges
(5,041)
(883)
(4,158)
NM
Operating loss
$
(84,434)
$
(125,081)
$
40,647
(32)
%
Reconciliation to adjusted operating income (loss):
Share-based compensation
12,409
13,180
(771)
(6)
%
Depreciation and amortization
81,996
79,838
2,158
3
%
Restructuring charges
5,041
883
4,158
NM
Impairments and other losses, net
57
4,033
(3,976)
(99)
%
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries
257
692
(435)
(63)
%
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs
1,579
—
1,579
NM
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities
160
157
3
2
%
Adjusted operating income (loss)
$
17,065
$
(26,298)
$
43,363
NM
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Change
2025
2024
Amount
Percentage
Revenues
$
507,222
$
448,653
$
58,569
13
%
Direct operating expenses
(225,620)
(192,613)
(33,007)
17
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(285,490)
(316,035)
30,545
(10)
%
Depreciation and amortization
(245,708)
(237,665)
(8,043)
3
%
Impairments and other losses, net
(4,219)
(9,768)
5,549
(57)
%
Restructuring charges
(7,829)
(5,681)
(2,148)
38
%
Operating loss
$
(261,644)
$
(313,109)
$
51,465
(16)
%
Reconciliation to adjusted operating income (loss):
Share-based compensation
50,316
38,790
11,526
30
%
Depreciation and amortization
245,708
237,665
8,043
3
%
Restructuring charges
7,829
5,681
2,148
38
%
Impairments and other losses, net
4,219
9,768
(5,549)
(57)
%
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries
3,596
2,018
1,578
78
%
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs
4,737
—
4,737
NM
Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities
400
325
75
23
%
Adjusted operating income (loss)
$
55,161
$
(18,862)
$
74,023
NM
________________
NM — Absolute percentages greater than 200% and comparisons from positive to negative values or to zero values are considered not meaningful.
43
Revenues
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, revenues increased $47,018 and $58,569, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. The changes in revenues were attributable to the following:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
Increase (decrease) in revenues for The Sphere Experience
$
28,345
$
(4,555)
Increase in event-related revenues
15,024
67,335
Increase (decrease) in revenues from sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising and suite license fee revenues
2,668
(13,568)
Other net increases
981
9,357
$
47,018
$
58,569
For the three months ended September 30, 2025, the increase in revenues for The Sphere Experience primarily reflects higher average per-show revenue due to the impact of
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere
, which debuted on August 28, 2025. In the current year period, The Sphere Experience included 130 performances of
Postcard From Earth,
8 performances of
V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film,
and 82 performances of
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere
(with combined average per-show revenue of approximately $454), as compared to 192 performances of
Postcard from Earth
and 15 performances of
V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film
(with combined average per-show revenue of approximately $345) in the prior year period.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the decrease in revenues for The Sphere Experience reflects a decrease in the number of overall performances, partially offset by higher average per-show revenue as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the impact of
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere
, which debuted on August 28, 2025. In the current year period, The Sphere Experience included 494 performances of
Postcard From Earth,
59 performances of
V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film,
and 82 performances of
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere
(with combined average revenues per performance of approximately $381), as compared to 657 performances of
Postcard from Earth
and 15 performances of
V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film
(with average revenues per performance of approximately $367) in the prior year period.
For the three months ended September 30, 2025, the increase in event-related revenues reflects (i) higher revenues from concerts, primarily due to 16 additional concert residency shows held at Sphere in Las Vegas during the period, partially offset by lower average per-concert revenue due to the mix of concerts as compared to the prior year period, and (ii) a decrease in revenues due to the absence of one marquee sporting event and one corporate event held during the three months ended September 30, 2024.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the increase in event-related revenues reflects (i) higher revenues from concerts, primarily due to 35 additional concert residency shows held at Sphere in Las Vegas during the period, partially offset by lower average per-concert revenue due to the mix of concerts as compared to the prior year period, and (ii) higher revenues from corporate events held at Sphere in Las Vegas, primarily driven by an increase in the number of events as compared to the prior year period. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in revenues due to the absence of two marquee sporting events held during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
For the three months ended September 30, 2025, the increase in revenues from sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising and suite license fees reflects higher Exosphere advertising and sponsorship revenues (due to increased sales of existing sponsorship inventory) and, to a lesser extent, higher suite license fee revenues.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the decrease in revenues from sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising and suite license fees reflects lower Exosphere advertising revenues, partially offset by higher sponsorship revenues due to increased sales of existing sponsorship inventory and higher suite license fee revenues. Exosphere advertising revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 included revenues from advertising campaigns around the Super Bowl, which was held in Las Vegas in the prior year period.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the increase in other revenues primarily reflects the impact of revenues related to bringing the world’s second Sphere to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, partially offset by other revenue decreases.
Direct operating expenses
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, direct operating expenses increased by $16,284 and $33,007, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. The changes in direct operating expenses were attributable to the following:
44
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
Increase in direct operating expenses for The Sphere Experience
$
10,140
$
7,315
Increase in event-related direct operating expenses
3,942
17,537
Increase in venue operating expenses
2,096
4,736
Increase (decrease) in expenses from sponsorship, signage, Exosphere advertising, and suite license fees
308
(1,245)
(Decrease) increase in Holoplot expenses
(213)
3,168
Other net increases
11
1,496
$
16,284
$
33,007
For the three months ended
September 30, 2025
, the increase in direct operating expenses for The Sphere Experience
was primarily due to higher average per-show expenses, primarily due to the impact of
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere
, which debuted on August 28, 2025 (combined average direct operating expenses of $158 per show in the current year period compared to $119 per show in the prior year period).
For the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2025
, the increase in direct operating expenses for The Sphere Experience
was due to higher average per-show expenses, primarily due to the impact of
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere
, which debuted on August 28, 2025 (combined average direct operating expenses of $132 per show in the current year period as compared to $114 per show in the prior year period), partially offset by a decrease in total performances held in the current year period as compared to the prior year period.
For the three months ended September 30, 2025, the increase in event-related direct operating expenses reflects higher expenses from concerts, primarily due to an increase in the number of concert residency shows held at Sphere in Las Vegas as compared to the prior year period, partially offset by lower average per-concert expenses. The increase was also partially offset by a decrease in expenses due to the absence of one marquee sporting event held during the three months ended September 30, 2024.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the increase in event-related direct operating expenses reflects (i) higher expenses from concerts, primarily due to an increase in the number of concert residency shows held at Sphere in Las Vegas as compared to the prior year period, partially offset by lower average per-concert expenses, and (ii) higher expenses from corporate events held at Sphere in Las Vegas, primarily driven by higher average per-event expenses and an increase in the number of events as compared to the prior year period. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in expenses due to the absence of two marquee events held during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the increase in venue operating expenses was related to an increase in repairs and maintenance expenses and other net cost increases.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the increase in direct operating expenses from Holoplot reflects the impact of consolidating Holoplot following its acquisition by the Company in April 2024.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
For the three months ended September 30, 2025, selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $12,253 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to lower employee compensation and related benefits of $12,435, partially offset by other cost increases.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased $30,545 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to lower employee compensation and related benefits of $25,592 and lower professional fees of $15,052, partially offset by other cost increases.
Impairments and other losses, net
During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company recognized a loss resulting from the sale of its land in Stratford, London. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recognized a charge relating to fixed assets at Sphere Las Vegas that were removed from the venue and were impaired.
Depreciation and amortization
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, depreciation and amortization increased $2,158 and $8,043, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods primarily due to the increase in total property and equipment, gross.
45
Restructuring charges
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company recognized restructuring charges of $5,041 and $7,829, respectively, as compared to restructuring charges of $883 and $5,681 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, related to termination benefits provided for certain executives and employees.
Operating loss
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, operating loss improved $40,647 and $51,465, respectively, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to an increase in revenue and a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in direct operating expenses.
Adjusted operating income
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, adjusted operating income improved $43,363 and $74,023, respectively, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to an increase in revenue and a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in direct operating expenses.
46
MSG Networks
The tables below set forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and a reconciliation of operating (loss) income to adjusted operating income for the Company’s MSG Networks segment.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Change
2025
2024
Amount
Percentage
Revenues
$
88,421
$
100,841
$
(12,420)
(12)
%
Direct operating expenses
(58,251)
(77,247)
18,996
(25)
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(6,995)
(14,027)
7,032
(50)
%
Depreciation and amortization
(2,106)
(2,075)
(31)
1
%
Impairments and other losses, net
(65,400)
—
(65,400)
NM
Restructuring charges
(952)
(30)
(922)
NM
Operating (loss) income
$
(45,283)
$
7,462
$
(52,745)
NM
Reconciliation to adjusted operating income:
Share-based compensation
(3,876)
2,387
(6,263)
NM
Depreciation and amortization
2,106
2,075
31
1
%
Restructuring charges
952
30
922
NM
Impairments and other losses, net
65,400
—
65,400
NM
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries
—
4,128
(4,128)
NM
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs
—
22
(22)
NM
Adjusted operating income
$
19,299
$
16,104
$
3,195
20
%
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Change
2025
2024
Amount
Percentage
Revenues
$
318,540
$
373,985
$
(55,445)
(15)
%
Direct operating expenses
(201,005)
(250,642)
49,637
(20)
%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
(41,494)
(33,131)
(8,363)
25
%
Depreciation and amortization
(6,530)
(6,452)
(78)
1
%
Impairments and other losses, net
(65,400)
—
(65,400)
NM
Restructuring charges
(952)
(40)
(912)
NM
Operating income
$
3,159
$
83,720
$
(80,561)
(96)
%
Reconciliation to adjusted operating income:
Share-based compensation
(1,338)
6,822
(8,160)
(120)
%
Depreciation and amortization
6,530
6,452
78
1
%
Restructuring charges
952
40
912
NM
Impairments and other losses, net
65,400
—
65,400
NM
Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries
3,934
(1,253)
5,187
NM
Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs
—
65
(65)
NM
Adjusted operating income
$
78,637
$
95,846
$
(17,209)
(18)
%
________________
NM — Absolute percentages greater than 200% and comparisons from positive to negative values or to zero values are considered not meaningful.
47
Revenues
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, revenues decreased $12,420 and $55,445, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. The changes in revenues were attributable to the following:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
Decrease in distribution revenue
$
(12,658)
$
(53,945)
Increase (decrease) in advertising revenue
250
(1,451)
Other net decreases
(12)
(49)
$
(12,420)
$
(55,445)
In June 2023, MSG Networks introduced MSG+, a DTC and authenticated streaming product, which allows subscribers to access MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet as well as on demand content across various devices. As of October 2024, MSG+ is included in the Gotham Sports streaming product launched as part of MSG Networks’ joint venture with YES Network. MSG+ is available on a free, authenticated basis to subscribers of participating Distributors (including all of MSG Networks’ major Distributors), as well as for purchase by viewers on a DTC basis through monthly and annual subscriptions, as well as single game purchases. As a result, (i) distribution revenue as presented above includes both affiliation fee revenue earned from Distributors for the right to carry the Company’s networks as well as revenue earned from subscriptions and single game purchases on MSG+; (ii) advertising revenue as presented above includes the impact of MSG+ advertising revenue; and (iii) total subscribers as discussed below includes both subscribers of Distributors as well as monthly and annual subscribers of MSG+.
On December 31, 2024, MSG Networks’ affiliation agreement with Altice expired, subsequent to which the Company’s programming networks were not carried by Altice from January 1, 2025 through February 21, 2025. On February 22, 2025, MSG Networks reached a multi-year renewal of the affiliation agreement and Altice resumed carriage of the Company’s programming networks. Furthermore, MSG Networks has experienced significant ongoing subscriber declines and is expected to continue to experience significant subscriber declines in the future, which is expected to negatively impact MSG Networks’ revenue, operating income and AOI in future periods.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, distribution revenue decreased $12,658 and $53,945, respectively, primarily due to a decrease in total subscribers of approxi
mately 13.5% and 12.5%, respectively, (excluding the impact of the Altice non-carriage period in the
nine months ended September 30, 2025
). In addition, results for the
nine months ended September 30, 2025
reflect
the absence of revenues from Altice during the non-carriage period.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, advertising revenue decreased $1,451 primarily due to a lower number of live regular season and postseason professional sports telecasts, partially offset by higher average per-game advertising sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.
Direct operating expenses
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 direct operating expenses decreased by $18,996 and $49,637, respectively, as compared to the prior year period. The changes in direct operating expenses were attributable to the following:
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
Decrease in rights fees expense
$
(17,587)
$
(45,720)
Decrease in other programming and production content costs
(1,409)
(3,917)
$
(18,996)
$
(49,637)
On June 27, 2025, MSG Networks completed the restructuring of its credit facilities and amended certain of its media rights agreements to, among other things, effect a reduction in the annual media rights fees payable under such agreements as of January 1, 2025, discussed in further detail in Note 10. Credit Facilities and Convertible Notes and Note 14. Related Party Transactions to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I — Item 1. of this Form 10-Q. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, rights fees expense decreased by $17,587 and $45,720, respectively, primarily reflecting reductions in media rights fees for certain professional sports teams as a result of such amendments, including any retroactive adjustments for the 2024-25 NBA and NHL seasons recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 (there were no such adjustments during the three months ended September 30, 2025 or in the prior year periods).
48
Selling, general and administrative expenses
For the three months ended September 30, 2025, selling, general and administrative expenses
decreased
$7,032 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to (i) lower employee compensation and related benefits of $7,543, (ii) lower professional fees of $3,956, mainly due to the absence of costs associated with pursuing a work-out of the Prior MSGN Credit Facilities with its syndicate of lenders recorded in the prior year period, partially offset by (iii) higher advertising and marketing costs of $4,247.
For the
nine months
ended September 30, 2025, selling, general and administrative expenses
increased
$8,363, primarily due to (i) higher professional fees of $6,064, mainly reflecting the impact of costs associated with pursuing a work-out of the Prior MSGN Credit Facilities with its syndicate of lenders in the current year period and the absence of litigation-related insurance recoveries recognized as an offset to professional fees in the prior year period, and (ii) higher advertising and marketing costs of $13,106, partially offset by (iii) lower employee compensation and related benefits of $9,812 and (iv) other cost decreases.
Impairments and other losses, net
In connection with the performance of the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test as of August 31, 2025, the Company recognized impairments and other losses, net of $65,400, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, related to the goodwill of the MSG Networks reporting unit, due to projected declines in the reporting unit’s business. See “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Estimates—Impairment of Goodwill” below.
Operating (loss) income
For the three months ended September 30, 2025, operating income decreased by $52,745 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the increase in impairments and other losses, net, and, to a lesser extent, the decrease in revenues, partially offset by a decrease in direct operating expenses and lower selling, general and administrative expenses.
For the
nine
months ended September 30, 2025, operating income
decreased
by $80,561 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the increase in impairments and other losses, net, and, to a lesser extent, the decrease in revenues and higher selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by a decrease in direct operating expenses.
Adjusted operating income
For the three months ended September 30, 2025, adjusted operating income increased by $3,195 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the decrease in direct operating expenses, partially offset by the decrease in revenues and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding share-based compensation and merger, debt work-out and acquisition related costs, net of insurance recoveries).
For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, adjusted operating income decreased by $17,209 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the decrease in revenues and, to a lesser extent, higher selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by lower direct operating expenses.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Liquidity
The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from the operations of our businesses. The Company’s uses of cash over the next 12 months beyond the issuance date of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I
—
Item 1. of this Form 10-Q (the “issuance date”) and thereafter are expected to be substantial and include working capital-related items (including funding its operations and satisfying its accounts payable and accrued liabilities), capital spending (including the creation of additional original content for Sphere), required debt service payments (including principal amortization payments and excess cash flow payments pursuant to the MSGN Term Loan Facility), and investments and related loans and advances that the Company may fund from time to time. The Company may also use cash to repurchase its common stock. The Company’s decisions as to the use of its available liquidity will be based upon the ongoing review of the funding needs of its businesses, the optimal allocation of cash resources, and the timing of cash flow generation. To the extent that the Company desires to access alternative sources of funding through the capital and credit markets, market conditions could adversely impact its ability to do so at that time.
As of September 30, 2025, the Company’s unrestricted cash and cash equivalents balance was $384,835, as compared to $355,661 as of June 30, 2025. Cash usage in the current period primarily included principal payments of $115,000 and stock repurchases of Class A Common Stock (as defined below) of $50,040. Included in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2025 was (1) $266,799 in advance cash proceeds primarily from ticket sales, a portion of which the Company expects to pay to artists and promoters, and (2) $56,206 of cash and cash equivalents at MSG Networks, which were not available for distribution to the Company
49
pursuant to the terms of the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement. In October 2025, MSGN L.P. made a $31,063 mandatory cash sweep payment based on excess cash as of September 30, 2025. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had $30,787 of Accounts payable and $385,563 of Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, including $132,372 of capital expenditure accruals primarily related to Sphere construction (a significant portion of which is in dispute). The balance of the Company’s total debt outstanding as of September 30, 2025 was $874,857. We believe we have sufficient liquidity from cash and cash equivalents, and cash flows from operations, to fund our operations and service debt payments under our credit facilities for the foreseeable future.
The Company’s ability to have sufficient liquidity to fund its operations and refinance its indebtedness is dependent on the ability of Sphere to generate significant positive cash flow. Although Sphere has been embraced by guests, artists, promoters, advertisers and marketing partners, and the Company anticipates that Sphere will generate substantial revenue and adjusted operating income on an annual basis over time, there can be no assurance that guests, artists, promoters, advertisers and marketing partners will continue to embrace this platform. Original immersive productions, such as
Postcard From Earth, V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film
,
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere
and
From The Edge,
have not been previously pursued on the scale of Sphere, which increases the uncertainty of the Company’s operating expectations. To the extent that the Company’s efforts do not result in viable shows, or to the extent that any such productions do not achieve expected levels of popularity among audiences, the Company may not generate the cash flows from operations necessary to fund its operations. To the extent the Company does not realize expected cash flows from operations from Sphere, it would have to take several actions to improve its financial flexibility and preserve liquidity, including significant reductions in both labor and non-labor expenses as well as reductions and/or deferrals in capital spending. Therefore, while the Company currently believes
it will have sufficient liquidity from cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations (including expected cash flows from operations from Sphere) to fund its operations, no assurance can be provided that its liquidity will be sufficient in the event any of the preceding uncertainties facing Sphere are realized over the next 12 months beyond the issuance date. See “Part II
—
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
—
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness, Financial Condition, and Internal Control
—
We Have Substantial Indebtedness and Are Highly Leveraged, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Business.”
For additional information regarding the Company’s capital expenditures, including those related to Sphere in Las Vegas, see the Company’s statements of cash flows included in the condensed consolidated financial statements in Part I — Item 1. of this Form 10-Q.
On March 31, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to repurchase up to $350,000 of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A Common Stock”). The program was re-authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors on March 29, 2023. Under the authorization, shares of Class A Common Stock may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, 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 the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 1,054 shares of Class A Common Stock for approximately $50,040 inclusive of $40 in excise taxes. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had approximately $300,000 remaining available for repurchases of Class A Common Stock.
50
Sphere
The Company opened Sphere in Las Vegas in September 2023. See “Part I — Item 1. Our Business — Sphere” in the Form 10-KT. The venue has a number of revenue streams, including The Sphere Experience (which includes original immersive productions), advertising and marketing partnerships, and concert residencies, corporate and marquee sporting events, each of which the Company expects to become significant over time. As a result, we anticipate that Sphere in Las Vegas will generate substantial revenue and adjusted operating income on an annual basis over time.
On October 15, 2024, the Company and DCT Abu Dhabi announced that they would work together to bring the world’s second Sphere venue to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. On July 25, 2025, Sphere Entertainment Group and DCT Abu Dhabi finalized and entered into a Franchise Agreement, a Joint Development and Partnership Agreement and a Pre-Opening Services Agreement relating to the construction, development and operation of Sphere Abu Dhabi. Under the terms of the Franchise Agreement, DCT Abu Dhabi has agreed to pay Sphere Entertainment Group a franchise initiation fee (a portion of which has been received) and royalties in connection with DCT Abu Dhabi’s use of Sphere Entertainment Group’s intellectual property (including The Sphere Experience content and other creative content). Pursuant to the terms of the Pre-Opening Services Agreement, Sphere Entertainment Group will be providing pre-construction and construction related services to DCT Abu Dhabi, with construction being funded by DCT Abu Dhabi. Following the venue’s opening, the Company will receive annual royalty fees for creative and artistic content licensed by Sphere Entertainment Group, such as The Sphere Experience content, and use of Sphere’s intellectual property and other ancillary content. In addition, prior to the opening of Sphere Abu Dhabi, Sphere Entertainment Group and DCT Abu Dhabi expect to enter into an Operational Services Agreement, pursuant to which Sphere Entertainment Group will provide to be agreed upon operational services to DCT Abu Dhabi following the opening of Sphere Abu Dhabi.
We will continue to explore additional domestic and international markets where we believe Sphere venues can be successful. The Company’s intention for any future venues is to utilize several options, such as joint ventures, equity partners, a managed venue model and non-recourse debt financing.
Financing Agreements
See Note 10. Credit Facilities and Convertible Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I
—
Item 1. of this Form 10-Q for discussions of the Company’s debt obligations and various financing arrangements.
MSGN Term Loan Facility
General.
MSGN L.P., MSGN Eden, Regional MSGN, and certain subsidiaries of MSGN L.P. had senior secured credit facilities pursuant to a credit agreement (as amended and restated on October 11, 2019, and as further amended from time to time prior to June 27, 2025, the “Prior MSGN Credit Agreement”) providing for (i) an initial
$1,100,000 term l
oan facility and (
ii) a $250,000
revolving credit facility (the “Prior MSGN Credit Facilities”). The outstanding principal amount under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement of $829,125 matured without repayment on October 11, 2024, and an event of default occurred pursuant to the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement due to MSGN L.P.’s failure to make payment on the outstanding principal amount on the maturity date.
After a series of forbearances from the lenders under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement, on June 27, 2025, MSG Networks, MSGN L.P., MSGN Eden, Regional MSGN, Rainbow Garden Corp. and certain subsidiaries of MSGN L.P. entered into the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the MSGN Lenders. The A&R MSGN Credit Agreement amended and restated the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement in its entirety.
Pursuant to the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, the Prior MSGN Credit Facilities were replaced with the MSGN Term Loan Facility, which has a principal amount of $210,000 and matures on December 31, 2029. The outstanding balance under the MSGN Term Loan Facility was $200,000 as of September 30, 2025 (the carrying amount of the debt under the trouble debt restructuring guidance is $348,803). In October 2025, MSGN L.P. made a $31,063 mandatory cash sweep payment based on excess cash as of September 30, 2025.
In connection with the execution of the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, the Company, the MSGN Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P. entered into an investor agreement, pursuant to which, among other matters, (i) the Company made a capital contribution to MSG Networks in an amount equal to $15,000; and (ii) the parties agreed that MSGN L.P. will be a part of the same affiliated group of which the Company is the common parent that files U.S. federal income tax returns on a consolidated basis. On June 27, 2025, MSGN L.P. made a cash payment of $80,000 (including the $15,000 capital contribution from the Company to MSG Networks) to the MSGN Lenders.
51
Interest Rates.
Borrowings under the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum, which at the option of MSGN L.P., may be equal to either (i) adjusted Term SOFR (i.e., Term SOFR as defined in the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, plus 0.10%) plus 5.00% or (ii) Alternate Base rate, as defined in the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, plus 4.00%. Upon a payment default in respect of principal, interest or other amounts due and payable under the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement or related loan documents, default interest will accrue on all overdue amounts at an additional rate of 2.00% per annum. The interest rate on the MSGN Term Loan Facility as of September 30, 2025 was 9.27%.
Covenants.
The A&R MSGN Credit Agreement and the related security agreement contain certain customary representations and warranties, and certain affirmative covenants and events of default. The A&R MSGN Credit Agreement contains significant restrictions (and in some cases prohibitions) on the ability of MSGN L.P. and the MSGN Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined below) to take certain actions as provided in (and subject to various exceptions and baskets set forth in) the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, including without limitation the following: (i) incurring additional indebtedness and contingent liabilities; (ii) creating or granting liens on certain assets; (iii) making investments, loans or advances in or to other persons; (iv) paying dividends and distributions or repurchasing capital stock; (v) changing its lines of business; (vi) engaging in certain transactions with affiliates; (vii) amending specified agreements; (viii) with respect to restricted subsidiaries, issuing shares of stock such that MSGN L.P.’s ownership of any such restricted subsidiary is reduced; (ix) merging, dissolving, liquidating, consolidating, or disposing of all or substantially all of its assets; (x) making certain dispositions; (xi) making certain changes to its accounting practices; (xii) entering into agreements that restrict the granting of liens; (xiii) requesting any borrowing the proceeds of which are used in violation of anti-corruption laws or sanctions; (xiv) engaging in a liability management transaction; and (xv) limiting certain operating expenses incurred by MSGN L.P. and the MSGN Guarantors (as defined below). The MSGN Holdings Entities are subject to the restrictions described in the foregoing clauses (iv) and (xv), as well as customary passive holding company covenants.
Principal Repayments
. Subject to customary notice and minimum amount conditions, MSGN L.P. may voluntarily prepay outstanding loans under the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (except for customary breakage costs with respect to Term Benchmark (as defined in the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement) loans). The MSGN Term Loan Facility has a fixed amortization of $10,000 per quarter commencing on September 30, 2025. On September 30, 2025, MSGN L.P. made a fixed amortization payment of $10,000. MSGN L.P. is required to make mandatory prepayments pursuant to a mandatory cash sweep, determined at the end of each fiscal quarter, that requires 100% of MSGN L.P.’s and the MSGN Subsidiary Guarantors’ excess balance sheet cash over certain thresholds (subject to certain exclusions) to be used to repay the principal amount outstanding. In October 2025, MSGN L.P. made a $31,063 mandatory cash sweep payment based on excess cash as of September 30, 2025. MSGN L.P. is further required to make mandatory prepayments in certain circumstances, including from the net cash proceeds of certain dispositions of assets or casualty insurance and/or condemnation awards (subject to a threshold below which payments are not required, as well as certain reinvestment, repair and replacement rights) and upon the incurrence of indebtedness (subject to certain exceptions).
In connection with the execution of the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, the Limited Partnership Agreement of MSGN L.P. was amended to provide for the issuance of the Contingent Interest Units to the MSGN Lenders. Beginning with the fiscal calendar year-end following the repayment in full of the MSGN Term Loan Facility, the Contingent Interest Units entitle the MSGN Lenders to receive annual payments in an amount equal to 50% of the difference between MSGN L.P.’s balance sheet cash (subject to certain exclusions) and certain minimum cash balances, specified with respect to the applicable measurement date, until the earlier of (i) December 31, 2029 and (ii) payment of $100,000 in the aggregate to the MSGN Lenders. The Contingent Interest Units are also entitled to receive 50% of the proceeds of a merger and/or acquisition event related to MSG Networks and its subsidiaries occurring prior to December 31, 2029, subject to an aggregate cap of $100,000 considered together with the annual payments of excess cash described in the previous sentence.
Guarantors and Collateral.
All obligations under the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the MSGN Holdings Entities and MSGN L.P.’s direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that are not designated as unrestricted subsidiaries (the “MSGN Subsidiary Guarantors” and, together with the MSGN Holdings Entities, the “MSGN Guarantors”). All obligations under the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by certain of the assets of MSGN L.P. and each MSGN Guarantor (collectively, “MSGN Collateral”), including, but not limited to, a pledge of the equity interests in MSGN L.P. held directly by the MSGN Holdings Entities and the equity interests in each MSGN Subsidiary Guarantor held directly or indirectly by MSGN L.P. The Company, Sphere Entertainment Group and the subsidiaries of Sphere Entertainment Group (collectively, the “Non-Credit Parties”) are not legally obligated to repay the outstanding borrowings under the MSGN Term Loan Facility, nor are the assets of the Non-Credit Parties pledged as security under the MSGN Term Loan Facility.
LV Sphere Term Loan Facility
52
General.
On December 22, 2022, MSG Las Vegas, LLC (“MSG LV”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a credit agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto, providing for a five-year, $275,000 senior secured term loan facility (as amended, the “LV Sphere Term Loan Facility”).
Interest Rates
. Borrowings under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility bear interest at a floating rate, which at the option of MSG LV may be either (i) a base rate plus a margin of 3.375% per annum or (ii) adjusted Term SOFR (i.e., Term SOFR plus 0.10%) plus a margin of 4.375% per annum. The interest rate on the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility
as of
September 30, 2025
wa
s 8.63%.
Principal Repayments
. The LV Sphere Term Loan Facility will mature on December 22, 2027. The principal obligations under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility are due at the maturity of the facility, with no amortization payments prior to maturity. Under certain circumstances, MSG LV is required to make mandatory prepayments on the loan, including prepayments in an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of casualty insurance and/or condemnation recoveries (subject to certain reinvestment, repair or replacement rights), subject to certain exceptions.
Covenants.
The LV Sphere Term Loan Facility and related guaranty by Sphere Entertainment Group include financial covenants requiring MSG LV to maintain a specified minimum debt service coverage ratio and requiring Sphere Entertainment Group to maintain a specified minimum liquidity level. The debt service coverage ratio covenant began testing in the quarter ended December 31, 2023 on a historical basis and on a prospective basis. Both the historical and prospective debt service coverage ratios are required to be at least 1.35:1.00. As of September 30, 2025, the historical and prospective debt service coverage ratio requirements were met. In addition, among other conditions, MSG LV is not permitted to make distributions to Sphere Entertainment Group unless the historical and prospective debt service coverage ratios are at least 1.50:1.00. The minimum liquidity level for Sphere Entertainment Group is set at $50,000, with $25,000 required to be held in cash or cash equivalents, and is tested as of the last day of each quarter based on Sphere Entertainment Group’s unencumbered liquidity, consisting of cash and cash equivalents and available lines of credit, as of such date.
In addition to the covenants described above, the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility and the related guaranty and security and pledge agreements contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. The LV Sphere Term Loan Facility contains certain restrictions on the ability of MSG LV and Sphere Entertainment Group to take certain actions as provided in (and subject to various exceptions and baskets set forth in) the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility and the related guaranty and security and pledge agreements, including the following: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) make investments, loans or advances in or to other persons; (iii) pay dividends and distributions (which will restrict the ability of MSG LV to make cash distributions to the Company); (iv) change its lines of business; (v) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; (vi) amend organizational documents; (vii) merge or consolidate; and (viii) make certain dispositions.
Guarantors and Collateral
. All obligations under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Sphere Entertainment Group. All obligations under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility, including the guarantees of those obligations, are secured by all of the assets of MSG LV and certain assets of Sphere Entertainment Group including, but not limited to, MSG LV’s leasehold interest in the land on which Sphere in Las Vegas is located, and a pledge of all of the equity interests held directly by Sphere Entertainment Group in MSG LV.
3.50% Convertible Senior Notes
On December 8, 2023, the Company completed a private unregistered offering of $258,750 in aggregate principal amount of its 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 (the “3.50% Convertible Senior Notes”), which amount includes the full exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes. See Note 14. Credit Facilities and Convertible Notes, to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Form 10-KT, for details on the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes.
Letters of Credit
The Company uses letters of credit to support its business operations. The Company has letters of credit relating to operating leases which are supported by cash and cash equivalents that are classified as restricted.
Contractual Obligations
See Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies
to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in “— Item 1. Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q.
53
Cash Flow Discussion
As of September 30, 2025, cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash totaled $398,254, as compared to $515,633 as of December 31, 2024. The following table summarizes the Company’s cash flow activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2025
2024
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
63,127
$
62,674
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
11,382
(65,742)
Net cash used in financing activities
(192,080)
(71,864)
Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
192
322
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
(117,379)
$
(74,610)
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities attributable to changes in assets and liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 equaled $5,903 and $6,322, respectively, a net decrease of $419. The primary drivers of that net change are as follows.
The Company had increases in cash provided by operating activities related to (i) an increase in Deferred revenue of $86,247, primarily related to cash proceeds from
The Wizard of Oz
at Sphere ticket sales, (ii) Accrued and other current liabilities of $30,712 due to the timing of payments for accrued expenses, including compensation and employee related benefits, and (iii) Related party receivables and payables, net of $24,001 due to the timing of related party settlements.
These increases in cash provided by operating activities were partially offset by increases in cash used in operating activities related to (i) Accounts receivable of $82,322, primarily due to the timing of cash collections from the Company’s third-party ticketing service provider related to residencies in June 2024, (ii) Prepaid expenses and other current and non-current assets of $40,632, primarily due to an increase in
The Wizard of Oz
deferred production content costs, (iii) Accounts payable of $10,671 due to the timing of payments to vendors, and (iv) Right-of-use lease assets and operating lease liabilities of $6,916 due to the timing of lease payments and other leasing activity.
In addition to the net increase in cash used in operating activities driven by changes in assets and liabilities, the Company generated net income of $31,334 in the current year period, compared to a net loss of $199,109 in the prior year period, as adjusted by non-cash net amounts of $100,364 in the current year period, compared to $268,105 in the prior year period. Refer to “— Business Segment Results” for further detail pertaining to the Company’s operating results.
Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities
for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 increased by $77,124 as compared to the prior year period primarily due the cash received from the sale of land in Stratford, London. The prior year period included the acquisition of Holoplot GmbH.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 increased by $120,216 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to a $56,943 increase in principal repayments of debt in the current year period, $50,040 in stock repurchases, as well as a $8,232 reduction in cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options.
Seasonality of Our Business
Our MSG Networks segment generally earns a higher share of its annual revenues in the first and fourth quarters of the year as a result of MSG Networks’ advertising revenue being largely derived from the sale of inventory in its live NBA and NHL professional sports programming.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Estimates
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2. Accounting Policies to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in “— Item 1. Financial Statements” of this Form 10-Q, for discussion of recently issued and adopted accounting pronouncements.
54
Critical Accounting Estimates
There have been no material changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies. The following discussion has been included to provide the results of our annual impairment testing of goodwill performed during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2025.
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of August 31 and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The Company performs its goodwill impairment test at the reporting unit level. At the time of the annual impairment test and as of September 30, 2025, the Company had two reportable segments and two reporting units, Sphere and MSG Networks, consistent with the way management makes decisions and allocates resources to the business.
The goodwill balance reported on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2025 by reporting unit was as follows:
Sphere
MSG Networks
Consolidated
Balance at June 30, 2024
$
45,644
$
424,508
$
470,152
Acquisitions
1,220
—
1,220
Impairments
—
(61,200)
(61,200)
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
46,864
$
363,308
$
410,172
Impairments
—
(65,400)
(65,400)
Balance at September 30, 2025
$
46,864
$
297,908
$
344,772
The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. If the Company can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company would not need to perform a quantitative impairment test for that reporting unit. If the Company cannot support such a conclusion or the Company does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment, a quantitative goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The estimates of the fair value of the Company’s reporting units are primarily determined using discounted cash flows, comparable market transactions or other acceptable valuation techniques, including the cost approach. These valuations are based on estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, discount rates, cost-based assumptions, determination of appropriate market comparables and the determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. Significant judgments inherent in a discounted cash flow analysis include the selection of the appropriate discount rate, the estimate of the amount and timing of projected future cash flows and identification of appropriate continuing growth rate assumptions. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows.
In the event a quantitative goodwill impairment assessment is performed, the reporting unit’s amortizable intangible assets and other long-lived assets are first tested for impairment. In doing so, amortizable intangible assets and other long-lived assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are independent from cash flows from other assets and liabilities. In determining whether an impairment of long-lived assets has occurred, the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors. The quantitative analysis involves estimating the undiscounted future cash flows directly related to that asset group and comparing the resulting value against the carrying value of the asset group. If the carrying value of the asset group is greater than the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value of the asset group and its estimated fair value, before recording any impairment of goodwill. The amount of any remaining goodwill impairment loss is subsequently measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
The Company elected to perform the qualitative assessment of impairment for its Sphere reporting unit during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2025. This assessment considered qualitative factors such as:
•
macroeconomic conditions;
•
industry and market considerations;
•
cost factors;
•
overall financial performance of the reporting units;
•
other relevant company-specific factors such as changes in management, strategy or customers; and
•
relevant reporting unit specific events such as changes in the carrying amount of net assets.
55
No impairment of Sphere’s goodwill was identified as a result of this assessment as the Company concluded that the reporting unit had a sufficient safety margin, representing the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, derived from the most recent quantitative assessments, less its respective carrying value (including goodwill). The Company believes that if the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value by greater than 10%, a sufficient safety margin has been realized.
For the Company’s MSG Networks reporting unit, the Company performed a quantitative assessment of impairment. In doing so, the Company estimated the fair value of the MSG Networks reporting unit based on a discounted cash flow model (income approach). This approach relied on numerous assumptions and judgments within the model that were subject to various risks and uncertainties. Principal assumptions utilized, all of which are considered Level III inputs under the fair value hierarchy, include the Company’s estimates of future revenue, estimates of future operating cost, margin assumptions, terminal growth rates and the discount rate applied to estimate future cash flows. The assumptions utilized were subject to a high degree of judgment and complexity, particularly in light of economic and operational uncertainty relating to the MSG Networks business.
Based upon the results of the Company’s annual quantitative impairment test, the Company concluded that the carrying value of the MSG Networks reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value as of the annual impairment testing date. Based on the evaluation of amortizable intangible assets and other long-lived assets performed as of the annual impairment testing date, the Company did not record any impairments of such assets.
Th
e Company did however record a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $65,400 for the MSG Networks reporting unit as a result of the projected declines in the reporting unit’s business. T
he goodwill impairment charge was calculated as the amount that the carrying value of the reporting unit, including any goodwill, exceeded its fair value as of the annual impairment testing date. No additional indicators of impairment were identified through the remainder of the quarterly period ended September 30, 2025.
The Company continues to closely monitor the performance and fair value of its MSG Networks reporting unit. A significant adverse change in market factors or the business outlook for the MSG Networks reporting unit could negatively impact the fair value of the MSG Networks reporting unit and result in an additional goodwill impairment charge at that time.
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There were no material changes to the disclosures regarding market risks in connection with our pension and postretirement plans. See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” of the Form 10-KT.
Potential Interest Rate Risk Exposure
The Company, through its subsidiaries, MSG Networks and MSG LV, is subject to potential interest rate risk exposure related to borrowings incurred under their respective credit facilities. Changes in interest rates may increase interest expense payments with respect to any borrowings incurred under these credit facilities. The effect of a hypothetical 200 basis point increase in floating interest rate prevailing as of September 30, 2025 and continuing for a full year would increase the Company’s interest payments on the outstanding amounts under the credit facilities by $12,476.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Exposure
We are exposed to market risk resulting from foreign currency fluctuations primarily related to our activities in the United Kingdom and Germany conducted in British pound sterling and Euros, respectively.
British pound sterling exposure was as a result of our net investment position initiated with our acquisition of land in Stratford, London in November 2017, which we expected would become home to a future Sphere, and through cash and invested funds which we expected would be deployed in the construction of our London venue prior to the Company’s decision in November 2023 to no longer pursue the development of a Sphere in London and the subsequent sale of the land during the three months ended June 30, 2025. Subsequent to the sale of the Stratford land, the Company’s activities in the United Kingdom primarily relate to entities supporting Sphere expansion efforts. During the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, the GBP/USD exchange rate ranged from 1.2181 to 1.3749 as compared to GBP/USD exchange rate of 1.3448 on September 30, 2025, a fluctuation range of approximately 6.32%. As of September 30, 2025, a uniform hypothetical 10% fluctuation in the GBP/USD exchange rate would have resulted in a change of approximately $200 in the Company’s net asset value.
Following the acquisition of Holoplot on April 25, 2024, which is based in Berlin, Germany, we are also exposed to market risk resulting from foreign currency fluctuations related to the Euro. During the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, the EUR/USD exchange rate ranged from 1.0247 to 1.1868 as compared to EUR/USD exchange rate of 1.1735 on September 30, 2025, a fluctuation range of approximately 7.83%. As of September 30, 2025, a uniform hypothetical 10% fluctuation in the EUR/USD exchange rate would have resulted in a change of approximately $10 in the Company’s net asset value.
We may evaluate and decide, to the extent reasonable and practical, to reduce the translation risk of foreign currency fluctuations by entering into foreign currency forward exchange contracts with financial institutions. If we were to enter into such hedging
56
transactions, the market risk resulting from foreign currency fluctuations is unlikely to be entirely eliminated. We do not plan to enter into derivative financial instrument transactions for foreign currency speculative purposes.
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2025.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
Fifteen complaints were filed in connection with the Networks Merger by purported stockholders of the Company and MSG Networks Inc.
Nine of these complaints involved allegations of materially incomplete and misleading information set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus filed by the Company and MSG Networks Inc. in connection with the Networks Merger. As a result of supplemental disclosures made by the Company and MSG Networks Inc. on July 1, 2021, all of the disclosure actions were voluntarily dismissed with prejudice prior to or shortly following the consummation of the Networks Merger.
Six complaints involved allegations of fiduciary breaches in connection with the negotiation and approval of the Networks Merger and were consolidated into two remaining litigations.
On September 10, 2021, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Court”) entered an order consolidating two derivative complaints filed by purported Company stockholders. The consolidated action is captioned:
In re Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. Stockholders Litigation
, C.A. No. 2021-0468-KSJM (the “MSG Entertainment Litigation”). The consolidated plaintiffs filed their Verified Consolidated Derivative Complaint on October 11, 2021. The complaint, which named the Company as only a nominal defendant, retained all of the derivative claims and alleged that the members of the board of directors and controlling stockholders violated their fiduciary duties in the course of negotiating and approving the Networks Merger. Plaintiffs sought, among other relief, an award of damages to the Company including interest, and plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees. Pursuant to the indemnity rights in its bylaws and Delaware law, the Company advanced the costs incurred by defendants in this action, and defendants asserted indemnification rights in respect of any adverse judgment or settlement of the action.
On March 14, 2023, the parties to the MSG Entertainment Litigation reached an agreement in principle to settle the MSG Entertainment Litigation, without admitting liability, on the terms and conditions set forth in a binding term sheet, which was incorporated into a long-form settlement agreement (the “MSGE Settlement Agreement”) that was filed with the Court on April 20, 2023. The MSGE Settlement Agreement provided for, among other things, the final dismissal of the MSG Entertainment Litigation in exchange for a settlement payment to the Company of approximately $85 million, subject to customary reduction for attorneys’ fees and expenses, in an amount to be determined by the Court. The settlement’s amount was fully funded by the other defendants’ insurers. The MSGE Settlement Agreement was approved by the Court on August 14, 2023, which constituted the final judgment in the action.
On September 27, 2021, the Court entered an order consolidating four complaints filed by purported former stockholders of MSG Networks Inc. The consolidated action is captioned:
In re MSG Networks Inc. Stockholder Class Action Litigation, C.A. No. 2021-0575-KSJM
(the “MSG Networks Litigation”). The consolidated plaintiffs filed their Verified Consolidated Stockholder Class Action Complaint on October 29, 2021. The complaint asserted claims on behalf of a putative class of former MSG Networks Inc. stockholders against each member of the board of directors of MSG Networks Inc. and the controlling stockholders prior to the Networks Merger. Plaintiffs alleged that the MSG Networks Inc. board of directors and controlling stockholders breached their fiduciary duties in negotiating and approving the Networks Merger. The Company was not named as a defendant but was subpoenaed to produce documents and testimony related to the Networks Merger. Plaintiffs sought, among other relief, monetary damages for the putative class and plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees. Pursuant to the indemnity rights in its bylaws and Delaware law, the Company advanced the costs incurred by defendants in this action, and defendants asserted indemnification rights in respect of any adverse judgment or settlement of the action.
On
April 6, 2023, the parties to the MSG Networks
Litigation
reached an agreement in principle to settle the MSG Networks
Litigation
, without admitting liability, on the terms and conditions set forth in a binding term sheet, which was incorporated into a long-form settlement agreement (the “MSGN Settlement Agreement”) that was filed with the Court on May 18, 2023. The MSGN Settlement Agreement provided for, among other things, the final dismissal of the MSG Networks Litigation in exchange for a settlement payment to the plaintiffs and the class of approximately $48.5 million, of which approximately $28 million has been paid by the Company
and approximately $20.5 million has been paid to the plaintiffs by insurers (who agreed to advance these costs subject to final resolution of the parties’ insurance coverage dispute).
The MSGN Settlement Agreement was approved by the Court on August 14, 2023, which constituted the final judgment in the action.
MSG Networks Inc. has a dispute with its insurers over whether and to what extent there is insurance coverage for the settlement (and has settled with one of the insurers). A
s of September 30, 2025
, approximately $18 million has been accrued in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (reduced from approximately $20.5 million accrued as of March 31, 2024 in connection with the aforementioned settlement)
.
Unless
MSG Networks Inc. and the remaining insurers
settle that insurance dispute, it is expected to be finally resolved in a pending Delaware insurance coverage action.
58
The Company is a defendant in various other lawsuits. Although the outcome of these other lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty (including the extent of available insurance, if any), management does not believe that resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
In addition to the other information set forth below, you should carefully consider the factors discussed under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q and our Form 10-KT and other filings we may make from time to time with the SEC. Any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition, which could cause you to lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we deem immaterial also may affect our business and operations. As such, you should not consider this list to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties.
Risks Related to Our
MSG Networks
Business
If MSG Networks Is Unable to Generate Sufficient Operating Cash Flows to Repay Outstanding Borrowings Under its Term Loan Facility When They Become Due, it is Expected That the Outstanding Debt Thereunder Would Be Accelerated and the Lenders Could Foreclose Upon the MSG Networks Business.
On June 27, 2025, MSG Networks and certain of its subsidiaries, including MSGN L.P., as borrower, entered into the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement providing for the MSGN Term Loan Facility, which matures on December 31, 2029. See “Part I — Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recent Developments — MSG Networks Debt Restructuring.” As of September 30, 2025, the principal balance outstanding under the MSGN Term Loan Facility was $200 million, which was further reduced to $169 million in October 2025 following a $31 million mandatory cash sweep payment based on excess cash as of September 30, 2025. Under the terms of the MSGN Term Loan Facility, amortization payments of $10 million are due each quarter commencing on September 30, 2025.
If MSG Networks is unable to generate sufficient operating cash flows to make the required quarterly amortization payments or repay the remaining outstanding borrowings under the MSGN Term Loan Facility when they become due, MSG Networks may need to refinance the MSGN Term Loan Facility or secure alternative sources of funding. In the event MSG Networks is unable to repay or successfully refinance the MSGN Term Loan Facility or secure alternative sources of funding on acceptable terms or at all, the lenders would have the right to exercise their remedies under the MSGN Term Loan Facility, which would include, but not be limited to, declaring an event of default and foreclosing on the MSG Networks business. MSG Networks may also decide to seek bankruptcy protection prior to the lenders exercising their rights. If lenders exercise remedies or foreclose on the MSG Networks business, or if MSG Networks decides to seek bankruptcy protection, Sphere Entertainment Co. may no longer be entitled to any value in, or results of operations from, the MSG Networks business.
Our MSG Networks Business Depends on Media Rights Agreements With Professional Sports Teams That Have Varying Durations and Terms and Include Significant Obligations, and Our Inability to Renew Those Agreements on Acceptable Terms, or the Loss of Such Rights for Other Reasons, May Have a Material Negative Effect on Our MSG Networks Business and Results of Operations.
Our MSG Networks business is dependent upon media rights agreements with professional sports teams. On June 27, 2025, in connection with the MSG Networks debt restructuring (see “Part I — Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recent Developments — MSG Networks Debt Restructuring”), the media rights agreements between MSG Networks, on the one hand, and the Knicks and the Rangers, on the other hand, were amended to (among other things) reduce the rights fees payable by MSG Networks and reduce the term of those agreements to expire after the 2028-29 NBA and NHL seasons, respectively, subject to a right of first refusal in favor of MSG Networks. The rights agreements with the other professional sports teams have varying expirations over the next six NBA/NHL seasons.
Upon expiration, we may seek renewal of these agreements and, if we do, we may be outbid by competing programming networks or others for these agreements or the renewal costs could substantially exceed our costs under the current agreements. In addition, one or more of these teams may seek to establish their own programming offering or join one of our competitor’s offerings and, in certain circumstances, we may not have an opportunity to bid for the media rights.
Even if we are able to renew our media rights agreements, the Company’s results could be adversely affected if our obligations under our media rights agreements prove to be outsized relative to the revenues our MSG Networks segment is able to generate. Our media rights agreements with professional sports teams have varying terms and include significant obligations without regard to the number of subscribers to our programming networks or the level of our affiliation and/or advertising revenues. If we are not able to generate
59
sufficient revenues, including due to a loss of any of our significant Distributors, a decrease in the number of subscribers, or failure to renew affiliation agreements on terms as attractive as our existing agreements, we may be unable to renew media rights agreements on acceptable terms, or to perform our obligations under our existing media rights agreements, including making payments thereunder, which could lead to a default under those agreements and the potential loss of such media rights, which could materially negatively affect our business and results of operations. In recent years, certain regional sports networks have experienced financial difficulties. For example, Diamond Sports Group, LLC (now Main Street Sports Group, “Diamond”), which licenses and distributes sports content in a number of regional markets, filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code in March 2023 and completed its reorganization in January 2025. In connection with Diamond’s bankruptcy proceedings and reorganization plan, a number of Diamond’s pre-existing media rights agreements with NHL, NBA and MLB teams were either rejected, substantially modified or expired without renewal. As a result, Diamond emerged from its bankruptcy proceedings controlling the media rights to 29 teams (compared to 42 teams prior to its bankruptcy).
Moreover, the value of our media rights agreements may also be affected by various league decisions and/or league agreements that we may not be able to control, including a decision to alter the number of games played during a season or the number of team games that can be selected by national broadcasters (which could reduce the number of games available for exclusive broadcast by our networks). The value of our media rights could also be affected, or we could lose such rights entirely, if a team is liquidated, undergoes reorganization in bankruptcy or relocates to an area where it is not possible or commercially feasible for us to continue to distribute games. Any loss or diminution in the value of rights could impact the extent of the sports coverage offered by us and could materially negatively affect our business and results of operations. In addition, our affiliation agreements generally include certain remedies in the event our networks fail to include a minimum number of professional event telecasts, and, accordingly, any loss of rights could materially negatively affect our business and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness, Financial Condition, and Internal Control
We Have Substantial Indebtedness and Are Highly Leveraged, Which Could Adversely Affect Our Business.
We are highly leveraged with a significant amount of debt and we may continue to incur additional debt in the future. As of September 30, 2025, the balance of our consolidated debt outstanding was approximately $874.9 million. As a result of our indebtedness, we are required to make interest and principal payments on our indebtedness, including mandatory quarterly amortization payments pursuant to the terms of the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement, that are significant in relation to our revenues and cash flows. See “—Risks Related to Our MSG Networks Business —
If MSG Networks Is Unable to Generate Sufficient Operating Cash Flows to Repay Outstanding Borrowings Under its Term Loan Facility When They Become Due, it is Expected That the Outstanding Debt Thereunder Would Be Accelerated and the Lenders Could Foreclose Upon the MSG Networks Business
.” These payments reduce our earnings and cash available for other potential business purposes. Furthermore, our average borrowing rate has increased and could in the future increase if interest rates increase because our indebtedness bears interest at floating rates, if we are in default and have to pay a higher rate or to the extent we refinance existing debt with higher cost debt, which occurred in connection with the refinancing of MSG Networks’ indebtedness. This leverage also exposes us to significant risk by limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business (whether through competitive pressure or otherwise), the entertainment and video programming industries and the economy at large. Although our cash flows could decrease in these scenarios, our required payments in respect of indebtedness would not decrease.
Certain subsidiaries of MSG Networks, including MSGN L.P., had senior secured credit facilities pursuant to the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement providing for (i) an initial $1.1 billion term loan facility and (ii) a $250 million revolving credit facility. The outstanding principal amount under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement of $829.1 million matured without repayment on October 11, 2024, and an event of default occurred pursuant to the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement due to MSGN L.P.’s failure to make payment on the outstanding principal amount on the maturity date. After a series of forbearances from the lenders under the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement, on June 27, 2025, MSG Networks and certain of its subsidiaries, including MSGN L.P., as borrower, entered into the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement providing for the $210 million MSGN Term Loan Facility, which matures on December 31, 2029. All obligations under the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the MSGN Guarantors and secured by the MSGN Collateral. None of the Company, Sphere Entertainment Group or the subsidiaries of Sphere Entertainment Group are parties to the MSGN Term Loan Facility. See “Part I — Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recent Developments — MSG Networks Debt Restructuring.”
On December 22, 2022, MSG LV, entered into a credit agreement providing for the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility, a five-year, $275 million senior secured term loan facility. All obligations under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Sphere Entertainment Group. None of the Company, MSG Networks, MSGN L.P. or any of the subsidiaries of MSGN L.P. are parties to the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility.
60
On December 8, 2023, the Company completed a private unregistered offering of approximately
$259 million
in aggregate principal amount of its 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes.
Our ability to have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations, including the creation of content, and to service our indebtedness is dependent on the ability of Sphere to generate significant positive cash flow. There can be no assurance that guests, artists, promoters, advertisers and marketing partners will continue to embrace this platform and that Sphere will generate revenue and adjusted operating income in line with our expectations. Original immersive productions, such as
Postcard From Earth, V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film
,
The Wizard of Oz at Sphere
and
From The Edge
, have not been previously pursued on the scale of Sphere, which increases the uncertainty of our operating expectations. To the extent that our efforts do not result in viable shows, or to the extent that any such productions do not achieve expected levels of popularity among audiences, we may not generate the cash flows from operations necessary to fund our operations. Our future operating performance, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic conditions, recession, fears of recession, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. To the extent we do not realize expected cash flows from operations from Sphere, we would have to take several actions to improve our financial flexibility and preserve liquidity, including significant reductions in both labor and non-labor expenses as well as reductions and/or deferrals in capital spending. Therefore, while we currently believe
we will have sufficient liquidity from cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations (including expected cash flows from operations from Sphere) to fund our operations, no assurance can be provided that our liquidity will be sufficient in the event any of the preceding uncertainties facing Sphere are realized over the next 12 months.
In addition, our ability to make payments on, or repay or refinance, our debt, and to fund our operating and capital expenditures, also depends upon our ability to access the credit markets. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt and meet our other commitments, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt, sell material assets or operations, or raise additional debt or equity capital, which may be dilutive to our stockholders. We cannot provide assurance that we could effect any of these actions on a timely basis, on commercially reasonable terms or at all, or that these actions would be sufficient to meet our capital requirements. In addition, the terms of our existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from effecting certain or any of these alternatives.
Even if our future operating performance is strong, limitations on our ability to access the capital or credit markets, including as a result of general economic conditions, unfavorable terms or general reductions in liquidity may adversely and materially impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The failure to make payments when due, satisfy the covenants, including any inability to attain a covenant waiver, and comply with other requirements under each credit agreement could trigger (and, with respect to the Prior MSGN Credit Agreement, triggered) a default thereunder, which could result in an acceleration of the outstanding debt thereunder and a demand for payment by the respective guarantors. Additionally, the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility restricts MSG LV from making cash contributions to us unless certain financial covenants are met and the A&R MSGN Credit Agreement restricts MSG Networks and MSGN L.P. from making cash distributions to us, subject to certain limited exceptions. Any failure to make payments when due or satisfy the covenants under the LV Sphere Term Loan Facility and the MSGN Term Loan Facility (together, the “Credit Facilities”) could negatively impact our liquidity and could have a negative effect on our businesses.
The terms of the indenture governing the
3.50% Convertible Senior Notes
(the “Indenture”) do not restrict us from incurring additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness. As of September 30, 2025, (i) the principal balance of the Company’s indebtedness (excluding subsidiaries) was approximately $258.8 million under the 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes and (ii) the balance of indebtedness of the Company’s subsidiaries was $623.8 million, all of which is senior secured indebtedness. If we incur secured indebtedness and such secured indebtedness is either accelerated or becomes subject to a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, our assets would be used to satisfy obligations with respect to the indebtedness secured thereby before any payment could be made on the
3.50% Convertible Senior Notes
that are not similarly secured. The Indenture
also does not restrict our subsidiaries from incurring additional debt, which would be structurally senior to the
3.50% Convertible Senior Notes
. If new debt or other liabilities are added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify. Our Credit Facilities restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, but if the facilities mature or are repaid, our subsidiaries may not be subject to such restrictions under the terms of any subsequent indebtedness.
In addition, we have made investments in, or otherwise extended loans to, one or more businesses that we believe complement, enhance or expand our current business or that might otherwise offer us growth opportunities and may make additional investments in, or otherwise extend loans to, one or more of such parties in the future. For example, we had previously invested in and extended financing to Holoplot in connection with Sphere’s advanced audio system, and on April 25, 2024, we completed the acquisition of the remaining equity interest in Holoplot that we did not previously own. To the extent that such parties do not perform as expected,
61
including with respect to repayment of such loans, it could impair such assets or create losses related to such loans, and, as a result, have a negative effect on our business and results of operations.
Material Impairments in The Value of Our Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill Could Negatively Affect Our Business and Results of Operations.
We regularly review our long-lived assets and goodwill for potential impairment. Long-lived assets, including property and equipment, right-of-use lease assets and intangible assets that are amortized, are reviewed when there is an indication of potential impairment. We currently test goodwill annually for impairment as of August 31st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. We perform our goodwill impairment tests at the level of our two reporting units, Sphere and MSG Networks. In assessing the carrying value of our long-lived assets and goodwill, we make estimates and assumptions regarding a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, projected future cash flows, discount rates, cost-based assumptions and appropriate market comparables. These estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information, are subjective in nature and involve significant uncertainties and judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying these factors, and, if these estimates or related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges related to our long-lived assets. For example, in connection with the performance of the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test as of August 31, 2025, th
e Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $65.4 million for the MSG Networks reporting unit as a result of the projected declines in the reporting unit’s business
. See “Part I — Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Estimates — Impairment of Goodwill.”
In addition, changes to our business, unexpected significant declines in our operating results, further deterioration in the business environment for regional sports networks or the outlook for our regional sports networks or changes in our strategic goals or business direction could require us to evaluate the recoverability of our goodwill or our long-lived and indefinite lived-assets prior to our next annual assessment. These types of events have in the past resulted, and could again in the future result, in impairment charges, which have in the past negatively affected, and could in the future negatively affect, our results of operations. For example, on December 31, 2024, MSG Networks’ affiliation agreement with Altice, one of its major Distributors, expired, subsequent to which, the Company’s networks were no longer being carried by Altice. The Company and Altice entered into a multi-year renewal of the MSG Networks affiliation agreement on February 22, 2025. In connection with the preparation of the financial statements included in the Form 10-KT, and in light of changes affecting the MSG Networks reporting unit and the programming industry, the Company concluded that a triggering event had occurred for the reporting unit as of December 31, 2024, and performed an interim quantitative impairment test. As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $61.2 million as of December 31, 2024 within the MSG Networks reporting unit.
The Company continues to closely monitor the performance and fair value of its MSG Networks reporting unit. A significant adverse change in market factors or the business outlook for the MSG Networks reporting unit could further negatively impact the fair value of our MSG Networks reporting unit and result in a goodwill impairment at that time. During the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2024, we recorded an impairment charge of $116.5 million in connection with our decision in November 2023 to no longer pursue the development of a Sphere in the United Kingdom. Impairments could be an indicator of significant declines in the expected performance of our reporting units and could negatively affect our business. For more information on the valuation of long-lived and goodwill, see “Part I — Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Critical Accounting Estimates — Impairment of Goodwill.”
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
As of September 30, 2025, the Company had the ability to repurchase up to $350 million of the Company’s Class A Common Stock under the Class A Common Stock share repurchase program initially authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors on March 31, 2020 and reauthorized on March 29, 2023. Under the authorization, shares of Class A Common Stock may be purchased from time to time in open market transactions, 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 the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares of Class A Common Stock for approximately $50 million. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had approximately $300 million remaining available for repurchases.
The following table provides information with respect to the Company’s purchases of its Class A Common Stock during the quarter ended September 30, 2025:
62
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share
(a)
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program
Maximum Fair Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
July 2025
—
$
—
—
$
350,000,000
August 2025
629,028
43.72
629,028
322,487,437
September 2025
425,219
52.91
425,219
299,978,929
1,054,247
$
47.43
1,054,247
$
299,978,929
_________________
(a) The average price paid per share excludes excise tax.
The following materials from Sphere Entertainment Co. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) condensed consolidated balance sheets, (ii) condensed consolidated statements of operations, (iii) condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, (iv) condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, (v) condensed consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity, and (vi) notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
104
The cover page from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.
_________________
† This exhibit is a management contract or a compensatory plan or arrangement.
* Furnished herewith. These exhibits shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that Section. Such exhibits shall not be deemed incorporated into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
64
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 4
th
day of November 2025.
Sphere Entertainment Co.
By:
/
S
/ ROBERT LANGER
Name:
Robert Langer
Title:
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
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