Atlanta Braves Holdings Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Atlanta Braves Holdings (BATRA) reported strong financial results for Q4 and full-year 2024. Total revenue reached $663 million in Q4, up from $641 million year-over-year. The company's performance was driven by two main segments:

Baseball revenue increased 2% to $595 million annually, supported by new sponsorship agreements and contractual rate increases, despite reduced regular season attendance. Mixed-use development revenue showed impressive growth, rising 14% to $67 million, with a 21% increase in Q4 due to higher rental income and parking revenue.

The company opened the new Outfield Market, an eight-stall food hall. Operating income and Adjusted OIBDA improved for the full year, as revenue growth and decreased administrative expenses offset higher baseball operating costs. The Battery Atlanta mixed-use facilities continued to perform well, generating $45 million in Adjusted OIBDA, up 15% from the previous year.

Positive

• Total revenue up to $663M in Q4 2024
• Baseball revenue increased 2% to $595M
• Mixed-use development revenue up 14% to $67M
• Mixed-use Adjusted OIBDA grew 15% to $45M
• Operating income and Adjusted OIBDA improved YoY

Negative

• Reduced attendance at regular season home games
• Decreased retail and licensing revenue
• Baseball revenue declined 35% in Q4
• Increased baseball operating costs
• Higher mixed-use development costs

Insights

Financial Analyst

Atlanta Braves Holdings (ABH) delivered solid financial results for Q4 and full-year 2024, demonstrating the effectiveness of its dual revenue strategy combining baseball operations with real estate development. Total revenue reached $663 million in Q4, a 3.4% year-over-year increase, with baseball revenue growing 2% to $595 million and mixed-use development revenue jumping 14% to $67 million.

The mixed-use development segment deserves particular investor attention as it continues to outperform, generating $45 million in Adjusted OIBDA (up 15%). This segment's strong performance - particularly the 21% Q4 revenue growth - represents a strategic hedge against baseball's inherent seasonality, providing more consistent cash flows throughout the year. The Battery Atlanta's success with new lease commencements and tenant recoveries demonstrates management's ability to execute on their diversification strategy.

While baseball revenue showed modest growth through new sponsorship agreements and contractual rate increases, the reduced attendance at regular season home games signals a potential concern that bears monitoring. This attendance decline impacted retail and licensing revenue, though it was partially offset by higher league-wide revenue. The company's ability to grow revenue despite attendance challenges speaks to effective monetization of existing fans rather than audience expansion.

From a financial health perspective, ABH's $9 million cash increase and $23 million debt reduction in Q4 indicate disciplined capital management. The debt reduction primarily came through repayments under the TeamCo revolver, suggesting management is prioritizing balance sheet strength while still investing in growth initiatives like the new Outfield Market food hall.

The company appears to be successfully navigating its transition following the Liberty Media split-off, with reduced transaction costs contributing to improved operating income. This standalone operation gives ABH more strategic flexibility, though investors should monitor ongoing transition costs as the company establishes independent operations.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (“ABH”) (Nasdaq: BATRA, BATRK) today reported fourth quarter and year end 2024 results.

Headlines include:

• Total revenue grew to $663 million in the fourth quarter, up from $641 million in the prior year period.
  • Baseball revenue increased 2% to $595 million.
  • Mixed-use development revenue grew 14% to $67 million.
• Mixed-use development generated $45 million of Adjusted OIBDA in 2024, up 15% from the prior period.
• The opening of a new eight-stall food hall named the Outfield Market offering a variety of cuisines.

Discussion of Results

		Three months ended										Twelve months ended
		December 31,										December 31,
		2023			2024			% Change				2023			2024			% Change
		amounts in thousands										amounts in thousands
Baseball revenue		$	52,909		$	34,197		(35)	%			$	581,671		$	595,430		2	%
Mixed-use development revenue			14,839			17,921		21	%				58,996			67,318		14	%
Total revenue			67,748			52,118		(23)	%				640,667			662,748		3	%
Operating costs and expenses:
Baseball operating costs			(51,967)			(27,896)		46	%				(482,391)			(504,146)		(5)	%
Mixed-use development costs			(2,383)			(2,600)		(9)	%				(8,834)			(9,762)		(11)	%
Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation			(26,431)			(25,380)		4	%				(111,681)			(109,157)		2	%
Adjusted OIBDA(1)		$	(13,033)		$	(3,758)		71	%			$	37,761		$	39,683		5	%
Operating income (loss)		$	(32,366)		$	(18,648)		42	%			$	(46,440)		$	(39,665)		15	%
Regular season home games in period			1			—							81			81
Postseason home games in period			2			—							2			—

Baseball revenue is derived from two primary sources on an annual basis: (i) baseball event revenue (ticket sales, concessions, advertising sponsorships, suites and premium seat fees) and (ii) broadcasting revenue (national and local broadcast rights). Mixed-use development revenue is derived primarily from The Battery Atlanta mixed-use facilities and primarily includes rental income.

The following table disaggregates revenue by segment and by source:

		Three months ended										Twelve months ended
		December 31,										December 31,
		2023			2024			% Change				2023			2024			% Change
		amounts in thousands										amounts in thousands
Baseball:
Baseball event		$	15,205		$	2,607		(83)	%			$	339,485		$	347,925		2	%
Broadcasting			22,158			22,051		(0)	%				160,944			166,094		3	%
Retail and licensing			6,507			5,965		(8)	%				51,533			47,754		(7)	%
Other			9,039			3,574		(60)	%				29,709			33,657		13	%
Baseball revenue			52,909			34,197		(35)	%				581,671			595,430		2	%
Mixed-use development			14,839			17,921		21	%				58,996			67,318		14	%
Total revenue		$	67,748		$	52,118		(23)	%			$	640,667		$	662,748		3	%

There were 81 and zero home games played in the full year and fourth quarter of 2024, respectively, compared to 83 and 3 (including postseason) home games in the comparable prior year periods.

Baseball revenue increased 2% for the full year. Baseball event revenue increased primarily due to new sponsorship agreements and contractual rate increases on season tickets and existing sponsorship contracts, partially offset by reduced attendance at regular season home games. Broadcasting revenue increased due to contractual rate increases. Retail and licensing revenue decreased due to a reduction in local revenue due to the decrease in regular season home game attendance and demand for City Connect and other apparel, partially offset by higher league-wide revenue. Other revenue increased due to increases in spring training related revenue (ticket sales, concession revenue and other gameday related revenue), driven by increased attendance at spring training home games. Baseball revenue decreased 35% in the fourth quarter primarily driven by the lack of home games or concerts held in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to three home games and two concerts held in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Mixed-use development revenue increased 14% for the full year and 21% in the fourth quarter primarily due to increases in rental income, from various lease commencements and tenant recoveries, as well as higher parking revenue.

Operating income and Adjusted OIBDA increased in the full year, as revenue growth and decreases in selling, general and administrative expenses more than offset increases in baseball operating costs and mixed-use development costs. Baseball operating costs increased due to increases under MLB’s revenue sharing plan and other shared expenses, minor league team and player expenses as well as major league player salaries. This was partially offset by decreases in variable concession and retail operating expenses due to reduced attendance at regular season home games. Mixed-use development costs increased due to security and parking expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased due to reduced transaction costs related to the Split-Off² (as defined below), partially offset by increased personnel costs and insurance, information technology, and professional fees.

Operating income and Adjusted OIBDA increased in the fourth quarter compared to the prior year due to reduced baseball operating costs and selling, general and administrative expenses. Decreased baseball operating costs in the fourth quarter were due to reduced player salaries, including limited offseason trade activity. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased due to reduced transactions costs related to the Split-Off (as defined below).

FOOTNOTES

1)			For a definition of Adjusted OIBDA (as defined by ABH) and the applicable reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Supplemental Disclosures,” below.
2)			During November 2022, the board of directors of Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty Media”) authorized Liberty management to pursue a plan to redeem each outstanding share of its Liberty Braves common stock in exchange for one share of the corresponding series of common stock of ABH (the “Split-Off”).

Important Notice: Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: BATRA, BATRK) will discuss ABH’s earnings release on a conference call which will begin at 10:00 a.m. (E.T.) on February 26, 2025. The call can be accessed by dialing (877) 407-9709 or +1 (201) 689-8542, passcode 13751454 at least 10 minutes prior to the start time. The call will also be broadcast live across the Internet and archived on our website. To access the webcast, go to https://www.bravesholdings.com/investors/news-events/ir-calendar. Links to this press release will also be available on the ABH website.

During the conference call, ABH may discuss and answer questions concerning business and financial developments and trends that have occurred after year-end. ABH’s responses to questions, as well as other matters discussed during the conference call, may contain or constitute information that has not been disclosed previously.

This press release includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements about business, product and marketing strategies, future financial performance and prospects, trends and any other matters that are not historical facts. The words "believe," "estimate," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "strategy," "continue," "seek," "may," "could" and similar expressions or statements regarding future periods are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements may contain such words. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but such statements necessarily involve risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. Given these uncertainties, we caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, include, without limitation: ABH’s inability to replicate certain functions or the loss of benefits of contracts associated with the transition away from Liberty Media; ABH’s historical financial information not being representative of its future financial position, results of operations, or cash flows; ABH’s ability to recognize anticipated benefits from the Split-Off from Liberty Media; ABH’s ability to successfully transition responsibilities for various matters from Liberty Media to in-house or third party personnel and costs incurred in connection with operating as a standalone public company; ABH’s ownership, management and board of directors structure; ABH’s indebtedness and its ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms and cash in amounts sufficient to service debt and other financial obligations; ABH’s ability to realize the benefits of acquisitions or other strategic investments; the impact of inflation and weak economic conditions on consumer demand for products, services and events offered by ABH; the outcome of pending or future litigation or investigations; operational risks of ABH and its business affiliates with operations outside of the U.S.; ABH’s ability to use net operating loss and disallowed business interest carryforwards; ABH’s ability to comply with government regulations and potential adverse outcomes of regulatory proceedings; the regulatory and competitive environment in which ABH operates; potential changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with business partners, vendors and joint venturers; the achievement of on-field success and ability to develop, obtain and retain talented players; the impact of organized labor; the impact of the structure or an expansion of Major League Baseball; the level of broadcasting revenue that ABH and its subsidiaries receive; the impact of data losses or breaches or disruptions in ABH’s information systems and information system security; ABH’s processing, storage, sharing, use and protection of personal data; ABH’s ability to attract and retain qualified key personnel; the inherent risks in the real estate business, including, but not limited to, tenant defaults, potential liability related to environmental matters and liquidity of real estate investments; and the impact of geopolitical incidents, accidents, terrorist acts, pandemics or epidemics, natural disasters, including the effects of climate change, or other events that cause one or more events to be cancelled or postponed, are not covered by insurance, or cause reputational damage to ABH and its affiliates. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and ABH expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in ABH’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Please refer to the publicly filed documents of ABH, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, as may be updated by subsequent filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Forms 10-Q and 8-K, for additional information about ABH and about the risks and uncertainties related to ABH’s business which may affect the statements made in this press release.

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES

SCHEDULE 1: Reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA to Operating Income (Loss)

To provide investors with additional information regarding our financial results, this press release includes a presentation of Adjusted OIBDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, for ABH together with reconciliations to operating income, as determined under GAAP. ABH defines Adjusted OIBDA as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, separately reported litigation settlements, restructuring, acquisition and impairment charges, if applicable. However, ABH’s definition of Adjusted OIBDA may differ from similarly titled measures disclosed by other companies.

ABH believes Adjusted OIBDA is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its businesses by identifying those items that are not directly a reflection of each business’ performance or indicative of ongoing business trends. In addition, this measure allows management to view operating results and perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. Because Adjusted OIBDA is used as a measure of operating performance, ABH views operating income as the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Adjusted OIBDA is not meant to replace or supersede operating income or any other GAAP measure, but rather to supplement such GAAP measures in order to present investors with the same information that ABH management considers in assessing the results of operations and performance of its assets.

The following table provides a reconciliation of Adjusted OIBDA for ABH to operating income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2024.

		Three months ended						Twelve months ended
		December 31,						December 31,
(amounts in thousands)		2023			2024			2023			2024
Operating income (loss)		$	(32,366)		$	(18,648)		$	(46,440)		$	(39,665)
Stock-based compensation			3,568			2,730			13,221			16,519
Depreciation and amortization			15,765			12,160			70,980			62,829
Adjusted OIBDA		$	(13,033)		$	(3,758)		$	37,761		$	39,683
Baseball		$	(17,571)		$	(13,447)		$	20,661		$	6,625
Mixed-use development			9,519			11,833			39,499			45,448
Corporate and other			(4,981)			(2,144)			(22,399)			(12,390)

SCHEDULE 2: Cash and Debt

The following presentation is provided to separately identify cash and debt information. ABH cash increased $9 million during the fourth quarter as cash from operations increased primarily due to seasonal working capital changes and distributions from equity method affiliates partially offset by capital expenditures and repayments on borrowings. ABH debt decreased $23 million in the fourth quarter primarily due to repayments under the TeamCo revolver partially offset by borrowings on mixed-use development credit facilities to support capital projects.

(amounts in thousands)		September 30, 2024			December 31, 2024
ABH Cash (GAAP)(a)		$	100,852		$	110,144
Debt:
Baseball
League wide credit facility		$	—		$	—
MLB facility fund - term			30,000			30,000
MLB facility fund - revolver			39,675			39,100
TeamCo revolver			30,000			—
Term debt			158,806			158,806
Mixed-use development			384,641			392,160
Total ABH Debt		$	643,122		$	620,066
Deferred financing costs			(3,023)			(2,946)
Total ABH Debt (GAAP)		$	640,099		$	617,120

a)

Excludes restricted cash held in reserves pursuant to the terms of various financial obligations of $15 million and $2 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(unaudited)
		December 31,			December 31,
		2024			2023
		amounts in thousands,
		except share amounts
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	110,144		125,148
Restricted cash			2,455		12,569
Accounts receivable and contract assets, net of allowance for credit losses of $238 and $332, respectively			49,991		62,922
Other current assets			16,556		17,380
Total current assets			179,146		218,019
Property and equipment, at cost			1,161,803		1,091,943
Accumulated depreciation			(354,318)		(325,196)
			807,485		766,747
Investments in affiliates, accounted for using the equity method			108,786		99,213
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
Goodwill			175,764		175,764
Franchise rights			123,703		123,703
			299,467		299,467
Other assets, net			128,962		120,884
Total assets		$	1,523,846		1,504,330
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	63,711		73,096
Deferred revenue and refundable tickets			111,851		111,985
Current portion of debt			104,193		42,153
Other current liabilities			6,905		6,439
Total current liabilities			286,660		233,673
Long-term debt			512,927		527,116
Finance lease liabilities			103,845		103,586
Deferred income tax liabilities			43,516		50,415
Pension liability			6,558		15,222
Other noncurrent liabilities			34,116		33,676
Total liabilities			987,622		963,688
Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 50,000,000 shares; zero shares issued at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023			—		—
Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 10,318,162 and 10,318,197 at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively			103		103
Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 7,500,000 shares; issued and outstanding 977,776 and 977,776 at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively			10		10
Series C common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 51,269,890 and 50,577,776 at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively			511		506
Additional paid-in capital			1,112,551		1,089,625
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of taxes			(3,352)		(7,271)
Retained earnings (deficit)			(585,644)		(554,376)
Total stockholders' equity			524,179		528,597
Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries			12,045		12,045
Total equity			536,224		540,642
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities and equity		$	1,523,846		1,504,330

ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
		Three months ended					Twelve months ended
		December 31,					December 31,
		2024			2023		2024			2023
		amounts in thousands,
		except per share amounts
Revenue:
Baseball revenue		$	34,197		52,909		$	595,430		581,671
Mixed-use development revenue			17,921		14,839			67,318		58,996
Total revenue			52,118		67,748			662,748		640,667
Operating costs and expenses:
Baseball operating costs			27,896		51,967			504,146		482,391
Mixed-use development costs			2,600		2,383			9,762		8,834
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based compensation			28,110		29,999			125,676		124,902
Depreciation and amortization			12,160		15,765			62,829		70,980
			70,766		100,114			702,413		687,107
Operating income (loss)			(18,648)		(32,366)			(39,665)		(46,440)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(10,072)		(9,656)			(38,789)		(37,673)
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net			3,509		3,601			30,460		26,985
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on intergroup interests, net			—		—			—		(83,178)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net			1,995		(3,329)			3,424		2,343
Other, net			2,805		1,115			8,629		6,496
Earnings (loss) before income taxes			(20,411)		(38,326)			(35,941)		(129,158)
Income tax benefit (expense)			1,286		5,968			4,673		3,864
Net earnings (loss)		$	(19,125)		(32,358)		$	(31,268)		(125,294)
Basic net earnings (loss) attributable to Series A, Series B and Series C Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. shareholders per common share		$	(0.31)		(0.52)		$	(0.50)		(2.03)
Diluted net earnings (loss) attributable to Series A, Series B and Series C Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. shareholders per common share		$	(0.31)		(0.52)		$	(0.50)		(2.03)

ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
		Years ended
		December 31,
		2024			2023
		amounts in thousands
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)		$	(31,268)		(125,294)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			62,829		70,980
Stock-based compensation			16,519		13,221
Share of (earnings) losses of affiliates, net			(30,460)		(26,985)
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on intergroup interests, net			—		83,178
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments, net			(3,424)		(2,343)
(Gains) losses on dispositions, net			—		(2,309)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)			(9,288)		(7,872)
Cash receipts from returns on equity method investments			21,602		22,450
Net cash received (paid) for interest rate swaps			5,794		5,104
Other charges (credits), net			1,855		1,218
Net change in operating assets and liabilities:
Current and other assets			(15,827)		(42,802)
Payables and other liabilities			(1,701)		13,080
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			16,631		1,626
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expended for property and equipment			(86,013)		(69,036)
Investments in equity method affiliates and equity securities			(334)		(125)
Other investing activities, net			40		110
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities			(86,307)		(69,051)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings of debt			144,890		83,033
Repayments of debt			(102,415)		(56,187)
Contribution from noncontrolling interest			—		12,045
Other financing activities, net			2,083		(6,562)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			44,558		32,329
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash			(25,118)		(35,096)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period			137,717		172,813
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period		$	112,599		137,717

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250226022988/en/

Cameron Rudd – Investor Relations

(404) 614-2300 or investorrelations@braves.com

Source: Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What was Atlanta Braves Holdings (BATRA) total revenue in Q4 2024?

Total revenue was $663 million in Q4 2024, an increase from $641 million in the prior year period.

How much did The Battery Atlanta mixed-use development revenue grow in 2024?

Mixed-use development revenue grew 14% to $67 million in 2024, with a 21% increase in Q4.

What drove BATRA's baseball revenue growth in 2024?

Baseball revenue grew 2% due to new sponsorship agreements, contractual rate increases on season tickets, and higher broadcasting revenue from contractual increases.

How did BATRA's mixed-use development perform in terms of Adjusted OIBDA for 2024?

Mixed-use development generated $45 million of Adjusted OIBDA in 2024, representing a 15% increase from the previous year.

How many home games did BATRA host in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023?

BATRA hosted zero home games in Q4 2024, compared to three home games (including postseason) in Q4 2023.