Exhibit 99.1
THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY BOARD APPROVESSPIN-OFF OF
ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES FROM SPORTS BUSINESSES
Spin-Off Transaction Expected to be Completed inMid-April
Construction of MSG Sphere in Las Vegas to be Temporarily Suspended
NEW YORK, N.Y., March 31, 2020—The Madison Square Garden Company (NYSE: MSG) today announced that its board of directors has approved thespin-off of its entertainment businesses from its sports businesses, which is expected to be completed inmid-April. In addition, the Company provided an update on its MSG Sphere construction in Las Vegas.
Two Distinct Companies for Shareholders
Upon completion of thespin-off transaction, MSG will be a pure-play sports company and will change its name to Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports), while the newly-formed entertainment company will be named Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment).
The distribution will take place on April 17, 2020 to MSG stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 13, 2020. Each MSG common stockholder will receive one share of MSG Entertainment Class A or Class B common stock for every share of MSG Class A or Class B common stock, respectively, held as of the record date.
James L. Dolan, MSG’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “While our industry is currently going through a difficult period, we are confident in the enduring strength and value of our businesses. Today’s approvedspin-off is the result of many months of preparation, and we believe it will set the stage for long-term success for both MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment.”
No action or payment is required by MSG stockholders to receive shares of the new MSG Entertainment. Stockholders who hold MSG common stock as of the record date will receive a book-entry account statement reflecting their ownership of new MSG Entertainment common stock or their brokerage account will be credited with the new MSG Entertainment shares. An Information Statement containing details regarding the distribution of the new MSG Entertainment common stock and the new MSG Entertainment business and management following thespin-off will be mailed to MSG stockholders as of the record date prior to the distribution date.
Thespin-off has been structured to qualify as atax-free distribution to MSG stockholders and MSG for U.S. federal income tax purposes. MSG stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of thespin-off.
Beginning on April 9, 2020, and continuing until the occurrence of the distribution, MSG expects that its common stock will trade in two markets on the NYSE: in the “regular way” market under the symbol “MSG” and under the current name, “The Madison Square Garden Company”, and in the“ex-distribution” market under the symbol “MSGS WI” and under the new name “Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.”
Any holders of MSG Class A common stock who sell shares regular way on or before April 17, 2020, will also be selling their right to receive Class A common stock of the newly formed MSG Entertainment. Investors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisors regarding the specific implications of buying or selling MSG Class A common stock on or before the distribution date. The CUSIP number for MSG Class A common stock will remain 55825T103. MSG’s Class B common stock is not listed on a securities exchange.
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