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Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Reports Fiscal 2026 First Quarter Results

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS) today reported financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended September 30, 2025.

This month, the New York Knicks (“Knicks”) and New York Rangers (“Rangers”) began their 2025-26 regular seasons at the Madison Square Garden Arena (“The Garden”). Recent Company operating highlights include:

  • The combined average season ticket renewal rate for the Knicks and Rangers is approximately 94% for the 2025-26 seasons;
  • The Company announced a new multi-year marketing partnership with GAME 7 that includes naming the multi-platform sports and entertainment brand as the first-ever jersey patch partner of the Rangers;
  • The suites business continues to benefit from strong renewals and new sales activity, including for several recently renovated Lexus-level suites at The Garden; and
  • The Rangers began a year-long campaign to celebrate the team’s 100th anniversary season, with a number of special offerings and initiatives planned across the season, including a special Centennial jersey that launched in September.

For the fiscal 2026 first quarter, the Company generated revenues of $39.5 million, a decrease of $13.9 million, or 26%, as compared to the prior year period. In addition, the Company reported an operating loss of $27.4 million, an increase of $19.2 million, and an adjusted operating loss of $20.8 million, an increase of $18.5 million, both as compared to the prior year period.(1)

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Executive Chairman and CEO James L. Dolan said, “With the new seasons underway, we are seeing strong ongoing demand for the Knicks and Rangers to start the fiscal year. We remain confident in the value of owning these two marquee professional sports franchises and our ability to generate long-term shareholder value.”

Financial Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

Change

$ millions

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

 

$

 

%

Revenues

 

$

39.5

 

 

$

53.3

 

 

$

(13.9

)

 

(26)%

Operating loss

 

$

(27.4

)

 

$

(8.3

)

 

$

(19.2

)

 

NM

Adjusted operating loss(1)

 

$

(20.8

)

 

$

(2.3

)

 

$

(18.5

)

 

NM

Note: Does not foot due to rounding. NM – Percentage is not meaningful.

1.

See page 3 of this earnings release for the definition of adjusted operating income (loss) included in the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures.

Summary of Financial Results

For the fiscal 2026 first quarter, revenues of $39.5 million decreased $13.9 million, or 26%, as compared to the prior year period. This primarily reflected lower revenues from league distributions of $11.4 million, mainly due to a decrease in certain league distributions unrelated to national media rights fees. In addition, local media rights fees decreased $2.3 million as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the impact of amendments to the Knicks' and Rangers' local media rights agreements with MSG Networks entered into in the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter.

Direct operating expenses of $8.3 million increased $0.1 million, or 1%, as compared to the prior year period. This was primarily driven by higher net provisions for certain team personnel transactions of $1.5 million as well as other cost increases, mostly offset by lower net provisions for league revenue sharing expense (net of escrow and excluding playoffs) and NBA luxury tax of $2.4 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of $57.8 million increased $5.2 million, or 10%, as compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily driven by (i) higher costs related to the Company's services agreement with Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. of $1.6 million, (ii) higher operating lease costs of $1.2 million, (iii) higher employee compensation and related benefits of $1.0 million, and (iv) higher other general and administrative expenses.

Operating loss of $27.4 million increased $19.2 million and adjusted operating loss of $20.8 million increased $18.5 million, both as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the decrease in revenues and higher selling, general and administrative expenses.

About Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) is a leading professional sports company, with a collection of assets that includes the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL), as well as two development league teams – the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL). MSG Sports also operates a professional sports team performance center – the MSG Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. More information is available at www.msgsports.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We define adjusted operating income (loss), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) excluding (i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, (ii) share-based compensation expense or benefit, (iii) restructuring charges or credits, (iv) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses, (v) the impact of purchase accounting adjustments related to business acquisitions, and (vi) gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. Because it is based upon operating income (loss), adjusted operating income (loss) also excludes interest expense (including cash interest expense) and other non-operating income and expense items. We believe that the exclusion of share-based compensation expense or benefit allows investors to better track the performance of our business without regard to the settlement of an obligation that is not expected to be made in cash. In addition, we believe 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan are recognized in Operating income (loss) whereas gains and losses related to the remeasurement of the assets under 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 recognized in Miscellaneous income (expense), net, which is not reflected in Operating income (loss).

We believe adjusted operating income (loss) is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of our Company. Adjusted operating income (loss) and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors and analysts to analyze our performance. Internally, we use revenues and adjusted operating income (loss) as the most important indicators of our business performance, and evaluate management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. Adjusted operating income (loss) should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flows from operating activities, and other measures of performance and/or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Since adjusted operating income (loss) 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. For a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to adjusted operating income (loss), please see page 5 of this earnings release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results, developments and events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including financial community and rating agency perceptions of the Company and its business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which it operates, and the factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained therein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

Revenues

 

$

39,454

 

 

$

53,307

 

Direct operating expenses

 

 

8,279

 

 

 

8,211

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

57,789

 

 

 

52,587

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

811

 

 

 

782

 

Operating loss

 

 

(27,425

)

 

 

(8,273

)

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

578

 

 

 

864

 

Interest expense

 

 

(5,591

)

 

 

(6,055

)

Miscellaneous income (expense), net

 

 

15,085

 

 

 

(1,126

)

Loss before income taxes

 

 

(17,353

)

 

 

(14,590

)

Income tax benefit

 

 

8,555

 

 

 

7,048

 

Net loss

 

$

(8,798

)

 

$

(7,542

)

 

 

 

 

 

Basic loss per common share attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.’s stockholders

 

$

(0.37

)

 

$

(0.31

)

Diluted loss per common share attributable to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.’s stockholders

 

$

(0.37

)

 

$

(0.31

)

 

 

 

 

 

Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

 

 

24,116

 

 

 

24,049

 

Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding

 

 

24,116

 

 

 

24,049

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP.

ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO

ADJUSTED OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

The following is a description of the adjustments to operating loss in arriving at adjusted operating loss as described in this earnings release:

  • Depreciation and amortization. This adjustment eliminates depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets in all periods.
  • Share-based compensation. This adjustment eliminates the compensation expense related to restricted stock units and stock options granted under the Company's employee stock plan and non-employee director plan in all periods.
  • Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities. This adjustment eliminates the impact of gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the Company's executive deferred compensation plan.

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

Operating loss

 

$

(27,425

)

 

$

(8,273

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

811

 

 

 

782

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

4,844

 

 

 

4,268

 

Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities

 

 

963

 

 

 

965

 

Adjusted operating loss

 

$

(20,807

)

 

$

(2,258

)

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

September 30,

2025

 

June 30,

2025

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

48,634

 

$

144,617

Restricted cash

 

 

8,642

 

 

8,571

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 as of September 30, 2025 and June 30, 2025

 

 

42,618

 

 

25,855

Net related party receivables

 

 

26,684

 

 

3,582

Prepaid expenses

 

 

102,500

 

 

43,417

Other current assets

 

 

17,615

 

 

25,053

Total current assets

 

 

246,693

 

 

251,095

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $54,446 and $53,635 as of September 30, 2025 and June 30, 2025, respectively

 

 

28,728

 

 

28,962

Right-of-use lease assets

 

 

758,422

 

 

760,456

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

 

 

103,644

 

 

103,644

Goodwill

 

 

226,523

 

 

226,523

Investments

 

 

73,515

 

 

54,720

Deferred tax assets, net

 

 

43,268

 

 

34,821

Other assets

 

 

36,609

 

 

12,753

Total assets

 

$

1,517,402

 

$

1,472,974

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

September 30,

2025

 

June 30,

2025

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

5,201

 

 

$

9,336

 

Net related party payables

 

 

4,394

 

 

 

4,807

 

Debt

 

 

24,000

 

 

 

24,000

 

Accrued liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Employee-related costs

 

 

56,551

 

 

 

98,924

 

League-related accruals

 

 

156,564

 

 

 

196,567

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

 

5,794

 

 

 

13,093

 

Operating lease liabilities, current

 

 

54,233

 

 

 

52,618

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

330,587

 

 

 

164,178

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

637,324

 

 

 

563,523

 

Long-term debt

 

 

267,000

 

 

 

267,000

 

Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent

 

 

829,365

 

 

 

841,050

 

Other employee-related costs

 

 

77,257

 

 

 

82,178

 

Deferred revenue, noncurrent

 

 

634

 

 

 

662

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,811,580

 

 

 

1,754,413

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01, 120,000 shares authorized; 19,530 and 19,488 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2025 and June 30, 2025, respectively

 

 

204

 

 

 

204

 

Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01, 30,000 shares authorized; 4,530 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2025 and June 30, 2025

 

 

45

 

 

 

45

 

Preferred stock, par value $0.01, 15,000 shares authorized; none outstanding as of September 30, 2025 and June 30, 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

4,403

 

 

 

15,348

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 918 and 960 shares as of September 30, 2025 and June 30, 2025, respectively

 

 

(151,524

)

 

 

(158,543

)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(146,410

)

 

 

(137,596

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(896

)

 

 

(897

)

Total equity

 

 

(294,178

)

 

 

(281,439

)

Total liabilities and equity

 

$

1,517,402

 

 

$

1,472,974

 

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN SPORTS CORP.

SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

$

(84,954

)

 

$

(26,158

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(1,848

)

 

 

(1,163

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(9,110

)

 

 

(9,502

)

Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(95,912

)

 

 

(36,823

)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

 

153,188

 

 

 

94,907

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

 

$

57,276

 

 

$

58,084

 

 

Contacts

Ari Danes, CFA

Investor Relations

(212) 465-6072

Grace Kaminer

Investor Relations

(212) 631-5076

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