MSG Entertainment
For the fiscal 2020 first quarter, MSG Entertainment revenues of $159.0 million decreased 2%, as compared to the prior year period. During the prior year first quarter, the Company hosted a large-scale special event at Radio City Music Hall, but did not host a comparable event during the fiscal 2020 first quarter. In addition, the wind-down of Obscura Digital’s third-party business impacted the year-over-year comparability of revenue results. These decreases were mostly offset by higher event-related revenues from concerts and higher revenues at TAO Group.
Fiscal 2020 first quarter operating income decreased by $4.3 million to a loss of $2.6 million and adjusted operating income decreased by $2.8 million to $6.2 million, both as compared to the prior year period. This primarily reflects the decrease in revenues and higher selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by lower direct operating expenses. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher employee compensation and related benefits and higher professional fees, partially offset by lower costs related to Obscura Digital and the absence ofpre-opening expenses for TAO Group. The decrease in direct operating expenses primarily reflects lower Obscura Digital costs, the absence of a large-scale special event at Radio City Music Hall, as well as other net expense decreases, partially offset by higher expenses related to concerts and higher TAO Group costs.
MSG Sports
For the fiscal 2020 first quarter, MSG Sports revenues of $56.0 million increased 1%, as compared to the prior year period. This primarily reflects higher revenues from other live sporting events, slightly offset by a decrease in ticket-related revenues, which includes the impact of the absence of New York Liberty games as the professional sports franchise was sold in January 2019.
Fiscal 2020 first quarter operating loss increased by $16.1 million to $20.2 million and adjusted operating income decreased by $14.2 million to a loss of $13.7 million, both as compared to the prior year period. This primarily reflects higher direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses, slightly offset by the increase in revenues. The increase in direct operating expenses was primarily driven by a $10.2 million charge related to a player waiver recorded during the fiscal 2020 first quarter, partially offset by other net expense decreases. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher employee compensation and related benefits.
Corporate and Other
For the fiscal 2020 first quarter, Corporate and Other’s operating loss of $60.9 million and adjusted operating loss of $33.7 million increased by $17.5 million and $14.2 million, respectively, both as compared with the prior year period. The increased loss reflects higher employee compensation related to Corporate and the Company’s MSG Sphere initiative, as well as additional expenses in MSG Sphere-related content development and technology.
Other Matters
The Company yesterday announced that its board of directors has unanimously approved pursuing a revised plan for the proposed separation of its sports and entertainment businesses. The Company is now pursuing aspin-off of its entertainment businesses from its sports businesses and, as part of this revised structure, the entertainment company would not retain an equity interest in the sports company. The proposed transaction is still expected to be completed during the first quarter of calendar 2020, subject to certain conditions.
About The Madison Square Garden Company
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment experiences. The company presents or hosts a broad array of premier events in its diverse collection of iconic venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, CA; and The Chicago Theatre. Other MSG properties include legendary sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL); two development league teams - the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL); and esports teams through Counter Logic Gaming, a leading North American esports organization, and Knicks Gaming, MSG’s NBA 2K League franchise. In addition, the Company features the popular original production - the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes- and through Boston Calling Events, produces New England’s preeminent Boston Calling Music Festival. Also under the MSG umbrella is Tao Group Hospitality, a world-class hospitality group with globally-recognized entertainment, dining and nightlife brands including Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Avenue, Beauty & Essex and Cathédrale. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.
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