This merge creates a powerful platform for potential sports gaming partners

MSG Entertainment to acquire MSG Networks, a pioneer in sports media

MSG Sphere at The Venetian is a sphere-shaped music and entertainment arena being built in Paradise, Nevada, near the Las Vegas Strip and east of the Venetian resort.
2021-03-30
Reading time 2:37 min
Madison Square Garden Entertainment and MSG Networks last week announced they have reached a definitive agreement for MSG Entertainment to acquire MSG Networks in an all-stock, fixed exchange ratio transaction.

This transaction would create a leading entertainment and media company with a more diversified revenue base that would be well positioned to deliver innovative experiences across all of its assets.

The combined company would have a stronger liquidity position to support its live entertainment business, which following the shutdown of its venues due to the pandemic, is now on a path back to normal operations. In addition, the new company would have enhanced financial flexibility to fund current growth initiatives, including its planned state-of-the-art venue in Las Vegas, MSG Sphere at The Venetian, as well as future opportunities across both entertainment and media.

With the acquisition of MSG Networks, MSG Entertainment anticipates it would capture more of the emerging revenue opportunity related to the potential expansion of legalized sports gaming in its market. The combination of the companies’ media, digital and venue assets creates a powerful platform for potential sports gaming partners, which is expected to generate significant incremental revenue in the years ahead.

MSG Entertainment President Andrew Lustgarten said: “MSG Entertainment is actively executing a plan designed to grow the Company beyond its established collection of assets into one that is pioneering the next generation of entertainment. We have always believed in the value of live sports and look forward to welcoming MSG Networks back into the fold as part of a transaction that we are confident would enhance our financial flexibility and set the stage for continued growth and value creation.”

MSG Networks President and CEO Andrea Greenberg said: “We anticipate significant benefits from rejoining MSG Entertainment, including creating a combined company with greater diversification and resources. This would, in turn, help drive new innovative opportunities across both the entertainment and media businesses, ultimately creating significant value for our collective shareholders.”

In addition to forming a diversified company with enhanced financial flexibility, it is anticipated that the combined company would realize meaningful tax efficiencies. As of December 31, 2020, MSG Entertainment had a federal net operating loss (NOL) of approximately $250 million, primarily due to the temporary shutdown of its venues as a result of COVID-19. Furthermore, MSG Entertainment expects to accelerate the depreciation of significant components of the capital investment for MSG Sphere in Las Vegas in calendar 2023, which is when the venue is expected to open. As a result of this transaction, the combined company would be able to more efficiently utilize MSG Entertainment’s existing NOL, as well as future bonus depreciation related to MSG Sphere in Las Vegas, to offset the taxable income of all of its businesses, including MSG Networks, which today is a full state and federal income tax cash payer.

MSG Networks is a leader in sports content development and distribution that generates significant revenue, adjusted operating income, and free cash flow.1 For fiscal year 2020, MSG Networks generated revenue of $685.8 million, operating income of $295.0 million, adjusted operating income of $321.4 million, net cash provided by operating activities of $210.0 million, and free cash flow of $207.2 million. 

MSG Entertainment is actively pursuing its vision for MSG Sphere – new, state-of-the-art venues that will reinvent the entertainment experience. Construction is well underway on MSG Sphere in Las Vegas, and the Company continues to pursue its plans for an additional MSG Sphere in London, pending necessary approvals.

The definitive agreement was exclusively negotiated and unanimously approved by Special Committees of MSG Entertainment’s and MSG Networks’ boards, both of which are comprised entirely of independent directors. The agreement was also unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks.

The transaction is subject to approval by a majority of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares of MSG Networks Class A common stock and Class B common stock.

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