Sphere Entertainment Co. Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results

Sphere Entertainment Co. Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results 07/30/2026 Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) (“Sphere Entertainment” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. Recent highlights for the Company’s Sphere segment include: In May, the Company announced with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi that Yas Island has been selected as the location for Sphere Abu Dhabi, with construction expected to be completed by the end of 2029;The Company remains in discussions with a significant number of markets globally regarding additional large and smaller-scale Sphere venues, while plans to bring Sphere to National Harbor also continue to move forward;The Company announced the production of a new Sphere Experience – The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Sphere – based on the 1975 film, which is expected to open in 2027;In mid-June, The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, the Sphere Experience that opened in Las Vegas on August 28, 2025, surpassed $400 million in ticket sales with over three million total tickets sold;In July, the Company and Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix announced a new five-year agreement, extending their partnership through 2030. For the three months ended June 30, 2026, the Company reported revenues of $313.6 million, an increase of $31.0 million, or 11%, as compared to the prior year quarter. In addition, the Company reported an operating loss of $61.3 million, an increase of $11.1 million, or 22%, and adjusted operating income of $50.9 million, a decrease of $10.5 million, or 17%, both as compared to the prior year quarter.(1) Executive Chairman and CEO James L. Dolan said, “Today’s results reflect our continued execution in Las Vegas, as we remain on track to deliver substantial growth this calendar year. We are also advancing our long-term vision for a global network of Sphere venues, including in Abu Dhabi and National Harbor.” Segment Results for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2026 and 2025: (In millions) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, Change June 30, Change 2026 2025 $ % 2026 2025 $ % Revenues: Sphere $ 226.4 $ 175.6 $ 50.8 29 % $ 492.3 $ 333.1 $ 159.2 48 % MSG Networks 87.3 107.1 (19.8 ) (18 )% 207.7 230.1 (22.4 ) (10 )% Total Revenues $ 313.6 $ 282.7 $ 31.0 11 % $ 700.1 $ 563.3 $ 136.8 24 % Operating (Loss) Income: Sphere $ (69.6 ) $ (83.4 ) $ 13.9 17 % $ (94.5 ) $ (177.2 ) $ 82.8 47 % MSG Networks 8.3 33.3 (25.0 ) (75 )% 40.4 48.4 (8.0 ) (17 )% Total Operating Loss $ (61.3 ) $ (50.2 ) $ (11.1 ) (22 )% $ (54.1 ) $ (128.8 ) $ 74.7 58 % Adjusted Operating Income:(1) Sphere $ 39.9 $ 24.9 $ 15.0 60 % $ 114.2 $ 38.1 $ 76.1 200 % MSG Networks 11.0 36.5 (25.5 ) (70 )% 46.7 59.3 (12.6 ) (21 )% Total Adjusted Operating Income $ 50.9 $ 61.5 $ (10.5 ) (17 )% $ 160.9 $ 97.4 $ 63.5 65 % Note: Does not foot due to rounding. (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. Sphere For the three months ended June 30, 2026, the Sphere segment reported revenues of $226.4 million, an increase of $50.8 million, or 29%, as compared to the prior year quarter. Revenues related to The Sphere Experience increased $53.8 million as compared to the prior year quarter, which primarily reflected higher per-show revenue for The Wizard of Oz at Sphere. In the current year quarter, The Sphere Experience reflected 220 performances of The Wizard of Oz at Sphere as compared to 215 performances of Postcard from Earth and V-U2 An Immersive Concert Film in the prior year quarter. Revenues from sponsorship, Exosphere advertising and suite license fees increased $10.5 million as compared to the prior year quarter due to higher Exosphere advertising revenues and, to a lesser extent, higher sponsorship revenues and suite license fee revenues. Event-related revenues decreased $11.7 million as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to two fewer brand events held in the current year quarter, partially offset by higher revenues from concerts. The increase in revenues from concerts reflected the impact of six additional concert residency shows held at Sphere in Las Vegas during the current year quarter, offset by lower per-concert revenue due to the mix of concerts as compared to the prior year quarter. For the three months ended June 30, 2026, the Sphere segment had direct operating expenses of $87.7 million, an increase of $11.4 million, or 15%, as compared to the prior year quarter. Expenses associated with The Sphere Experience increased $19.7 million as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher per-show expenses for The Wizard of Oz at Sphere. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in event-related expenses of $4.1 million as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to (i) two fewer brand events held in the current year quarter, partially offset by (ii) higher expenses from concerts, due to an increase in the number of concert residency shows held at Sphere in Las Vegas, partially offset by lower per-concert expenses. For the three months ended June 30, 2026, selling, general and administrative expenses of $125.6 million increased $29.2 million, or 30%, as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to (i) the impact of mark-to-market adjustments on certain share-based compensation awards as a result of the appreciation in the Company’s stock price during the current year quarter, (ii) higher employee compensation and related benefits, (iii) higher professional fees, primarily due to an increase in litigation-related expenses associated with the merger of a subsidiary of the Company with MSG Networks Inc., partially offset by the absence of costs associated with pursuing a work-out of MSG Networks’ credit facilities in the prior year quarter. For the three months ended June 30, 2026, operating loss of $69.6 million improved by $13.9 million, or 17%, as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to the increase in revenues and, to a lesser extent, the absence of impairment and other losses, net, partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses and direct operating expenses. Adjusted operating income of $39.9 million increased $15.0 million, or 60%, as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by higher selling, general and administrative expenses and direct operating expenses. MSG Networks For the three months ended June 30, 2026, the MSG Networks segment reported total revenues of $87.3 million, a decrease of $19.8 million, or 18%, as compared to the prior year quarter. Distribution revenue decreased $13.7 million, primarily reflecting a decrease in total subscribers of approximately 16.5%. Advertising revenue decreased $6.0 million as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to fewer live postseason professional sports telecasts. For the three months ended June 30, 2026, direct operating expenses of $63.3 million increased $8.4 million, or 15%, as compared to the prior year quarter. Rights fees expense increased $9.2 million as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting (i) retroactive reductions in media rights fees for the 2024-25 NBA and NHL seasons recorded in the prior year quarter as a result of the amendments to MSG Networks’ media rights agreements with certain professional sports teams, partially offset by (ii) reductions resulting from fewer NBA and NHL games made available to MSG Networks for exclusive broadcast in the current year quarter. This increase was partially offset by other cost decreases. For the three months ended June 30, 2026, selling, general and administrative expenses of $13.6 million decreased $3.0 million, or 18%, as compared to the prior year quarter. This decrease was primarily due to (i) lower employee compensation and related benefits of $1.9 million and (ii) lower advertising and marketing costs of $1.2 million. For the three months ended June 30, 2026, operating income of $8.3 million decreased $25.0 million and adjusted operating income of $11.0 million decreased $25.5 million, both as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to the decrease in revenues and higher direct operating expenses, partially offset by lower selling, general and administrative expenses. About Sphere Entertainment Co. Sphere Entertainment Co. is a leader in immersive experiences, technology and media. The Company includes Sphere, an experiential medium powered by advanced technologies. The first Sphere opened in Las Vegas, with plans also announced for Sphere venues in Abu Dhabi and National Harbor. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. More information is available at www.sphereentertainmentco.com. Non-GAAP Financial Measures We define adjusted operating income (loss), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) before (i) depreciation, amortization and impairments of property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets, (ii) amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs, (iii) share-based compensation expense, (iv) restructuring charges or credits, (v) merger, debt work-out and acquisition-related costs, including merger-related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries, (vi) gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses and associated settlements, (vii) the impact of purchase accounting adjustments related to business acquisitions, and (viii) gains and losses related to the remeasurement of liabilities under the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. 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. We eliminate merger, debt work-out and acquisition-related costs, including merger related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries, when applicable, because the Company does not consider such costs to be indicative of the ongoing operating performance of the Company as they result from an event that is of a non-recurring nature, thereby enhancing comparability. In addition, management believes 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 other 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 business segments and the Company on a consolidated basis. 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 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 or events may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including financial community perceptions of the Company and its business, operations, financial condition and the industries 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. Conference Call Information: The conference call will be Webcast live today at 10:00 a.m. ET at investor.sphereentertainmentco.com Conference call dial-in number is 833-461-5787 / Conference ID Number 777582186 Webcast replay available at investor.sphereentertainmentco.com SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Revenues $ 313,639 $ 282,677 $ 700,051 $ 563,251 Operating expenses: Direct operating expenses 151,063 131,318 320,710 289,641 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 139,207 113,023 260,910 227,292 Depreciation and amortization 84,308 83,907 168,675 168,136 Impairment and other losses, net — 3,641 79 4,162 Restructuring charges 323 947 3,737 2,788 Operating loss (61,262 ) (50,159 ) (54,060 ) (128,768 ) Other income (expense): Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt — 346,092 (2,071 ) 346,092 Interest income 4,786 4,084 8,737 7,962 Interest expense (8,273 ) (25,862 ) (16,312 ) (52,068 ) Other expense, net (504 ) (400 ) (1,928 ) (1,740 ) (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes (65,253 ) 273,755 (65,634 ) 171,478 Income tax benefit (expense) 26,926 (121,939 ) 31,767 (101,616 ) Net (loss) income (38,327 ) 151,816 (33,867 ) 69,862 Less: Net income attributable to participating securities 461 — 6,514 — Net (loss) income attributable to Sphere Entertainment Co.’s stockholders $ (38,788 ) $ 151,816 $ (40,381 ) $ 69,862 Basic (loss) income per common share attributable to Sphere Entertainment Co.’s stockholders $ (1.07 ) $ 4.18 $ (1.12 ) $ 1.93 Diluted (loss) income per common share attributable to Sphere Entertainment Co.’s stockholders $ (1.07 ) $ 3.39 $ (1.12 ) $ 1.56 Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 36,150 36,283 36,015 36,196 Diluted 36,150 44,848 36,015 44,865 SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO. 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 income as described in this earnings release: Share-based compensation. This adjustment eliminates the compensation expense relating to restricted stock units, performance stock units and stock options granted under the Sphere Entertainment Employee Stock Plan, MSG Sports Employee Stock Plan, MSG Networks Employee Stock Plan, as amended and assumed by Sphere Entertainment, and Sphere Entertainment Non-Employee Director Plan.Depreciation and amortization. This adjustment eliminates depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets.Restructuring charges. This adjustment eliminates costs related to termination benefits provided to certain executives and employees.Impairment and other losses (gains), net. This adjustment eliminates non-cash impairment charges and the impact of gains or losses from the disposition of assets or businesses.Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition-related costs, including merger-related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries. This adjustment eliminates costs related to mergers, debt work-outs and acquisitions, including litigation expenses.Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs. This adjustment eliminates amortization of capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs.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 Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Operating loss $ (61,262 ) $ (50,159 ) $ (54,060 ) $ (128,768 ) Share-based compensation 17,722 18,850 31,632 40,445 Depreciation and amortization 84,308 83,907 168,675 168,136 Restructuring charges 323 947 3,737 2,788 Impairment and other losses, net — 3,641 79 4,162 Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition-related costs, including merger-related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries 8,206 2,482 8,293 7,273 Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs 1,399 1,579 2,316 3,158 Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities 228 219 228 240 Adjusted operating income $ 50,924 $ 61,466 $ 160,900 $ 97,434 SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO. SEGMENT RESULTS (In thousands) (Unaudited) BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS Three Months Ended June 30, 2026 Sphere MSG Networks Total Revenues $ 226,353 $ 87,286 $ 313,639 Operating expenses: Direct operating expenses 87,730 63,333 151,063 Selling, general and administrative expenses 125,590 13,617 139,207 Depreciation and amortization 82,286 2,022 84,308 Restructuring charges 323 — 323 Operating (loss) income $ (69,576 ) $ 8,314 $ (61,262 ) Reconciliation to adjusted operating income: Share-based compensation 17,043 679 17,722 Depreciation and amortization 82,286 2,022 84,308 Restructuring charges 323 — 323 Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition-related costs, including merger-related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries 8,206 — 8,206 Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs 1,399 — 1,399 Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities 228 — 228 Adjusted operating income $ 39,909 $ 11,015 $ 50,924 Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 Sphere MSG Networks Total Revenues $ 175,587 $ 107,090 $ 282,677 Operating expenses: Direct operating expenses 76,351 54,967 131,318 Selling, general and administrative expenses 96,389 16,634 113,023 Depreciation and amortization 81,707 2,200 83,907 Impairment and other losses, net 3,641 — 3,641 Restructuring charges 947 — 947 Operating (loss) income $ (83,448 ) $ 33,289 $ (50,159 ) Reconciliation to adjusted operating income: Share-based compensation 17,953 897 18,850 Depreciation and amortization 81,707 2,200 83,907 Restructuring charges 947 — 947 Impairment and other losses, net 3,641 — 3,641 Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition-related costs, including merger-related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries 2,351 131 2,482 Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs 1,579 — 1,579 Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities 219 — 219 Adjusted operating income $ 24,949 $ 36,517 $ 61,466 SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO. SEGMENT RESULTS (In thousands) (Unaudited) BUSINESS SEGMENT RESULTS Six Months Ended June 30, 2026 Sphere MSG Networks Total Revenues $ 492,318 $ 207,733 $ 700,051 Operating expenses: Direct operating expenses 186,956 133,754 320,710 Selling, general and administrative expenses 232,186 28,724 260,910 Depreciation and amortization 164,560 4,115 168,675 Impairment and other losses, net 79 — 79 Restructuring charges 2,996 741 3,737 Operating (loss) income $ (94,459 ) $ 40,399 $ (54,060 ) Reconciliation to adjusted operating income: Share-based compensation 30,186 1,446 31,632 Depreciation and amortization 164,560 4,115 168,675 Restructuring charges 2,996 741 3,737 Impairment and other losses, net 79 — 79 Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition-related costs, including merger-related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries 8,293 — 8,293 Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs 2,316 — 2,316 Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities 228 — 228 Adjusted operating income $ 114,199 $ 46,701 $ 160,900 Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 Sphere MSG Networks Total Revenues $ 333,132 $ 230,119 $ 563,251 Operating expenses: Direct operating expenses 146,887 142,754 289,641 Selling, general and administrative expenses 192,793 34,499 227,292 Depreciation and amortization 163,712 4,424 168,136 Impairment and other losses, net 4,162 — 4,162 Restructuring charges 2,788 — 2,788 Operating (loss) income $ (177,210 ) $ 48,442 $ (128,768 ) Reconciliation to adjusted operating income: Share-based compensation 37,907 2,538 40,445 Depreciation and amortization 163,712 4,424 168,136 Restructuring charges 2,788 — 2,788 Impairment and other losses, net 4,162 — 4,162 Merger, debt work-out, and acquisition-related costs, including merger-related litigation expenses, net of insurance recoveries 3,339 3,934 7,273 Amortization for capitalized cloud computing arrangement costs 3,158 — 3,158 Remeasurement of deferred compensation plan liabilities 240 — 240 Adjusted operating income $ 38,096 $ 59,338 $ 97,434 SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) As of June 30, December 31, 2026 2025 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 552,019 $ 521,264 Accounts receivable, net 152,316 171,630 Related party receivables, current 12,802 24,457 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 66,906 92,824 Total current assets 784,043 810,175 Non-Current Assets: Investments 37,309 38,725 Property and equipment, net 2,550,078 2,710,643 Right-of-use lease assets 96,500 91,372 Goodwill 344,772 344,772 Intangible assets, net 18,506 21,817 Other non-current assets 204,760 192,404 Total assets $ 4,035,968 $ 4,209,908 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 13,880 $ 24,593 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 391,507 431,477 Related party payables, current 4,234 14,301 Current portion of long-term debt, net 58,263 63,009 Operating lease liabilities, current 14,085 17,186 Deferred revenue 158,443 192,808 Total current liabilities 640,412 743,374 Non-Current Liabilities: Long-term debt, net 722,142 767,439 Operating lease liabilities, non-current 118,816 113,824 Deferred tax liabilities, net 135,198 172,111 Other non-current liabilities 191,542 179,921 Total liabilities 1,808,110 1,976,669 Commitments and contingencies Equity: Class A Common Stock (a) 301 297 Class B Common Stock (b) 69 69 Additional paid-in capital 2,499,315 2,470,120 Treasury stock, at cost, 1,054 shares as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively (50,024 ) (50,024 ) Accumulated deficit (220,308 ) (186,441 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,495 ) (782 ) Total stockholders’ equity 2,227,858 2,233,239 Total liabilities and equity $ 4,035,968 $ 4,209,908 ____________________ (a) Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, 120,000 shares authorized; 29,046 and 28,629 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively. (b) Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, 30,000 shares authorized; 6,867 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025. SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO. SELECTED CASH FLOW INFORMATION (In thousands) (Unaudited) Six Months Ended June 30, 2026 2025 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 102,583 $ (52,711 ) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (19,627 ) 16,441 Net cash used in financing activities (52,128 ) (111,059 ) Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (73 ) 623 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 30,755 (146,706 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 521,264 515,633 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 552,019 $ 368,927 Source: Sphere Entertainment Co.