Sphere Entertainment Co - SPHR STOCK NEWS

MSG Networks has issued a direct response to Altice USA regarding their ongoing dispute. The company demands that Altice either match the deal previously given to YES Networks, reinstate MSG's previous agreement, or provide refunds to subscribers. Specifically, MSG Networks is calling for a $10 monthly refund to subscribers, noting that $5 is already owed for programming not delivered in early January.

MSG Networks, part of Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR), announced that Altice USA has withdrawn from negotiations to restore MSG Networks to Optimum subscribers. The dispute affects over 1 million customers who have been paying for local sports programming without receiving the service. MSG Networks suggests affected customers should receive at least a $10 monthly credit.

The company is actively directing customers to alternative providers, including Verizon Fios, which is offering special deals for Optimum subscribers. Other viewing options include DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and The Gotham Sports App. MSG Networks operates two regional sports networks (MSG and MSG Sportsnet) and MSG+, providing coverage of major New York sports teams including the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, Devils, and Buffalo Sabres.

Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) has appointed Robert Langer as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective January 13. Langer brings over 30 years of experience and will be based in Burbank, reporting to Executive Chairman and CEO James L. Dolan.

Langer joins from The Walt Disney Company, where he most recently served as Global Leader of Enterprise-Wide Financial Planning and Corporate Strategy. During his 25-year tenure at Disney, he held various CFO positions across divisions including Disney ABC Television Group, Consumer Products, Disneyland Resort, and Global Toys. He also served as Country Manager for Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

In his new role, Langer will provide strategic financial insight, oversee financial planning and analysis, and support strategy and business development initiatives.

MSG Networks has been dropped from Altice USA's Optimum channel lineup in the tri-state area, affecting coverage of Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils games. Despite MSG Networks offering multiple proposals, including terms to pay less than last year and maintaining service during negotiations, Altice rejected all offers.

Altice has significantly increased its pricing, with current Optimum subscribers facing a nearly 50% price increase (from $95 to $140/month) for the Core TV package, while new subscribers face up to 70% higher rates ($160/month) for packages that previously included MSG Networks. MSG Networks claims they offered Altice the same terms accepted by other major providers.

Sphere Entertainment reported Q1 FY2025 financial results with revenues of $227.9 million, up $109.9 million year-over-year. The company posted an operating loss of $117.6 million, increasing by $47.8 million. The Sphere segment generated revenues of $127.1 million, including $71.5 million from The Sphere Experience across 207 performances. MSG Networks segment reported revenues of $100.8 million, down 9% due to a 13% decrease in subscribers. Notable developments include plans for a second Sphere in Abu Dhabi, new partnerships with Verizon and DCT Abu Dhabi, and successful events including U2 concerts and UFC 306.

Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) has announced it will host a conference call on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its fiscal first quarter results for the period ended September 30, 2024. The company will release its financial results before the market opens. Participants can join via telephone at 888-800-3155 with conference ID 8089430 or through webcast at investor.sphereentertainmentco.com. A replay will be available until November 19, 2024, accessible by phone at 800-770-2030 or via the company website.

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE: MSGS) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced a multi-year marketing partnership. 'Experience Abu Dhabi' will become the Official Patch Partner of the New York Knicks, featuring their logo on all Knicks game jerseys, warm-up jackets, and shooting shirts starting from the 2024-2025 season.

The partnership extends to Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: MSGE) and Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR), collectively known as the MSG Family of Companies. DCT Abu Dhabi will have global rights to use Madison Square Garden marks and will be featured as an Official Partner of Madison Square Garden in New York and Sphere in Las Vegas.

This collaboration aims to boost Abu Dhabi's global visibility as part of its Tourism Strategy 2030 and solidify its position as a premier sports destination and the home of basketball in the Middle East.

Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced plans to bring the world's second Sphere venue to Abu Dhabi, UAE. This next-generation entertainment medium is expected to be a landmark addition to the city, elevating entertainment offerings for residents and visitors. The Abu Dhabi Sphere will echo the scale of the 20,000-capacity Las Vegas venue, which opened in September 2023.

Under the partnership, DCT Abu Dhabi will pay Sphere Entertainment a franchise initiation fee for the right to build the venue, utilizing Sphere's proprietary designs, technology, and intellectual property. Construction will be funded by DCT Abu Dhabi, with Sphere Entertainment providing development, construction, and pre-opening services. After opening, Sphere Entertainment plans to maintain ongoing arrangements with DCT Abu Dhabi, including annual fees for content, brand use, and operational services.

Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced plans to bring the world's second Sphere venue to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This next-generation entertainment medium is expected to be a landmark addition to the city, elevating entertainment offerings for residents and visitors. The Abu Dhabi Sphere will echo the scale of the 20,000-capacity Sphere in Las Vegas, which opened in September 2023.

Under the partnership, DCT Abu Dhabi will pay Sphere Entertainment a franchise initiation fee for the right to build the venue, utilizing Sphere's proprietary designs, technology, and intellectual property. Construction will be funded by DCT Abu Dhabi, with Sphere Entertainment providing development, construction, and pre-opening services. After opening, Sphere Entertainment plans to maintain ongoing arrangements with DCT Abu Dhabi, including fees for content, brand use, and operational services.