false 0001795250 0001795250 2023-03-29 2023-03-29

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 29, 2023

 

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-39245   84-3755666

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY   10121
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area (212) 465-6000

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2 below):

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol(s)

 

Name of Each Exchange

on Which Registered

Class A Common Stock   MSGE*   New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

*

Upon the Distribution (as defined herein) Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. will change its name to “Sphere Entertainment Co.” and will change its symbol on the NYSE to “SPHR”.

 

 

 


INTRODUCTORY NOTE

Distribution of MSGE Spinco, Inc.

On March 29, 2023, the Board of Directors of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (the “Registrant”) approved the distribution to its stockholders of approximately 67% of the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock of MSGE Spinco, Inc. (“MSGE Spinco”) (such distribution of MSGE Spinco’s common stock, the “Distribution”). The shares issued in the Distribution will include approximately 62% of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and 100% of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock.

The Distribution will take the form of a distribution by the Registrant of (a) one share of MSGE Spinco’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“MSGE Spinco Class A Common Stock”), for every one share of the Registrant’s Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Registrant Class A Common Stock”), held of record at the close of business in New York City on April 14, 2023 (the “Record Date”), and (b) one share of MSGE Spinco’s Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, for every one share of the Registrant’s Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, held of record at the close of business in New York City on the Record Date. The Distribution will become effective and the new shares of MSGE Spinco will be distributed at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on April 20, 2023 (the “Distribution date”). The completion of the Distribution is subject to, among other things, (i) the effectiveness of MSGE Spinco’s registration statement on Form 10 (the “Form 10”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and final listing approval from the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) with respect to MSGE Spinco Class A Common Stock, (ii) the making of the Contribution (defined below), (iii) final approval from the National Basketball Association (the “NBA”) and (iv) receipt of a tax opinion from counsel to the Registrant. The Registrant’s Board of Directors has reserved the right to modify or abandon the Distribution at any time prior to the Distribution. The Registrant expects the conditions to the Distribution to be satisfied on or before the Distribution date.

The Form 10 contains information about MSGE Spinco and the Distribution. Prior to the Distribution, the Registrant will distribute to its stockholders of record on the Record Date copies of an information statement relating to MSGE Spinco that is part of the Form 10 filing.

Name Change

Concurrent with the Distribution, the Registrant will change its name to “Sphere Entertainment Co.” and MSGE Spinco will change its name to “Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.” On the first trading day following the Distribution date, the trading symbol for Registrant Class A Common Stock on the NYSE will change from “MSGE” to “SPHR” and the MSGE Spinco Class A Common Stock will trade on the NYSE under the symbol “MSGE.”

 

Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Following the Distribution, MSGE Spinco will be a public company and the Registrant will have an approximately 33% common stock ownership interest in MSGE Spinco in the form of Class A Common Stock of MSGE Spinco. The Registrant will not own any of the MSGE Spinco Class B Common Stock following the Distribution. For purposes of governing the ongoing relationships between the Registrant and MSGE Spinco after the Distribution and to provide for an orderly transition, the Registrant and MSGE Spinco have entered or will enter into a number of agreements prior to the Distribution. The principal agreements are described below.

The agreements summarized in this Item 1.01 are included as Exhibits 2.1 and 2.2 and 10.1 through 10.5 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and the following summaries of those agreements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the agreements as so filed, which are incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.

 

2


Distribution Agreement

On March 29, 2023, the Registrant entered into the Distribution Agreement with MSGE Spinco as part of a series of transactions pursuant to which MSGE Spinco will receive prior to the Distribution the subsidiaries, businesses and other assets described in the Form 10 that formerly comprised of the Registrant’s live entertainment and booking businesses (the “Contributed Assets”).

Under the Distribution Agreement, as further described in the Introductory Note above, the Registrant will distribute approximately 67% of MSGE Spinco’s common stock to the common stockholders of the Registrant. The Distribution Agreement provides that the Registrant will have the sole and absolute discretion to determine whether to proceed with the Distribution, including the form, structure and terms of any transactions to effect the Distribution and the timing of and conditions to the consummation of the Distribution.

Under the Distribution Agreement, the Registrant provides MSGE Spinco with indemnities with respect to liabilities, damages, costs and expenses arising out of any of: (i) the Registrant’s businesses (other than businesses of MSGE Spinco); (ii) certain identified claims or proceedings; (iii) any breach by the Registrant of its obligations under the Distribution Agreement; (iv) any untrue statement or omission in the Form 10 or in the information statement relating to the Registrant and its subsidiaries; and (v) indemnification obligations MSGE Spinco may have to the NBA or NHL that result from acts or omissions of the Registrant. MSGE Spinco provides the Registrant with indemnities with respect to liabilities, damages, costs and expenses arising out of any of (i) MSGE Spinco’s businesses; (ii) any breach by MSGE Spinco of its obligations under the Distribution Agreement; (iii) any untrue statement or omission in the Form 10 or in the information statement other than any such statement or omission relating to the Registrant and its subsidiaries; and (iv) indemnification obligations the Registrant may have to the NBA or NHL that result from acts or omissions of MSGE Spinco.

In the Distribution Agreement, MSGE Spinco released the Registrant from any claims it might have arising out of: (i) the management of the businesses and affairs of Registrant’s Entertainment business segment (excluding Sphere) on or prior to the Distribution; (ii) the terms of the Distribution, MSGE Spinco’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, MSGE Spinco’s by-laws and the other agreements entered into in connection with the Distribution; and (iii) any decisions that have been made, or actions taken, relating to Registrant’s Entertainment business segment (excluding Sphere) or the Distribution.

Additionally, in the Distribution Agreement, the Registrant released MSGE Spinco from any claims it might have arising out of: (i) the management of the businesses and affairs of the Registrant’s MSG Networks, Inc. (“MSG Networks”) and Tao Group Hospitality business segments or related to the Sphere business on or prior to the Distribution; (ii) the terms of the Distribution and the other agreements entered into in connection with the Distribution; and (iii) any decisions that have been made, or actions taken, relating to the Distribution.

The Distribution Agreement also provides for access to records and information, cooperation in defending litigation, as well as methods of resolution for certain disputes.

Contribution Agreement

On March 29, 2023, the Registrant, MSGE Spinco and MSG Entertainment Group, LLC (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Group, LLC), a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant, entered into a Contribution Agreement pursuant to which the Registrant will contribute the Contributed Assets to MSGE Spinco prior to the Distribution (such transaction, the “Contribution”). In consideration of the Contribution, MSGE Spinco will issue shares of its common stock to the Registrant. The Contribution Agreement does not provide for any ongoing obligations for any party following the Distribution.

Transition Services Agreement

On March 29, 2023, the Registrant and MSGE Spinco entered into a Transition Services Agreement under which, in exchange for the fees specified in such agreement, MSGE Spinco has agreed to provide certain corporate and other services to the Registrant, including with respect to such areas as information technology, accounts payable, payroll, tax, certain legal functions, human resources, insurance and risk management, government affairs, investor relations, corporate communications, benefit plan administration and reporting, and internal audit functions as well as certain marketing functions. The Registrant has similarly agreed to provide certain transition services to MSGE Spinco. MSGE Spinco and the Registrant, as parties receiving services under the agreement, have agreed to

 

3


indemnify the party providing services for losses incurred by such party that arise out of or are otherwise in connection with the provision by such party of services under the agreement, except to the extent that such losses result from the providing party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations under the agreement. Similarly, each party providing services under the agreement has agreed to indemnify the party receiving services for losses incurred by such party that arise out of or are otherwise in connection with the indemnifying party’s provision of services under the agreement if such losses result from the providing party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations under the agreement.

Tax Disaffiliation Agreement

On March 29, 2023, the Registrant and MSGE Spinco entered into a Tax Disaffiliation Agreement that governs the parties’ respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to taxes and tax benefits, the filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax matters. References in this summary description of the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement to the terms “tax” or “taxes” means taxes as well as any interest, penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts in respect of such taxes.

MSGE Spinco and its eligible subsidiaries currently join with the Registrant in the filing of certain consolidated, combined, and unitary returns for state, local, and other applicable tax purposes. However, for periods (or portions thereof) beginning after the Distribution, MSGE Spinco generally will not join with the Registrant in the filing of any federal, state, local or other applicable consolidated, combined or unitary tax returns.

Under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, with certain exceptions, the Registrant will generally be responsible for all U.S. federal, state, local and other applicable income taxes for any taxable period or portion of such period ending on or before the Distribution date. MSGE Spinco will generally be responsible for all taxes that are attributable to it or one of its subsidiaries after the Distribution date.

For any tax year, MSGE Spinco will generally be responsible for filing all separate company tax returns that relate to MSGE Spinco or one of its subsidiaries and that do not also include the Registrant or any of its subsidiaries. The Registrant will generally be responsible for filing all separate company tax returns that relate to the Registrant or its subsidiaries (other than tax returns that will be filed by MSGE Spinco), and for filing consolidated, combined or unitary returns that include (i) one or more of the Registrant and its subsidiaries and (ii) one or more of MSGE Spinco and its subsidiaries. Where possible, MSGE Spinco has waived the right to carry back any losses, credits, or similar items to periods ending prior to or on the Distribution date; however, if MSGE Spinco cannot waive the right, MSGE Spinco would be entitled to receive the resulting refund or credit, net of any taxes incurred by the Registrant with respect to the refund or credit.

Generally, MSGE Spinco will have the authority to conduct all tax proceedings, including tax audits, relating to taxes or any adjustment to taxes for which MSGE Spinco is responsible for filing a return under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, and the Registrant will have the authority to conduct all tax proceedings, including tax audits, relating to taxes or any adjustment to taxes for which the Registrant is responsible for filing a return under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement. However, if one party acknowledges a liability to indemnify the other party for a tax to which such proceeding relates, and provides evidence to the other party of its ability to make such payment, the first-mentioned party will have the authority to conduct such proceeding. The Tax Disaffiliation Agreement further provides for cooperation between the Registrant and MSGE Spinco with respect to tax matters, the exchange of information and the retention of records that may affect the tax liabilities of the parties to the agreement.

The Tax Disaffiliation Agreement requires that none of the Registrant, MSGE Spinco or any of their respective subsidiaries will take, or fail to take, any action where such action, or failure to act, would be inconsistent with or preclude the Distribution from qualifying as a tax-free transaction to the Registrant and to its stockholders under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or would otherwise cause holders of the Registrant’s stock receiving MSGE Spinco stock in the Distribution to be taxed as a result of the Distribution and certain transactions undertaken in connection with the Distribution. Additionally, for the two-year period following the Distribution, the Registrant and MSGE Spinco may not engage in certain activities that may jeopardize the tax-free treatment of the Distribution to the Registrant and its stockholders, unless, in the case of MSGE Spinco, MSGE Spinco receives the Registrant’s consent or otherwise obtains a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or a legal opinion, in either case reasonably satisfactory to the Registrant, that the activity will not alter the tax-free status of the Distribution to the Registrant and its stockholders.

 

4


Finally, MSGE Spinco is required to indemnify the Registrant and its subsidiaries, directors and officers for any taxes, resulting from action or failure to act, if such action or failure to act precludes the Distribution from qualifying as a tax-free transaction (including taxes imposed as a result of a violation of the restrictions set forth above).

Employee Matters Agreement

On March 29, 2023, the Registrant and MSGE Spinco entered into an employee matters agreement (the “Employee Matters Agreement”) that will allocate assets, liabilities and responsibilities with respect to certain employee compensation and benefit plans and programs and certain other related matters upon completion of the Distribution. In general, the Registrant’s employees currently participate in various of MSGE Spinco’s retirement, health and welfare, and other employee benefit plans. After the Distribution, it is anticipated that the Registrant’s employees will generally participate in similar plans and arrangements established and maintained by the Registrant; however, the Registrant may continue to be a participating company in certain of MSGE Spinco’s employee benefit plans during a transition period. Effective as of the Distribution date, MSGE Spinco and the Registrant generally will each hold responsibility for its respective employees and compensation plans.

Stockholder and Registration Rights Agreement

On March 29, 2023, the Registrant and MSGE Spinco entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) that will provide the Registrant with “demand” and “piggyback” registration rights with respect to the MSGE Spinco Class A Common Stock that the Registrant will retain following the Distribution. In addition, the Registrant agreed to vote MSGE Spinco Class A Common Stock that it owns in proportion to the votes cast by the other holders of MSGE Spinco Class A Common Stock on such matter, to the extent such shares of MSGE Spinco Class A Common Stock are entitled to be voted on such matter. The shares of MSGE Spinco Class A Common Stock owned by the Registrant will be present at all stockholder meetings for quorum purposes. The Registrant will grant Spinco an irrevocable proxy to implement these voting agreements.

NBA Agreement

Prior to the Distribution, the Registrant and its subsidiaries that own a direct or indirect interest in the Madison Square Garden Arena (“The Garden”), where the New York Knicks play home games, including MSGE Spinco and its subsidiaries that will own a direct or indirect interest in The Garden, will enter into a Transaction Agreement with the NBA (the “NBA Transaction Agreement”) pursuant to which the NBA will agree to approve the Distribution and certain matters related to the Distribution. The Registrant and MSGE Spinco parties will make certain representations to the NBA regarding the Distribution and agree to comply with NBA rules and certain financial and business covenants in connection with The Garden. All Registrant and MSGE Spinco parties will agree to release the NBA entities from any claims against them and indemnify the NBA entities against any claims arising out of the Distribution or breaches of the NBA Transaction Agreement.

 

Item 5.02

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

In connection with the Distribution, there will be changes to the executive officers and directors of the Registrant.

Changes in Executive Officers

Effective on the Distribution date, the following executive officers of the Registrant will, in connection with their becoming executive officers of MSGE Spinco, cease to serve as executive officers of the Registrant:

 

   

David F. Byrnes (Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer),

 

5


   

Jamal H. Haughton (Executive Vice President and General Counsel),

 

   

Philip G. D’Ambrosio (Senior Vice President and Treasurer), and

 

   

Courtney Zeppetella (Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer).

Also effective on the Distribution date, James L. Dolan, age 67, will continue to serve as the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MSGE Spinco, the Executive Chairman of Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (“MSG Sports”), and the Non-Executive Chairman of AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks”).

In addition, effective on the Distribution date, Gautam Ranji will serve as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer of the Registrant. Mr. Ranji will serve as principal accounting officer until a successor is appointed.

Changes in Directors

On March 29, 2023, Messrs. Martin Bandier and Frederic V. Salerno tendered their resignations as directors of the Registrant effective as of the Distribution date. Messrs. Bandier and Salerno will become directors of MSGE Spinco effective as of the Distribution.

The following individual has been appointed, effective as of the Distribution date, to the Board of Directors of the Registrant as a director elected by holders of Registrant Class A Common Stock to fill one of the two vacancies created by the resignation of the director elected by holders of Registrant Class A Common Stock:

 

   

Carl E. Vogel, age 65. Mr. Vogel is a private investor and an industry advisor for KKR & Co Inc., a leading global investment firm. He is also an Executive Partner of Mill Point Capital, a middle market private equity firm; and Executive Chairman of Full Circle Fiber Partners, LLC. Mr. Vogel served as President of Dish Network Corporation, a satellite television provider from September 2006 until February 2008 and served as its Vice Chairman from June 2005 until March 2009. From October 2007 until March 2009, Mr. Vogel served as the Vice Chairman of the board of directors of, and as a Senior Advisor to, EchoStar Communications Corporation. From 2001 until 2005, Mr. Vogel served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Charter Communications, Inc., a cable television and broadband services provider. Prior to joining Charter, Mr. Vogel worked as an executive officer in various capacities for companies affiliated with Liberty Media. Mr. Vogel is a member of the board of directors of AMC Networks Inc., Shaw Communications, Inc., Universal Electronics, Inc. and Sirius XM Holdings Inc. On April 30, 2021, Mr. Vogel left the board of directors of Dish Network Corporation at the end of his term after deciding not to stand for re-election. Mr. Vogel also served as a director of Ascent Media Corporation, Inc. during the last five years, and previously served as the chairman of Progress Acquisition Corp., a blank check company.

Effective as of the Distribution date, the Board of Directors of the Registrant has decreased the size of the Board of Directors from 17 to 16 directors. Effective immediately following the Distribution, Joseph J. Lhota, Vincent Tese and Carl E. Vogel will serve as members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Registrant and Joseph J. Lhota, John L. Sykes and Carl E. Vogel will serve as members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Registrant. Mr. Lhota will serve as Chair of the Audit Committee and Mr. Sykes will continue to serve as Chair of the Compensation Committee of the Registrant.

 

6


Item 7.01

Regulation FD Disclosure.

Distribution Press Release

On March 30, 2023, the Registrant issued a press release in connection with approving the Distribution, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information furnished pursuant to this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements and other information included in this Current Report on Form 8-K that are not historical facts, including statements about the Registrant’s plans, strategies, beliefs and expectations, as well as certain estimates and assumptions used by the Registrant’s management, may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except for the Registrant’s ongoing obligations under the U.S. federal securities laws, the Registrant undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change or revision, including the expected timing of the closing of the proposed transaction, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements or the estimates or assumptions used. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the failure to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals required for the closing of the proposed transaction; the failure to satisfy the conditions to the closing of the proposed transaction; unexpected costs, liabilities or delays in connection with or with respect to the proposed transaction, including but not limited to changes due to general economic, political and business conditions; potential legal proceedings relating to the proposed transaction and the outcome of any such legal proceeding; and other risks to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including the risk that the proposed transaction will not be consummated within the expected time period or at all. Additional factors that may affect the Registrant’s future results are identified in the Registrant’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Factors other than those listed above also could cause the Registrant’s results to differ materially from expected results.

 

Item 8.01

Other Events.

The information set forth in the Introductory Note is incorporated into this Item 8.01 by reference.

Certain Relationships and Potential Conflicts of Interest

As noted under Item 5.02 above, following the Distribution, there will be an overlap between certain officers of the Registrant, MSGE Spinco, MSG Sports and AMC Networks. James L. Dolan will serve as the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of both the Registrant and MSGE Spinco, as the Executive Chairman of MSG Sports and as Non-Executive Chairman of AMC Networks. In addition, Gregg G. Seibert will serve as a Vice Chairman of the Registrant, MSGE Spinco, MSG Sports and AMC Networks and Charles F. Dolan will continue to serve as Chairman Emeritus of AMC Networks concurrently with his service on the Registrant’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Mark Cresitello will serve as the Secretary of both the Registrant and MSG Sports.

 

7


Furthermore, immediately following the Distribution, nine of the members of the Registrant’s Board of Directors will also serve as directors of MSGE Spinco, ten will serve as directors of MSG Sports and eight will serve as directors of AMC Networks. There will be no overlap of Class A Directors as between the Registrant and MSGE Spinco.

The overlapping directors and officers may have actual or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting each company. For example, there will be the potential for a conflict of interest when the Registrant or MSGE Spinco, MSG Sports, and/or AMC Networks and their respective subsidiaries and successors (each of the foregoing an “Other Entity”) look at certain acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for more than one of the companies. Also, conflicts may arise if there are issues or disputes under the commercial arrangements that will exist between an Other Entity on the one hand and the Registrant on the other hand. In addition, after the Distribution, certain of the Registrant’s directors and officers will continue to own stock and/or stock options or other equity awards of an Other Entity. These ownership interests could create actual, apparent or potential conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for Registrant and an Other Entity.

The Registrant’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation acknowledges that directors and officers of the Registrant may also be serving as directors, officers, employees or agents of MSG Sports, MSG Networks or AMC Networks (the “Overlap Persons”), and that the Registrant may engage in material business transactions with such entities and provides that no Overlap Person will be liable to the Registrant or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty that would otherwise occur by reason of the fact that any such individual directs a corporate opportunity (other than certain limited types of restricted corporate opportunities set forth in the Registrant’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation, provided that the Registrant is directly engaged in such business at the relevant time) to MSG Sports, MSG Networks or AMC Networks instead of the Registrant, or does not refer or communicate information regarding such corporate opportunities to the Registrant. These provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also expressly validate certain contracts, agreements, arrangements and transactions (and amendments, modifications or terminations thereof) between the Registrant and MSG Sports, MSG Networks or AMC Networks and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, provide that the actions of the Overlap Persons in connection therewith are not breaches of fiduciary duties owed to the Registrant, any of its subsidiaries or their respective stockholders.

In connection with the Registrant’s acquisition of MSG Networks in 2021, the Board of Directors of the Registrant adopted a policy (the “Overlap Policy”) to remove the foregoing provisions as they apply to MSG Networks Inc. and its subsidiaries and revise the types of restricted corporate opportunities to include opportunities related to the MSG Networks business. In connection with the Distribution, the Board of Directors of the Registrant has amended the Overlap Policy to extend the foregoing provisions to directors and officers of the Registrant who serve as directors, officers, employees or agents of MSGE Spinco or its subsidiaries. Under the Overlap Policy, the types of restricted corporate opportunities have been revised to reflect the Registrant’s business following the Distribution and will now include an opportunity that relates (x) primarily to a theatrical or arena venue or (y) exclusively to the business of owning or operating a regional professional sports programming service that features the live carriage of games of teams that compete in the National Hockey League, the NBA or Major League Baseball and that is targeted to, and made available to, multichannel video programming distributors in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state area.

Related Party Transaction Approval Policy

In connection with the Distribution, the Registrant will amend its Related Party Transaction Approval Policy to include MSGE Spinco as an affiliate under that policy. As a result, transactions with MSGE Spinco will be subject to approval by an independent committee of the Registrant’s Board of Directors if in excess of the $1,000,000 dollar threshold.

Treatment of Outstanding Options, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards

The Registrant has issued options to purchase Registrant Class A Common Stock. In connection with the Distribution, each Registrant option will become two options: one will be an option to acquire Registrant Class A Common Stock and one an option to acquire Spinco Class A Common Stock. The existing exercise price will be

 

8


allocated between the existing Registrant options and the new MSGE Spinco options based upon the volume weighted average prices of the Registrant Class A Common Stock and Spinco Class A Common Stock over the ten trading days immediately following the Distribution as reported by Bloomberg, and the underlying share amount will take into account the one-to-one distribution ratio (i.e., one share of Spinco Class A Common Stock will be issued for every one share of Registrant Class A Common Stock). The Registrant options and new MSGE Spinco options will not be exercisable during a period beginning on a date prior to the Distribution determined by the Registrant in its sole discretion, and continuing until the exercise prices of the Registrant options and new MSGE Spinco options are determined after the Distribution, or such longer period as the Registrant or MSGE Spinco determine is necessary with respect to the Registrant’s and MSGE Spinco’s respective awards. Other than the split of the Registrant options and the allocation of the existing exercise price, upon issuance of new MSGE Spinco options there will be no additional adjustment to the existing Registrant options in connection with the Distribution and the terms of each employee’s applicable Registrant award agreement will continue to govern the Registrant options. The options that MSGE Spinco issues in respect of outstanding Registrant stock options will be affected by a change in control or going private transaction of the Registrant, MSGE Spinco or MSG Sports, as set forth in the terms of the award agreement.

The Registrant has issued restricted stock units and performance stock units to its employees, which represent unfunded, unsecured rights to receive shares of Registrant Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) at a future date upon the satisfaction of the conditions specified by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Registrant in the award agreement. In connection with the Distribution, each holder of an employee restricted stock unit will receive one MSGE Spinco restricted stock unit in respect of every one Registrant restricted stock unit owned on the record date and continue to be entitled to a share of Registrant Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) for each Registrant restricted stock unit in accordance with the Registrant award agreement. Additionally, each holder of an employee performance stock unit will receive one MSGE Spinco performance stock unit (at target performance) in respect of every one Registrant performance stock unit (at target performance) owned on the record date and continue to be entitled to a share of Registrant Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) for each Registrant performance stock unit in accordance with the Registrant award agreement. The performance conditions applicable to Registrant performance stock units and MSGE Spinco performance stock units that have a performance period ending in 2023 will be equitably adjusted to reflect the Distribution in order to measure the achievement of the consolidated performance of the Registrant and MSGE Spinco over the performance period. The performance conditions applicable to Registrant performance stock units and MSGE Spinco performance stock units that have a performance period ending after 2023 will be equitably adjusted so that the performance conditions relate solely to whichever company employs the holder of the award as of the Distribution.

Except as described above, there will be no adjustment to the existing Registrant restricted stock units or Registrant performance stock units in connection with the Distribution and the terms of each employee’s applicable award agreement will continue to govern the Registrant award. The restricted stock units and performance stock units that MSGE Spinco issue in respect of outstanding Registrant awards will be affected by a change in control or going private transaction of the Registrant, MSGE Spinco or MSG Sports, as set forth in the terms of the award agreement.

The Registrant has issued restricted stock units to its non-employee directors which represent unfunded, unsecured rights to receive shares of Registrant Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) at a future date. Such restricted stock units were fully vested on the date of grant. In connection with the Distribution, each holder of a director restricted stock unit will receive one share of Spinco Class A Common Stock in respect of every one Registrant restricted stock unit owned on the record date and continue to be entitled to a share of Registrant Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) in accordance with the award agreement.

With respect to outstanding equity awards, the Registrant, MSGE Spinco and MSG Sports will not be regarded as competitive entities of each other for purposes of any non-compete provisions contained in the applicable award agreements. With respect to all outstanding Registrant awards (and MSGE Spinco awards issued in connection with such awards) holders of such awards will continue to vest so long as they remain employed by the Registrant, MSGE Spinco, MSG Sports or affiliates of such entities, provided that an employee who moves between the Registrant (or one of its subsidiaries), MSGE Spinco (or one of its subsidiaries) or MSG Sports (or one of its subsidiaries) at a time when the applicable entities are no longer affiliates will not continue to vest in Registrant awards and such change will constitute a termination of employment for purposes of the award agreement.

 

9


Tax Recognition of Certain Deferred Revenue in Connection with the Distribution

In connection with the reorganization transactions related to the Distribution, the tax recognition of deferred revenues from certain amounts that the Registrant collects in advance for ticket sales, sponsorships and suite rentals, all of which are Contributed Assets, will be accelerated to the date of the Distribution, rather than being recognized through the year ending June 30, 2024. However, the Registrant currently expects that any taxable income from the acceleration of such deferred revenue would be completely offset by the Registrant’s net operating losses.

Delayed Draw Term Facility

As an additional source of liquidity for the Registrant, prior to or concurrently with the consummation of the Distribution, it is expected that MSG Entertainment Holdings, LLC (“MSG Entertainment Holdings”) will enter into a delayed draw term loan facility (the “DDTL Facility”) with the Registrant. Pursuant to the DDTL Facility, MSG Entertainment Holdings would commit to lend up to $65 million in delayed draw term loans to the Registrant on an unsecured basis for a period of 18 months following the consummation of the Distribution. The DDTL Facility will mature and any unused commitments thereunder will expire 18 months after the effective date thereof. Borrowings under the DDTL Facility will bear interest at a variable rate equal to either, at the option of the Registrant, (a) a base rate plus an applicable margin, or (b) Term SOFR plus 0.10%, plus an applicable margin. Subject to customary borrowing conditions, the DDTL Facility may be drawn in up to six separate borrowings of $5 million or more. The DDTL Facility is prepayable at any time without penalty and amounts repaid on the DDTL Facility may not be reborrowed. The Registrant shall only be permitted to use the proceeds of the DDTL Facility (i) for funding costs associated with the Sphere initiative and (ii) in connection with refinancing of the indebtedness under the MSG Networks Credit Facility. The DDTL Facility contains certain representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, including, among others, financial reporting, notices of material events, and limitations on asset dispositions, restricted payments, and affiliate transactions.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

 

  2.1    Distribution Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2023, between Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.) and MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.).
  2.2    Contribution Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2023, between Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.), MSG Entertainment Group, LLC (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Group, LLC) and MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.).
10.1    Transition Services Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2023, between Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.) and MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.).
10.2    Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2023, between Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.) and MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.).
10.3    Employee Matters Agreement, dated March 29, 2023, between Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.) and MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.).
10.4    Stockholder and Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 29, 2023, between Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.) and MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.).
10.5    Form of NBA Transaction Agreement.
99.1    Press Release, dated March 30, 2023, issued by the Registrant.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the inline XRBL document).

 

10


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

      MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
      (Registrant)
Date: March 30, 2023     By:  

/s/ David F. Byrnes

    Name:   David F. Byrnes
    Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 2.1

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(TO BE RENAMED SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.)

AND

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.)

Dated as of March 29, 2023

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1

 

General

     1  
Section 1.2   Reference; Interpretation    10  
ARTICLE II  
DISTRIBUTION AND  
CERTAIN COVENANTS  

Section 2.1

 

Distribution

     10  

Section 2.2

 

MSG Entertainment Determination

     11  

Section 2.3

 

Charter; Bylaws

     11  

Section 2.4

 

Directors

     12  

Section 2.5

 

Election of Officers

     12  

Section 2.6

 

Certain Licenses and Permits

     12  

Section 2.7

 

State Securities Laws

     12  

Section 2.8

 

Listing Application; Notice to Stock Exchange

     12  

Section 2.9

 

Assignment of Agreements

     12  

Section 2.10

 

Removal of Certain Guarantees; Releases from Liabilities

     13  

Section 2.11

 

Corporate Names; Trademarks

     14  

Section 2.12

 

Ancillary Agreements

     15  

Section 2.13

 

Acknowledgment by Spinco

     15  

Section 2.14

 

Release

     15  

Section 2.15

 

Discharge of Liabilities

     17  

Section 2.16

 

Indebtedness

     18  
Section 2.17   Further Assurances    18  
ARTICLE III  
INDEMNIFICATION  

Section 3.1

 

Indemnification by MSG Entertainment

     18  

Section 3.2

 

Indemnification by Spinco

     19  

Section 3.3

 

Procedures for Indemnification

     19  
Section 3.4   Indemnification Payments    21  
ARTICLE IV  
ACCESS TO INFORMATION  

Section 4.1

 

Provision of Corporate Records

     22  

Section 4.2

 

Access to Information

     23  

 

- i -


       Page  

Section 4.3

 

Witnesses; Documents and Cooperation in Actions

     23  

Section 4.4

 

Confidentiality

     23  

Section 4.5

 

Privileged Matters

     24  

Section 4.6

 

Ownership of Information

     26  

Section 4.7

 

Cost of Providing Records and Information

     26  

Section 4.8

 

Retention of Records

     26  

Section 4.9

 

Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information

     27  

Section 4.10

 

Policies and Best Practices

     27  

Section 4.11

 

Compliance with Laws and Agreements

     27  
Section 4.12   Allocation of Certain Expenses    27  
ARTICLE V  
MISCELLANEOUS  

Section 5.1

 

Complete Agreement; Construction

     27  

Section 5.2

 

Ancillary Agreements

     27  

Section 5.3

 

Counterparts

     27  

Section 5.4

 

Survival of Agreements

     27  

Section 5.5

 

Distribution Expenses

     28  

Section 5.6

 

Notices

     28  

Section 5.7

 

Waivers

     28  

Section 5.8

 

Amendments

     28  

Section 5.9

 

Assignment

     28  

Section 5.10

 

Successors and Assigns

     29  

Section 5.11

 

Termination

     29  

Section 5.12

 

Subsidiaries

     29  

Section 5.13

 

Third-Party Beneficiaries

     29  

Section 5.14

 

Title and Headings

     29  

Section 5.15

 

Schedules

     29  

Section 5.16

 

Governing Law

     29  

Section 5.17

 

Waiver of Jury Trial

     29  

Section 5.18

 

Specific Performance

     30  

Section 5.19

 

Severability

     30  

Schedule A-1 List of Spinco Subsidiaries

     A-1  

Schedule A-2 List of Spinco Minority-Ownership Subsidiaries

     A-2  

Schedule B-1 Retained Claims Liabilities

     B-1  

Schedule B-2 Spinco Retained Claims Liabilities

     B-2  

Schedule C-1 Spinco Group Guarantees

     C-1  

Schedule C-2 MSG Entertainment Group Guarantees

     C-2  

Schedule D Ancillary Agreements

     D-1  

Schedule E Retained Assets

     E-1  

Schedule F Allocation of Certain Expenses

     F-1  

 

 

- ii -


DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

This Distribution Agreement (this “Agreement”), is dated as of March 29, 2023, by and between Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co. at the Effective Time (as defined herein)), a Delaware corporation (“MSG Entertainment”), and MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. at the Effective Time), a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Entertainment (“Spinco” and, together with MSG Entertainment, the “Parties”).

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of MSG Entertainment determined that it is in the best interests of MSG Entertainment and its stockholders to separate the business of Spinco, as more fully described in Spinco’s registration statement on Form 10 (collectively, the “Spinco Business”), from MSG Entertainment’s other businesses on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of MSG Entertainment has authorized the distribution to the holders of the issued and outstanding shares of MSG Entertainment Common Stock (as of the record date for the distribution) of approximately 67% of the issued and outstanding shares of Spinco Common Stock, on the basis of one share of Spinco Class A Common Stock for every one share of MSG Entertainment Class A Common Stock and one share of Spinco Class B Common Stock for every one share of MSG Entertainment Class B Common Stock (the “Distribution”);

WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of MSG Entertainment and Spinco have each determined that the Distribution and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements are in furtherance of and consistent with the Corporate Business Purposes and, as such, are in the best interests of their respective companies and stockholders or sole member, as applicable, and have approved this Agreement and each of the Ancillary Agreements; and

WHEREAS, the Parties have determined to set forth the principal corporate and other transactions required to effect the Distribution and to set forth other agreements that will govern certain other matters prior to and following the Distribution.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, the parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1     General. Unless otherwise defined herein or unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Action” shall mean any demand, action, suit, arbitration, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by or before any Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.


Affiliate” shall mean, when used with respect to any specified Person, a Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such specified Person. As used herein, “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract or otherwise. Unless explicitly provided herein to the contrary, for purposes of this Agreement none of MSG Entertainment, Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (“MSG Sports”) or AMC Networks Inc., nor any of their respective Subsidiaries, shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries, and none of Spinco, MSG Sports or AMC Networks Inc., nor any of their respective Subsidiaries, shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of MSG Entertainment or any of its Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Affiliate” as it applies to Spinco shall include all of the Spinco Subsidiaries.

Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) of this Agreement.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Ancillary Agreements” shall mean all of the written agreements, instruments, understandings, assignments or other arrangements (other than this Agreement) entered into by the Parties or any other member of their respective Groups in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including the agreements set forth on Schedule D.

Applicable Rate” shall mean the rate of interest per annum announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as its prime lending rate.

Arena Indebtedness” shall have the meaning set forth in the NBA Debt Policies.

Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which commercial banking institutions located in The City of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Commission” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contribution Agreement” shall mean the Contribution Agreement among MSG Entertainment, MSG Entertainment Group, LLC (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Group, LLC) and Spinco, which has been or shall be entered into prior to the Distribution Date.

“Corporate Business Purposes” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement.

Distribution” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Distribution Date” shall mean such date as may be determined by the Board of Directors of MSG Entertainment, or a committee of such Board of Directors, as the date as of which the Distribution shall be effected.

 

- 2 -


Distribution Record Date” shall mean such date as may be determined by the Board of Directors of MSG Entertainment, or a committee of such Board of Directors, as the record date for the Distribution.

Effective Time” shall mean 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Distribution Date.

Enterprise Indebtedness” shall have the meaning set forth in the NBA Debt Policies.

Environmental Laws” shall mean any and all federal, state, local and foreign statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, principles of common law, judgments, orders, decrees, permits, concessions, grants, franchises, licenses, agreements or other governmental restrictions or requirements (including without limitation the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. 9601, et seq.), whether now or hereafter in existence, relating to the environment, natural resources, human health or safety, endangered or threatened species of fish, wildlife and plants, or to emissions, discharges or releases of pollutants, contaminants, petroleum or petroleum products, chemicals or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment (including without limitation indoor or outdoor air, surface water, groundwater and surface or subsurface soils), or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, presence, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of, or exposure to, pollutants, contaminants, petroleum or petroleum products, chemicals or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes or the investigation, cleanup or other remediation thereof.

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Governmental Authority” shall mean any federal, state, local, foreign or international court, government, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, official, NYSE or other regulatory, administrative or governmental authority.

Group” shall mean the MSG Entertainment Group or the Spinco Group.

Indemnifiable Losses” shall mean any and all Liabilities, costs or expenses (including reasonable out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and any and all out-of-pocket expenses) reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing for or defending against any Actions or potential Actions or in settling any Action or potential Action or in satisfying any judgment, fine or penalty rendered in or resulting from any Action.

Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a) of this Agreement.

Indemnitee” shall mean a Spinco Indemnitee or a MSG Entertainment Indemnitee.

 

- 3 -


Information Statement” shall mean the Information Statement filed with the Commission as part of the Registration Statement and mailed to the holders of shares of MSG Entertainment Common Stock in connection with the Distribution, including any amendments or supplements thereto.

Law” shall mean all laws, statutes and ordinances and all regulations, rules and other pronouncements of Governmental Authorities having the effect of law of the United States, any foreign country, or any domestic or foreign state, province, commonwealth, city, country, municipality, territory, protectorate, possession or similar instrumentality, or any Governmental Authority thereof.

Liabilities” shall mean any and all debts, liabilities, obligations, responsibilities, Losses, damages (whether compensatory, punitive or treble), fines, penalties and sanctions, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, foreseen or unforeseen, joint, several or individual, asserted or unasserted, accrued or unaccrued, known or unknown, whenever arising, including without limitation those arising under or in connection with any Law (including any Environmental Law), Action, threatened Action, order or consent decree of any Governmental Authority or any award of any arbitration tribunal, and those arising under any contract, guarantee, commitment or undertaking, whether sought to be imposed by a Governmental Authority, private party, or Party to this Agreement, whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute, or otherwise, and including any costs, expenses, interest, attorneys’ fees, disbursement and expense of counsel, expert and consulting fees and costs related thereto or to the investigation, response, defense or settlement thereof.

Losses” shall mean all losses, damages, claims, demands, judgments or settlements of any nature or kind, known or unknown, fixed, accrued, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, including all reasonable costs and expenses (legal, accounting or otherwise as such costs are incurred) relating thereto, suffered by an Indemnitee.

MSG Entertainment” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Assignee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a) of this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Assignor” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a) of this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Assumed Contract Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(b) of this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Business” shall mean each and every business conducted at any time by MSG Entertainment or any Subsidiary controlled by MSG Entertainment, except the Spinco Business. For the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, the MSG Entertainment Business shall include the assets and claims set forth of Schedule E.

 

- 4 -


MSG Entertainment Class A Common Stock shall mean the Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MSG Entertainment.

MSG Entertainment Class B Common Stock shall mean the Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MSG Entertainment.

MSG Entertainment Common Stock” shall mean the MSG Entertainment Class A Common Stock, together with the MSG Entertainment Class B Common Stock.

MSG Entertainment Group” shall mean MSG Entertainment and each Person (other than any member of the Spinco Group) that is a Subsidiary of MSG Entertainment immediately after the Distribution Date.

MSG Entertainment Indemnitee” shall mean:

(i)     MSG Entertainment and each Affiliate thereof after giving effect to the Distribution; and

(ii)     each of the respective Representatives of any of the entities described in the immediately preceding clause (i) and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of such Representatives, except in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), the Spinco Indemnitees; provided, however, that a Person who was a Representative of MSG Entertainment or an Affiliate thereof may be a MSG Entertainment Indemnitee in that capacity notwithstanding that such Person may also be a Spinco Indemnitee.

MSG Entertainment Liabilities” shall mean:

(i)     any and all Liabilities (other than Taxes that are specifically covered by the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement and other Liabilities that are specifically covered by the other Ancillary Agreements and not expressly made subject to this Agreement by the express terms of the Ancillary Agreement) that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be assumed by MSG Entertainment or any member of the MSG Entertainment Group, and all Liabilities of any member of the MSG Entertainment Group under this Agreement;

(ii)     all Liabilities (other than Taxes that are specifically covered by the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement and other Liabilities that are specifically covered by the other Ancillary Agreements and not expressly made subject to this Agreement by the express terms of the Ancillary Agreement), if and to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

(A) the ownership or operation of the MSG Entertainment Business (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any discontinued business or any business which has been previously sold or transferred), as conducted at any time prior to, on or after the Distribution Date; or

 

- 5 -


(B) the ownership or operation of any business conducted by MSG Entertainment or any MSG Entertainment Subsidiary at any time after the Distribution Date; and

(iii)     any Retained Claims Liabilities;

(iv)     all MSG Entertainment Retained Contract Liabilities; and

(v)    all MSG Entertainment Assumed Contract Liabilities.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the MSG Entertainment Liabilities shall not include: (x) any Liabilities that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be retained or assumed by Spinco or any member of the Spinco Group; or (y) any agreements and obligations of any member of the Spinco Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements.

MSG Entertainment Releasee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(b) of this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Releasor” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(b) of this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Retained Contract Liability” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a) of this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Subsidiaries” shall mean all of the Subsidiaries of MSG Entertainment other than Spinco and the Spinco Subsidiaries.

NBA” shall mean the National Basketball Association.

NBA Agreements” shall mean (a) the Agreement and Undertaking, dated as of September 28, 2015, by and among the NBA, MSG Sports, certain subsidiaries of MSG Sports and certain other entities, (b) the Transfer Consent Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2015, by and among the NBA, MSG Sports, certain subsidiaries of MSG Sports and certain other entities, (c) the Transaction Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2020, by and among the NBA, MSG Sports, certain subsidiaries of MSG Sports and certain other entities, (d) the Letter Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2022, by and among the NBA, MSG Entertainment, certain subsidiaries of MSG Entertainment, Spinco and certain other entities and (e) the Transaction Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the NBA, MSG Entertainment, certain subsidiaries of MSG Entertainment, Spinco and certain other entities.

 

- 6 -


NHL” shall mean the National Hockey League.

NHL Agreements” shall mean (a) the Transaction Approval Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2015, by and among the NHL, MSG Sports and certain subsidiaries of MSG Sports, (b) the Transfer Consent Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2015, by and among the NHL, MSG Sports and certain subsidiaries of MSG Sports, and (c) the Transaction Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2020, by and among the NHL, MSG Sports, certain subsidiaries of MSG Sports and certain other entities.

NYSE” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange LLC.

Outside Notice Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a).

Parties shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Person” shall mean any natural person, corporation, business trust, limited liability company, joint venture, association, company, partnership or government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Records” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(a) of this Agreement.

Registration Statement” shall mean the registration statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission to effect the registration of the Spinco Class A Common Shares pursuant to the Exchange Act.

Representative” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any of such Person’s directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, advisors, accountants, attorneys and representatives.

“Retained Claims Liabilities” shall mean the Liabilities, if any, described in Schedule B-1.

Spinco” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Spinco Assignee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(b) of this Agreement.

Spinco Assignor” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(b) of this Agreement.

Spinco Assumed Contract Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a) of this Agreement.

Spinco Business” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, Spinco Business shall include any discontinued business previously owned or operated by the Spinco Business or any business which has been sold

 

- 7 -


or transferred by the Spinco Business, including any Liabilities relating to businesses or assets previously owned or operated by the Spinco Business, including MSG Winter Productions, LLC, MSG BCE, LLC, MSG Aviation, LLC, MSG Aircraft Leasing, L.L.C. and MSG Eden Realty, LLC.

Spinco Class A Common Shares” shall mean the shares of Spinco Class A Common Stock to be distributed in the Distribution.

Spinco Class A Common Stock” shall mean the Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco.

Spinco Class B Common Shares” shall mean the shares of Class B Common Stock to be distributed in the Distribution.

Spinco Class B Common Stock” shall mean the Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco.

Spinco Common Stock” shall mean the Spinco Class A Common Stock, together with the Spinco Class B Common Stock.

Spinco Group” shall mean Spinco and each Person that is a Spinco Subsidiary immediately after the Distribution Date.

Spinco Indemnitees” shall mean:

(i)     Spinco and each Affiliate thereof after giving effect to the Distribution; and

(ii)     each of the respective Representatives of any of the entities described in the immediately preceding clause (i) and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of such Representatives.

Spinco Liabilities” shall mean:

(i)     any and all Liabilities (other than Taxes that are specifically covered by the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement and other Liabilities that are specifically covered by the other Ancillary Agreements and not expressly made subject to this Agreement by the express terms of any the Ancillary Agreement) that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreements (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be assumed by Spinco or any member of the Spinco Group, and all Liabilities of any member of the Spinco Group under this Agreement;

(ii)     all Liabilities (other than Taxes that are specifically covered by the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement and other Liabilities that are specifically covered by the other

 

- 8 -


Ancillary Agreements and not expressly made subject to this Agreement by the express terms of the Ancillary Agreement), if and to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

(A)     the ownership or operation of the Spinco Business (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any discontinued business or any business which has been sold or transferred), as conducted at any time prior to, on or after the Distribution Date, including any Liability incurred by MSG Entertainment Group under the indemnification provisions of the 2015 Distribution Agreement which relate to the ownership or operation of the Spinco Business (a “2015 Liability”) and under the indemnification provisions of the 2020 Distribution Agreement which relate to the ownership or operation of the Spinco Business (a “2020 Liability”);

(B)     the ownership or operation of any business conducted by Spinco or any Spinco Subsidiary at any time after the Distribution Date, including any 2015 Liability and 2020 Liability; or

(C)     the NBA Agreements and the NHL Agreements, in connection with the ownership or operation of the Spinco Business;

(iii)     all 2015 Liabilities, all 2020 Liabilities, and any Spinco Retained Claims Liabilities;

(iv)     all Spinco Assumed Contract Liabilities; and

(v)     all Spinco Retained Contract Liabilities.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Spinco Liabilities shall not include: (x) any Liabilities that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be retained or assumed by MSG Entertainment or any member of the MSG Entertainment Group; (y) any agreements and obligations of any member of the MSG Entertainment Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements and (z) any Retained Claims Liabilities.

Spinco Releasee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a) of this Agreement.

Spinco Releasor” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a) of this Agreement.

Spinco Retained Claims Liabilities” shall mean the Liabilities described in Schedule B-2.

Spinco Retained Contract Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(b) of this Agreement.

Spinco Share” shall mean each Spinco Class A Common Share and Spinco Class B Common Share, on an individual basis.

Spinco Subsidiaries” shall mean all of the Subsidiaries listed on Schedule A-1.

 

- 9 -


Subsidiary” shall mean with respect to any specified Person, any corporation or other legal entity of which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries controls or owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the stock or other equity interests entitled to vote on the election of members to the board of directors or similar governing body or, in the case of a Person with no governing body, more than 50% of the equity interests. As to Spinco, the term “Subsidiary” shall also include the 50% or less owned entities listed on Schedule A-2.

Tax” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement.

Tax Disaffiliation Agreement” shall mean the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement by and between MSG Entertainment and Spinco, which agreement shall be entered into prior to or on the Distribution Date.

Third Party” shall mean any Person who is not a Party to this Agreement.

Third-Party Claim” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3(a) of this Agreement.

Transfers” shall mean the direct and indirect transfers of assets and assignment of agreements from MSG Entertainment to Spinco which resulted in Spinco owning, directly or indirectly, the Spinco Business.

2015 Distribution Agreement” shall mean the Distribution Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2015 between MSG Sports and MSG Networks Inc.

2020 Distribution Agreement” shall mean the Distribution Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2020 between MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment.

Section 1.2     Reference; Interpretation. References in this Agreement to any gender include references to all genders, and references to the singular include references to the plural and vice versa. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” when used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Agreement to Articles, Sections and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Schedules to, this Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires, the words “hereof”, “hereby” and “herein” and words of similar meaning when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular Article, Section or provision of this Agreement. Neither this Agreement nor any Ancillary Agreement shall be construed against either Party as the principal draftsperson hereof or thereof.

ARTICLE II

DISTRIBUTION AND

CERTAIN COVENANTS

Section 2.1     Distribution. (a) On or prior to the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment shall instruct MSG Entertainment’s stock transfer agent (the “Agent”) to effect the

 

- 10 -


Distribution by distributing, on or as soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, the Spinco Class A Common Shares and the Spinco Class B Common Shares to the holders of record as of the Distribution Record Date of MSG Entertainment Class A Common Stock and MSG Entertainment Class B Common Stock, respectively, and to credit the appropriate class and number of such Spinco Shares to book entry accounts or issue properly endorsed stock certificates, as applicable, for each such holder of MSG Entertainment Common Stock, all as further contemplated by the Information Statement and hereby. Spinco shall provide any share certificates that the Agent shall require in order to effect the Distribution. The Distribution shall be effective at 11:59 P.M., New York City time, on the Distribution Date.

(b)    The Spinco Shares distributed in the Distribution are generally intended to be distributed pursuant to a book entry system. MSG Entertainment shall instruct the Agent to deliver the Spinco Shares previously delivered to the Agent to a depositary and to mail to each holder of record of MSG Entertainment Common Stock on the Distribution Record Date, a statement of the Spinco Shares credited to such holder’s account. If prior to or following the Distribution a holder of Spinco Shares requests physical certificates instead of participating in the book entry system, the Agent shall issue certificates for such shares. In lieu of fractional shares, cash shall be given to holders otherwise entitled to such fractional Spinco Shares on the Distribution Date. As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, the Agent shall (i) aggregate all fractional Spinco Class A Common Shares into whole Spinco Class A Common Shares and (ii) aggregate all fractional Spinco Class B Common Shares into whole Spinco Class B Common Shares, and convert the whole Spinco Class B Common Shares into whole Spinco Class A Common Shares, and (iii) sell the whole Spinco Class A Common Shares in the open market at then prevailing prices and shall distribute to each such holder such holder’s ratable share of the proceeds of such sale, net of brokerage fees incurred in such sales and after deducting any Taxes required to be withheld and applicable transfer Taxes.

Section 2.2     MSG Entertainment Determination. MSG Entertainment shall have the sole and absolute discretion to determine whether to proceed with all or part of the Distribution and all terms of the Distribution, including the form, structure and terms of any transaction(s) and/or offering(s) to effect the Distribution and the timing of and conditions to the consummation of the Distribution. Spinco shall cooperate with MSG Entertainment in all respects to accomplish the Distribution and shall, at MSG Entertainment’s direction, promptly take any and all actions necessary or desirable to effect the Distribution. In its sole and absolute discretion, MSG Entertainment shall select any investment banker(s) and manager(s) in connection with the Distribution, as well as any financial printer, solicitation and/or exchange agent and outside counsel for MSG Entertainment, which shall include Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Each of MSG Entertainment and Spinco acknowledges that it has been afforded the opportunity to seek the advice and assistance of its own separate counsel in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

Section 2.3     Charter; Bylaws. On or prior to the Distribution Date, Spinco and MSG Entertainment shall have taken all necessary actions to provide for the adoption of the form of the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and form of Amended By-laws in substantially the form filed by Spinco with the Commission as exhibits to the Registration Statement.

 

- 11 -


Section 2.4     Directors. On or prior to the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall have taken all necessary action to cause the Board of Directors of Spinco to consist of the individuals identified in the Information Statement as directors of Spinco as of the Effective Time.

Section 2.5     Election of Officers. On or prior to the Distribution Date, Spinco shall take all actions necessary and desirable so that as of the Distribution Date the officers of Spinco will be as set forth in the Information Statement.

Section 2.6     Certain Licenses and Permits. On or prior to the Distribution Date or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, MSG Entertainment shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to transfer or cause to be transferred any transferable licenses, permits and authorizations issued by any Governmental Authority which relate solely to the Spinco Business but which are held in the name of any member of the MSG Entertainment Group, or in the name of any employee, officer, director, stockholder or agent of any such member, or otherwise, on behalf of a member of the Spinco Group to the appropriate member of the Spinco Group.

Section 2.7     State Securities Laws. Prior to the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate under the securities or blue sky laws of states or other political subdivisions of the United States in order to effect the Distribution.

Section 2.8     Listing Application; Notice to Stock Exchange. (a) Prior to the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall prepare and file with NYSE a listing application and related documents and shall take all such other actions with respect thereto as shall be necessary or desirable in order to cause NYSE to list on or prior to the Distribution Date, subject to official notice of issuance, the Spinco Class A Common Shares.

(b)    Prior to the Distribution, MSG Entertainment shall give NYSE not less than ten days’ advance notice of the Distribution Record Date in compliance with Rule 10b-17 under the Exchange Act and Section 204.12 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual.

Section 2.9     Assignment of Agreements.

(a)    In connection with the Transfers, MSG Entertainment and/or its Affiliates shall enter into assignment agreements pursuant to which certain rights and obligations of MSG Entertainment and/or its Affiliates (in each case, an “MSG Entertainment Assignor”) will be assigned to, and accepted and assumed by, Spinco and/or its Affiliates (in each case a “Spinco Assignee”), in each case effective at or prior to the Effective Time. Unless otherwise agreed in the relevant assignment agreement, the relevant MSG Entertainment Assignor shall be entitled to the benefits of and be responsible for all Liabilities under each such agreement that relate to all periods of time prior to the Effective Time (each such Liability, an “MSG Entertainment Retained Contract Liability”) and the relevant Spinco Assignee shall be entitled to the benefits of and be responsible for all Liabilities relating to all periods of time after the Effective Time (each such Liability, a “Spinco Assumed Contract Liability”).

 

- 12 -


(b)    In connection with the Transfers, Spinco and/or its Affiliates shall enter into assignment agreements pursuant to which rights and obligations of Spinco and/or its Affiliates (in each case, an “Spinco Assignor”) will be assigned to, and accepted and assumed by, MSG Entertainment and/or its Affiliates (in each case an “MSG Entertainment Assignee”), in each case effective as of the Effective Time. Unless otherwise agreed in the relevant assignment agreement, the relevant Spinco Assignor shall be entitled to the benefits of and be responsible for all Liabilities under each such agreement that relate to all periods of time prior to the Effective Time (each such Liability, a “Spinco Retained Contract Liability”) and the relevant MSG Entertainment Assignee shall be entitled to the benefits and responsible for all Liabilities relating to all periods of time after the Effective Time (each such Liability, an “MSG Entertainment Assumed Contract Liability”).

Section 2.10     Removal of Certain Guarantees; Releases from Liabilities.

(a)    Except as otherwise specified in any Ancillary Agreement, (i) Spinco shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have, on or prior to the Distribution Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter, all members of the MSG Entertainment Group removed as guarantors of or obligors for any Liability of Spinco, including in respect of those guarantees, if any, set forth on Schedule C-1 of this Agreement, and (ii) MSG Entertainment shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to have, on or prior to the Distribution Date, or as soon as practicable thereafter, all members of the Spinco Group removed as guarantors of or obligors for any Liability of MSG Entertainment, including in respect of those guarantees, if any, set forth on Schedule C-2 of this Agreement.

(b)    If Spinco or MSG Entertainment, as the case may be, is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required removal as set forth in Section 2.10(a), the applicable guarantor or obligor shall continue to be bound as such and, unless not permitted by Law or the terms thereof, the relevant beneficiary shall or shall cause one of its Subsidiaries, as agent or subcontractor for such guarantor or obligor, to pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such guarantor or obligor thereunder from and after the Effective Time.

(c)    If (i) Spinco is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required removal as set forth in Section 2.10(a), or (ii) Spinco Liabilities arise from and after the Effective Time but before a member of the MSG Entertainment Group which is a guarantor or obligor with reference to any such Spinco Liability is removed pursuant to Section 2.10(a), then such guarantor or obligor shall be indemnified by Spinco for all Liabilities incurred by it in its capacity as guarantor or obligor. Without limiting the foregoing, Spinco shall, or shall cause a member of the Spinco Group to, reimburse any such member of the MSG Entertainment Group which is a guarantor or obligor as soon as practicable (but in no event later than 30 days) following delivery by MSG Entertainment to Spinco of notice of a payment made pursuant to this Section 2.10 in respect of Spinco Liabilities.

 

- 13 -


(d)    If (i) MSG Entertainment is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required removal as set forth in Section 2.10(a), or (ii) MSG Entertainment Liabilities arise from and after the Effective Time but before a member of the Spinco Group which is a guarantor or obligor with reference to any such MSG Entertainment Liability is removed pursuant to Section 2.10(a), then such guarantor or obligor shall be indemnified by MSG Entertainment for all Liabilities incurred by it in its capacity as guarantor or obligor. Without limiting the foregoing, MSG Entertainment, shall, or shall cause a member of the MSG Entertainment Group to, reimburse any such member of the Spinco Group which is a guarantor or obligor as soon as practicable (but in no event later than 30 days) following delivery by Spinco to MSG Entertainment of notice of a payment made pursuant to this Section 2.10 in respect of MSG Entertainment Liabilities.

(e)    In the event that at any time before or after the Distribution Date MSG Entertainment identifies any letters of credit, interest rate or foreign exchange contracts, surety bonds or other contracts (excluding guarantees) that relate primarily to the Spinco Business but for which a member of the MSG Entertainment Group has contingent, secondary, joint, several or other Liability of any nature whatsoever, Spinco shall, at its expense, take such actions and enter into such agreements and arrangements as MSG Entertainment may reasonably request to effect the release or substitution of MSG Entertainment (or a member of the MSG Entertainment Group).

(f)    In the event that at any time before or after the Distribution Date Spinco identifies any letters of credit, interest rate or foreign exchange contracts, surety bonds or other contracts (excluding guarantees) that relate primarily to the MSG Entertainment Business but for which a member of the Spinco Group has contingent, secondary, joint, several or other Liability of any nature whatsoever, MSG Entertainment shall, at its expense, take such actions and enter into such agreements and arrangements as Spinco may reasonably request to effect the release or substitution of Spinco (or a member of the Spinco Group).

(g)    The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or cause to be obtained, any consent, substitution or amendment required to novate or assign all MSG Entertainment Liabilities and Spinco Liabilities of any nature whatsoever transferred under this Agreement or an Ancillary Agreement, or to obtain in writing the unconditional release of the assignor so that in each such case, MSG Entertainment (or an appropriate member of the MSG Entertainment Group) shall be solely responsible for the MSG Entertainment Liabilities and Spinco (or an appropriate member of the Spinco Group) shall be solely responsible for the Spinco Liabilities; provided, however, that no Party shall be obligated to pay any consideration therefore (except for filing fees or other similar charges) to any Third Party from whom such consent, substitution, amendment or release is requested. Whether or not any such consent, substitution, amendment or release is obtained, nothing in this Section 2.10 shall in any way limit the obligations of the parties under Article III.

Section 2.11     Corporate Names; Trademarks. All agreements between the Parties and their respective Affiliates relating to intellectual property matters are set forth in a separate MSG Entertainment Trademark Agreement between the Parties, dated the date hereof, and this Agreement shall in no way modify or supersede the MSG Entertainment Trademark Agreement.

 

- 14 -


Section 2.12     Ancillary Agreements. Prior to the Distribution Date, each of MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall enter into, and/or (where applicable) shall cause members of their respective Groups to enter into, the Ancillary Agreements and any other agreements in respect of the Distribution reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

Section 2.13     Acknowledgment by Spinco.

(a)    Spinco, on behalf of itself and all members of the Spinco Group, acknowledges, understands and agrees that, except as may be expressly set forth herein or in any Ancillary Agreement, (a) no member of the MSG Entertainment Group or any other Person has, in this Agreement or in any other agreement or document, or otherwise made any representation or warranty of any kind whatsoever, express or implied, to Spinco or any member of the Spinco Group or to any director, officer, employee or agent thereof in any way with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the business, assets, agreements, condition or prospects (financial or otherwise) of, or any other matter involving, the assets, agreements, Liabilities or businesses of MSG Entertainment, any member of the MSG Entertainment Group, Spinco or any member of the Spinco Group, any assets that are transferred, any agreements that are assigned, any Spinco Liabilities or the Spinco Business, (b) Spinco and each member of the Spinco Group has taken all of the assets that are transferred, any agreements that are assigned, the Spinco Business and Spinco Liabilities on an “as is, where is” basis, and all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a specific purpose or otherwise have been and are hereby expressly disclaimed, and (c) none of MSG Entertainment or any members of the MSG Entertainment Group or any other person has made or makes any representation or warranty with respect to the Distribution or the entering into of this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and, in each case, Spinco has not relied on any such representation or warranty. Except as expressly set forth herein or in any other Ancillary Agreement, Spinco and each member of the Spinco Group shall bear the economic and legal risk that the Spinco Assets shall prove to be insufficient or that the title of any member of the Spinco Group to any Spinco Assets shall be other than good and marketable and free from encumbrances. The provisions of the Contribution Agreement and any related assignment agreement or other related documents are expressly subject to this Section 2.13 and to Section 2.14 hereof.

Section 2.14     Release.

(a) Spinco agrees that for itself and for its predecessors, Subsidiaries, departments, divisions and sections and for their successors, Affiliates, heirs, assigns, executors, administrators, partners, members, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys and agents (individually, each a “Spinco Releasor” and collectively, the “Spinco Releasors”), in consideration of the making by MSG Entertainment of the Transfers, the Spinco Releasors shall release, waive and forever discharge MSG Entertainment and its predecessors, Subsidiaries, departments, divisions, sections, successors, Affiliates, heirs, assigns, partners, members, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys and agents (individually, each a “ Spinco Releasee” and collectively, the “Spinco Releasees”) from, and shall, in addition to other obligations under Article III, indemnify and hold harmless all such persons against and from, all Liabilities of every

 

- 15 -


name and nature, in law or equity, known or unknown, which against any Spinco Releasee, a Spinco Releasor ever had, now has or hereafter can, shall or may have by reason of any matter, act, omission, conduct, transaction or occurrence from the beginning of the world up to and including the Distribution Date for, upon, by reason of, asserted in or arising out of, or related to:

 

   

The management of the business and affairs of Spinco (and its predecessors, Subsidiaries and Affiliates) and the Spinco Business on or prior to the Distribution Date;

 

   

The terms of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements, the Distribution, the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the Amended By-Laws of Spinco; and

 

   

Any other decision that may have been made, or any action taken, relating to Spinco (and its predecessors, Subsidiaries and Affiliates), the Spinco Business or the Distribution.

The term “Spinco Releasee” is expressly intended to include any person who served as an incorporator, director, officer, employee, agent or attorney of Spinco on or prior to the Distribution Date at the request of MSG Entertainment. Each Spinco Releasor expressly covenants and agrees never to institute, or participate (including as a member of a class) in, any Action against any Spinco Releasee, in any court or forum, directly or indirectly, regarding or relating to the matters released through this Release, and further covenants and agrees that this Release is a bar to any such Action. For the avoidance of doubt, the purpose of this Section 2.14(a) is to make clear the intent of the Parties that, following the Distribution Date, the only Liability that any Spinco Releasee shall have to any Spinco Releasor shall be its obligation to perform its obligations under and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and any other agreements to which the Spinco Releasee and the Spinco Releasor are parties and there shall be no Liability in respect of any event, occurrence, action or inaction on or prior to the Distribution Date. This Release shall not extend to any Liabilities owed by a Spinco Releasee to a Spinco Releasor in the Spinco Releasor’s capacity as a director, officer, employee or other Representative or shareholder of the Spinco Releasee nor shall it release any Liabilities or obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreements or any other agreements to which the Spinco Releasee and the Spinco Releasor are parties.

(b)    MSG Entertainment agrees that for itself and for its predecessors, Subsidiaries, departments, divisions and sections and for their successors, Affiliates, heirs, assigns, executors, administrators, partners, members, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys and agents (individually, each an “MSG Entertainment Releasor” and collectively, the “MSG Entertainment Releasors”), in consideration of the entry by Spinco into this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, the MSG Entertainment Releasors shall release, waive and forever discharge Spinco and its predecessors, Subsidiaries, departments, divisions, sections, successors, Affiliates, heirs, assigns, partners, members, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, attorneys and agents (individually, each an “MSG Entertainment Releasee” and collectively, the “MSG Entertainment Releasees”) from, and shall, in addition to other obligations under Article III,

 

- 16 -


indemnify and hold harmless all such persons against and from, all Liabilities of every name and nature, in law or equity, known or unknown, which against any MSG Entertainment Releasee, an MSG Entertainment Releasor ever had, now has or hereafter can, shall or may have by reason of any matter, act, omission, conduct, transaction or occurrence from the beginning of the world up to and including the Distribution Date for, upon, by reason of, asserted in or arising out of, or related to:

 

   

The management of the business and affairs of MSG Entertainment (and its predecessors, Subsidiaries and Affiliates) and the MSG Entertainment Business on or prior to the Distribution Date;

 

   

The terms of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements, the Distribution, the Certificate of Incorporation or the By-Laws of MSG Entertainment; and

 

   

Any other decision that may have been made, or any action taken, relating to MSG Entertainment (and its predecessors, Subsidiaries and Affiliates), the MSG Entertainment Business or the Distribution.

The term “MSG Entertainment Releasee” is expressly intended to include any person who served as an incorporator, director, officer, employee, agent or attorney of MSG Entertainment on or prior to the Distribution Date. Each MSG Entertainment Releasor expressly covenants and agrees never to institute, or participate (including as a member of a class) in, any Action against any MSG Entertainment Releasee, in any court or forum, directly or indirectly, regarding or relating to the matters released through this Release, and further covenants and agrees that this Release is a bar to any such Action. For the avoidance of doubt, the purpose of this Section 2.14(b) is to make clear the intent of the Parties that, following the Distribution Date, the only Liability that any MSG Entertainment Releasee shall have to any MSG Entertainment Releasor shall be its obligation to perform its obligations under and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and any other agreements to which the MSG Entertainment Releasee and the MSG Entertainment Releasor are parties and there shall be no Liability in respect of any event, occurrence, action or inaction on or prior to the Distribution Date. This Release shall not extend to any Liabilities owed by an MSG Entertainment Releasee to an MSG Entertainment Releasor in the MSG Entertainment Releasor’s capacity as a director, officer, employee or other Representative or shareholder of the MSG Entertainment Releasee nor shall it release any Liabilities or obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreements or any other agreements to which the MSG Entertainment Releasee and the MSG Entertainment Releasor are parties.

Section 2.15     Discharge of Liabilities. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in any of the Ancillary Agreements:

(a)    From and after the Effective Time, (i) MSG Entertainment shall, and shall cause each member of the MSG Entertainment Group to, assume, pay, perform and discharge all MSG Entertainment Liabilities in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice, and (ii) Spinco shall, and shall cause each member of the Spinco Group, to assume, pay, perform

 

- 17 -


and discharge all Spinco Liabilities in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice. The agreements in this Section 2.15 are made by each Party for the sole and exclusive benefit of the other Party. To the extent reasonably requested to do so by the other Party, each Party agrees to execute and deliver such documents, in a form reasonably satisfactory to such Party, as may be reasonably necessary to evidence the assumption of any Liabilities hereunder.

(b)    All intercompany trade, accounts receivable and accounts payable between any member of one Group and any member of another Group in existence at the Effective Time shall be paid and performed in accordance with their terms.

Section 2.16     Indebtedness.

(a)    As of the Distribution Date, Spinco represents it will not have any Arena Indebtedness or Enterprise Indebtedness.

(b)    Spinco shall not incur any Arena Indebtedness or Enterprise Indebtedness without the prior written consent of MSG Sports.

Section 2.17     Further Assurances. If at any time after the Effective Time any further action is reasonably necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, the proper officers of each Party shall take all such necessary action. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts promptly to obtain all consents and approvals, to enter into all agreements and to make all filings and applications that may be required for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, including all applicable filings with, and approvals from, any Governmental Authority.

ARTICLE III

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 3.1     Indemnification by MSG Entertainment. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in any provision of this Agreement from and after the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Spinco Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the Spinco Indemnitees to the extent arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (i) the MSG Entertainment Liabilities or alleged MSG Entertainment Liabilities; (ii) any breach by any member of the MSG Entertainment Group of this Agreement (including any provision of this Section 3.1); (iii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in the Registration Statement or the Information Statement or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent relating to the MSG Entertainment Group; and (iv) any indemnification or other obligation that any member of the Spinco Group may have (x) to the NBA or its affiliated entities pursuant to the NBA Agreements or to the NHL or its affiliated entities pursuant to the NHL Agreements to the extent that such indemnification or other obligation arose in connection with the ownership or operation of the MSG Entertainment Business, (y) for any Losses to the NBA, the NHL or their respective affiliated entities, in each case as a result of any act or omission by any member of the MSG

 

- 18 -


Entertainment Group, and (z) for any Losses to the NBA, the NHL or their respective affiliated entities, in each case as a result of any obligation of any member of the Spinco Group to cause or otherwise direct any act or omission of any member of the MSG Entertainment Group. This Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Ancillary Agreements unless such Ancillary Agreement expressly provides that this Agreement applies to any matter in such Ancillary Agreement.

Section 3.2     Indemnification by Spinco. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in any provision of this Agreement, from and after the Distribution Date, Spinco shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the MSG Entertainment Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the MSG Entertainment Indemnitees to the extent arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (i) the Spinco Liabilities or alleged Spinco Liabilities; (ii) any breach by any member of the Spinco Group of this Agreement (including any provision of this Section 3.2); (iii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in the Registration Statement or the Information Statement or in any registration statement, prospectus or listing application with a securities exchange filed by Spinco in connection with the Distribution, or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that this clause (iii) shall not apply to any Liability that is covered by Section 3.1(iii); and (iv) any indemnification or other obligation that any member of the MSG Entertainment Group may have (x) to the NBA or its affiliated entities pursuant to the NBA Agreements or to the NHL or its affiliated entities pursuant to the NHL Agreements to the extent that such indemnification or other obligation arose in connection with the ownership or operation of the Spinco Business, (y) for any Losses to the NBA, the NHL or their respective affiliated entities, in each case as a result of any act or omission by any member of the Spinco Group, and (z) for any Losses to the NBA, the NHL or their respective affiliated entities, in each case as a result of any obligation of any member of the MSG Entertainment Group to cause or otherwise direct any act or omission of any member of the Spinco Group. This Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Ancillary Agreements unless such Ancillary Agreement expressly provides that this Agreement applies to any matter in such Ancillary Agreement.

Section 3.3     Procedures for Indemnification.

(a)    If a claim or demand is made by a Third Party against an Indemnitee (a “Third-Party Claim”) as to which such Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, such Indemnitee shall notify the Party which is or may be required pursuant to Section 3.1 or Section 3.2 hereof to make such indemnification (the “Indemnifying Party”) in writing, and in reasonable detail, of the Third-Party Claim promptly (and in any event by the date (the “Outside Notice Date”) that is the 15th Business Day) after receipt by such Indemnitee of written notice of the Third-Party Claim; provided, however, that failure to give such notification shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure (except that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any expenses incurred during the period beginning immediately after the

 

- 19 -


Outside Notice Date and ending on the date the Indemnitee gives the required notice). Thereafter, the Indemnitee shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, promptly (and in any event within 10 Business Days) after the Indemnitee’s receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third-Party Claim. Notice under this Section 3.3 shall be provided in accordance with Section 5.6. For the avoidance of doubt, knowledge of a Third-Party Claim by a Person who is an officer or director of both MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall not constitute notice for purposes of this Section 3.3.

If a Third-Party Claim is made against an Indemnitee, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense thereof and, if it so chooses and acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee therefor, to assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party; provided, however, that such counsel is not reasonably objected to by the Indemnitee. Should the Indemnifying Party so elect to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall, within 30 days (or sooner if the nature of the Third-Party Claim so requires), notify the Indemnitee of its intent to do so, and the Indemnifying Party shall thereafter not be liable to the Indemnitee for legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof; provided, however, that such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ counsel to represent such Indemnitee if, in such Indemnitee’s reasonable judgment, a conflict of interest between such Indemnitee and such Indemnifying Party exists in respect of such claim which would make representation of both such parties by one counsel inappropriate, and in such event the fees and expenses of such separate counsel shall be paid by such Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party assumes such defense, the Indemnitee shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, subject to the proviso of the preceding sentence, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Party, it being understood that the Indemnifying Party shall control such defense. The Indemnifying Party shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel employed by the Indemnitee for any period during which the Indemnifying Party has failed to assume the defense thereof (other than during the period prior to the time the Indemnitee shall have given notice of the Third-Party Claim as provided above). If the Indemnifying Party so elects to assume the defense of any Third-Party Claim, all of the Indemnitees shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the defense or prosecution thereof, including by providing or causing to be provided Records and witnesses as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving any request therefor from or on behalf of the Indemnifying Party.

If the Indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing responsibility under this Section 3.3 for a Third-Party Claim, then in no event will the Indemnitee admit any liability with respect to, or settle, compromise or discharge, any Third-Party Claim without the Indemnifying Party’s prior written consent; provided, however, that the Indemnitee shall have the right to settle, compromise or discharge such Third-Party Claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party if the Indemnitee releases the Indemnifying Party from its indemnification obligation hereunder with respect to such Third-Party Claim and such settlement, compromise or discharge would not otherwise adversely affect the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing liability for a Third-Party Claim, the Indemnitee will agree to any settlement, compromise or discharge of a Third-Party Claim that the Indemnifying Party may recommend and that by its terms obligates the Indemnifying Party to pay the full amount of the liability in connection with

 

- 20 -


such Third-Party Claim and releases the Indemnitee completely in connection with such Third-Party Claim and that would not otherwise adversely affect the Indemnitee. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election to do so as provided herein, such Indemnitee may compromise, settle or defend such Third-Party Claim.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Third-Party Claim (and shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel incurred by the Indemnitee in defending such Third-Party Claim) if the Third-Party Claim seeks an order, injunction or other equitable relief or relief for other than money damages against the Indemnitee which the Indemnitee reasonably determines, after conferring with its counsel, cannot be separated from any related claim for money damages. If such equitable relief or other relief portion of the Third-Party Claim can be so separated from that for money damages, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to assume the defense of the portion relating to money damages.

(b)    In the event of payment by an Indemnifying Party to any Indemnitee in connection with any Third-Party Claim, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall stand in the place of such Indemnitee as to any events or circumstances in respect of which such Indemnitee may have any right or claim relating to such Third-Party Claim against any claimant or plaintiff asserting such Third-Party Claim. Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a reasonable manner, and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in prosecuting any subrogated right or claim.

(c)    Spinco shall, and shall cause the other Spinco Indemnitees to, and MSG Entertainment shall, and shall cause the other MSG Entertainment Indemnitees to, cooperate as may reasonably be required in connection with the investigation, defense and settlement of any Third-Party Claim. In furtherance of this obligation, the Parties agree that if an Indemnifying Party chooses to defend or to compromise or settle any Third-Party Claim, MSG Entertainment or Spinco, as the case may be, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other Party, upon written request, the former and then current directors, officers, employees and agents of the members of its respective Group as witnesses and any Records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, to the extent that any such Person, Records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with such defense, settlement or compromise. At the request of an Indemnifying Party, an Indemnitee shall enter into a reasonably acceptable joint defense agreement.

(d)    The remedies provided in this Article III shall be cumulative and shall not preclude assertion by any Indemnitee of any other rights or the seeking of any and all other remedies against any Indemnifying Party.

Section 3.4     Indemnification Payments. (a) Indemnification required by this Article III shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or an Indemnifiable Loss is incurred. If the Indemnifying Party fails to make an indemnification payment required by this Article III

 

- 21 -


within 30 days after receipt of a bill therefor or notice that an Indemnifiable Loss has been incurred, the Indemnifying Party shall also be required to pay interest on the amount of such indemnification payment, from the date of receipt of the bill or notice of the Indemnified Loss to but not including the date of payment, at the Applicable Rate.

(b)    The amount of any claim by an Indemnitee under this Agreement (i) shall be reduced to reflect any actual Tax savings or insurance proceeds received by any Indemnitee that result from the Indemnifiable Losses that gave rise to such indemnity and (ii) shall be increased by an amount equal to any Tax cost incurred by any Indemnitee that results from receipt of payments under this Article III.

(c)    For all Tax purposes and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, the Parties hereto shall treat (a) any payment (other than payments representing interest) made pursuant to this Article III as a capital contribution or a distribution, as the case may be, immediately prior to the Distribution and (b) any payment of interest as taxable or deductible, as the case may be, to the Party entitled under this Agreement to retain such payment or required under this Agreement to make such payment, in either case except as otherwise required by applicable Law.

ARTICLE IV

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

Section 4.1     Provision of Corporate Records.

(a)    Except as specifically provided in Article III (in which event the provisions of such Article will govern), after the Distribution Date, upon the prior written request by Spinco for specific and identified agreements, documents, books, records or files including accounting and financial records (collectively, “Records”) which relate to Spinco or the conduct of the Spinco Business up to the Effective Time, or which Spinco determines are necessary or advisable in order for Spinco to prepare its financial statements and any reports or filings to be made with any Governmental Authority, MSG Entertainment shall arrange, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, to provide appropriate copies of such Records (or the originals thereof if Spinco has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession or control of MSG Entertainment or any of the MSG Entertainment Subsidiaries, but only to the extent such items are not already in the possession or control of the requesting Party.

(b)    Except as specifically provided in Article III (in which event the provisions of such Article will govern), after the Distribution Date, upon the prior written request by MSG Entertainment for specific and identified Records which relate to MSG Entertainment or the conduct of the MSG Entertainment Business up to the Effective Time, or which MSG Entertainment determines are necessary or advisable in order for MSG Entertainment to prepare its financial statements and any reports or filings to be made with any Governmental Authority, Spinco shall arrange, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, to provide appropriate copies of such Records (or the originals thereof if MSG Entertainment has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession or control of Spinco or any of the Spinco Subsidiaries, but only to the extent such items are not already in the possession or control of the requesting Party.

 

- 22 -


Section 4.2     Access to Information. Except as specifically provided in Article III (in which event the provisions of such Article will govern), from and after the Distribution Date, each of MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall afford to the other and its authorized Representatives reasonable access during normal business hours, subject to appropriate restrictions for classified, privileged or confidential information, to the personnel, properties, and Records of such Party and its Subsidiaries insofar as such access is reasonably required by the other Party and relates to such other Party or the conduct of its business prior to the Effective Time.

Section 4.3     Witnesses; Documents and Cooperation in Actions. (a) At all times from and after the Distribution Date, each of MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other, upon reasonable written request, its and its Subsidiaries’ former and then current Representatives as witnesses and any Records within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, to the extent that such Persons or Records may reasonably be required in connection with the prosecution or defense of any Action in which the requesting Party may from time to time be involved. The requesting Party shall promptly reimburse the other party (and any person it makes available hereunder) for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith. This provision shall not apply to any Action brought by one Party against another Party (as to which production of documents and witnesses shall be governed by applicable discovery rules).

(b)    Without limiting any provision of this Section 4.3, the Parties shall cooperate and consult, and shall cause each member of their respective Groups to cooperate and consult, to the extent reasonably necessary with respect to any Actions.

(c)    In connection with any matter contemplated by this Section 4.3, the Parties will enter into a mutually acceptable joint defense agreement so as to maintain to the extent practicable any applicable attorney-client privilege or work product immunity of any member of any Group.

Section 4.4     Confidentiality. (a) MSG Entertainment and the MSG Entertainment Subsidiaries and Spinco and the Spinco Subsidiaries shall not use or permit the use of and shall keep, and shall cause its consultants and advisors to keep, confidential all information concerning the other Party in its possession, its custody or under its control to the extent such information (w) relates to or was acquired during the period up to the Effective Time, (x) relates to any Ancillary Agreement, (y) is obtained in the course of performing services for the other Party pursuant to any Ancillary Agreement, or (z) is based upon or is derived from information described in the preceding clauses (w), (x) or (y), and each Party shall not (without the prior written consent of the other) otherwise release or disclose such information to any other Person, except such Party’s auditors, attorneys, consultants and advisors, unless compelled to disclose such information by judicial or administrative process or unless such disclosure is required by Law and such Party has used commercially reasonable efforts to consult

 

- 23 -


with the other affected Party or Parties prior to such disclosure. Each Party shall be deemed to have satisfied its obligation to hold confidential any information concerning or owned by the other Party or its Group if it exercises the same care as it takes to preserve confidentiality for its own similar information. The covenants in this Section 4.4 shall survive the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall continue indefinitely; provided, however, that the covenants in this Section 4.4 shall terminate with respect to any information not constituting a trade secret under applicable law on the third anniversary of the later of the Distribution Date or the date on which the Party subject to such covenants with respect to such information receives it (but any such termination shall not terminate or otherwise limit any other covenant or restriction regarding the disclosure or use of such information under any Ancillary Agreement or other agreement, instrument or legal obligation). This Section 4.4 shall not apply to information (A) that has been in the public domain through no fault of such Party or (B) that has been later lawfully acquired from other sources by such Party, (C) the use or disclosure of which is permitted by this Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement or any other agreement entered into pursuant hereto, (D) that is immaterial and its disclosure is required as part of the conduct of that Party’s business and would not reasonably be expected to be detrimental to the interests of the other Party or (E) that the other Party has agreed in writing may be so used or disclosed.

(b)    If any Party or any member of its Group either determines that it is required to disclose pursuant to applicable Law, or receives any demand under lawful process or from any Governmental Authority to disclose or provide, information of the other Party (or any member of the other Party’s Group) that is subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 4.4(a) such Party shall notify the other Party prior to disclosing or providing such information and shall cooperate at the expense of the requesting Party in seeking any reasonable protective arrangements requested by such other Party. Subject to the foregoing, the Person that received such request may thereafter disclose or provide such information if and to the extent required by such Law or by lawful process or such Governmental Authority; provided, however, that the Person shall only disclose such portion of the information as required to be disclosed or provided.

Section 4.5     Privileged Matters. Except as may be otherwise provided in an Ancillary Agreement, the Parties recognize that legal and other professional services that have been and will be provided prior to the Distribution Date have been and will be rendered for the benefit of each of the members of the MSG Entertainment Group, and each of the members of the Spinco Group, and that each of the members of the MSG Entertainment Group, and each of the members of the Spinco Group, should be deemed to be the client for the purposes of asserting all privileges which may be asserted under applicable Law. To allocate the interests of each Party in the information as to which any Party is entitled to assert a privilege, the Parties agree as follows:

(a)    MSG Entertainment shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges in connection with privileged information that relates solely to the MSG Entertainment Business (other than with respect to Liabilities as to which Spinco is required to provide indemnification under Article III), whether or not the privileged information is in the possession of or under the control of MSG Entertainment or Spinco. MSG Entertainment shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges in connection with

 

- 24 -


privileged information that relates solely to the subject matter of any claims constituting MSG Entertainment Liabilities (including Retained Claims Liabilities), or other Liabilities as to which it is required to provide indemnification under Article III, now pending or which may be asserted in the future, whether or not the privileged information is in the possession of or under the control of MSG Entertainment or Spinco.

(b)    Spinco shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges in connection with privileged information that relates solely to the Spinco Business (other than with respect to matters or claims that are Retained Claims Liabilities or other Liabilities as to which MSG Entertainment is required to provide indemnification under Article III), whether or not the privileged information is in the possession of or under the control of MSG Entertainment or Spinco. Spinco shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges in connection with privileged information that relates solely to the subject matter of any claims constituting Spinco Liabilities, or other liabilities as to which it is required to provide indemnification under Article III, now pending or which may be asserted in the future, in any lawsuits or other proceedings initiated against or by Spinco, whether or not the privileged information is in the possession of Spinco or under the control of MSG Entertainment or Spinco.

(c)    The Parties agree that they shall have a shared privilege, with equal right to assert or waive, subject to the restrictions in this Section 4.5, with respect to all privileges not allocated pursuant to the terms of Sections 4.5(a) and (b).

(d)    No Party may waive any privilege which could be asserted under any applicable Law, and in which the other Party has a shared privilege, without the written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, except to the extent reasonably required in connection with any Third-Party Claims or as provided in subsection (e) below.

(e)    In the event of any litigation or dispute between or among the Parties, any Party and a Subsidiary of the other Party, or a Subsidiary of one Party and a Subsidiary of the other Party, either such Party may waive a privilege in which the other Party has a shared privilege, without obtaining the consent of the other Party; provided, however, that such waiver of a shared privilege shall be effective only as to the use of information with respect to the litigation or dispute between the Parties and/or their Subsidiaries, and that such a Party shall, to the best of that Party’s ability, keep such information confidential and limited in distribution (including, for example, not filing any such information in a public court document); and that any such use shall not operate as a waiver of the shared privilege with respect to any Third-Party Claims.

(f)    If a dispute arises between or among the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries regarding whether a privilege should be waived to protect or advance the interest of any Party, each Party agrees that it shall negotiate in good faith, shall endeavor to minimize any prejudice to the rights of the other Party, and shall not unreasonably withhold consent to any request for a waiver by the other Party. Each Party hereto specifically agrees that it will not withhold consent to a waiver for any purpose except to protect its own legitimate interests.

 

- 25 -


(g)    Upon receipt by any Party or by any Subsidiary thereof of any subpoena, discovery or other request which arguably calls for the production or disclosure of information subject to a shared privilege or as to which another Party has the sole right hereunder to assert a privilege, or if any Party obtains knowledge that any of its or any of its Subsidiaries’ current or former Representatives have received any subpoena, discovery or other request which arguably calls for the production or disclosure of such privileged information, such Party shall promptly notify the other Party of the existence of the request and shall provide the other Party a reasonable opportunity to review the information and to assert any rights it or they may have under this Section 4.5 or otherwise to prevent the production or disclosure of such privileged information.

(h)    The transfer of all Records and other information pursuant to this Agreement is made in reliance on the agreement of MSG Entertainment and Spinco, as set forth in Sections 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and this Section 4.5, to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information and to assert and maintain all applicable privileges. The access to information being granted pursuant to Sections 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 hereof, the agreement to provide witnesses and individuals pursuant to Sections 4.2 and 4.3 hereof, the furnishing of notices and documents and other cooperative efforts contemplated by Section 4.3 hereof, and the transfer of privileged information between and among the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries, Affiliates and Representatives pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of any privilege that has been or may be asserted under this Agreement or otherwise.

Section 4.6     Ownership of Information. Any information owned by one Party or any of its Subsidiaries that is provided to a requesting Party pursuant to Article III or this Article IV shall be deemed to remain the property of the providing Person. Unless specifically set forth herein, nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as granting or conferring rights of license or otherwise in any such information.

Section 4.7     Cost of Providing Records and Information. A Party requesting Records, information or access to personnel, witnesses or properties, under Article III or this Article IV, agrees to reimburse the other Party and its Subsidiaries for the reasonable out-of-pocket costs, if any, incurred in seeking to satisfy the request of the requesting Party.

Section 4.8     Retention of Records. Except (a) as provided in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement or (b) when a longer retention period is otherwise required by Law or agreed to in writing, the MSG Entertainment Group and the Spinco Group shall retain all Records relating to the MSG Entertainment Business and the Spinco Business as of the Effective Time for the periods of time provided in each Party’s record retention policy (with respect to the documents of such party and without regard to the Distribution or its effects) as in effect on the Distribution Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in lieu of retaining any specific Records, MSG Entertainment or Spinco may offer in writing to deliver such Records to the other and, if such offer is not accepted within 90 days, the offered Records may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of at any time. If a recipient of such offer shall request in writing prior to the scheduled date for such destruction or disposal that any of Records proposed to be destroyed or disposed of be delivered to such requesting Party, the Party proposing the destruction or disposal shall promptly arrange for delivery of such of the Records as was requested (at the cost of the requesting Party).

 

- 26 -


Section 4.9     Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information. The rights and obligations granted under this Article IV are subject to any specific limitations, qualifications or additional provisions on the sharing, exchange or confidential treatment of information set forth in any Ancillary Agreement or in any other agreement to which a member of the MSG Entertainment Group and a member of the Spinco Group is a party.

Section 4.10     Policies and Best Practices. Without representation or warranty, Spinco and MSG Entertainment shall continue to be permitted to share, on a confidential basis, “best practices” information and materials (such as policies, workflow templates and standard form contracts).

Section 4.11     Compliance with Laws and Agreements. Nothing in this Article IV shall be deemed to require any Person to provide any information if doing so would, in the opinion of counsel to such Person, be inconsistent with any legal or constitutional obligation applicable to such Person.

Section 4.12     Allocation of Certain Expenses. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall share certain specified litigation costs, expenses, insurance proceeds and other recoveries as described in Schedule F.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 5.1     Complete Agreement; Construction. This Agreement, including the Schedules, and the Ancillary Agreements shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any Schedule, the Schedule shall prevail.

Section 5.2     Ancillary Agreements. Except as may be expressly stated herein, this Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Ancillary Agreements.

Section 5.3     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Party.

Section 5.4     Survival of Agreements. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Distribution Date.

 

- 27 -


Section 5.5     Distribution Expenses. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, all costs and expenses incurred on or prior to the Distribution Date (whether or not paid on or prior to the Distribution Date) in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, printing and implementation of this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement, the Information Statement and the Registration Statement, and the Distribution and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, shall be charged to and paid by MSG Entertainment. Such expenses shall be deemed to be MSG Entertainment Liabilities. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses incurred after the Distribution Date. Any amount or expense to be paid or reimbursed by any Party to any other Party shall be so paid or reimbursed promptly after the existence and amount of such obligation is determined and written demand therefor is made.

Section 5.6     Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall reference this Agreement and shall be hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Parties at the following addresses (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

To MSG Entertainment:

The Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (or, after the

applicable name change, Sphere Entertainment Co.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

To Spinco:

MSGE Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, Madison

Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

Section 5.7     Waivers. The failure of any Party to require strict performance by any other Party of any provision in this Agreement will not waive or diminish that Party’s right to demand strict performance thereafter of that or any other provision hereof.

Section 5.8     Amendments. Subject to the terms of Sections 5.11 hereof, this Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the Parties.

Section 5.9     Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent

 

- 28 -


shall be void; provided that either Party may assign this Agreement to a purchaser (by merger, sale of assets or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Party so long as such purchaser expressly assumes, in a written instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to the non-assigning Party, the due and punctual performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Agreement on the part of the assigning Party to be performed or observed. Any assignment in violation of the provisions of this Section 5.9 shall be void.

Section 5.10     Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

Section 5.11     Termination. This Agreement (including Article III hereof) may be terminated and the Distribution may be amended, modified or abandoned at any time prior to the Distribution by and in the sole discretion of MSG Entertainment without the approval of Spinco or the stockholders of MSG Entertainment. In the event of such termination, no Party shall have any liability of any kind to any other Party or any other Person. After the Distribution, this Agreement may not be terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by the Parties; provided, however, that Article III shall not be terminated or amended after the Distribution in respect of a Third Party beneficiary thereto without the consent of such Person.

Section 5.12     Subsidiaries. Each of the Parties shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any entity that is contemplated to be a Subsidiary of such Party after the Distribution Date.

Section 5.13     Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as provided in Article III relating to Indemnitees, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates and should not be deemed to confer upon any other Person any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, cause of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

Section 5.14     Title and Headings. Titles and headings to Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

Section 5.15     Schedules. The Schedules shall be construed with and as an integral part of this Agreement to the same extent (except as set forth in the last sentence of Section 5.1) as if the same had been set forth verbatim herein.

Section 5.16     Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 5.17     Waiver of Jury Trial. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement.

 

- 29 -


Section 5.18     Specific Performance. From and after the Distribution, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the Party to this Agreement who is or is to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that, from and after the Distribution, the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss, that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are hereby waived.

Section 5.19     Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

[Signature page follows]

 

- 30 -


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.)

By:  

/s/ James L. Dolan

  Name: James L. Dolan
 

Title:  Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)

By:  

/s/ David F. Byrnes

  Name: David F. Byrnes
 

Title:  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 2.2

CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(TO BE RENAMED SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.),

MSG ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, LLC (TO BE RENAMED SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, LLC)

AND

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.)

Dated as of March 29, 2023


CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of March 29, 2023, by and among MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co. at the Effective Time), a Delaware corporation (“MSG Entertainment”), MSG ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, LLC (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Group, LLC), a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Entertainment (“MSGEG”), and MSGE SPINCO, INC. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. at the Effective Time), a Delaware corporation (“Spinco”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, MSG Entertainment and Spinco are parties to a Distribution Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2023 (the “Distribution Agreement”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, MSG Entertainment intends to distribute to its stockholders approximately 67% of Spinco’s common stock (the “Distribution”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the parties wish to cause the transactions described on Annex I (the “Reorganization Transactions”) to be completed including, without limitation, (a) the assignment by MSGEG or its subsidiaries to MSG Entertainment or its subsidiaries of all of the issued and outstanding common stock, partnership interests and membership interests of the entities and assets and liabilities as reflected in Section A of Annex I (such assignments are referred to herein as the “Sphere Assignments”) and (b) the assignment by MSG Entertainment to Spinco or its subsidiaries of all of the issued and outstanding common stock, partnership interests and membership interests of the entities and assets and liabilities as reflected in Section B of Annex I (such assignments are referred to herein as the “Entertainment Assignments” and, together with the Sphere Assignments, the “Assignments”);

WHEREAS, in consideration of the Entertainment Assignments, Spinco wishes to issue to MSG Entertainment, and MSG Entertainment wishes to receive, 900 shares of newly issued Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco (the “Spinco Stock”);

WHEREAS, MSG Entertainment, in its capacity as the sole stockholder of Spinco, has approved such issuance of Spinco Stock for purposes of exempting such acquisition under Rule 16b-3(d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

WHEREAS, the parties hereto intend for Spinco to own, immediately following the Distribution, the business and assets described in Spinco’s registration statement on Form 10 (the “Form 10”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as being owned, directly or indirectly, by Spinco (the “Spinco Assets”);

WHEREAS, the parties hereto intend for Spinco to assume and be responsible for, directly or indirectly, the liabilities described in the Form 10 as being liabilities, directly or indirectly, of Spinco (the “Spinco Liabilities”);

WHEREAS, in order to complete the Reorganization Transactions and the Distribution, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement;


WHERAS, this Agreement, together with the other documents implementing the Distribution and Reorganization Transactions, is intended to be, and is hereby adopted as, a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treas. Reg. section 1.368-2(g); and

WHEREAS, terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned thereto in the Distribution Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged by this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

1.    Assignments. Subject to the terms of the Distribution Agreement, MSG Entertainment hereby agrees to transfer and assign to Spinco, or to cause its applicable subsidiaries or affiliates to transfer and assign to Spinco, or its applicable subsidiaries or affiliates, all of the Spinco Assets, and Spinco agrees to assume, or to cause its applicable subsidiaries or affiliates to assume, the Spinco Liabilities. These transfers, assignments and assumptions are effective at or prior to the Effective Time. In furtherance of the foregoing, MSG Entertainment, MSGEG and Spinco shall take all actions necessary to cause the completion of the Reorganization Transactions to which it or any of its subsidiaries is a party. In furtherance thereof, prior to the Effective Time, (a) MSGEG shall make the Sphere Assignments to MSG Entertainment or its subsidiaries, and MSG Entertainment or its subsidiaries shall accept such Sphere Assignments from MSGEG, and (b) MSG Entertainment shall make the Entertainment Assignments to Spinco or its subsidiaries, and Spinco or its subsidiaries shall accept such Entertainment Assignments from MSG Entertainment.

2.    Stock Issuance. Spinco hereby agrees to issue to MSG Entertainment, prior to the Effective Time, the Spinco Stock, in uncertificated form, pursuant to the Assignment Agreement and Stock Power, dated the date of this Agreement, between MSG Entertainment and Spinco. MSG acknowledges and agrees that the uncertificated Spinco Stock shall be subject to the terms of the legends set forth on Annex II hereto.

3.    Disclosure. Except as expressly provided in the Distribution Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, (i) none of the parties is making any representation to any other party in connection with the Reorganization Transactions, the Assignments or the Spinco Stock issuance, and (ii) Spinco is not directly assuming any liabilities under the Reorganization Transactions or the Entertainment Assignments.

4.    Further Assurances. Each party hereto agrees to take such further actions as may be reasonably necessary to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the parties will take any such steps as are necessary to complete the transfer to Spinco, or its applicable subsidiaries or affiliates, of the Spinco Assets and the assumption by Spinco, or its applicable subsidiaries or affiliates, of the Spinco Liabilities.

5.    Complete Agreement; Construction. This Agreement, including the Annexes hereto, shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any Annex, the Annex shall prevail.

 

-2-


6.    Ancillary Agreements. This Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Distribution Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements. Without limiting the foregoing sentence, the provisions of Sections 2.13 and 2.14 of the Distribution Agreement shall apply to the Reorganization Transaction and the Assignments.

7.    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties.

8.    Survival of Agreements. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Distribution Date.

9.    Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall reference this Agreement and shall be hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other addresses for a party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

To MSG Entertainment and MSGEG:

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (or, after the applicable name change, Sphere Entertainment Co.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

To Spinco:

MSGE Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

10.    Waivers. The failure of any party to require strict performance by any other party of any provision in this Agreement will not waive or diminish that party’s right to demand strict performance thereafter of that or any other provision hereof.

11.    Amendments. Subject to the terms of Section 14 hereof, this Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the parties.

 

-3-


12.    Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any party without the prior written consent of the other parties, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void; provided that any party may assign this Agreement to a purchaser of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such party (whether by sale, merger or otherwise) so long as such purchaser expressly assumes, in a written instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to the non-assigning parties, the due and punctual performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Agreement on the part of the assigning party to be performed or observed.

13.    Successors and Assigns. The provisions to this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

14.    Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Distribution by and in the sole discretion of MSG Entertainment without the approval of MSGEG, Spinco or the stockholders of MSG Entertainment. In the event of such termination, no party shall have any liability of any kind to any other party or any other Person. After the Distribution, this Agreement may not be terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by the parties.

15.    Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the parties and should not be deemed to confer upon any other Person any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, cause of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

16.    Title and Headings. Titles and headings to Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

17.    Annexes. The Annexes shall be construed with and as an integral part of this Agreement to the same extent as if the same had been set forth verbatim herein.

18.    Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of New York.

19.    Waiver of Jury Trial. The parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement.

20.    Specific Performance. From and after the Distribution, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the parties agree that the party to this Agreement who is or is to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The parties agree that, from and after the Distribution, the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement,

 

-4-


including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss, that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are hereby waived.

21.    Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of illegal or unenforceable provisions.

[Signature page follows]

 

-5-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.)

By:  

/s/ James L. Dolan

  Name: James L. Dolan
 

Title:   Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

MSG ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, LLC

(to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Group, LLC)

By:  

/s/ James L. Dolan

  Name: James L. Dolan
 

Title:   Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)

By:  

/s/ David F. Byrnes

  Name: David F. Byrnes
 

Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 10.1

TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.)

AND

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(TO BE RENAMED SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.)

dated as of March 29, 2023

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  
ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1. General

     1

Section 1.2. Reference; Interpretation

     3
ARTICLE II

 

SERVICES

Section 2.1. Services

     3

Section 2.2. Standard of Service

     4

Section 2.3. Additional Services

     4

Section 2.4. Representative

     4
ARTICLE III

 

LICENSES AND PERMITS

Section 3.1. Licenses and Permits

     5
ARTICLE IV

 

PAYMENT

Section 4.1. General

     5

Section 4.2. Additional Expenses

     5

Section 4.3. Adjustments

     6

Section 4.4. Invoices

     6

Section 4.5. Failure to Pay

     7

Section 4.6. Termination of Services

     7
ARTICLE V

 

INSURANCE MATTERS

Section 5.1. Existing Insurance Polices

     7

Section 5.2. Disclaimer

     7

Section 5.3. Insurance Transition

     7

Section 5.4. Claims Made Policies

     8

Section 5.5. Post-Distribution Claims for Pre-Distribution Events

     8

Section 5.6. Audits and Adjustments

     8

Section 5.7. No Assignment or Waiver

     9

Section 5.8. No Limitation on Insurance

     9

Section 5.9. Scope

     9


ARTICLE VI

 

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 6.1. Indemnification of Party Receiving Services

     9

Section 6.2. Indemnification of Party Providing Services

     9

Section 6.3. Third-Party Claims

     10

Section 6.4. Indemnification Payments

     12

Section 6.5. Survival

     12
ARTICLE VII

 

COOPERATION; CONFIDENTIALITY; TITLE

Section 7.1. Good Faith Cooperation; Consents

     12

Section 7.2. Confidentiality

     13

Section 7.3. Internal Use; Title, Copies, Return

     13
ARTICLE VIII

 

TERM

Section 8.1. Duration

     13

Section 8.2. Early Termination by Entertainco

     14

Section 8.3. Early Termination by Sphereco

     14

Section 8.4. Termination of Sportco Services Agreement

     15

Section 8.5. Suspension Due to Force Majeure

     15

Section 8.6. Consequences of Termination

     15
ARTICLE IX

 

RECORDS

Section 9.1. Maintenance of Records

     16
ARTICLE X

 

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Section 10.1. Negotiation

     16

Section 10.2. Continuity of Service and Performance

     16

Section 10.3. Other Remedies

     16
ARTICLE XI

 

NOTICES

Section 11.1. Notices

     16

 

–ii–


ARTICLE XII

 

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.1. Taxes

     17

Section 12.2. Relationship of Parties

     17

Section 12.3. Complete Agreement; Construction

     18

Section 12.4. Counterparts

     18

Section 12.5. Waivers

     18

Section 12.6. Amendments

     18

Section 12.7. Assignment

     18

Section 12.8. Successors and Assigns

     18

Section 12.9. Third-Party Beneficiaries

     18

Section 12.10. Governing Law

     18

Section 12.11. Waiver of Jury Trial

     18

Section 12.12. Specific Performance

     18

Section 12.13. Severability

     19

Section 12.14. Provisions Unaffected

     19

Section 12.15. No Presumption

     19

Schedule A Services Provided by Entertainco to Sphereco

     A-1  

Schedule A.1 IT Services Provided by Entertainco to Sphereco

     A.1-1  

Schedule B Services Provided by Sphereco to Entertainco

     B-1  

Schedule C Initial Representatives

     C-1  

Schedule D Existing Insurance Polices

     D-1  

 

 

–iii–


Transition Services Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2023 (this “Agreement”), between MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.), a Delaware corporation (“Entertainco”), and Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.), a Delaware corporation (“Sphereco”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, Sphereco and Entertainco have entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2023 (the “Distribution Agreement”), which sets forth the terms pursuant to which Sphereco will transfer certain assets to Entertainco and Sphereco will distribute the common stock of Entertainco to shareholders of Sphereco (the “Distribution”); and

WHEREAS, in connection with the Distribution, and in order to ensure an orderly transition under the Distribution Agreement, it will be necessary for each of the parties to provide to the other the Services described herein for a transitional period;

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein, agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1. General. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below:

Action” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the Distribution Agreement.

Affiliate” shall, subject to the next succeeding sentence, have the meaning assigned to that term in the Distribution Agreement. For clarity, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to a Person’s “Affiliates” shall be deemed to mean such Person’s Affiliates following the Distribution; provided that for purposes of this Agreement, Entertainco and Sphereco shall not be considered Affiliates.

Ancillary Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the Distribution Agreement.

Applicable Rate” shall mean the Prime Rate (as defined below) plus three percent (3%) per annum.

Bankruptcy Event” with respect to a party shall mean the filing of an involuntary petition in bankruptcy or similar proceeding against such party seeking its reorganization, liquidation or the appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidator for it or for all or substantially all of its assets, whereupon such petition shall not be dismissed within sixty (60) days after the filing thereof, or if such party shall (i) apply for or consent in writing to the appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidator of all or substantially all of its assets, (ii) file a voluntary petition or admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due, (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iv) file a petition or an answer seeking reorganization or an


arrangement with its creditors or take advantage of any insolvency law with respect to itself as debtor, or (v) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency proceedings or any similar proceedings.

Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banks in New York City, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

Change of Control” of a company shall mean an event or series of events by which Dolan Family Interests or Persons controlled by Dolan Family Interests (any such Person, a “Dolan Family Interest Controlled Person”) (so long as no such “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) other than the Dolan Family Interests shall beneficially own (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 (as in effect on the effective date of this Agreement) promulgated under the Exchange Act (“Rule 13d-3”)), in the aggregate, more than fifty percent (50%) of the equity interests in such Dolan Family Interest Controlled Person(s)) shall cease at any time to have beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3) of shares of the capital stock of such company, having sufficient votes to elect (or otherwise designate) at such time a majority of the members of the board of directors of such company.

Commencement Date” shall have the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 8.1 of this Agreement.

Dolan Family Interests” shall mean (i) any Dolan Family Member, (ii) any trusts for the benefit of any Dolan Family Members, (iii) any estate or testamentary trust of any Dolan Family Member for the benefit of any Dolan Family Members, (iv) any executor, administrator, trustee, conservator or legal or personal representative of any Person or Persons specified in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above to the extent acting in such capacity on behalf of any Dolan Family Member or Members and not individually and (v) any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other similar entity, in each case 80% of which is owned and controlled by any of the foregoing or combination of the foregoing.

Dolan Family Members” shall mean Charles F. Dolan, his spouse, his descendants by birth or adoption (including any stepchildren of his descendants) and any spouse of any of such descendants.

Entertainco Services” shall mean those transitional services, including any Additional Services, to be provided by Entertainco to Sphereco set forth on Schedule A hereto to assist Sphereco in operating Sphereco’s business following the Distribution. Services or actions of Overlap Individuals shall not be considered to be Entertainco Services under this Agreement unless expressly agreed in writing by both parties to this Agreement.

Loss ” shall mean any damage, claim, loss, charge, action, suit, proceeding, deficiency, tax, interest, penalty and reasonable costs and expenses related thereto (including reasonable attorneys’ fees).

 

– 2 –


Overlap Individuals” shall mean Persons who are directors of both Sphereco and Entertainco or employees of both Sphereco and Entertainco if such employee is compensated by both companies.

Person” shall mean any natural person, corporation, business trust, limited liability company, joint venture, association, company, partnership or government, or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Prime Rate” shall mean the rate of interest per annum announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as its prime lending rate.

“Retained Employees” shall mean employees of Sphereco and/or its subsidiaries that would have otherwise transferred to Entertainco and/or its subsidiaries as of the Distribution who remain employees of Sphereco and/or its subsidiaries during the Retention Period.

Retention Period” shall mean the period from and after the Distribution through and including 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on May 1, 2023.

Services” shall mean, collectively, the Entertainco Services and the Sphereco Services.

Sphereco Services” shall mean those services, including any Additional Services, to be provided by Sphereco to Entertainco to assist Entertainco in operating Entertainco’s business following the Distribution. Such Services shall include (i) all services provided by Retained Employees during the Retention Period, other than Entertainco Services provided by such employees for Sphereco and/or its subsidiaries during such Retention Period and (ii) those transitional services, including any Additional Services, to be provided by Sphereco to Entertainco set forth on Schedule B hereto to assist Entertainco in operating Entertainco’s business. Services or actions of Overlap Individuals shall not be considered to be Sphereco Services under this Agreement unless expressly agreed in writing by both parties to this Agreement.

Third Party” shall mean any Person who is not a party to this Agreement.

Section 1.2. Reference; Interpretation. References in this Agreement to any gender include references to all genders, and references to the singular include references to the plural and vice versa. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” when used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Agreement to Articles, Sections and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Schedules to, this Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires, the words “hereof”, “hereby” and “herein” and words of similar meaning when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular Article, Section or provision of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

SERVICES

Section 2.1. Services. (a) Entertainco shall provide to Sphereco each Entertainco Service for the term set forth opposite the description of such Entertainco Service in Schedule A, including by providing such Entertainco Service through Retained Employees during the Retention Period. Upon conclusion of the term set forth opposite the description of such Entertainco Service, this Agreement shall be deemed terminated with respect to such Entertainco Service. Additional Services may be provided by Entertainco to Sphereco as provided in Section 2.3. At its option, (i) Entertainco may cause any Entertainco Service it is required to provide hereunder to be provided by a Third Party that is providing, or may from time to time provide, the same or similar services for Entertainco and/or (ii) to the extent any Entertainco Service is already provided by a Third Party, Entertainco shall have the right to change the Third Party that is providing such Entertainco Service to any Third Party that is providing, or may from time to time provide, the same or similar services for Entertainco, at any time upon reasonable notice to

 

– 3 –


Sphereco. In the event of such a change as permitted in clauses (i) or (ii) above results in a change in cost of Entertainco for the provision of such Entertainco Service, the applicable schedules to this agreement shall be updated to reflect the revised fees as allocated to Sphereco, provided that if such a change results in an increase over 10% of the costs currently contemplated by Schedule A such an amendment will require the consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) of Sphereco.

(b) Sphereco shall provide to Entertainco each Sphereco Service for the term set forth opposite the description of such Sphereco Service in Schedule B. Upon conclusion of the term set forth opposite the description of such Sphereco Service, this Agreement shall be deemed terminated with respect to such Sphereco Service. Additional Services may be provided to Entertainco by Sphereco as provided in Section 2.3. At its option, (i) Sphereco may cause any Sphereco Service it is required to provide hereunder to be provided by a Third Party that is providing, or may from time to time provide, the same or similar services for Sphereco and/or (ii) to the extent any Sphereco Service is already provided by a Third Party, Sphereco shall have the right to change the Third Party that is providing such Sphereco Service to any Third Party that is providing, or may from time to time provide, the same or similar services for Sphereco, at any time upon reasonable notice to Entertainco. In the event of such a change as permitted in clauses (i) or (ii) above results in a change in cost of Sphereco for the provision of such Sphereco Service, the applicable schedules to this agreement shall be updated to reflect the revised fees as allocated to Entertainco, provided that if such a change results in an increase over 10% of the costs currently contemplated by Schedule B such an amendment will require the consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) of Entertainco.

Section 2.2. Standard of Service. Entertainco and Sphereco shall maintain sufficient resources to perform their respective obligations hereunder. In performing the Services, Entertainco and Sphereco shall provide substantially the same level of service and use substantially the same degree of care as their respective personnel provided and used in providing such Services prior to completion of the Distribution for itself (but in no event less than a reasonable degree of care), subject in each case to any provisions set forth on Schedule A or Schedule B with respect to each such Service. Each party shall provide reasonable assistance to the other party in migrating the applicable Services to the recipient of such Services.

Section 2.3. Additional Services. From time to time after the date hereof, the parties may identify additional services that one party will provide to the other party in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (the “Additional Services”). The parties shall cooperate and act in good faith to agree on the terms pursuant to which any such Additional Service shall be provided and to amend Schedule A or Schedule B, as applicable, in accordance with such terms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither party shall have any obligation to agree to provide Additional Services.

Section 2.4. Representative. The parties shall each appoint a representative (each, a “Representative”) to facilitate communications and performance under this Agreement. Each party may treat an act of a Representative of another party as being authorized by such other party without inquiring behind such act or ascertaining whether such Representative had authority to so act. Each party shall have the right at any time and from time to time to replace its Representative by giving notice in writing to the other party. The initial representative of each party is as set forth on Schedule C.

 

– 4 –


ARTICLE III

LICENSES AND PERMITS

Section 3.1. Licenses and Permits. Each party warrants and covenants that all duties and obligations (including with respect to Entertainco, all Entertainco Services and with respect to Sphereco, all Sphereco Services) to be performed hereunder shall be performed in compliance with all material applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Each party shall obtain and maintain all material permits, approvals and licenses necessary or appropriate to perform its duties and obligations (including with respect to Entertainco, the Entertainco Services and with respect to Sphereco, the Sphereco Services) hereunder and shall at all times comply with the terms and conditions of such permits, approvals and licenses.

ARTICLE IV

PAYMENT

Section 4.1. General. (a) In consideration for the provision of each of the Entertainco Services, and following the Retention Period, Sphereco shall pay to Entertainco the applicable fee set forth for such Entertainco Service on Schedule A; it being understood that the amount set forth on Schedule A is the 12-month fee, and 1/12th of such fee shall be payable on a monthly basis.

(b)    In consideration for the provision of each of the Sphereco Services,Entertainco shall pay to Sphereco (i) with respect to the Retention Period, the sum of (A) all costs and expenses for such Retained Employees during the Retention Period, including incremental costs associated with such Retained Employees (e.g., incremental insurance costs), less any costs and expenses that would otherwise have been due to Entertainco from Sphereco for Entertainco Services if such services had been performed by Entertainco during the Retention Period plus (B) the applicable fee as set forth for such Sphereco Service on Schedule B, and (ii) thereafter, the applicable fee as set forth for such Sphereco Service on Schedule B; it being understood that the amount set forth on Schedule B is the 12-month fee, and 1/12th of such fee shall be payable on a monthly basis.

Section 4.2. Additional Expenses. (a) In addition to the fees payable in accordance with Section 4.1(a), Sphereco shall reimburse Entertainco for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Entertainco with respect to Third Parties in connection with the provision of Entertainco Services to Sphereco pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or paid by Entertainco on behalf of Sphereco that are not already contemplated by Schedule A; provided that if Entertainco expects to incur in respect of a Third Party in any month costs after April 2023 and expenses in excess of $25,000 and not already contemplated by Schedule A, Entertainco shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to Sphereco prior to the first day of such month a written notice setting forth Entertainco’s reasonable estimate of the expenses it expects to incur.

(b)    In addition to the fees payable for expenses in accordance with Section 4.1(b), Entertainco shall reimburse Sphereco for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Sphereco with respect to Third Parties in connection with the provision of Sphereco Services to Entertainco pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or paid by Sphereco on behalf of Entertainco that are not already contemplated by Schedule B; provided that if Sphereco expects to incur in respect of a Third Party in any month costs after April 2023 and expenses in excess of $25,000 and not already contemplated by Schedule B, Sphereco shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to Entertainco prior to the first day of such a month written notice setting forth Sphereco’s reasonable estimate of the expenses it expects to incur.

 

– 5 –


Section 4.3. Adjustments. Entertainco and Sphereco shall review and evaluate the fees payable in accordance with Section 4.1 (the “Fees”) for existing services contemplated on Schedule A or Schedule B (the “Existing Services”) for reasonableness annually and work in good faith to equitably adjust such Fees for Existing Services as appropriate to reflect among other things changes in compensation due to promotions or replacement of personnel at a lower or higher compensation level, increases or decreases in the percentage of labor-based allocation based on increased or decreased efforts of a particular individual, or adjustments to percentage of non-labor allocations tied to headcounts or other reasonable metrics. Entertainco and Sphereco shall work together in good faith to determine an appropriate date for such adjustments to take effect (which may be retroactive to the date of such changes). The addition of any Services not contemplated by Schedule A and B shall be subject to each company’s related party transaction approval policy.

Section 4.4. Invoices. (a) Entertainco will invoice Sphereco in U.S. dollars: (i) as of the last day of each calendar month for any fees payable by Sphereco in accordance with Section 4.1(a) for Entertainco Services listed on Schedule A that shall have been provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement during such month; (ii) as of the last day of each calendar month for any amounts payable by Sphereco in accordance with Section 4.2(a) (and enclosing invoices from the relevant Third Parties); and (iii) as of the last day of each calendar month for any taxes (excluding income taxes) accrued with respect to the provision of Entertainco Services to Sphereco during such month. Entertainco shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Sphereco each such invoice within thirty (30) days following the last day of the calendar month to which such invoice relates. Sphereco shall pay each such invoice received by electronic funds transfer as follows: in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), within forty-five (45) Business Days of the date on which such invoice was received, and in the case of clause (iii), not later than one (1) Business Day prior to the due date for such tax payments; provided that Entertainco delivers such invoice not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the due date for such tax payments.

(b)    Sphereco will invoice Entertainco in U.S. dollars: (i) as of the last day of each calendar month for any fees payable by Entertainco in accordance with Section 4.1(b) for Sphereco Services listed on Schedule B that shall have been provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement during such month; (ii) as of the last day of each calendar month for any amounts payable by Entertainco in accordance with Section 4.2(b) (and enclosing invoices from the relevant Third Parties); and (iii) as of the last day of each calendar month for any taxes (excluding income taxes) accrued with respect to the provision of Sphereco Services to Entertainco during such month. Sphereco shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Entertainco each such invoice within thirty (30) days following the last day of the calendar month to which such invoice relates. Entertainco shall pay each such invoice received by electronic funds transfer: in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), within forty-five (45) Business Days of the date on which such invoice was received, and in the case of clause (iii), not later than one (1) Business Day prior to the due date for such tax payments’ provided that Sphereco delivers such invoice not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the due date for such tax payments.

 

– 6 –


Section 4.5. Failure to Pay. Any undisputed amount not paid when due shall be subject to a late payment fee computed daily at a rate equal to the Applicable Rate from the due date of such amount to the date such amount is paid. Each party agrees to pay the other party’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in collection of any amounts owed to such other party hereunder and not paid when due. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the event either party fails to make a payment of any undisputed amount when due hereunder, and such failure continues for a period of thirty (30) days following delivery of notice to such non-paying party of such failure, the other party shall have the right to cease provision of such Services to such non-paying party until such overdue payment (and any applicable late payment fee accrued with respect thereto) is paid in full. Such right of the party providing services shall not in any manner limit or prejudice any of such party’s other rights or remedies in the event of the non-paying party’s failure to make payments when due hereunder, including without limitation any rights or remedies pursuant to Sections 6, 8 and 10.

Section 4.6. Termination of Services. In the event of a termination of Services pursuant to Section 8, with respect to the calendar month in which such Services cease to be provided, the recipient of such Services shall be obligated to pay a fee for such Services calculated as set forth on Schedule A or B, as applicable for the portion of the month prior to the termination. Where possible, the parties agree to work together cooperatively to seek to have terminations occur as of month ends, but this Agreement shall not limit a party’s right to effect a termination in accordance with this Agreement other than as of a month end.

ARTICLE V

INSURANCE MATTERS

Section 5.1. Existing Insurance Policies. Each of the insurance policies of Entertainco and Sphereco in effect prior to the Distribution are listed on Schedule D hereto (the “Existing Policies”). Certain of the Existing Policies shall be transferred from the original named insured under that policy (the “Transferor”) to another party (the “Transferee”) as indicated in Schedule D (the “Transferred Policies”).

Section 5.2. Disclaimer. With respect to the Transferred Policies, each Transferor does hereby, for itself and each of its subsidiaries, agree that the applicable Transferee and its subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers and employees shall not have any liability whatsoever as a result of the insurance policies and practices of the Transferor and its affiliates as in effect at any time prior to the Distribution, including as a result of the level or scope of any such insurance, the creditworthiness of any insurance carrier, the selection, identity or performance of any Third-Party administrator, the terms and conditions of any policy, the adequacy or timeliness of any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to any claim or potential claim or otherwise.

Section 5.3. Insurance Transition. With respect to the Transferred Policies, each Transferor agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the interest and rights of the applicable Transferee and each of its subsidiaries as of the date of the Distribution as insureds, additional named insureds or beneficiaries or in any other capacity under occurrence-based insurance policies and programs (and under claims-made policies and programs to the

 

– 7 –


extent a claim has been submitted prior to the Distribution or later if so permitted by the terms of the applicable insurance policy and assuming that such policy is then in effect) of the applicable Transferee in respect of periods prior to the date of the Distribution to survive the Distribution for the period for which such interests and rights would have survived without regard to the transactions contemplated hereby to the extent permitted by such policies. In accordance with this Agreement the applicable Transferor shall transition the administration of the Transferred Policies and related programs noted on Schedule D to the Transferee indicated on Schedule D (or such other entity designated by the applicable Transferee) and the Transferee shall pay the costs and fees of the Transferor during such transition as provided in Article IV and Schedule A.

Section 5.4. Claims Made Policies. With respect to the Transferred Policies, each Transferee agrees that if it obtains or maintains any insurance coverage after the date of the Distribution for matters occurring prior to that time (e.g., a claims made directors and officers insurance policy) it will also obtain or maintain such coverage for the applicable Transferor, and its subsidiaries, subject to the Transferor’s payment of the fees and costs in connection therewith as provided in this Agreement.

Section 5.5. Post-Distribution Claims for Pre-Distribution Events. In the event that a claim is made after the Distribution for an event that occurred prior to the Distribution, and such claim arises out of: (a) the Spinco Business (as defined in the Distribution Agreement), the parties will work together in good faith to ensure that such claim is made or caused to be made under the appropriate Existing Policy (whether transferred or not), that the expenses (if any) related to such a claim (e.g., payment of deductibles or expenses/recoveries not covered by the applicable Existing Policy) are borne by Entertainco, and the proceeds (if any) shall be for the benefit of Entertainco (or as otherwise mutually agreed by the parties, with the intent being achieving a fair and equitable result); (b) the MSG Entertainment Business (as defined in the Distribution Agreement), the parties will work together in good faith to ensure that such claim is made or caused to be made under the appropriate Existing Policy (whether transferred or not), that the expenses (if any) related to such a claim (e.g., payment of deductibles or expenses/recoveries not covered by the applicable Existing Policy) are borne by Sphereco, and the proceeds (if any) shall be for the benefit of Sphereco (or as otherwise mutually agreed by the parties, with the intent being achieving a fair and equitable result); or (c) corporate matters of the pre-Distribution consolidated business that generally impact the MSG Entertainment Business and Spinco Business equally (e.g., D&O), or is the result of an action of a third-party and such action impacts the pre-Distribution consolidated business equally or indiscriminately (e.g., Cyber & Media), the parties will work together in good faith to ensure that such claim is made or caused to be made under the appropriate Existing Policy (whether transferred or not), that the expenses (if any) related to such a claim (e.g., payment of deductibles or expenses/recoveries not covered by the applicable Existing Policy) are borne by Sphereco, and the proceeds (if any) shall be for the benefit of Sphereco (or as otherwise mutually agreed by the parties, with the intent being achieving a fair and equitable result).

Section 5.6. Audits and Adjustments. With respect to the Transferred Policies, each Transferee agrees that it will reimburse the applicable Transferor under this Agreement for any additional premiums or other amounts owing to any Third Party as a result of any audit or similar procedure by a Third Party, to the extent that such additional premiums or amounts owing relate to Transferee or any of its subsidiaries during the period Transferee or such subsidiaries were covered by the relevant insurance policy.

 

– 8 –


Section 5.7. No Assignment or Waiver. This Agreement is not intended as an attempted assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and shall not be construed to waive any right or remedy of any Transferee in respect of any insurance policy or any other contract or policy of insurance.

Section 5.8. No Limitation on Insurance. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to restrict a Transferor from acquiring at its own expense any other insurance policy in respect of any liabilities or covering any period.

Section 5.9. Scope. The provisions of this Article V shall not apply to insurance practices or policies relating to health and welfare plans or any other employee benefit arrangement. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of Article V apply to insurance practices and policies relating to workers’ compensation and the foregoing sentence does not limit the application of Article V to such practices and policies.

ARTICLE VI

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 6.1. Indemnification of Party Receiving Services. (a) Entertainco agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Sphereco harmless from and against any Loss to which Sphereco may become subject arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the provision hereunder by Entertainco of Entertainco Services, other than Losses resulting from Sphereco’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Entertainco shall not be liable under this Section 6.1 for any consequential, special or punitive damages (including but not limited to lost profits), except to the extent that such consequential, special or punitive damages relate to a Loss resulting from a Third-Party Claim (as defined below).

(b)    Sphereco agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Entertainco harmless from and against any Loss to which Entertainco may become subject arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the provision hereunder by Sphereco of Sphereco Services, other than Losses resulting from Entertainco’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Sphereco shall not be liable under this Section 6.1 for any consequential, special or punitive damages (including but not limited to lost profits), except to the extent that such consequential, special or punitive damages relate to a Loss resulting from a Third-Party Claim (as defined below).

Section 6.2. Indemnification of Party Providing Services. (a) Sphereco agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Entertainco harmless from and against any Loss to which Entertainco may become subject arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with, the provision hereunder by Entertainco of Entertainco Services to Sphereco where such Losses resulted from Sphereco’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary,

 

– 9 –


Sphereco shall not be liable under this Section 6.2 for any consequential, special or punitive damages (including but not limited to lost profits), except to the extent that such consequential, special or punitive damages relate to a Loss resulting from a Third-Party Claim (as defined below).

(b)    Entertainco agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Sphereco harmless from and against any Loss to which Sphereco may become subject arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the provision hereunder by Sphereco of Sphereco Services to Entertainco where such Losses resulted from Entertainco’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Entertainco shall not be liable under this Section 6.2 for any consequential, special or punitive damages (including but not limited to lost profits), except to the extent that such consequential, special or punitive damages relate to a Loss resulting from a Third-Party Claim (as defined below).

Section 6.3. Third-Party Claims. (a) If a claim or demand is made against Sphereco or Entertainco (each, an “Indemnitee”) by any Third Party (a “Third-Party Claim”) as to which such Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, such Indemnitee shall notify the party which is or may be required pursuant to Section 6.1 or Section 6.2 hereof to make such indemnification (the “Indemnifying Party”) in writing, and in reasonable detail, of the Third-Party Claim promptly and in any event by the date (the “Outside Notice Date”) that is the 15th Business Day after receipt by such Indemnitee of written notice of the Third-Party Claim; provided, however, that failure to give such notification shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure (except that the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any expenses incurred during the period beginning immediately after the Outside Notice Date and ending on the date that the Indemnitee gives the required notice). Thereafter, the Indemnitee shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days) after the Indemnitee’s receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third-Party Claim. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Sphereco shall not be required to provide notice to Entertainco for Third-Party Claims for which Entertainco is providing legal support as part of the Entertainco Services to the extent that Entertainco has received notice in such capacity.

(b)    If a Third-Party Claim is made against an Indemnitee, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense thereof and, if it so chooses and acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee therefor, to assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by the Indemnifying Party, provided, however, that such counsel is not reasonably objected to by the Indemnitee. Should the Indemnifying Party so elect to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall, within 30 days (or sooner if the nature of the Third-Party Claim so requires), notify the Indemnitee of its intent to do so, and the Indemnifying Party shall thereafter not be liable to the Indemnitee for legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof; provided, however, that such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ counsel to represent such Indemnitee if, in such Indemnitee’s reasonable judgment, a conflict of interest between such

 

– 10 –


Indemnitee and such Indemnifying Party exists in respect of such claim which would make representation of both such parties by one counsel inappropriate, and in such event the fees and expenses of such separate counsel shall be paid by such Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party assumes such defense, the Indemnitee shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, subject to the proviso of the preceding sentence, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Party, it being understood that the Indemnifying Party shall control such defense. The Indemnifying Party shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel employed by the Indemnitee for any period during which the Indemnifying Party has failed to assume the defense thereof (other than during the period prior to the time the Indemnitee shall have given notice of the Third-Party Claim as provided above). If the Indemnifying Party so elects to assume the defense of any Third-Party Claim, all of the Indemnitees shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the defense or prosecution thereof, including by providing or causing to be provided agreements, documents, books, records, files and witnesses as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving any request therefor from or on behalf of the Indemnifying Party, except to the extent that providing or causing the foregoing to be provided would constitute a waiver of any Indemnitee’s attorney-client privilege.

(c)    If the Indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing responsibility under this Article VI for a Third-Party Claim, then in no event will the Indemnitee admit any liability with respect to, or settle, compromise or discharge, any Third-Party Claim without the Indemnifying Party’s prior written consent; provided, however, that the Indemnitee shall have the right to settle, compromise or discharge such Third-Party Claim without the consent of the Indemnifying Party if the Indemnitee releases the Indemnifying Party from its indemnification obligation hereunder with respect to such Third-Party Claim and such settlement, compromise or discharge would not otherwise adversely affect the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing liability for a Third-Party Claim, the Indemnitee will agree to any settlement, compromise or discharge of a Third-Party Claim that the Indemnifying Party may recommend and that by its terms obligates the Indemnifying Party to pay the full amount of the liability in connection with such Third-Party Claim and releases the Indemnitee completely in connection with such Third-Party Claim and that would not otherwise adversely affect the Indemnitee. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election to do so as provided herein, such Indemnitee may compromise, settle or defend such Third-Party Claim.

(d)    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Third-Party Claim (and shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel incurred by the Indemnitee in defending such Third-Party Claim) if the Third-Party Claim seeks an order, injunction or other equitable relief or relief for other than money damages against the Indemnitee which the Indemnitee reasonably determines, after conferring with its counsel, cannot be separated from any related claim for money damages. If such equitable relief or other relief portion of the Third-Party Claim can be so separated from that for money damages, the Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to assume the defense of the portion relating to money damages.

(e)    In the event and to the extent of payment by an Indemnifying Party to any Indemnitee in connection with any Third-Party Claim, such Indemnifying Party shall be

 

– 11 –


subrogated to and shall stand in the place of such Indemnitee as to any events or circumstances in respect of which such Indemnitee may have any right or claim relating to such Third-Party Claim against any claimant or plaintiff asserting such Third-Party Claim. Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a reasonable manner, and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in prosecuting any subrogated right or claim.

(f)    Entertainco and Sphereco shall cooperate as may reasonably be required in connection with the investigation, defense and settlement of any Third-Party Claim. In furtherance of this obligation, the parties agree that if an Indemnifying Party chooses to defend or to compromise or settle any Third-Party Claim, Sphereco or Entertainco, as the case may be, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other party, upon written request, their former and then current directors, officers, employees and agents and those of their subsidiaries as witnesses and any records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, to the extent that (i) any such Person, records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with such defense, settlement or compromise and (ii) making such Person, records or other documents so available would not constitute a waiver of the attorney-client privilege of Sphereco or Entertainco, as the case may be. At the request of an Indemnifying Party, an Indemnitee shall enter into a reasonably acceptable joint defense agreement.

(g)    The remedies provided in this Article VI shall be cumulative and shall not preclude assertion by any Indemnitee of any other rights or the seeking of any and all other remedies against any Indemnifying Party.

Section 6.4. Indemnification Payments. (a) Indemnification required by this Article VI shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or any Loss is incurred. If the Indemnifying Party fails to make an indemnification payment required by this Article VI within 30 days after receipt of a bill therefor or notice that a Loss has been incurred, the Indemnifying Party shall also be required to pay interest on the amount of such indemnification payment, from the date of receipt of the bill or notice of the Loss to, but not including the date of payment, at the Prime Rate.

(b)    The amount of any claim by an Indemnitee under this Agreement shall be (i) reduced to reflect any actual tax savings or insurance proceeds received by any Indemnitee that result from the Losses that gave rise to such indemnity, and (ii) increased by an amount equal to any tax cost incurred by any Indemnitee that results from receipt of payments under this Article VI.

Section 6.5. Survival. The parties’ obligations under this Article VI shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE VII

COOPERATION; CONFIDENTIALITY; TITLE

Section 7.1. Good Faith Cooperation; Consents. Each party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the other party in all matters relating to the

 

– 12 –


provision and receipt of the Services. Such cooperation shall include, but not be limited to, exchanging information, providing electronic access to systems used in connection with the Services, performing true-ups and adjustments and obtaining all consents, licenses, sublicenses or approvals necessary to permit each party to perform its obligations hereunder. Sphereco and Entertainco shall maintain reasonable documentation related to the Services and cooperate with each other in making such information available as needed.

Section 7.2. Confidentiality. Each party shall keep confidential from Third Parties the Schedules to this Agreement and all non-public information received from the other party regarding the Services, including, without limitation, any information received with respect to products and services of Sphereco or Entertainco, and to use such information only for the purposes set forth in this Agreement unless (i) otherwise agreed to in writing by the party from which such information was received or (ii) required by applicable law, regulation or any securities exchange (in which case the parties shall cooperate in seeking to obtain a protective order or other arrangement pursuant to which the confidentiality of such information is preserved); provided that to the extent disclosure is required and permitted under the terms of clause (ii) of this Section 7.2, the disclosing party shall provide reasonable advance notice to the non-disclosing party of such required disclosure. The covenants in this Article VII shall survive any termination of this Agreement for a period of three (3) years from the date such termination becomes effective.

Section 7.3. Internal Use; Title, Copies, Return. Except to the extent inconsistent with the express terms of the Distribution Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement other than this Agreement, each party agrees that:

(a)    title to all systems used in performing any Service provided hereunder shall remain in the party providing such Service or its Third-Party vendors; and

(b)    to the extent the provision of any Service involves intellectual property, including without limitation software programs or patented or copyrighted material, or material constituting trade secrets, the recipient of such Service shall not copy, modify, reverse engineer, decompile or in any way alter any of such material, or otherwise use such material in a manner inconsistent with the terms and provisions of this Agreement, without the express written consent of the party providing such Service; and upon the termination of any Service, the recipient of such Service shall return to the party providing such Service, as soon as practicable, any equipment or other property of the party providing such Service relating to such Service which is owned or leased by the party providing such Service and is or was in its possession or control.

ARTICLE VIII

TERM

Section 8.1. Duration. (a) Except as provided in Sections 4.6, 6.5, 7.2, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5, the term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof (the “Commencement Date”) and shall continue in full force and effect until the earlier of (i) the date that is the day prior to the second anniversary of the Commencement Date, unless otherwise mutually agreed by the parties and (ii) the earlier termination of all Services in accordance with Section 4.5 or 8.1(b).

 

– 13 –


(b) Each party acknowledges that the purpose of this Agreement is for Entertainco to provide the Entertainco Services to Sphereco on an interim basis until Sphereco can perform the Entertainco Services for itself, and for Sphereco to provide the Sphereco Services to Entertainco on an interim basis until Entertainco can perform the Sphereco Services for itself. As Sphereco becomes self-sufficient or engages other sources to provide any Entertainco Service, Sphereco shall be entitled to release Entertainco from providing any or all of the Entertainco Services hereunder by delivering a written notice thereof to Entertainco at least twenty (20) Business Days prior to the effective date of release of such Entertainco Service(s). At the end of such twenty (20) Business Day period (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the parties), Entertainco shall discontinue the provision of the Entertainco Services specified in such notice and any such Entertainco Services shall be excluded from this Agreement, Schedule A shall be deemed to be amended accordingly, and this Agreement shall be deemed to be terminated with respect to such Entertainco Service. Entertainco shall also be entitled to release Sphereco from providing any or all of the Sphereco Services hereunder by delivering a written notice thereof to Sphereco at least twenty (20) Business Days prior to the effective date of release of such Sphereco Service(s). At the end of such twenty (20) Business Day period (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the parties), Sphereco shall discontinue the provision of the Sphereco Services specified in such notice and any such Sphereco Services shall be excluded from this Agreement, Schedule B shall be deemed to be amended accordingly, and this Agreement shall be deemed to be terminated with respect to such Sphereco Service.

Section 8.2. Early Termination by Entertainco. Entertainco may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to Sphereco under the following circumstances:

(a)    if Sphereco shall default in the performance of any of its material obligations under this Agreement, and such default or breach shall continue and not be remedied for a period of thirty (30) days after Entertainco has given written notice to Sphereco specifying such default and requiring it to be remedied;

(b)    if a Bankruptcy Event has occurred with respect to Sphereco; or

(c)    if a Change of Control of Sphereco has occurred.

Section 8.3. Early Termination by Sphereco. Sphereco may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to Entertainco under the following circumstances:

(a)    if Entertainco shall default in the performance of any of its material obligations under this Agreement and such default shall continue and not be remedied for a period of thirty (30) days after Sphereco has given written notice to Entertainco specifying such default and requiring it to be remedied;

(b)    if a Bankruptcy Event has occurred with respect to Entertainco; or

(c)    if a Change of Control of Entertainco has occurred.

 

– 14 –


Section 8.4. Termination of Sportco Services Agreement. As of the date hereof, Entertainco is party to a Transition Services Agreement (as such agreement may be amended, modified, extended, replaced or supplemented, the “Sportco Services Agreement”) with MSG Sports, LLC (“Sportco”). Sphereco and Entertainco acknowledge and agree that the fees set forth on Schedule A hereto contemplate the payment for certain services by Sportco pursuant to Sportco Services Agreement (i.e., certain fees contemplate expenses being shared by three (3) parties, rather than two (2)), and in the event that the Sportco Services Agreement expires, is terminated, or otherwise ceases to exist (a “Sportco Termination Event”), the parties agree that certain fees on Schedule A may require adjustment to reflect payment by two (2) parties instead of three (3) for services that are also provided for under the Sportco Services Agreement (the “Similar Services”). In the event of a Sportco Termination Event, (a) Entertainco shall promptly notify Sphereco of such Sportco Termination Event, and (b) within fifteen (15) days of such Sportco Termination Event, Entertainco shall deliver to Sphereco a revised Schedule A, identifying the Similar Services, and an approximate pro rata distribution of fees (based on Sphereco’s fees reflected on Schedule A as of the date of the Sportco Termination Event compared to Entertainco’s fees/expenses for the same service as of the same date) previously paid for by Sportco for such Similar Service under the Sportco Services Agreement. Entertainco shall use reasonable efforts to adjust anticipated expenses to reflect any reduction in headcount or other needs as a result of the Sportco Termination Event, in a way that is reasonable and generally consistent with Sphereco’s past practices. The revised Schedule A reflecting the pro rata allocation to Sphereco shall automatically become effective on the date that is the later of (x) forty-five (45) days from the Sphereco Termination Event or (y) thirty (30) days from the delivery of such revised Schedule A to Sphereco, unless, prior to that date, Sphereco notifies Entertainco that it desires to terminate any Similar Service identified, and, in either case, Schedule A shall be amended accordingly, with such revised pricing and/or termination being retroactive to the date of the Sphereco Termination Event.

Section 8.5. Suspension Due to Force Majeure. In the event the performance by either Sphereco or Entertainco of its duties or obligations hereunder is interrupted or interfered with by reason of any cause beyond its reasonable control including, but not limited to, fire, storm, flood, earthquake, explosion, war, strike or labor disruption, rebellion, insurrection, quarantine, act of God, pandemic, boycott, embargo, shortage or unavailability of supplies, riot, or governmental law, regulation or edict (collectively, “Force Majeure Events”), the party affected by such Force Majeure Event shall not be deemed to be in default of this Agreement by reason of its non-performance due to such Force Majeure Event, but shall give notice to the other party of the Force Majeure Event and the fee provided for in Section 4.1 shall be equitably adjusted to reflect the reduced performance. In such event, the party affected by such Force Majeure Event shall resume the performance of its duties and obligations hereunder as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the Force Majeure Event.

Section 8.6. Consequences of Termination. In the event this Agreement expires or is terminated in accordance with this Article VIII, then (a) all Services to be provided will promptly cease, (b) each of Entertainco and Sphereco shall, upon request of the other party, promptly return or destroy all non-public confidential information received from the other party in connection with this Agreement (including the return of all information received with respect to the Services or products of Sphereco or Entertainco, as the case may be), without retaining a

 

– 15 –


copy thereof (other than one copy for file purposes), and (c) each of Entertainco and Sphereco shall honor all credits and make any accrued and unpaid payment to the other party as required pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and no rights already accrued hereunder shall be affected.

ARTICLE IX

RECORDS

Section 9.1. Maintenance of Records. Each of the parties shall create and maintain full and accurate books in connection with the provision of the Services, and all other records relevant to this Agreement, and upon reasonable notice from the other party shall make available for inspection and copy by such other party’s agents such records during reasonable business hours.

ARTICLE X

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Section 10.1. Negotiation. In the event of a controversy, dispute or claim arising out of, in connection with, or in relation to the interpretation, performance, nonperformance, validity or breach of this Agreement or otherwise arising out of, or in any way related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, any claim based on contract, tort, statute or constitution (but excluding any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of any agreement relating to the use or lease of real property if any Third Party is a party to such controversy, dispute or claim) (collectively, “Agreement Disputes”), the management of the parties shall negotiate in good faith for a reasonable period of time to settle such Agreement Dispute, provided, however, that such reasonable period shall not, unless otherwise agreed by the parties in writing, exceed 30 days from the time the parties began such negotiations.

Section 10.2. Continuity of Service and Performance. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the parties will continue to provide service and honor all other commitments under this Agreement during the course of any form of dispute resolution with respect to all matters not subject to such dispute, controversy or claim.

Section 10.3. Other Remedies. Nothing in this Article X shall limit the right that any party may otherwise have to seek to obtain (a) preliminary injunctive relief in order to preserve the status quo pending the resolution of a dispute or (b) temporary or permanent injunctive relief from any breach of any provisions of this Agreement.

ARTICLE XI

NOTICES

Section 11.1. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall reference this Agreement and shall be emailed, hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the parties at the following addresses (or

 

– 16 –


at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

To Entertainco:

MSGE Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

with a copy to:

MSGE Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

To Sphereco:

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (or, after the applicable name change, Sphere Entertainment Co.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

with a copy to:

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (or, after the applicable name change, Sphere Entertainment Co.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

ARTICLE XII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.1. Taxes. Except as may otherwise be specifically provided herein, each party shall bear all taxes, duties and other similar charges (and any related interest and penalties) imposed as a result of its receipt of Services under this Agreement.

Section 12.2. Relationship of Parties. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed or construed by the parties or any Third Party as creating the relationship of principal and agent, partnership or joint venture between the parties, it being understood and agreed that no provision contained herein, and no act of the parties, shall be deemed to create any relationship between the parties other than the relationship of independent contractor nor be deemed to vest any rights, interest or claims in any third parties.

 

– 17 –


Section 12.3. Complete Agreement; Construction. This Agreement, including the Schedules hereto, shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any Schedule, the Schedule shall prevail. The rights and remedies of the parties herein provided shall be cumulative and in addition to any other or further remedies provided by law or equity.

Section 12.4. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party.

Section 12.5. Waivers. The failure of any party to require strict performance by the other party of any provision in this Agreement will not waive or diminish that party’s right to demand strict performance thereafter of that or any other provision hereof.

Section 12.6. Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing by each of the parties.

Section 12.7. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, by any party without the prior written consent of the other party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void.

Section 12.8. Successors and Assigns. The provisions to this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

Section 12.9. Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the parties and shall not be deemed to confer upon any other Person any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.

Section 12.10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of New York.

Section 12.11. Waiver of Jury Trial. The parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 12.12. Specific Performance. Subject to Article X, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the parties agree that the party who is or is to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The parties agree that the remedies at law for any

 

– 18 –


breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss, that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are hereby waived.

Section 12.13. Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

Section 12.14. Provisions Unaffected. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall affect the rights and obligations of Entertainco and Sphereco pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

Section 12.15. No Presumption. Neither Entertainco nor Sphereco shall be deemed to be the drafter of this Agreement and no term or provision of this Agreement may be construed against any party on that basis.

 

– 19 –


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the parties as of the date first herein above written.

 

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(To be renamed MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.)

By:  

/s/ David F. Byrnes

 

Name:

  David F. Byrnes
  Title:      Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(To be renamed SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.)

By:  

/s/ James L. Dolan

 

Name:

  James L. Dolan
  Title:   Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Transition Services Agreement]

Exhibit 10.2

 

 

 

TAX DISAFFILIATION AGREEMENT

BETWEEN

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(TO BE RENAMED SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.)

AND

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.)

dated as of March 29, 2023

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SECTION 1.

 

Definition of Terms

     2  

SECTION 2.

 

Allocation of Taxes and Tax-Related Losses

     10  
 

2.1 Allocation of Taxes

     10  
 

2.2 Special Allocation of Certain Taxes

     11  
 

2.3 Tax Payments

     12  

SECTION 3.

 

Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns

     12  
 

3.1 Combined Returns

     12  
 

3.2 Separate Returns

     12  
 

3.3 Agent

     13  
 

3.4 Provision of Information

     13  
 

3.5 Special Rules Relating to the Preparation of Tax Returns

     13  
 

3.6 Refunds, Credits, Offsets, Tax Benefits

     14  
 

3.7 Carrybacks

     14  
 

3.8 Amended Returns

     14  
 

3.9 Compensatory Equity Interests

     15  

SECTION 4.

 

Tax Payments

     15  
 

4.1 Payment of Taxes to Tax Authority

     15  
 

4.2 Indemnification Payments

     15  
 

4.3 Interest on Late Payments

     16  
 

4.4 Tax Consequences of Payments

     16  
 

4.5 Adjustments to Payments

     16  
 

4.6 Section 336(e) Election

     17  
 

4.7 Certain Final Determinations

     17  

SECTION 5.

 

Cooperation and Tax Contests

     17  
 

5.1 Cooperation

     17  
 

5.2 Notices of Tax Contests

     18  
 

5.3 Control of Tax Contests

     18  
 

5.4 Cooperation Regarding Tax Contests

     18  

SECTION 6.

 

Tax Records

     19  
 

6.1 Retention of Tax Records

     19  
 

6.2 Access to Tax Records

     19  
 

6.3 Confidentiality

     19  

SECTION 7.

 

Representations and Covenants

     20  

 

i


  7.1 Covenants of MSG Entertainment and Spinco      20  
  7.2 Covenants of Spinco      20  
  7.3 Covenants of MSG Entertainment      21  
  7.4 Exceptions      21  
  7.5 Injunctive Relief      22  
  7.6 Further Assurances      22  

SECTION 8.

  General Provisions      22  
  8.1 Construction      22  
  8.2 Ancillary Agreements      23  
  8.3 Counterparts      23  
  8.4 Notices      23  
  8.5 Amendments      23  
  8.6 Assignment      24  
  8.7 Successors and Assigns      24  
  8.8 Change in Law      24  
  8.9 Authorization, Etc      24  
  8.10 Termination      24  
  8.11 Subsidiaries      24  
  8.12 Third-Party Beneficiaries      24  
  8.13 Double Recovery      25  
  8.14 Titles and Headings      25  
  8.15 Governing Law      25  
  8.16 Waiver of Jury Trial      25  
  8.17 Severability      25  
  8.18 No Strict Construction; Interpretation      25  

SCHEDULE A

    

 

 

ii


TAX DISAFFILIATION AGREEMENT

THIS TAX DISAFFILIATION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is dated as of March 29, 2023, by and between Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co. at the Effective Time (as defined below)), a Delaware corporation (“MSG Entertainment”), and MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. at the Effective Time), a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Entertainment (“Spinco” and, together with MSG Entertainment, the “Parties”, and each, a “Party”). Unless otherwise indicated, all “Section” references in this Agreement are to sections of the Agreement.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of MSG Entertainment determined that, based on the Corporate Business Purposes (as defined below), it is in the best interests of MSG Entertainment and its stockholders to separate the businesses of Spinco, all as more fully described in Spinco’s registration statement on Form 10, from MSG Entertainment’s other businesses on the terms and conditions set forth in the Distribution Agreement between MSG Entertainment and Spinco dated on or about the date hereof (the “Distribution Agreement”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Contribution Agreement (as defined below), (a) MSG Entertainment intends to complete the Entertainment Assignments (as defined below), and (b) MSG Entertainment Group, LLC (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Group, LLC) at the Effective Time (as defined below)), a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Entertainment (“MSGE Group”) intends to complete the Sphere Assignments (as defined below);

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of MSG Entertainment has authorized the distribution to the holders of the issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MSG Entertainment (collectively, the “MSG Entertainment Shares”) as of the record date for the distribution of approximately 62% of the issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and all of the issued and outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco (each, a “Spinco Share” and collectively, the “Spinco Shares”), respectively, on the basis of one share of Spinco Class A Common Stock for every one share of MSG Entertainment Class A Common Stock and one share of Spinco Class B Common Stock for every one share of MSG Entertainment Class B Common Stock (the “Distribution”);

WHEREAS, MSG Entertainment and Spinco intend the Contribution (as defined below) and Distribution to qualify for the Tax-Free Status (as defined below);

WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of MSG Entertainment and Spinco have each determined that the Distribution and the other transactions contemplated by the Distribution Agreement, and the Ancillary Agreements (as defined below) are in furtherance of and consistent with the Corporate Business Purposes and, as such, are in the best interests of their respective companies and stockholders or sole stockholder, as applicable, and have approved the Distribution Agreement, and each of the Ancillary Agreements;


WHEREAS, the Parties set forth in the Distribution Agreement the principal arrangements between them regarding the separation of the Spinco Group (as defined below) from the MSG Entertainment Group (as defined below); and

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to provide for and agree upon the allocation between the Parties of liabilities for Taxes (as defined below) arising prior to, as a result of, and subsequent to the Distribution, and to provide for and agree upon other matters relating to Taxes;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Agreement (including the recitals hereof), the following terms have the following meanings:

“Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Affiliate” as it applies to Spinco shall include the Spinco Company Entities.

“Agreed Treatment” means the treatment of (i) the Sphere Assignments as a transaction that is disregarded for U.S. federal income Tax purposes, and (ii) the Contribution and the Distribution in accordance with the Tax-Free Status and as a transaction which does not incur Tax liability under section 4501 of the Code.

“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

“Ancillary Agreements” means the agreements encompassed by such term in the Distribution Agreement.

“Business Day” has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Combined Return” means a consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return that includes, by election or otherwise, one or more members of the MSG Entertainment Group and one or more members of the Spinco Group.

“Companies” means MSG Entertainment and Spinco.

“Company” means MSG Entertainment or Spinco, as the context requires.

“Compensatory Equity Interests” means options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other rights with respect to MSG Entertainment Common Shares or Spinco Shares that are granted by MSG Entertainment, Spinco or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with employee or director compensation or other employee benefits.

 

2


“Compensatory Equity Net Share Settlements” means “net share settlement” transactions with respect to Compensatory Equity Interests between either Party (or any of their respective Subsidiaries) on the one hand and the employee (or director, as the case may be) of such Party or the other Party (or any of their respective Subsidiaries) on the other hand, in each case pursuant to the terms of the relevant agreement with respect to such Compensatory Equity Interests.

“Contribution Agreement” means the Contribution Agreement between MSG Entertainment, Spinco, and MSGE Group dated on or about the date hereof.

“Contribution” means the Entertainment Assignments.

“Controlling Party” means, with respect to a Tax Contest, the Person that has responsibility, control and discretion in handling, defending, settling or contesting such Tax Contest.

“Corporate Business Purposes” means the Corporate Business Purposes as set forth in the Tax Opinion Representations (including any appendices thereto) and the “Reasons for the Distribution” in Spinco’s registration statement on Form 10, as amended.

“Deconsolidation Taxes” means any Taxes imposed on any member of the MSG Entertainment Group or the Spinco Group as a result of or in connection with the Sphere Assignments, the Contribution and the Distribution (or any portion thereof), but excluding any Transfer Taxes and Distribution Taxes.

“Disclosing Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.

“Distribution” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

“Distribution Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

“Distribution Date” has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.

“Distribution Taxes” means any Taxes arising from a Final Determination that the Contribution and the Distribution failed to be tax-free to MSG Entertainment in accordance with the requirements of section 355 or section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code (including any Taxes resulting from the application of section 355(d) or (e) to the Distribution), or that any stock of Spinco failed to qualify as “qualified property” within the meaning of section 355(c)(2) or 361(c)(2) of the Code (including as a result of the application of section 355(d) or 355(e) of the Code to the Distribution) or where applicable, failed to be stock permitted to be received without recognition of gain or loss under section 361(a) of the Code, and shall include any Taxes resulting from an election under section 336(e) of the Code in the circumstances set forth in Section 4.6 hereof.

“Due Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.

“Entertainment Assignments” has the meaning set forth in the Contribution Agreement.

 

3


“Effective Time” means 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Distribution Date.

“Employee Matters Agreement” means the Employee Matters Agreement by and between MSG Entertainment and Spinco entered into on or about the date hereof.

“Escheat Liability” means any unclaimed property or escheat liability, including any interest, penalty, administrative charge, or addition thereto and further including all costs of responding to or defending against an audit, examination, or controversy with respect to such liability, imposed by or on behalf of a governmental entity with respect to any property or obligation (including, without limitation, uncashed checks to vendors, customers, or employees and non-refunded overpayments).

“Excess Taxes” means the excess of (x) the Taxes for which MSG Entertainment Group is liable if an election is made pursuant to section 336(e) of the Code under Section 4.6 of this Agreement, over (y) the Taxes for which MSG Entertainment Group is liable if such an election is not made, in each case taking into account the allocation of Taxes that is otherwise applicable in this Agreement but without regard to Section 4.6 hereof.

“Expert Law Firm” means a law firm nationally recognized for its expertise in the matter for which its opinion is sought.

“Fifty-Percent Equity Interest” means, in respect of any corporation (within the meaning of the Code), stock or other equity interests of such corporation possessing (i) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or equity interests entitled to vote, or (ii) at least fifty percent (50%) of the total value of shares of all classes of stock or of the total value of all equity interests.

“Filer” means the Company that is responsible for filing the applicable Tax Return pursuant to Sections 3.1 or 3.2.

“Final Determination” means a determination within the meaning of section 1313 of the Code or any similar provision of state or local Tax Law.

“Group” means the MSG Entertainment Group or the Spinco Group, as the context requires.

“Income Tax” or “Income Taxes” means any Tax that is imposed on or measured by or referred to as income, gross income, gross receipts, profits, capital stock, franchise or other similar Tax.

“Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.

“Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5.

“Interest Rate” means (x) the “Applicable Rate” as set forth in the Distribution Agreement, or (y) if higher and if with respect to a payment to indemnify for a Tax to which the “large corporate underpayment” provision within the meaning of section 6621(c) of the Code applies, such interest rate that would be applicable at such time to such “large corporate underpayment.”

 

4


“IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service.

“MSG Entertainment” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

“MSG Entertainment Business” has the meaning ascribed to the term “MSG Entertainment Business” in the Tax Opinion Representations that constitutes an active trade or business (within the meaning of section 355(b) of the Code) of the separate affiliated group (as defined in section 355(b)(3)(B) of the Code) of MSG Entertainment.

“MSG Entertainment Group” has the meaning ascribed to the term “MSG Entertainment Group” in the Distribution Agreement.

“MSG Indemnified Party” includes each member of the MSG Entertainment Group, each of their representatives and Affiliates, each of their respective directors, officers, managers and employees, and each of their heirs, executors, trustees, administrators, successors and assigns.

“MSG Restricted Action” means any action by MSG Entertainment or any of its Subsidiaries inconsistent with the covenants set forth in Section 7.4(a); and, for the avoidance of doubt, an action shall be and remain a MSG Restricted Action even if MSG Entertainment or any of its Subsidiaries is permitted to take such an action pursuant to Section 7.5(b).

“MSG Entertainment Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

“MSG Tainting Act” means any breach of a representation or covenant made by MSG Entertainment in Section 7.1 of this Agreement or the taking of a MSG Restricted Action, if as a result of such breach or taking of a MSG Restricted Action a Final Determination is made that the Contribution and the Distribution failed to be tax-free by reason of (i) failing to qualify as a transaction described in section 355 and section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, or (ii) any stock of Spinco failing to qualify as “qualified property” within the meaning of section 355(c)(2) or 361(c)(2) of the Code (including as a result of the application of section 355(d) or 355(e) of the Code to the Distribution) or where applicable, failing to be stock permitted to be received without recognition of gain or loss under section 361(a) of the Code.

“Non-Controlling Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).

“Non-Filer” means any Company that is not responsible for filing the applicable Tax Return pursuant to Sections 3.1 or 3.2.

“Non-Income Tax” or “Non-Income Taxes” means any Tax that is not an Income Tax.

“Other Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6(b).

 

5


“Party” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

“Parties” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

“Payment Date” means (x) with respect to any U.S. federal income tax return, the date on which any required installment of estimated taxes determined under section 6655 of the Code is due, the date on which (determined without regard to extensions) filing the return determined under section 6072 of the Code is required, and the date the return is filed, and (y) with respect to any other Tax Return, the corresponding dates determined under the applicable Tax Law.

“Periodic Taxes” means Taxes imposed on a periodic basis that are not based upon or related to income or receipts. Periodic Taxes include property Taxes and similar Taxes.

“Permitted Acquisition” means any acquisition (as a result of the Distribution) of Spinco Shares solely by reason of holding MSG Entertainment Shares, but does not include such an acquisition if such MSG Entertainment Shares, before such acquisition, were themselves acquired in a manner to which the flush language of section 355(e)(3)(A) of the Code applies (thus causing, for the avoidance of doubt, section 355(e)(3)(A)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) of the Code not to apply).

“Person” means any individual, corporation, company, limited liability company, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity of any kind.

“Post-Distribution Period” means any Tax Year or other taxable period beginning after the Distribution Date and, in the case of any Straddle Period, that part of the Tax Year or other taxable period that begins at the beginning of the day after the Distribution Date.

“Pre-Distribution Period” means any Tax Year or other taxable period that ends on or before the Distribution Date and, in the case of any Straddle Period, that part of the Tax Year or other taxable period through the end of the day on the Distribution Date.

“Preparer” means the Company that is responsible for the preparation and filing of the applicable Tax Return pursuant to Sections 3.1 or 3.2.

“Receiving Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.

“Responsible Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6(b).

“Restriction Period” means the period beginning on the Distribution Date and ending twenty-four (24) months after the Distribution Date.

“Satisfactory Guidance” means either a ruling from the IRS or an Unqualified Opinion, in either case reasonably satisfactory to MSG Entertainment or Spinco (as the context dictates) in both form and substance.

 

6


“Separate Return” means (a) in the case of any Tax Return required under relevant Tax Law to be filed by any member of the MSG Entertainment Group (including any consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return), any such Tax Return that does not include any member of the Spinco Group, and (b) in the case of any Tax Return required under relevant Tax Law to be filed by any member of the Spinco Group (including any consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return), any such Tax Return that does not include any member of the MSG Entertainment Group.

“Spinco” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

“Spinco Business” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Spinco Business” in the Tax Opinion Representations that constitutes an active trade or business (within the meaning of section 355(b) of the Code) of the separate affiliated group (as defined in section 355(b)(3)(B) of the Code) of Spinco.

“Spinco Share” or “Spinco Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

“Spinco Company Entities” means, collectively, the entities listed on Schedule A of the Distribution Agreement.

“Spinco Group” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Spinco Group” in the Distribution Agreement.

“Spinco Indemnified Party” includes each member of the Spinco Group, each of their representatives and Affiliates, each of their respective directors, officers, managers and employees, and each of their heirs, executors, trustees, administrators, successors and assigns.

“Spinco Restricted Action” means any action by Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries inconsistent with the covenants set forth in Section 7.3; and, for the avoidance of doubt, an action shall be and remain a Spinco Restricted Action even if Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries is permitted to take such an action pursuant to Section 7.5(a).

“Spinco Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

“Spinco Tainting Act” means any breach of a representation or covenant made by Spinco in Section 7.1 of this Agreement or the taking of a Spinco Restricted Action, if as a result of such breach or taking of a Spinco Restricted Action a Final Determination is made that the Contribution and the Distribution failed to be tax-free by reason of (i) failing to qualify as a transaction described in section 355 and section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, or (ii) any stock of Spinco failing to qualify as “qualified property” within the meaning of section 355(c)(2) or 361(c)(2) of the Code (including as a result of the application of section 355(d) or 355(e) of the Code to the Distribution) or where applicable, failing to be stock permitted to be received without recognition of gain or loss under section 361(a) of the Code.

“Sphere Assignments” has the meaning set forth in the Contribution Agreement.

 

7


“Straddle Period” means any taxable period beginning on or prior to, and ending after, the Distribution Date.

“Subsidiary” when used with respect to any Person, means (i)(A) a corporation a majority in voting power of whose share capital or capital stock with voting power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect directors is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or by such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, whether or not such power is subject to a voting agreement or similar encumbrance, (B) a partnership or limited liability company in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, (1) in the case of a partnership, a general partner of such partnership with the power affirmatively to direct the policies and management of such partnership or (2) in the case of a limited liability company, the managing member or, in the absence of a managing member, a member with the power affirmatively to direct the policies and management of such limited liability company, or (C) any other Person (other than a corporation) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination thereof, has or have (1) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the members of the governing body of such Person, whether or not such power is subject to a voting agreement or similar encumbrance, or (2) in the absence of such a governing body, at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) any other Person of which an aggregate of 50% or more of the equity interests are, at the time, directly or indirectly, owned by such Person and/or one or more Subsidiaries of such Person. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Subsidiary” as it applies to Spinco shall include the Spinco Company Entities.

“Tax” or “Taxes” means any income, gross income, gross receipts, profits, capital stock, franchise, withholding, payroll, social security, workers’ compensation, employment, unemployment, disability, property, ad valorem, stamp, excise (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any taxes imposed under section 4501 of the Code), severance, occupation, service, sales, use, license, lease, transfer, import, export, value added, alternative minimum, estimated or other similar tax (including any fee, assessment, or other charge in the nature of or in lieu of any tax) imposed by any Tax Authority, any Escheat Liability, abandoned, or unclaimed property law, and any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing, together with any reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in defending against any such tax.

“Tax Adjustment” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.

“Tax Authority” means, with respect to any Tax, the governmental entity or political subdivision, agency, commission or authority thereof that imposes such Tax, and the agency, commission or authority (if any) charged with the assessment, determination or collection of such Tax for such entity or subdivision.

“Tax Benefit” means a reduction in the Tax liability of a taxpayer (or of the Group of which it is a member) for any taxable period. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, a Tax Benefit shall be deemed to have been realized or received from a Tax Item in a taxable period only if and to the extent that the Tax liability of the taxpayer (or of the Group of which it is a member) for such period, after taking into account the effect of the Tax Item on the Tax liability of such taxpayer in the current period and all prior periods, is less than it would have been if such Tax liability were determined without regard to such Tax Item.

 

8


“Tax Contest” means an audit, review, examination, or any other administrative or judicial proceeding with the purpose, potential or effect of redetermining Taxes of any member of either Group (including any administrative or judicial review of any claim for refund).

“Tax Counsel” means the advisors listed in Schedule A.

“Tax-Free Status” means the qualification of the Contribution and the Distribution (a) as a transaction described in section 355 and section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, (b) as a transaction in which the stock of Spinco distributed by MSG Entertainment is “qualified property” for purposes of sections 355(c)(2), 355(d), 355(e) and 361(c) of the Code, and (c) as a transaction in which shareholders of MSG Entertainment do not recognize income, gain or loss upon the Distribution under section 355(a) of the Code (except with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares).

“Tax Item” means, with respect to any Tax, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit, adjustment in basis, or other attribute that may have the effect of increasing or decreasing any Tax.

“Tax Law” means the law of any governmental entity or political subdivision thereof, and any controlling judicial or administrative interpretations of such law, relating to any Tax.

“Tax Opinion” means the opinion (or opinions) to be delivered by Tax Counsel to MSG Entertainment in connection with the Distribution to the effect that (i) MSG Entertainment should not recognize gain or loss upon the Distribution under section 355(c) or section 361(c) of the Code, and (ii) shareholders of MSG Entertainment should not recognize gain or loss upon the Distribution under section 355(a) of the Code, and no amount should be included in such shareholders’ income, except in respect of cash received in lieu of fractional Spinco Shares.

“Tax Opinion Representations” means the written and signed representations delivered to Tax Counsel in connection with the Tax Opinion.

“Tax Records” means Tax Returns, Tax Return work papers, documentation relating to any Tax Contests, and any other books of account or records required to be maintained under applicable Tax Laws (including but not limited to section 6001 of the Code) or under any record retention agreement with any Tax Authority.

“Tax Return” means any report of Taxes due, any claims for refund of Taxes paid, any information return with respect to Taxes, or any other similar report, statement, declaration, or document filed or required to be filed (by paper, electronically or otherwise) under any applicable Tax Law, including any attachments, exhibits, or other materials submitted with any of the foregoing, and including any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing.

“Tax Year” means, with respect to any Tax, the year, or shorter period, if applicable, for which the Tax is reported as provided under applicable Tax Law.

 

9


“Transactions” means the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement and the Distribution Agreement and includes, for the avoidance of doubt, (i) the Sphere Assignments, (ii) the Contribution, and (iii) the Distribution.

“Transfer Taxes” means all U.S. federal, state, local or foreign sales, use, privilege, transfer, documentary, gains, stamp, duties, recording, and similar Taxes and fees (including any penalties, interest or additions thereto) imposed upon any Party hereto or any of its Affiliates in connection with the Distribution.

“Transition Services Agreement” means the transition services agreement between MSG Entertainment and Spinco dated on or about the date hereof.

“Treasury Regulations” means the regulations promulgated from time to time under the Code as in effect for the relevant Tax Year.

“Unqualified Opinion” means an unqualified “will” opinion of an Expert Law Firm that permits reliance by MSG Entertainment or Spinco (as the context dictates). For the avoidance of doubt, an Unqualified Opinion must be based on factual representations and assumptions that are reasonably satisfactory to MSG Entertainment or Spinco (as the context dictates).

SECTION 2. Allocation of Taxes and Tax-Related Losses.

2.1 Allocation of Taxes. Except as provided in Section 2.2, Taxes shall be allocated as follows:

(a) MSG Entertainment shall be liable for and shall be allocated (i) any Taxes attributable to members of the MSG Entertainment Group for all periods, and (ii) any Income Taxes attributable to members of the Spinco Group for any Pre-Distribution Period.

(b) Spinco shall be liable for and shall be allocated (i) any Taxes attributable to members of the Spinco Group for any Post-Distribution Period, and (ii) any Non-Income Taxes attributable to members of the Spinco-Group for any Pre-Distribution Period.

(c) In applying the provisions of Sections 2.1(a) and 2.1(b) (but subject to the provisions of Section 2.2):

(i) Any Taxes, other than Periodic Taxes, in respect of a Straddle Period shall be allocated between the Pre-Distribution Period and the Post-Distribution Period on a “closing of the books” basis by assuming that the books of the members of the MSG Entertainment Group and the members of the Spinco Group were closed on the Distribution Date. For purposes of the foregoing, depreciation and amortization deductions with respect to property placed in service after the Distribution Date shall be allocated to the Post-Distribution Period, and all other depreciation and amortization deductions shall be allocated on a per diem basis.

 

10


(ii) Any Periodic Taxes in respect of a Straddle Period shall be allocated to the Pre-Distribution Period in an amount equal to such Periodic Taxes for the entire Straddle Period multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of calendar days in the period ending on the Distribution Date and the denominator of which is the number of calendar days in the entire period. The portion of any Periodic Taxes in respect of a Straddle Period not allocated to the Pre-Distribution Period shall be allocated to the Post-Distribution Period. For the avoidance of doubt, if a Party has prepaid Periodic Taxes that are allocated to the other Party under any provisions of this Agreement, the second Party shall reimburse the first Party to the extent so allocated.

(iii) Taxes attributable to any transaction or action taken by or with respect to any member of the Spinco Group before the Effective Time on the Distribution Date shall be allocated to the Pre-Distribution Period, and Taxes attributable to any transaction or action taken by or with respect to any member of the Spinco Group after the Effective Time on the Distribution Date shall be allocated to the Post-Distribution Period.

(iv) In determining the allocation of any Escheat Liability, the liability shall be allocated to the Party whose Group members actually hold (or are required to hold) the property subject to the Escheat Liability at the time a payment or remittance in respect of such liability is required to be made to the applicable governmental entity.

2.2 Special Allocation of Certain Taxes. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:

(a) Any and all Deconsolidation Taxes shall be borne by MSG Entertainment.

(b) Spinco shall indemnify and hold harmless each MSG Indemnified Party from and against any liability of MSG Entertainment for Distribution Taxes to the extent such Distribution Taxes are attributable to a Spinco Tainting Act, provided, however, that Spinco shall have no obligation to indemnify any MSG Indemnified Party hereunder if there has occurred, prior to such Spinco Tainting Act, a MSG Tainting Act and such Distribution Taxes are attributable to such MSG Tainting Act. It is understood and agreed that, in determining the amounts payable under this Section 2.2(b), there shall be included all costs, expenses and damages associated with shareholders litigation or controversies and any amount paid by MSG Entertainment in respect of the liability of its shareholders, whether paid to its shareholders or to any Tax Authority, in connection with liability that may arise to shareholders as a result of receiving or accruing an amount payable under this Section 2.2(b), and all reasonable costs and expenses associated with such payments.

(c) MSG Entertainment shall indemnify and hold harmless each Spinco Indemnified Party from and against any liability of Spinco for Distribution Taxes to the extent that Spinco is not liable for such Taxes pursuant to Section 2.2(b).

 

11


(d) The Companies shall cooperate with each other and use their commercially reasonable efforts to reduce and/or eliminate any Transfer Taxes. If any Transfer Tax remains payable after application of the first sentence of this Section 2.2(d) and notwithstanding any other provision in this Section 2, all Transfer Taxes shall be allocated to MSG Entertainment.

2.3 Tax Payments. Each Company shall be liable for and shall pay the Taxes allocated to it by this Section 2 either to the applicable Tax Authority or to the other Company in accordance with Section 4 and the other applicable provisions of this Agreement.

SECTION 3. Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns.

3.1 Combined Returns.

(a) MSG Entertainment shall be responsible for preparing and filing (or causing to be prepared or filed) all Combined Returns for any Tax Year. For any such return, Spinco shall furnish any relevant information, including pro forma returns, disclosures, apportionment data and supporting schedules, relating to any member of the Spinco Group necessary for completing any such return in a format suitable for inclusion in such return, provided that Spinco shall have the right to review and approve items on such returns if and to the extent such items directly relate to Taxes for which Spinco would be liable under Section 2, such approval not to be unreasonably delayed, conditioned or withheld by Spinco.

(b) For the period in which the Transition Services Agreement is in effect, Spinco shall assist in the preparation of any Tax Returns which may be requested by MSG Entertainment in accordance with the terms of the Transition Services Agreement (even if, for the avoidance of doubt, the responsibility for preparation such Tax Return may be allocated to MSG Entertainment under other provisions of this Agreement). Nothing in this Section 3.1(b) shall be construed to affect MSG Entertainment’s right or responsibility to file the Tax Returns whose filing is allocated to MSG Entertainment under other provisions of this Agreement.

3.2 Separate Returns.

(a) Tax Returns to be Prepared by MSG Entertainment. MSG Entertainment shall be responsible for preparing and filing (or causing to be prepared and filed) all Separate Returns which relate to one or more members of the MSG Entertainment Group and for which Spinco is not responsible under Section 3.2(b).

(b) Tax Returns to be Prepared by Spinco. Spinco shall be responsible for preparing and filing (or causing to be prepared and filed) all Separate Returns which relate to one or more members of the Spinco Group for any Tax Year, provided, however, that in the case of such returns in respect of any Pre-Distribution Period or Straddle Period, MSG Entertainment shall have the right to review and approve such returns, such approval not to be unreasonably delayed, conditioned or withheld by MSG Entertainment.

 

12


3.3 Agent. Subject to the other applicable provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 5), MSG Entertainment and Spinco (and their respective Affiliates) shall designate the other Party as its agent and attorney-in-fact to take such action (including execution of documents) as such other Party may deem reasonably appropriate in matters relating to the preparation or filing of any Tax Return described in Sections 3.1 and 3.2.

3.4 Provision of Information.

(a) MSG Entertainment shall provide to Spinco, and Spinco shall provide to MSG Entertainment, any information about members of the MSG Entertainment Group or the Spinco Group, respectively, that the Preparer reasonably requires to determine the amount of Taxes due on any Payment Date with respect to a Tax Return for which the Preparer is responsible pursuant to Section 3.1 or 3.2 and to properly and timely file all such Tax Returns.

(b) If a member of the Spinco Group supplies information to a member of the MSG Entertainment Group, or a member of the MSG Entertainment Group supplies information to a member of the Spinco Group, and an officer of the requesting member intends to sign a statement or other document under penalties of perjury in reliance upon the accuracy of such information, then a duly authorized officer of the member supplying such information shall certify, to the best of such officer’s knowledge, the accuracy of the information so supplied.

3.5 Special Rules Relating to the Preparation of Tax Returns.

(a) In General. All Tax Returns that include any members of the MSG Entertainment Group or Spinco Group, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall be prepared in a manner that is consistent with the Tax Opinion (including, for the avoidance doubt, the Tax Opinion Representations). Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, all Tax Returns for which MSG Entertainment has the right to prepare, review, approve or file under Sections 3.1 and 3.2 shall be prepared (x) in accordance with elections, Tax accounting methods and other practices used with respect to such Tax Returns filed prior to the Distribution Date (unless such past practices are not permissible under applicable law), or (y) to the extent any items are not covered by past practices (or in the event such past practices are not permissible under applicable Tax Law), in any reasonable manner, in accordance with the preparation, review, approval and filing responsibilities of Sections 3.1 and 3.2; provided, however, that in each case of (x) and (y) to the extent that a change in such elections, methods or practices could not reasonably be expected to result in any adverse impact on MSG Entertainment and would not be inconsistent with applicable law, such Tax Returns shall be prepared in accordance with reasonable practices selected by Spinco.

(b) Election to File Consolidated, Combined or Unitary Tax Returns. Subject to Spinco’s reasonable approval, MSG Entertainment shall elect to file any Tax Return on a consolidated, combined or unitary basis, if such Tax Return would include at least one member of each Group and the filing of such Tax Return is elective under the relevant Tax Law.

 

13


3.6 Refunds, Credits, Offsets, Tax Benefits

(a) Any refunds, credits, or offsets with respect to Taxes allocated to MSG Entertainment pursuant to this Agreement shall be for the account of MSG Entertainment. Any refunds, credits or offsets with respect to Taxes allocated to Spinco pursuant to this Agreement shall be for the account of Spinco.

(b) MSG Entertainment shall forward to Spinco, or reimburse Spinco for, any such refunds, credits or offsets, plus any interest received thereon, net of any Taxes incurred with respect to the receipt or accrual thereof and any expenses incurred in connection therewith, that are for the account of Spinco within fifteen (15) Business Days from receipt thereof by MSG Entertainment or any of its Affiliates. Spinco shall forward to MSG Entertainment, or reimburse MSG Entertainment for, any refunds, credits or offsets, plus any interest received thereon, net of any Taxes incurred with respect to the receipt or accrual thereof and any expenses incurred in connection therewith, that are for the account of MSG Entertainment within fifteen (15) Business Days from receipt thereof by Spinco or any of its Affiliates. Any refunds, credits or offsets, plus any interest received thereon, or reimbursements not forwarded or made within the fifteen (15) Business Day period specified above shall bear interest from the date received by the refunding or reimbursing party (or its Affiliates) through and including the date of payment at the Interest Rate (treating the date received as the Due Date for purposes of determining such interest). If, subsequent to a Tax Authority’s allowance of a refund, credit or offset, such Tax Authority reduces or eliminates such allowance, any refund, credit or offset, plus any interest received thereon, forwarded or reimbursed under this Section 3.6 shall be returned to the party who had forwarded or reimbursed such refund, credit or offset and interest upon the request of such forwarding party in an amount equal to the applicable reduction, including any interest received thereon.

(c) For the avoidance of doubt, no Party shall be required to reimburse the other Party under this Section 3.6 for the use of a refund, credit or offset or other Tax Benefit, calculated by reference to the Tax allocated to the other Party, including but not limited to a “dividends received deduction” set forth under section 243 of the Code and an unincorporated business tax credit as currently provided by Section 11-604 of the New York City Administrative Code or any successor thereto, if such deduction, credit or offset is not available to reduce the Tax liability of such other Party for any Tax Year.

3.7 Carrybacks. To the extent permitted under applicable Tax Laws, the Spinco Group shall make the appropriate elections in respect of any Tax Returns to waive any option to carry back any net operating loss, any credits or any similar item from a Post-Distribution Period to any Pre-Distribution Period or to any Straddle Period. Any refund of or credit for Taxes resulting from any such carryback by a member of the Spinco Group that cannot be waived shall be payable to Spinco net of any Taxes incurred with respect to the receipt or accrual thereof and any expenses incurred in connection therewith.

3.8 Amended Returns. Any amended Tax Return or claim for Tax refund, credit or offset with respect to any member of the MSG Entertainment Group or Spinco Group may be made only by the Company (or its Affiliates) responsible for filing the original Tax Return with respect to such member pursuant to Sections 3.1 or 3.2 (and, for the avoidance of doubt, subject to the same preparation, review, approval and filing rights set forth in Sections 3.1 or 3.2, to the extent applicable). Such Company (or its Affiliates) shall not, without the prior written consent

 

14


of the other Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), file, or cause to be filed, any such amended Tax Return or claim for Tax refund, credit or offset to the extent that such filing, if accepted, is likely to increase the Taxes allocated to, or the Tax indemnity obligations under this Agreement of, such other Company for any Tax Year (or portion thereof); provided, however, that such consent need not be obtained if the Company filing the amended Tax Return by written notice to the other Company agrees to indemnify the other Company for the incremental Taxes allocated to, or the incremental Tax indemnity obligation resulting under this Agreement to, such other Company as a result of the filing of such amended Tax Return.

3.9    Compensatory Equity Interests. Matters relating to Taxes and/or Tax Items with respect to Compensatory Equity Interests shall be governed by the Employee Matters Agreement.

SECTION 4.    Tax Payments.

4.1    Payment of Taxes to Tax Authority. MSG Entertainment shall be responsible for remitting to the proper Tax Authority the Tax shown on any Tax Return for which it is responsible for filing pursuant to Section 3.1 or Section 3.2, and Spinco shall be responsible for remitting to the proper Tax Authority the Tax shown on any Tax Return for which it is responsible for filing pursuant to Section 3.2.

4.2    Indemnification Payments.

(a)    Tax Payments Made by the MSG Entertainment Group. If any member of the MSG Entertainment Group is required to make a payment to a Tax Authority for Taxes allocated to Spinco under this Agreement, Spinco will pay the amount of Taxes allocated to it to MSG Entertainment not later than the later of (i) five (5) Business Days after receiving notification requesting such amount, and (ii) five (5) Business Days prior to the date such payment is required to be made to such Tax Authority. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if any member of the MSG Entertainment Group has made a prepayment of Periodic Taxes that are allocated to Spinco under this Agreement, Spinco will pay the amount of such Taxes allocated to it to MSG Entertainment not later than thirty (30) Business Days after the Distribution Date.

(b)    Tax Payments Made by the Spinco Group. If any member of the Spinco Group is required to make a payment to a Tax Authority for Taxes allocated to MSG Entertainment under this Agreement, MSG Entertainment will pay the amount of Taxes allocated to it to Spinco not later than the later of (i) five (5) Business Days after receiving notification requesting such amount, and (ii) five (5) Business Days prior to the date such payment is required to be made to such Tax Authority. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if any member of the Spinco Group has made a prepayment of Periodic Taxes that are allocated to MSG Entertainment under this Agreement, MSG Entertainment will pay the amount of such Taxes allocated to it to Spinco not later than thirty (30) Business Days after the Distribution Date.

 

15


4.3 Interest on Late Payments. Payments pursuant to this Agreement that are not made by the date prescribed in this Agreement or, if no such date is prescribed, not later than five (5) Business Days after demand for payment is made (the “Due Date”) shall bear interest for the period from and including the date immediately following the Due Date through and including the date of payment at the Interest Rate. Such interest will be payable at the same time as the payment to which it relates. Interest will be calculated on the basis of a year of 365 days and the actual number of days for which due. Any payments of interest made under this Section 4.3 shall be treated as taxable or deductible, as the case may be, to the Party entitled under this Agreement to retain such payment or required under this Agreement to make such payment, in either case except as otherwise required by applicable law.

4.4 Tax Consequences of Payments. For all Tax purposes and to the extent permitted by applicable Tax Law, the parties hereto shall treat any payment (except as provided in Section 4.3) made pursuant to this Agreement as a capital contribution or a distribution, as the case may be, immediately prior to the Distribution or as payments of an assumed or retained liability.

4.5 Adjustments to Payments. The amount of any payment made pursuant to this Agreement shall be adjusted as follows:

(a) If the receipt or accrual of any indemnity amounts for which any Party hereto (the “Indemnifying Party”) is required to pay another Party (the “Indemnified Party”) under this Agreement causes, directly or indirectly, an increase in the taxable income of the Indemnified Party under one or more applicable Tax Laws, such payment shall be increased so that, after the payment of any Taxes with respect to the payment, the Indemnified Party shall have realized the same net amount it would have realized had the payment not resulted in taxable income. For the avoidance of doubt, any liability for Taxes due to an increase in taxable income described in the immediately preceding sentence shall be governed by this Section 4.5(a) and not by Section 2.2.

(b) To the extent that Taxes for which the Indemnifying Party is required to pay to the Indemnified Party pursuant to this Agreement gives rise to a deduction, credit or other Tax Benefit (including as a result of any election set forth in Section 4.6) to the Indemnified Party or any of its Affiliates, the amount of any payment made to the Indemnified Party by the Indemnifying Party shall be decreased by taking into account any resulting reduction in Taxes actually realized by the Indemnified Party or any of its Affiliates resulting from such Tax Benefit (including as a result of any election set forth in Section 4.6). If such a reduction in Taxes of the Indemnified Party occurs following the payment made to the Indemnified Party with respect to the relevant indemnified Taxes, the Indemnified Party shall promptly repay the Indemnifying Party the amount of such reduction when actually realized. If the Tax Benefit arising from the foregoing reduction of Taxes described in this Section 4.5(b) is subsequently decreased or eliminated, then the Indemnifying Party shall promptly pay the Indemnified Party the amount of the decrease in such Tax Benefit. This Section 4.5(b) shall not apply to the extent that Section 3.6(d) would also apply to cause recovery of the same amounts to the Indemnifying Party.

 

16


4.6 Section 336(e) Election.

(a) Upon request by MSG Entertainment, Spinco shall join with MSG Entertainment in making a protective election under section 336(e) of the Code (and any similar election under state or local law) with respect to the Distribution in accordance with Treasury Regulations section 1.336-2(h) and (j) (and any applicable provisions under state and local law), provided that Spinco shall indemnify MSG Entertainment for any cost to the MSG Entertainment Group of making such an election (but it being understood that any such cost arising from Taxes shall be limited to Excess Taxes). MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall cooperate in the timely completion and/or filings of such elections and any related filings or procedures (including filing or amending any Tax Returns to implement an election that becomes effective). This Section 4.6 is intended to constitute a binding, written agreement to make an election under section 336(e) of the Code with respect to the Distribution.

(b) If Taxes are allocated to a Party (the “Responsible Party”) as a result of any election set forth in Section 4.6, then to the extent that such Taxes give rise to a Tax Benefit, other than a refund, credit or offset as described in Section 3.6(b), to the other Party (the “Other Party”) or any of its Affiliates, and such Tax Benefit results in an actual reduction in Taxes (determined on a with and without basis) of the Other Party or any of its Affiliates in any Tax Year, the Other Party shall pay to the Responsible Party in the relevant Tax Year an amount equal to such reduction in Taxes (determined on a with and without basis); provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to the extent that the actual reduction in Taxes for the relevant Tax Year and any unpaid reduction in Taxes for all prior Tax Years is less than $50,000.

4.7 Certain Final Determinations. If an adjustment (a “Tax Adjustment”) pursuant to a Final Determination in a Tax Contest initiated by a Tax Authority results in a Tax greater than the Tax shown on the relevant Tax Return for any Pre-Distribution Period, the Indemnified Party shall pay to the Indemnifying Party an amount equal to any Tax Benefit as and when actually realized by such Indemnified Party as a result of such Tax Adjustment. The Parties agree that if an Indemnified Party is required to make a payment to an Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Section 4.7, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to set off the amount of such payment against any indemnity payments owed by the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnified Party, taking into account time value and similar concepts as appropriate.

SECTION 5. Cooperation and Tax Contests.

5.1 Cooperation. In addition to the obligations enumerated in Sections 3.4 and 5.4, MSG Entertainment and Spinco will cooperate (and cause their respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates to cooperate) with each other and with each other’s agents, including accounting firms and legal counsel, in connection with Tax matters, including provision of relevant documents and information in their possession and making available to each other, as reasonably requested and available, personnel (including officers, directors, employees and agents of the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates) responsible for preparing, maintaining, and interpreting information and documents relevant to Taxes, and personnel reasonably required as witnesses or for purposes of providing information or documents in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings relating to Taxes.

 

17


5.2 Notices of Tax Contests. Each Company shall provide prompt notice to the other Company of any pending or threatened Tax audit, assessment or proceeding or other Tax Contest of which it becomes aware relating to (i) Taxes for which it is or may be indemnified by such other Company hereunder or (ii) Tax Items that may affect the amount or treatment of Tax Items of such other Company. Such notice shall contain factual information (to the extent known) describing any asserted Tax liability in reasonable detail and shall be accompanied by copies of any notice and other documents received from any Tax Authority in respect of any such matters; provided, however, that failure to give such notification shall not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except, and only to the extent that, the indemnifying Company shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure. Thereafter, the indemnified Company shall deliver to the indemnifying Company such additional information with respect to such Tax Contest in its possession that the indemnifying Company may reasonably request.

5.3 Control of Tax Contests.

(a) Controlling Party. Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5.3(b), each Filer (or the appropriate member of its Group) shall, at its own cost and expense, be the Controlling Party with respect to any Tax Contest involving a Tax reported (or that, it is asserted, should have been reported) on a Tax Return for which such Company is responsible for filing (or causing to be filed) pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement (it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt but subject to the other provisions of this Section 5.3(a), that MSG Entertainment shall be the Controlling Party with respect to any Tax Contest involving Distribution Taxes), in which case any Non-Filer that could have liability under this Agreement for a Tax to which such Tax Contest relates shall be treated as the “Non-Controlling Party.” Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, if a Non-Filer (x) acknowledges to the Filer in writing its full liability under this Agreement to indemnify for any Tax, and (y) provides to the Filer evidence (that is satisfactory to the Filer as determined in the Filer’s reasonable discretion) of the Non-Filer’s financial readiness and capacity to make such indemnity payment, then thereafter with respect to the Tax Contest relating solely to such Tax the Non-Filer shall be the Controlling Party (subject to Section 5.3(b)) and the Filer shall be treated as the Non-Controlling Party.

(b) Non-Controlling Party Participation Rights. With respect to a Tax Contest of any Tax Return that could result in a Tax liability that is allocated under this Agreement, (i) the Non-Controlling Party shall, at its own cost and expense, be entitled to participate in such Tax Contest and to provide comments and suggestions to the Controlling Party, such comments and suggestions not to be unreasonably rejected, (ii) the Controlling Party shall keep the Non-Controlling Party updated and informed, and shall consult with the Non-Controlling Party, (iii) the Controlling Party shall act in good faith with a view to the merits in connection with the Tax Contest, and (iv) the Controlling Party shall not settle or compromise such Tax Contest without the prior written consent of the Non-Controlling Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld).

5.4 Cooperation Regarding Tax Contests. The Parties shall provide each other with all information relating to a Tax Contest which is needed by the other Party or Parties to handle, participate in, defend, settle or contest the Tax Contest. At the request of any party, the other Parties shall take any action (e.g., executing a power of attorney) that is reasonably necessary in order for the requesting Party to exercise its rights under this Agreement in respect of a Tax Contest. Spinco shall assist MSG Entertainment, and MSG Entertainment shall assist Spinco, in taking any remedial actions that are necessary or desirable to minimize the effects of any adjustment made by a Tax Authority. The Indemnifying Party or Parties shall reimburse the Indemnified Party or Parties for any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in complying with this Section 5.4.

 

18


SECTION 6. Tax Records.

6.1 Retention of Tax Records. Each of MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall preserve, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to preserve, all Tax Records that are in their possession, and that could affect the liability of any member of the other Group for Taxes, for as long as the contents thereof may become material in the administration of any matter under applicable Tax Law, but in any event until the later of (x) the expiration of any applicable statute of limitations, as extended, and (y) seven years after the Distribution Date.

6.2 Access to Tax Records. Spinco shall make available, and cause its Subsidiaries to make available, to members of the MSG Entertainment Group for inspection and copying the portion of any Tax Record in their possession that relates to a Pre-Distribution Period or Post-Distribution Period and which is reasonably necessary for the preparation, review, approval or filing of a Tax Return by a member of the MSG Entertainment Group or any of their Affiliates or with respect to any Tax Contest with respect to such return. MSG Entertainment shall make available, and cause its Subsidiaries to make available, to members of the Spinco Group for inspection and copying the portion of any Tax Record in their possession that relates to a Pre-Distribution Period and which is reasonably necessary for the preparation, review, approval or filing of a Tax Return by a member of the Spinco Group or any of their Affiliates or with respect to any Tax Contest with respect to such return.

6.3 Confidentiality. Each party hereby agrees that it will hold, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause its officers, directors, employees, accountants, counsel, consultants, advisors and agents to hold, in confidence all records and information prepared and shared by and among the Parties in carrying out the intent of this Agreement, except as may otherwise be necessary in connection with the filing of Tax Returns or any administrative or judicial proceedings relating to Taxes or unless disclosure is compelled by a governmental authority. Information and documents of one Party (the “Disclosing Party”) shall not be deemed to be confidential for purposes of this Section 6.3 to the extent that such information or document (i) is previously known to or in the possession of the other Party or Parties (the “Receiving Party”) and is not otherwise subject to a requirement to be kept confidential, (ii) becomes publicly available by means other than unauthorized disclosure under this Agreement by the Receiving Party or (iii) is received from a third party without, to the knowledge of the Receiving Party after reasonable diligence, a duty of confidentiality owed to the Disclosing Party.

 

19


SECTION 7. Representations and Covenants.

7.1 Covenants of MSG Entertainment and Spinco.

(a) MSG Entertainment hereby covenants that, to the fullest extent permissible under U.S. federal income and state Tax Laws, it will, and will cause the members of the MSG Entertainment Group to, treat the applicable Transactions in accordance with the Agreed Treatment. Spinco hereby covenants that, to the fullest extent permissible under U.S. federal income and state Tax Laws, it will, and will cause each Subsidiary of Spinco to, treat the applicable Transactions in accordance with the Agreed Treatment.

(b) MSG Entertainment further covenants that, as of and following the date hereof, MSG Entertainment shall not and shall cause the members of the MSG Entertainment Group not to take any action that (or fail to take any action the omission of which) would be inconsistent with the applicable Transactions qualifying for the Agreed Treatment or that would preclude the applicable Transactions from qualifying for the Agreed Treatment.

(c) Spinco further covenants that, as of and following the date hereof, Spinco shall not and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to take any action that (or fail to take any action the omission of which) would be inconsistent with the applicable Transactions qualifying for the Agreed Treatment or that would preclude the applicable Transactions from qualifying for the Agreed Treatment.

7.2 Covenants of Spinco.

(a) Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 7.1, Spinco, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, agrees and covenants that Spinco and each of its Subsidiaries will not, directly or indirectly, during the Restriction Period, (i) take any action that would result in Spinco’s ceasing to be engaged in the active conduct of the Spinco Business with the result that Spinco is not engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business within the meaning of section 355(b)(2) of the Code, (ii) redeem or otherwise repurchase (directly or through an Affiliate of Spinco) any of Spinco’s outstanding stock, other than through stock purchases meeting the requirements of section 4.05(1)(b) of Revenue Procedure 96-30, 1996-1 C.B. 696 (but it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that no agreement or covenant under this Section 7.3(a)(ii) is being entered with respect to Compensatory Equity Net Share Settlements), (iii) amend the certificate of incorporation (or other organizational documents) of Spinco that would affect the relative voting rights of separate classes of Spinco’s stock or would convert one class of Spinco’s stock into another class of its stock, (iv) liquidate (within the meaning of section 331 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) or partially liquidate Spinco, (v) merge Spinco with any other corporation (other than in a transaction that does not affect the relative shareholding of Spinco shareholders), sell or otherwise dispose of (other than in the ordinary course of business) the assets of Spinco and its Subsidiaries, or take any other action or actions if such merger, sale, other disposition or other action or actions in the aggregate would have the effect that one or more Persons acquire (or have the right to acquire), directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions, assets representing one-half or more of the asset value of the Spinco Group, or (vi) take any other action or actions that in the aggregate would have the effect that one or more Persons acquire (or have the right to acquire), directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions, stock of Spinco representing a Fifty-Percent Equity Interest in Spinco (as determined for purposes of section 355(e) of the Code), other than a Permitted Acquisition.

 

20


7.3 Covenants of MSG Entertainment.

(a) Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 7.1, MSG Entertainment, on behalf of itself and each member of the MSG Entertainment Group, agrees and covenants that MSG Entertainment and each member of the MSG Entertainment Group will not, directly or indirectly, during the Restriction Period, (i) take any action that would result in MSG Entertainment’s ceasing to be engaged in the active conduct of the MSG Entertainment Business with the result that MSG Entertainment is not engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business within the meaning of section 355(b)(2) of the Code, (ii) redeem or otherwise repurchase (directly or through an Affiliate of MSG Entertainment) any of MSG Entertainment’s outstanding stock, other than through stock purchases meeting the requirements of section 4.05(1)(b) of Revenue Procedure 96-30, 1996-1 C.B. 696 (but it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that no agreement or covenant under this Section 7.4(a)(ii) is being entered with respect to Compensatory Equity Net Share Settlements), (iii) amend the certificate of incorporation (or other organizational documents) of MSG Entertainment that would affect the relative voting rights of separate classes of MSG Entertainment’s stock or would convert one class of MSG Entertainment’s stock into another class of its stock, (iv) liquidate (within the meaning of section 331 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) or partially liquidate MSG Entertainment, (v) merge MSG Entertainment with any other corporation (other than in a transaction that does not affect the relative shareholding of MSG Entertainment shareholders), sell or otherwise dispose of (other than in the ordinary course of business) the assets of MSG Entertainment and its Subsidiaries, or take any other action or actions if such merger, sale, other disposition or other action or actions in the aggregate would have the effect that one or more Persons acquire (or have the right to acquire), directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions, assets representing one-half or more of the asset value of the MSG Entertainment Group, or (vi) take any other action or actions that in the aggregate would have the effect that one or more Persons acquire (or have the right to acquire), directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions, stock of MSG Entertainment representing a Fifty-Percent Equity Interest in MSG Entertainment (as determined for purposes of section 355(e) of the Code).

(b) Nothing in this Section 7 shall be construed to give Spinco or any Affiliates of Spinco any right to remedies other than indemnification for any increase in the actual Tax liability (and/or decrease in Tax Benefit) of Spinco or any Affiliate of Spinco that results from MSG Entertainment Group’s failure to comply with the covenants and representations in this Section 7.

7.4 Exceptions.

(a) Exceptions with Respect to Spinco.

(i) Notwithstanding Section 7.3 above, Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries may take a Spinco Restricted Action if MSG Entertainment consents in writing to such Spinco Restricted Action, or if Spinco provides MSG Entertainment with Satisfactory Guidance concluding that such Spinco Restricted Action will not alter the Tax-Free Status of the Distribution in respect of MSG Entertainment and MSG Entertainment’s shareholders.

 

21


(ii) Spinco and each of its Subsidiaries agree that MSG Entertainment and each MSG Entertainment Affiliate are to have no liability for any Tax resulting from any Spinco Restricted Actions permitted pursuant to this Section 7.5(a) and, subject to Section 2.2, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each MSG Indemnified Party against any such Tax. Spinco shall bear all costs incurred by it, and all reasonable costs incurred by MSG Entertainment, in connection with requesting and/or obtaining any Satisfactory Guidance.

(b) Exceptions with Respect to MSG Entertainment.

(i) Notwithstanding Section 7.4(a) above, MSG Entertainment or any of its Subsidiaries may take a MSG Restricted Action if Spinco consents in writing to such MSG Restricted Action, or if MSG Entertainment provides Spinco with Satisfactory Guidance concluding that such MSG Restricted Action will not alter the Tax-Free Status of the Distribution in respect of Spinco and Spinco’s shareholders.

(ii) MSG Entertainment and each of its Subsidiaries agree that Spinco and each Spinco Affiliate are to have no liability for any Tax resulting from any MSG Restricted Actions permitted pursuant to this Section 7.5(b) and, subject to Section 2.2, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Spinco Indemnified Party against any such Tax. MSG Entertainment shall bear all costs incurred by it, and all reasonable costs incurred by Spinco, in connection with requesting and/or obtaining any Satisfactory Guidance.

7.5 Injunctive Relief. For the avoidance of doubt, MSG Entertainment shall have the right to seek injunctive relief to prevent Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries from taking any action that is not consistent with the covenants of the Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries under Section 7.1 or 7.3.

7.6 Further Assurances. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) neither MSG Entertainment nor a member of the MSG Entertainment Group shall take any action on the Distribution Date that would result in an increase of the actual Tax liability (and/or decrease of any Tax Benefit) of Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries, other than in the ordinary course of business, except for actions undertaken in connection with the Distribution, which actions are described in the Tax Opinion or the Tax Opinion Representations, and (ii) neither Spinco nor any of its Subsidiaries shall take any action on the Distribution Date that would result in an increase of the actual Tax liability (and/or decrease of any Tax Benefit) of MSG Entertainment or a member of the MSG Entertainment Group, other than in the ordinary course of business, except for actions undertaken in connection with the Distribution, which actions are described in the Tax Opinion or the Tax Opinion Representations.

SECTION 8. General Provisions.

8.1 Construction. This Agreement shall constitute the entire agreement (except insofar and to the extent that it specifically and expressly references the Distribution Agreement and any other Ancillary Agreement) between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter.

 

22


8.2 Ancillary Agreements. This Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by the Distribution Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement.

8.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Party.

8.4 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall reference this Agreement and shall be hand delivered, mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), or sent by electronic mail, with receipt requested and confirmed, to the Parties at the following addresses (or at such other addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

To MSG Entertainment:

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (or, after the applicable name change, Sphere Entertainment Co.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

with copy to:

MSGE Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

To Spinco:

MSGE Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

8.5 Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the Parties.

 

23


8.6 Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void; provided that, subject to compliance with Section 7, if applicable, either Party may assign this Agreement to a purchaser of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Party so long as such purchaser expressly assumes, in a written instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to the non-assigning Party, the due and punctual performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Agreement on the part of the assigning Party to be performed or observed.

8.7 Successors and Assigns. The provisions to this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

8.8 Change in Law. Any reference to a provision of the Code or any other Tax Law shall include a reference to any applicable successor provision or law.

8.9 Authorization, Etc. Each of the Parties hereto hereby represents and warrants that it has the power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, that this Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of such Party, that this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Party and that the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Party does not contravene or conflict with any provision of law or the Party’s charter or bylaws or any agreement, instrument or order binding such Party.

8.10 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Distribution by and in the sole discretion of MSG Entertainment without the approval of Spinco or the stockholders of MSG Entertainment. In the event of such termination, no Party shall have any liability of any kind to any other Party or any other Person. After the Distribution, this Agreement may not be terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by the Parties.

8.11 Subsidiaries. Each of the Parties shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any entity that is contemplated to be a Subsidiary of such Party after the Distribution Date.

8.12 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except with respect to MSG Indemnified Parties and Spinco Indemnified Parties, and in each case, only where and as indicated herein, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates and should not be deemed to confer upon any other Person any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, cause of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement is not intended to confer upon any Spinco Indemnified Parties any rights or remedies against Spinco hereunder, and this Agreement is not intended to confer upon any MSG Indemnified Parties any rights or remedies against MSG Entertainment hereunder.

 

24


8.13 Double Recovery. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer to or impose upon any Party a duplicative right, entitlement, obligation or recovery with respect to any matter arising out of the same facts and circumstances.

8.14 Titles and Headings. Titles and headings to Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

8.15 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the State of New York.

8.16 Waiver of Jury Trial. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

8.17 Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

8.18 No Strict Construction; Interpretation.

(a) Each of MSG Entertainment and Spinco acknowledges that this Agreement has been prepared jointly by the Parties hereto and shall not be strictly construed against any Party hereto.

(b) The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”. The words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. All terms defined in this Agreement shall have the defined meanings when used in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto unless otherwise defined therein. The definitions contained in this Agreement are applicable to the singular as well as the plural forms of such terms and to the masculine as well as to the feminine and neuter genders of such term. Any agreement, instrument or statute defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such agreement, instrument or statute as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of agreements or instruments) by waiver or consent and (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor statutes and references to all attachments thereto and instruments incorporated therein. References to a Person are also to its permitted successors and assigns.

 

25


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by the respective officers as of the date set forth above.

 

MADISON SQUARE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(To be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.)

By:  

/s/ James L. Dolan

  Name:  

James L. Dolan

  Title:  

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(To be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)

By:  

/s/ David F. Byrnes

  Name:  

David F. Byrnes

  Title:  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to Tax Disaffiliation Agreement]

Exhibit 10.3

EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(TO BE RENAMED SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.)

AND

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.)

Dated as of March 29, 2023


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.1

 

Definitions

     1  

Section 1.2

 

General Interpretive Principles

     8  
ARTICLE II

 

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

 

Section 2.1

 

Assumption and Retention of Liabilities; Related Assets

     9  

Section 2.2

 

MSG Entertainment Participation in Spinco Plans

     10  

Section 2.3

 

Service Recognition

     10  
ARTICLE III

 

U.S. QUALIFIED DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN

 

Section 3.1

 

Cash Balance Pension Plan

     12  
ARTICLE IV

 

U.S. QUALIFIED DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS

 

Section 4.1

 

401(k) Plan

     12  

Section 4.2

 

Investment and Benefits Committee

     12  
ARTICLE V

 

NONQUALIFIED PLANS

 

Section 5.1

 

Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan

     13  

Section 5.2

 

Excess Retirement Plan

     13  

Section 5.3

 

Excess Savings Plan

     13  

Section 5.4

 

Executive Deferred Compensation Plan

     14  

Section 5.5

 

Transferred Employees

     14  

Section 5.6

 

No Separation from Service

     15  
ARTICLE VI

 

U.S. HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANS

 

Section 6.1

 

Health and Welfare Plans Maintained by Spinco Prior to the Distribution Date

     15  

Section 6.2

 

Flexible Spending Accounts Plan

     16  

Section 6.3

 

Legal Plan

     16  

Section 6.4

 

COBRA and HIPAA

     16  

Section 6.5

 

Liabilities

     16  

Section 6.6

 

Time-Off Benefits

     18  

Section 6.7

 

Severance Pay Plans

     19  

 

–i–


ARTICLE VII

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION

 

Section 7.1

 

Equity Compensation

     19  

Section 7.2

 

Taxes and Withholding

     19  

Section 7.3

 

Cooperation

     21  

Section 7.4

 

SEC Registration

     21  

Section 7.5

 

Savings Clause

     21  
ARTICLE VIII

 

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS MATTERS

 

Section 8.1

 

Cash Incentive Awards

     22  

Section 8.2

 

Individual Arrangements

     22  

Section 8.3

 

Non-Competition

     23  

Section 8.4

 

Collective Bargaining

     23  

Section 8.5

 

Union Dues; Severance and Fringe Benefits

     23  

Section 8.6

 

Director Programs

     23  

Section 8.7

 

Section 409A

     24  
ARTICLE IX

 

INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 9.1

 

Indemnification

     24  
ARTICLE X

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

 

Section 10.1

 

Sharing of Information

     24  

Section 10.2

 

Reasonable Efforts/Cooperation

     25  

Section 10.3

 

Non-Termination of Employment; No Third-Party Beneficiaries

     25  

Section 10.4

 

Consent of Third Parties

     25  

Section 10.5

 

Access to Employees

     25  

Section 10.6

 

Beneficiary Designation/Release of Information/Right to Reimbursement

     26  

Section 10.7

 

Not a Change in Control

     26  
ARTICLE XI

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 11.1

 

Effect If Distribution Does Not Occur

     26  

Section 11.2

 

Complete Agreement; Construction

     26  

Section 11.3

 

Counterparts

     26  

Section 11.4

 

Survival of Agreements

     26  

Section 11.5

 

Notices

     26  

Section 11.6

 

Waivers

     27  

Section 11.7

 

Amendments

     27  

Section 11.8

 

Assignment

     27  

Section 11.9

 

Successors and Assigns

     27  

 

–ii–


Section 11.10

 

Subsidiaries

     27  

Section 11.11

 

Title and Headings

     27  

Section 11.12

 

Governing Law

     28  

Section 11.13

 

Waiver of Jury Trial

     28  

Section 11.14

 

Specific Performance

     28  

Section 11.15

 

Severability

     28  

 

–iii–


Exhibits

 

Exhibit A

 

MSG Entertainment Retained Retirement Plans

Exhibit B

 

Spinco Retained Retirement Plans

Exhibit C

 

MSG Entertainment Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans

Exhibit D

 

Spinco Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans

Exhibit E

 

Spinco Health & Welfare Plans

Exhibit F

 

MSG Entertainment Union Relationships

Exhibit G

 

Spinco Union Relationships

Exhibit H

 

FY 2024 Annual Cash Incentive Awards

 

–iv–


EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of March 29, 2023, is by and between Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co. at the Distribution), a Delaware corporation (“MSG Entertainment”), and MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. at the Distribution), a Delaware corporation and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of MSG Entertainment (“Spinco” and, together with MSG Entertainment, each, a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of MSG Entertainment determined that it is in the best interests of MSG Entertainment and its stockholders to separate the business of Spinco, as more fully described in Spinco’s registration statement on Form 10 (collectively, the “Spinco Business”), from MSG Entertainment’s other businesses, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Distribution Agreement (as defined below);

WHEREAS, in order to effectuate the foregoing, MSG Entertainment and Spinco have entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2023 (the “Distribution Agreement”), pursuant to which and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Spinco Business shall be separated from the MSG Entertainment Business, and approximately 67% of the issued and outstanding shares of Spinco Common Stock beneficially owned by MSG Entertainment shall be distributed (the “Distribution”) to the holders of the issued and outstanding MSG Entertainment Common Stock, on the basis of one share of Spinco Class A Common Stock for every one share of MSG Entertainment Class A Common Stock and one share of Spinco Class B Common Stock for every one share of MSG Entertainment Class B Common Stock; and

WHEREAS, MSG Entertainment and Spinco have agreed to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of allocating Assets, Liabilities and responsibilities with respect to certain employee compensation and benefit plans, programs and arrangements, and certain employment matters between and among them.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the respective agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1    Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

401(k) Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.1 of this Agreement.

 

-1-


Action” means any claim, demand, complaint, charge, action, cause of action, suit, countersuit, arbitration, litigation, inquiry, proceeding or investigation by or before any Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.

Actual Benefit Cost” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(b).

Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement, including all the exhibits hereto, and all amendments made hereto from time to time.

Asset” means any right, property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, of any kind, nature and description, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise, and wherever situated and whether or not carried or reflected, or required to be carried or reflected, on the books of any Person.

Cash Balance Pension Plan” means the MSG Entertainment Group, LLC Cash Balance Pension Plan or any successor thereto.

COBRA” means the continuation coverage requirements for “group health plans” under Title X of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, and as codified in Section 4980B of the Code and Sections 601 through 608 of ERISA.

Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Control” means, as to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract or otherwise.

Distribution” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the recitals to this Agreement, as the same is further described in the Distribution Agreement.

Distribution Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the recitals to this Agreement.

Distribution Date” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Distribution Agreement.

DOL” means the U.S. Department of Labor.

Effective Date” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.1(a) of this Agreement.

Equity Compensation” means, collectively, the MSG Entertainment Options, MSG Entertainment RSUs, Spinco Options, and Spinco RSUs.

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

Estimated Benefit Cost” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.5(b).

 

-2-


Former MSG Entertainment Employee” means with respect to an individual whose MSG Entertainment Group employment terminated on or after the Distribution Date, any former employee of any member of the MSG Entertainment Group.

Any individual who is an employee of any member of the Spinco Group on or before May 1, 2023 or a Former Spinco Employee shall not be a Former MSG Entertainment Employee.

Former Spinco Employee” means:

 

  i.

any individual whose MSG Entertainment Group employment terminated prior to the Distribution Date; and

 

  ii.

with respect to an individual whose Spinco Group employment terminated on or after the Distribution Date, any former employee of any member of the Spinco Group or any individual whose employment was intended to transfer to Spinco Group on or before May 1, 2023.

Any individual who is an employee of any member of the MSG Entertainment Group on or before May 1, 2023 or a Former MSG Entertainment Employee shall not be a Former Spinco Employee.

Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local, foreign or international court, government, department, commission, board, bureau, agency, official, the NYSE, NASDAQ or other regulatory, administrative or governmental authority.

Group” means the MSG Entertainment Group and/or the Spinco Group, as the context requires.

HIPAA” means the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended.

Information” shall mean all information, whether in written, oral, electronic or other tangible or intangible form, stored in any medium, including non-public financial information, studies, reports, records, books, accountants’ work papers, contracts, instruments, flow charts, data, communications by or to attorneys, memos and other materials prepared by attorneys and accountants or under their direction (including attorney work product) and other financial, legal, employee or business information or data.

IRS” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Law” means all laws, statutes and ordinances and all regulations, rules and other pronouncements of Governmental Authorities having the effect of law of the United States, any foreign country, or any domestic or foreign state, province, commonwealth, city, country, municipality, territory, protectorate, possession or similar instrumentality, or any Governmental Authority thereof.

Liabilities” means all debts, liabilities, obligations, responsibilities, Losses, damages (whether compensatory, punitive, or treble), fines, penalties and sanctions, absolute or

 

-3-


contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, foreseen or unforeseen, joint, several or individual, asserted or unasserted, accrued or unaccrued, known or unknown, whenever arising, including without limitation those arising under or in connection with any Law, Action, threatened Action, order or consent decree of any Governmental Authority or any award of any arbitration tribunal, and those arising under any contract, guarantee, commitment or undertaking, whether sought to be imposed by a Governmental Authority, private party, or a Party, whether based in contract, tort, implied or express warranty, strict liability, criminal or civil statute, or otherwise, and including any costs, expenses, interest, attorneys’ fees, disbursements and expense of counsel, expert and consulting fees, fees of third-party administrators and costs related thereto or to the investigation or defense thereof.

Loss” means any claim, demand, complaint, damages (whether compensatory, punitive, consequential, treble or other), fines, penalties, loss, liability, payment, cost or expense arising out of, relating to or in connection with any Action.

MSG Entertainment” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Business” means all businesses and operations conducted by the MSG Entertainment Group from time to time, whether prior to, at or after the Distribution Date, other than the Spinco Business.

MSG Entertainment Common Stock” means the issued and outstanding Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MSG Entertainment and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MSG Entertainment.

MSG Entertainment Compensation Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of MSG Entertainment.

MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.4(a) of this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Director” means any individual who is a current or former non-employee director of MSG Entertainment as of the Distribution Date.

MSG Entertainment Employee” means any individual who, as of May 1, 2023, will be employed by MSG Entertainment or any member of the MSG Entertainment Group in a capacity considered by MSG Entertainment to be common law employment, including active employees and employees on vacation and approved leaves of absence (including maternity, paternity, family, sick, short-term or long-term disability leave, qualified military service under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, and leave under the Family Medical Leave Act and other approved leaves).

MSG Entertainment Excess Cash Balance Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.1(a) of this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.3(a).

 

-4-


MSG Entertainment Flexible Spending Accounts Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.2 of this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Group” means, as of the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment and each of its former and current Subsidiaries (or any predecessor organization thereof), and any corporation or entity that may become part of such Group from time to time thereafter. The MSG Entertainment Group shall not include any member of the Spinco Group.

MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.1(a) of this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Liabilities” means all Liabilities assumed or retained by any member of the MSG Entertainment Group pursuant to this Agreement.

MSG Entertainment Option” means an option to buy MSG Entertainment Class A Common Stock granted pursuant to an MSG Entertainment Share Plan (including the options adjusted for the Distribution) and outstanding as of the Distribution Date (or shortly thereafter to the extent necessary to determine any adjustments in connection with the Distribution).

MSG Entertainment Participant” means any individual who, immediately following the Distribution Date, is an MSG Entertainment Employee, a Former MSG Entertainment Employee or a beneficiary, dependent or alternate payee of any of the foregoing.

MSG Entertainment Plan” means any Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by MSG Entertainment or any of its Subsidiaries, including the MSG Entertainment Retained Retirement Plans, MSG Entertainment Share Plans, MSG Entertainment Flexible Spending Accounts Plan, MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans and MSG Entertainment Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans.

MSG Entertainment Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans” means the multi-employer plans that are listed on Exhibit C.

MSG Entertainment Retained Retirement Plans” means the retirement plans that are listed on Exhibit A.

MSG Entertainment RSU” means a restricted stock unit (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any restricted stock unit that is subject to performance vesting conditions) representing an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver a share of MSG Entertainment Class A Common Stock, or cash or other property equal in value to the share of MSG Entertainment Class A Common Stock, that is granted pursuant to an MSG Entertainment Share Plan and outstanding as of the Distribution Date (or shortly thereafter to the extent necessary to determine any adjustments in connection with the Distribution).

MSG Entertainment Share Plans” means, collectively, any stock option or stock incentive compensation plan or arrangement, including equity award agreements, maintained before the Distribution Date for employees, officers or non-employee directors of MSG Entertainment or its Subsidiaries or affiliates, as amended.

 

-5-


NASDAQ” means The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.

NYSE” means the New York Stock Exchange.

Participating Company” means MSG Entertainment and any Person (other than a natural person) participating in an MSG Entertainment Plan.

Party” and “Parties” shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement.

Person” means any natural person, corporation, business trust, limited liability company, joint venture, association, company, partnership or governmental, or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Plan” means, with respect to an entity, each plan, program, arrangement, agreement or commitment that is an employment, consulting, non-competition or deferred compensation agreement, or an executive compensation, incentive bonus or other bonus, employee pension, profit-sharing, savings, retirement, supplemental retirement, stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other equity-based compensation, severance pay, salary continuation, life, health, hospitalization, sick leave, vacation pay, disability or accident insurance plan, corporate-owned or key-man life insurance or other employee benefit plan, program, arrangement, agreement or commitment, including any “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), entered into, sponsored or maintained by such entity (or to which such entity contributes or is required to contribute).

Shared Executives” means those individuals who, as of the Distribution Date, are employed or engaged in a senior executive capacity by both MSG Entertainment and Spinco.

Spinco” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble to this Agreement.

Spinco Business” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Distribution Agreement.

Spinco Common Stock” means the outstanding Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco and Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Spinco.

Spinco Deferred Compensation Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.4(a) of this Agreement.

Spinco Director” means any individual who is a current non-employee director of Spinco as of the Distribution Date.

Spinco Employee” means any individual who, as of May 1, 2023, will be, or is, employed by Spinco or any member of the Spinco Group in a capacity considered by Spinco to be common law employment, including active employees and employees on

 

-6-


vacation and approved leaves of absence (including maternity, paternity, family, sick, short-term or long-term disability leave, qualified military service under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, and leave under the Family Medical Leave Act and other approved leaves) and, except as otherwise provided herein, including Shared Executives.

Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.1(a).

Spinco Excess Savings Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.3(a).

Spinco Excess Retirement Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.2.

Spinco Flexible Spending Accounts Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.2 of this Agreement.

Spinco Group” means, as of the Distribution Date, Spinco and each of its former and current Subsidiaries (or any predecessor organization thereof), and any corporation or entity that may become part of such Group from time to time thereafter. The Spinco Group shall not include any member of the MSG Entertainment Group.

Spinco Health & Welfare Plans” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.1(a) of this Agreement.

Spinco Information Statement” means the definitive information statement distributed to holders of MSG Entertainment Common Stock in connection with the Distribution and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as Exhibit 99.1 to the registration statement on Form 10 filed with the Commission to effect the registration of the Spinco Class A Common Shares pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or as an exhibit to a Form 8-K of Spinco.

Spinco Liabilities” means all Liabilities assumed or retained by any member of the Spinco Group pursuant to this Agreement.

Spinco Option” means an option to buy Spinco Class A Common Stock granted pursuant to a Spinco Share Plan and granted in connection with the Distribution (or shortly thereafter to the extent necessary to determine any adjustments in connection with the Distribution).

Spinco Participant” means any individual who, following the Distribution Date, is a Spinco Employee, a Former Spinco Employee or a beneficiary, dependent or alternate payee of any of the foregoing.

Spinco Plan” means any Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any member of the Spinco Group, including the Spinco Retained Retirement Plans, Spinco Share Plans, Spinco Flexible Spending Accounts Plan, the Spinco Retiree Medical Program, Spinco Health & Welfare Plans and Spinco Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans.

 

-7-


Spinco Retained Multi-Employer Benefit Plans” means the multi-employer plans that are listed on Exhibit D.

Spinco Retained Retirement Plans” means the retirement plans that are listed on Exhibit B.

Spinco RSU” means a restricted stock unit (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any restricted stock unit that is subject to performance vesting conditions) representing an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver a share of Spinco Class A Common Stock, or cash or other property equal in value to the share of Spinco Class A Common Stock, that is granted pursuant to a Spinco Share Plan and granted in connection with the Distribution (or shortly thereafter to the extent necessary to determine any adjustments in connection with the Distribution).

Spinco Share Plans” means the Spinco 2023 Employee Stock Plan, Spinco 2023 Stock Plan For Non-Employee Directors and any other stock plan or stock incentive arrangement, including equity award agreements, entered into by Spinco in connection with the Distribution.

Subsidiary” has the same meaning as provided in the Distribution Agreement.

Transition Period” means, with respect to each Spinco Plan in which any MSG Entertainment Group member is a Participating Company, the period of time beginning on the Distribution Date and ending on the date MSG Entertainment establishes a corresponding Plan and allows participation in such Plan, which shall be no later than the Effective Date. The Transition Period may be extended beyond the Effective Date if both Parties agree to the extension, and such agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld.

Transition Period End Date” means the last day of each applicable Transition Period.

Union Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.1 of this Agreement.

U.S.” means the United States of America.

Section 1.2    General Interpretive Principles. Words in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and words of one gender shall include the other gender, in each case, as the context requires. The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder,” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and references to Article, Section, paragraph and Exhibit are references to the Articles, Sections, paragraphs and Exhibits to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. The word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including, without limitation,” unless otherwise specified. Any reference to any federal, state, local or non-U.S. statute or Law shall be deemed to also refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context otherwise requires.

 

-8-


ARTICLE II

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Section 2.1    Assumption and Retention of Liabilities; Related Assets.

(a)    As of the Distribution Date, except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, MSG Entertainment shall, or shall cause one or more members of the MSG Entertainment Group to, assume or retain and MSG Entertainment hereby agrees to pay, perform, fulfill and discharge, in due course in full (i) all Liabilities under all MSG Entertainment Plans (provided that, as between MSG Entertainment and Spinco, Spinco shall be responsible for certain of those Liabilities pursuant to Section 2.1(b) of this Agreement), (ii) all Liabilities with respect to the employment, retirement, service, termination of employment or termination of service of all MSG Entertainment Employees, Former MSG Entertainment Employees, MSG Entertainment Directors, their dependents and beneficiaries and other service providers (including any individual who is, or was, an independent contractor, temporary employee, temporary service worker, consultant, freelancer, agency employee, leased employee, on-call worker, incidental worker, or non-payroll worker of any member of the MSG Entertainment Group or in any other employment, non-employment, or retainer arrangement or relationship with any member of the MSG Entertainment Group), in each case to the extent arising in connection with or as a result of employment with or the performance of services for any member of the MSG Entertainment Group, and (iii) any other Liabilities expressly assumed by or retained by MSG Entertainment or any of its Subsidiaries under this Agreement, including liabilities retained pursuant to Article V of this Agreement. For purposes of clarification and the avoidance of doubt, (x) the Liabilities assumed or retained by the MSG Entertainment Group as provided for in this Section 2.1(a) are intended to be MSG Entertainment Liabilities as such term is defined in the Distribution Agreement, and (y) the Parties intend that such Liabilities assumed or retained by the MSG Entertainment Group include the retirement benefits and health and welfare plan benefits under the MSG Entertainment Plans for all MSG Entertainment Employees, Former MSG Entertainment Employees, their dependents, beneficiaries, alternate payees and surviving spouses.

(b)    As of the Distribution Date, except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, Spinco shall, or shall cause one or more members of the Spinco Group to, assume or retain and Spinco hereby agrees to pay, perform, fulfill and discharge, in due course in full (i) all Liabilities under all Spinco Plans, (ii) all Liabilities with respect to the employment, service, retirement, termination of employment or termination of service of all Spinco Employees, Former Spinco Employees, their dependents and beneficiaries and other service providers (including any individual who is, or was, an independent contractor, temporary employee, temporary service worker, consultant, freelancer, agency employee, leased employee, on-call worker, incidental worker, or non-payroll worker of any member of the Spinco Group or in any other employment, non-employment, or retainer arrangement or relationship with any member of the Spinco Group), and (iii) any other Liabilities expressly assumed or retained by Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries under this Agreement. For purposes of clarification and the avoidance of doubt, the Liabilities assumed or retained by the Spinco Group as provided for in this Section 2.1(b) are intended to be Spinco Liabilities as such term is defined in the Distribution Agreement.

 

-9-


(c)    From time to time after the Distribution, Spinco shall promptly reimburse MSG Entertainment, upon MSG Entertainment’s presentation of such substantiating documentation as Spinco shall reasonably request, for the cost of any Liabilities satisfied by MSG Entertainment or its Subsidiaries that are, or that have been made pursuant to this Agreement, the responsibility of Spinco or any of its Subsidiaries.

(d)    From time to time after the Distribution, MSG Entertainment shall promptly reimburse Spinco, upon Spinco’s presentation of such substantiating documentation as MSG Entertainment shall reasonably request, for the cost of any Liabilities satisfied by Spinco or its Subsidiaries that are, or that have been made pursuant to this Agreement, the responsibility of MSG Entertainment or any of its Subsidiaries.

Section 2.2    MSG Entertainment Participation in Spinco Plans.

(a)    During the Transition Period. Except for the Spinco Plans described in Articles III, V, VII and VIII herein, until the Transition Period End Date, MSG Entertainment and each member of the MSG Entertainment Group that presently participates in a particular Spinco Plan may continue to be a Participating Company in such Spinco Plan, and MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall take all necessary action to effectuate each such continuation. MSG Entertainment and each member of the MSG Entertainment Group shall pay Spinco for any MSG Entertainment Employee or Former MSG Entertainment Employee’s participation in the Spinco Plans.

(b)    After the Transition Period. Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement, effective as of the Transition Period End Date, MSG Entertainment and each member of the MSG Entertainment Group shall cease to be a Participating Company in the corresponding Spinco Plan, and MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall take all necessary action to effectuate each such cessation.

Section 2.3    Service Recognition.

(a)    Pre-Distribution Service Credit. MSG Entertainment shall give each MSG Entertainment Participant full credit for purposes of eligibility, vesting, determination of level of benefits, and, to the extent applicable, benefit accruals under any MSG Entertainment Plan for such MSG Entertainment Participant’s service with any member of the Spinco Group prior to the Distribution Date to the same extent such service was recognized by the corresponding Spinco Plans immediately prior to the Distribution Date; provided, however, that such service shall not be recognized to the extent that such recognition would result in the duplication of benefits.

(b)    Post-Distribution Service Crediting for the MSG Entertainment Retained Retirement Plans and Spinco Retained Retirement Plans. Each of MSG Entertainment and Spinco (acting directly or through their respective Subsidiaries) shall cause each of the MSG Entertainment Retained Retirement Plans and the Spinco Retained Retirement Plans,

 

-10-


respectively, to provide the following service crediting rules effective as of the Distribution Date for so long as MSG Entertainment and Spinco remain under common Control:

(i)    If an MSG Entertainment Employee who participates in, or is eligible to participate in, the MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan becomes employed by a member of the Spinco Group on or after the Distribution Date, and such MSG Entertainment Employee has been continuously employed by the MSG Entertainment Group from the Distribution Date through the date such MSG Entertainment Employee commences active employment with a member of the Spinco Group, then such MSG Entertainment Employee’s service with the MSG Entertainment Group shall be recognized for purposes of eligibility, vesting and level of benefits under the Spinco Excess Savings Plan, to the same extent as such MSG Entertainment Employee’s service with the MSG Entertainment Group was recognized under the MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan.

(ii)    If a Spinco Employee becomes employed by a member of the MSG Entertainment Group and such Spinco Employee is continuously employed by the Spinco Group and/or MSG Entertainment Group from the Distribution Date through the date such Spinco Employee commences active employment with a member of the MSG Entertainment Group, then such Spinco Employee’s service with the Spinco Group shall be recognized for purposes of eligibility, vesting and level of benefits under the MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan to the same extent as such Spinco Employee’s service with the Spinco Group was recognized under the corresponding Spinco Retained Retirement Plans, if any.

(iii)    Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, following the Distribution Date, the MSG Entertainment Retained Retirement Plans and the Spinco Retained Retirement Plans (other than the Cash Balance Pension Plan) shall provide that no break in service occurs with respect to any MSG Entertainment Employee or Spinco Employee who is hired or rehired by any member of the Spinco Group or the MSG Entertainment Group after the termination of such MSG Entertainment Employee’s or Spinco Employee’s employment with either the MSG Entertainment Group or the Spinco Group after such date.

(iv)    Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the employment service with the MSG Entertainment Group or the Spinco Group shall not be double counted or result in duplicative benefits or service crediting under any MSG Entertainment Retained Retirement Plan or Spinco Retained Retirement Plan.

(c)    Post-Distribution Service Crediting for the MSG Entertainment and Spinco Health & Welfare Plans.

(i)    If an MSG Entertainment Employee who participates in any of the MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans becomes employed by a member of the Spinco Group on or after the Distribution Date, and such MSG Entertainment Employee has been continuously employed by the MSG Entertainment Group from the Distribution Date through the date such MSG Entertainment Employee commences active employment with a member of the Spinco Group, then such MSG Entertainment Employee’s service with the MSG Entertainment Group following the Distribution Date shall be recognized for purposes of eligibility under the corresponding Spinco Health & Welfare Plans, in each case to the same extent as such MSG Entertainment Employee’s service with the MSG Entertainment Group was recognized under the corresponding MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plan.

 

-11-


(ii)    If a Spinco Employee who participates in any of the Spinco Health & Welfare Plans becomes employed by a member of the MSG Entertainment Group on or after the Distribution Date, and such Spinco Employee has been continuously employed by the Spinco Group and/or MSG Entertainment Group from the Distribution Date through the date such Spinco Employee commences active employment with a member of the MSG Entertainment Group, then such Spinco Employee’s service with the Spinco Group following the Distribution Date shall be recognized for purposes of eligibility under the corresponding MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans, in each case to the same extent as such Spinco Employee’s service with the Spinco Group was recognized under the corresponding Spinco Health & Welfare Plans.

ARTICLE III

U.S. QUALIFIED DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN

Section 3.1    Cash Balance Pension Plan. As of the Distribution Date, a member of the Spinco Group shall retain all of the assets in the trust underlying the Cash Balance Pension Plan, and remain responsible for all Liabilities under the Cash Balance Pension Plan.

ARTICLE IV

U.S. QUALIFIED DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS

Section 4.1    401(k) Plans. On or prior to the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall take all necessary actions to add MSG Entertainment as a participating employer to the Madison Square Garden 401(k) Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) and the Madison Square Garden 401(k) Union Plan (the “Union Plan”). On and after the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment Participants who, immediately prior to the Distribution Date were participants in, or entitled to, future benefits under the 401(k) Plan shall continue to participate in the 401(k) Plan on the same terms and conditions as applied prior to the Distribution Date, as may be modified from time to time. On and after the Distribution Date, all contributions payable to the 401(k) Plan with respect to MSG Entertainment Participants, determined in accordance with the terms of the 401(k) Plan, ERISA and the Code, shall be paid by MSG Entertainment to the 401(k) Plan.Section 4.2

Section 4.2    Investment and Benefits Committee. Effective as of the Distribution Date, (a) the current Investment and Benefits Committee shall continue to administer the 401(k) Plan in accordance with its existing authority, and shall continue to oversee Spinco’s participation in the 401(k) Plan, and (b) MSG Entertainment shall establish an Investments and Benefits Committee, which, among other things, shall oversee its participation in the 401(k) Plan and the Union Plan.

 

-12-


ARTICLE V

NONQUALIFIED PLANS

Section 5.1    Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan.

(a)     No later than the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment shall establish and make payments pursuant to a non-qualified defined benefit pension plan (the “MSG Entertainment Excess Cash Balance Plan”) to provide non-qualified retirement benefits to MSG Entertainment Employees who, immediately prior to the effective date of the MSG Entertainment Excess Cash Balance Plan, were entitled to future benefits under the MSG Entertainment Holdings, LLC Excess Cash Balance Plan (the “Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan”) and shall assume the Liabilities as of the Distribution Date of the Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan relating to MSG Entertainment Employees and Former MSG Entertainment Employees (but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, Shared Executives).

(b)    As of the effective date of the MSG Entertainment Excess Cash Balance Plan, MSG Entertainment (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall cause the MSG Entertainment Excess Cash Balance Plan to recognize and maintain all existing beneficiary designations with respect to MSG Entertainment Employees and Former MSG Entertainment Employees under the Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan.

(c)    The Parties agree that the Liabilities of the Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan relating to MSG Entertainment Employees and Former MSG Entertainment Employees shall be transferred to the MSG Entertainment Excess Cash Balance Plan effective as of the Distribution Date.

Section 5.2    Excess Retirement Plan. As of the Distribution Date, a member of the Spinco Group shall remain responsible for all Liabilities under the MSG Entertainment Holdings, LLC Excess Retirement Plan (the “Spinco Excess Retirement Plan”).

Section 5.3    Excess Savings Plan.

(a)    Establishment of the MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan. No later than the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment shall establish a defined contribution plan for the benefit of MSG Entertainment Employees (including Shared Executives to the extent such Shared Executives are eligible to participate pursuant to their employment contracts) (the “MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan”) who, immediately prior to the effective date of the MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan, were participants in, or entitled to future benefits under, the MSG Entertainment Holdings, LLC Excess Savings Plan (the “Spinco Excess Savings Plan”).

(b)    Transfer of Spinco Excess Savings Plan Accounts. No later than the Distribution Date, Spinco shall cause the accounts in the Spinco Excess Savings Plan attributable to MSG Entertainment Employees and Former MSG Entertainment Employees (but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, Shared Executives) to be transferred to the MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan and MSG Entertainment shall cause the MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan to accept such transfer of accounts in accordance with current practice and to assume and to fully perform, pay and discharge all Liabilities of the Spinco Excess Savings Plan relating to the accounts of MSG Entertainment Employees and Former MSG Entertainment Employees as of the effective date of the MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan.

(c)    Continuation of Elections. As of the effective date of the MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan, MSG Entertainment (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall cause

 

-13-


the MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan to recognize and maintain all elections, including deferral elections and beneficiary designations, as applicable, with respect to MSG Entertainment Employees and Former MSG Entertainment Employees under the Spinco Excess Savings Plan for the remainder of the period or periods for which such elections or designations are by their original terms applicable, to the extent such election or designation is available under the MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan.

Section 5.4    Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.

(a)    Establishment of the MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan. No later than the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment shall establish a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of MSG Entertainment Employees (the “MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan”) who, immediately prior to the effective date of the MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan, were participants in, or entitled to future benefits under, the Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Spinco Deferred Compensation Plan”).

(b)    Transfer of Spinco Deferred Compensation Plan Accounts. No later than the Distribution Date, Spinco shall cause the accounts in the Spinco Deferred Compensation Plan attributable to MSG Entertainment Employees and Former MSG Entertainment Employees to be transferred to the MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan and MSG Entertainment shall cause the MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan to accept such transfer of accounts in accordance with current practice and to assume and to fully perform, pay and discharge all Liabilities of the Spinco Deferred Compensation Plan relating to the accounts of MSG Entertainment Employees and Former MSG Entertainment Employees as of the effective date of the MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan.

(c)    Continuation of Elections. As of the effective date of the MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan, MSG Entertainment (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall cause the MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan to recognize and maintain all elections, including deferral elections and beneficiary designations, as applicable, with respect to MSG Entertainment Employees and Former Spinco Employees under the Spinco Deferred Compensation Plan for the remainder of the period or periods for which such elections or designations are by their original terms applicable, to the extent such election or designation is available under the MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan.

Section 5.5    Transferred Employees. Employees who transfer from Spinco to MSG Entertainment after the Distribution Date will not be eligible for an immediate distribution of their account balance from the Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan, Spinco Excess Retirement Plan, Spinco Excess Savings Plan or Spinco Deferred Compensation Plan; instead, subject to compliance with any applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code, any such account balance shall be transferred to the MSG Entertainment Excess Cash Balance Plan, MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan or MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan on the date of transfer, and Spinco shall pay MSG Entertainment an amount equal to the vested account balance as of the transfer date within 30 days of such transfer date. Employees who transfer from MSG Entertainment to Spinco after the Distribution Date will not be eligible for an immediate distribution of their account balance from

 

-14-


the MSG Entertainment Excess Cash Balance Plan, MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan or MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan; instead, subject to compliance with any applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code, any such account balance shall be transferred to the MSG Entertainment Excess Cash Balance Plan, Spinco Excess Retirement Plan, Spinco Excess Savings Plan or Spinco Deferred Compensation Plan on the date of transfer, and MSG Entertainment shall pay Spinco an amount equal to the vested account balance as of the transfer date within 30 days of such transfer date.

Section 5.6    No Separation from Service. The transactions provided for under this Agreement shall not constitute a separation from service or a termination of employment under the MSG Entertainment Excess Cash Balance Plan, Spinco Excess Cash Balance Plan, Spinco Excess Retirement Plan, MSG Entertainment Excess Savings Plan, Spinco Excess Savings Plan, MSG Entertainment Deferred Compensation Plan or Spinco Deferred Compensation Plan, each of which shall provide that no distribution of benefits shall be made to any MSG Entertainment Employee or Spinco Employee on account of these transactions.

ARTICLE VI

U.S. HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANS

Section 6.1    Health and Welfare Plans Maintained by Spinco Prior to the Distribution Date.

(a)    Establishment of the MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans. Spinco or one or more of its Subsidiaries maintain each of the health and welfare plans set forth on Exhibit E attached hereto (the “Spinco Health & Welfare Plans”) for the benefit of eligible MSG Entertainment Participants and Spinco Participants. Effective as of January 1, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), MSG Entertainment shall, or shall cause one of its Subsidiaries to, adopt health and welfare plans (other than a retiree medical program) for the benefit of eligible MSG Entertainment Participants (collectively, the “MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans”).

(b)    Terms of Participation in MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans. MSG Entertainment (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall cause all MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans, if applicable, to (i) waive all limitations as to preexisting conditions, exclusions, and service conditions with respect to participation and coverage requirements applicable to MSG Entertainment Participants, other than limitations that were in effect with respect to MSG Entertainment Participants immediately prior to the Effective Date, (ii) waive any waiting period limitation or evidence of insurability requirement that would otherwise be applicable to an MSG Entertainment Participant immediately prior to the Effective Date to the extent such MSG Entertainment Participant had satisfied any similar limitation under the analogous Spinco Health & Welfare Plan, and (iii) in the case of self-insured MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans, provide credit for all benefits paid to MSG Entertainment Participants under the Spinco Health & Welfare Plans for purposes of determining when such persons have reached their lifetime maximums (if any) under the MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any MSG Entertainment Participant, Former MSG Entertainment Employee, or dependent thereof is confined to a facility for treatment as of the Effective Date, such persons nevertheless shall become covered under MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans as of such date, and shall cease being covered under Spinco Health & Welfare Plans as of such date.

 

-15-


Section 6.2    Flexible Spending Accounts Plan. As of the Effective Date, MSG Entertainment (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall establish a flexible spending accounts plan (the “MSG Entertainment Flexible Spending Accounts Plan”) with features that are comparable to those contained in the flexible spending accounts plan maintained by Spinco for the benefit of MSG Entertainment Participants immediately prior to the Effective Date (the “Spinco Flexible Spending Accounts Plan”). Following the Effective Date, MSG Entertainment Participants that presently participate in the Spinco Flexible Spending Accounts Plan may submit, for reimbursement in accordance with the Spinco Flexible Spending Accounts Plan, claims for health costs incurred during the 2023 plan year and any applicable grace period thereafter, and Spinco shall be responsible for the payment of such claims. MSG Entertainment shall be entitled to retain the net positive balance, if any, of the MSG Entertainment Participants’ flexible spending accounts from the 2023 plan year. MSG Entertainment shall pay to Spinco the net negative balance, if any, of the MSG Entertainment Participants’ flexible spending accounts from the 2023 plan year. As of the Effective Date, MSG Entertainment shall be responsible for administering all reimbursement claims of MSG Entertainment Participants under the MSG Entertainment Flexible Spending Accounts Plan with respect to calendar year 2023 under the MSG Entertainment Flexible Spending Accounts Plan.

Section 6.3    Legal Plan. Any case initiated by an MSG Entertainment Participant under the Spinco Group Legal Plan prior to the Effective Date will continue under such plan until its completion regardless of whether the MSG Entertainment Participant enrolls in the MSG Entertainment Group Legal Plan after the Effective Date.

Section 6.4    COBRA and HIPAA. As of the Effective Date, MSG Entertainment (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall assume, or shall have caused the MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans to assume, responsibility for compliance with the health care continuation coverage requirements of COBRA with respect to MSG Entertainment Participants who, as of the day prior to the Effective Date, were covered under a Spinco Health & Welfare Plan pursuant to COBRA or were eligible for COBRA under a Spinco Health & Welfare Plan and incur any COBRA claims after the Effective Date. Spinco shall be responsible for the claims incurred by MSG Entertainment Participants prior to the Effective Date, regardless of whether payments for such claims are made or due after the Effective Date. Spinco (acting directly or through its Subsidiaries) shall be responsible for administering compliance with the certificate of creditable coverage requirements of HIPAA applicable to the Spinco Health & Welfare Plans with respect to MSG Entertainment Participants for the period ending on the Effective Date. The Parties hereto agree that neither the Distribution nor any transfers of employment directly from the MSG Entertainment Group to the Spinco Group or directly from the Spinco Group to the MSG Entertainment Group that occur before the Effective Date shall constitute a COBRA “qualifying event” for purposes of COBRA.

Section 6.5    Liabilities.

(a)    Insured Benefits. With respect to employee welfare and fringe benefits that are provided through the purchase of insurance, Spinco shall cause the Spinco Health & Welfare

 

-16-


Plans to fully perform, pay and discharge all claims of MSG Entertainment Participants that are incurred prior to the Effective Date (whether reported or unreported by the Effective Date) for the Spinco Health & Welfare Plans, and MSG Entertainment shall pay Spinco for premiums incurred by Spinco in respect of MSG Entertainment Participants from the Distribution Date through the Effective Date. MSG Entertainment shall cause the MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans to fully perform, pay and discharge all claims of MSG Entertainment Participants that are incurred on or after the Effective Date. With respect to claims of MSG Entertainment Participants that are incurred under such Spinco Health & Welfare Plans prior to the Effective Date (whether reported or unreported by the Effective Date), but after the Distribution Date, and paid by the Spinco Health & Welfare Plans, MSG Entertainment, as a Participating Company, shall promptly reimburse Spinco for any administrative or other expenses.

(i)    Long-Term Disability. Any MSG Entertainment Participant who is on long-term disability leave and receiving long-term disability benefits under the MSG Entertainment Group, LLC Benefits Program as of the Effective Date shall continue to receive benefits under the MSG Entertainment Group, LLC Benefits Program in accordance with the provisions of such Plan following the Effective Date.

(b)    Self-Insured Benefits. With respect to employee welfare and fringe benefits that are provided on a self-insured basis, except as otherwise provided herein, MSG Entertainment (i) shall pay Spinco the Estimated Benefit Cost (defined below) for each month from the Distribution Date through the Effective Date for each MSG Entertainment Participant participating in such benefits (prorated for any partial month based on the number of days in such month) and (ii) acting directly or through its Subsidiaries, shall cause the MSG Entertainment Health & Welfare Plans to fully perform, pay and discharge all claims of MSG Entertainment Participants that are incurred on or after the Effective Date. The “Estimated Benefit Cost” shall equal the aggregate monthly cost of such self-insured benefits on a per-employee basis, as set forth in Spinco’s applicable annual budget (as may be adjusted quarterly), taking into account relevant claims experience. As soon as administratively practicable after the Effective Date, Spinco and MSG Entertainment shall determine the actual cost of providing such self-insured benefits to the MSG Entertainment Participants for the period from the Distribution Date through the Effective Date (the “Actual Benefit Cost”), which shall be determined based on the number, and claims experience, of MSG Entertainment Participants and Spinco Participants during that period. If the Actual Benefit Cost is greater than the aggregate Estimated Benefit Cost paid by MSG Entertainment, then MSG Entertainment shall promptly pay Spinco such shortfall, or if the aggregate Estimated Benefit Cost paid by MSG Entertainment is greater than the Actual Benefit Cost, then Spinco shall promptly reimburse such excess amount to MSG Entertainment. Except as provided otherwise herein, MSG Entertainment shall promptly reimburse Spinco for the administrative and other expenses related to self-insured benefit claims of MSG Entertainment Participants paid by the Spinco Health & Welfare Plans or Spinco that were incurred prior to the Effective Date (whether reported or unreported by the Effective Date).

(i)    Short-Term Disability.

(A)    Any MSG Entertainment Participant who is on short-term disability leave and receiving short-term disability benefits under the MSG Entertainment Group, LLC Benefits Program as of the Effective Date shall

 

-17-


continue to receive short-term disability benefits under the MSG Entertainment Group, LLC Benefits Program. MSG Entertainment, as a Participating Company, shall reimburse Spinco for all administrative and other expenses paid by the MSG Entertainment Group, LLC Benefits Program or Spinco after the Effective Date. MSG Entertainment shall continue to pay any short-term disability benefits owed to an MSG Entertainment Participant under the MSG Entertainment Group, LLC Benefits Program.

(B)    Any MSG Entertainment Participant who is on a short-term disability leave as of the Effective Date, and who but for the transactions contemplated under the Distribution Agreement would have become eligible for long-term disability benefits in accordance with the provisions of the MSG Entertainment Group, LLC Benefits Program, will continue to be eligible for long-term disability benefits under the MSG Entertainment Group, LLC Benefits Program.

(c)    Incurred Claim Definition. For purposes of this Section 6.5, a claim or Liability is deemed to be incurred (i) with respect to medical, dental, vision and/or prescription drug benefits, upon the rendering of health services or provision of supplies giving rise to such claim or Liability; (ii) with respect to life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment and business travel accident insurance, upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to such claim or Liability; (iii) with respect to disability benefits, upon the date of an individual’s disability, as determined by the disability benefit insurance carrier or claim administrator, giving rise to such claim or Liability; and (iv) with respect to a period of continuous hospitalization (or any medical or other service or supply performed or provided during the period of continuous hospitalization), upon the date of admission to the hospital.

(d)    Retiree Medical Program. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Spinco shall retain all Liabilities under the Spinco Retiree Medical Program, whether incurred before, on or after the Distribution Date, with respect to qualifying MSG Entertainment Participants and Spinco Participants.

Section 6.6    Time-Off Benefits. MSG Entertainment shall credit each MSG Entertainment Participant with the amount of accrued but unused vacation time, sick time and other time-off benefits as such MSG Entertainment Participant had with the Spinco Group as of the Distribution Date or as of an employee’s transfer date for a Spinco Employee who becomes an MSG Entertainment Employee prior to the first anniversary of the Distribution Date. Spinco shall credit each Spinco Participant with the amount of accrued but unused vacation time, sick time and other time-off benefits as of an employee’s transfer date for an MSG Entertainment Employee who becomes a Spinco Employee prior to the first anniversary of the Distribution Date. Notwithstanding the above, MSG Entertainment shall not be required to credit any MSG Entertainment Participant and Spinco shall not be required to credit any Spinco Participant with any accrual to the extent that a benefit attributable to such vacation time, sick time and other time-off benefits is paid by the Spinco Group or MSG Entertainment Group, respectively.

 

-18-


Section 6.7    Severance Pay Plans. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the transactions contemplated by the Distribution Agreement will not constitute a termination of employment of any Spinco Participant or MSG Entertainment Participant for purposes of any policy, plan, program or agreement of MSG Entertainment or Spinco or any member of the MSG Entertainment Group or Spinco Group that provides for the payment of severance, separation pay, salary continuation or similar benefits in the event of a termination of employment.

ARTICLE VII

EQUITY COMPENSATION

Section 7.1    Equity Compensation. The Parties, including through instructions with their respective administrators and recordkeepers, shall use commercially reasonable efforts and shall cooperate in good faith to take all actions reasonably necessary or appropriate for the adjustment of the Equity Compensation under the MSG Entertainment Share Plans, for the issuance of the Equity Compensation under the Spinco Share Plans, and to coordinate the tax treatment of such Equity Compensation as set forth in this Article VII, all in a manner consistent with the resolutions adopted by the MSG Entertainment Compensation Committee in connection with the Distribution and the provisions of this Article VII.

Section 7.2    Taxes and Withholding.

(a)    Options.

(i)    Exercise Price.

(A)    Upon the exercise of an MSG Entertainment Option, whether by an MSG Entertainment Employee, Former MSG Entertainment Employee, MSG Entertainment Director, Spinco Employee, Former Spinco Employee or Spinco Director, the Parties shall take steps to ensure that the exercise price is delivered to MSG Entertainment.

(B)    Upon the exercise of a Spinco Option, whether by an MSG Entertainment Employee, Former MSG Entertainment Employee, MSG Entertainment Director, Spinco Employee, Former Spinco Employee or Spinco Director, the Parties shall take steps to ensure that the exercise price is delivered to Spinco.

(ii)    Taxes.

(A)    Upon exercise of an MSG Entertainment Option or Spinco Option, the employer or, in the case of a Former MSG Entertainment Employee or Former Spinco Employee, the former employer of such holder shall fund any employer taxes.

(B)    Upon exercise of an MSG Entertainment Option or Spinco Option, the Parties shall take steps to ensure that the applicable withholding amount is remitted in cash to the employer or, in the case of a Former MSG Entertainment Employee or Former Spinco Employee, the former employer of such holder.

 

-19-


(b)    [Intentionally Omitted.]

(c)    Restricted Stock Units.

(i)    Settlement.

(A)    After the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment shall be responsible for all Liabilities under MSG Entertainment RSUs, whether such MSG Entertainment RSUs are held by MSG Entertainment Employees, Former MSG Entertainment Employees, Spinco Employees, Former Spinco Employees and individuals who received such MSG Entertainment RSUs in their capacity as MSG Entertainment Directors. MSG Entertainment shall settle, and satisfy any dividend obligations with respect to, such MSG Entertainment RSUs in accordance with the terms of its 2020 Employee Stock Plan and its 2020 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

(B)    After the Distribution Date, Spinco shall be responsible for all Liabilities under Spinco RSUs, whether such Spinco RSUs are held by MSG Entertainment Employees, Former MSG Entertainment Employees, Spinco Employees or Former Spinco Employees. Spinco shall settle, and satisfy any dividend obligations with respect to, such Spinco RSUs in accordance with the terms of its 2023 Employee Stock Plan.

(ii)    Taxes.

(A)    Upon settlement of any MSG Entertainment RSU or Spinco RSU, other than an MSG Entertainment RSU that is held by an individual who received such MSG Entertainment RSU in his capacity as an MSG Entertainment Director, the employer, or, in the case of a Former MSG Entertainment Employee or Former Spinco Employee, the former employer, of such holder shall fund any employer taxes.

(B)    Upon settlement of any MSG Entertainment RSU or Spinco RSU, other than an MSG Entertainment RSU that is held by an individual who received such MSG Entertainment RSU in his capacity as an MSG Entertainment Director, the Parties shall take steps to ensure that the applicable withholding amount is remitted in cash to the employer, or, in the case of a Former MSG Entertainment Employee or Former Spinco Employee, the former employer of such holder.

(C)    MSG Entertainment will be responsible for any tax reporting obligations associated with any MSG Entertainment RSUs that are held by an individual who received such MSG Entertainment RSU in his capacity as an MSG Entertainment Director.

 

-20-


(d)    Tax Deductions. With respect to the Equity Compensation held by individuals who are MSG Entertainment Employees or MSG Entertainment Directors at the time the Equity Compensation becomes taxable and individuals who are Former MSG Entertainment Employees at such time, MSG Entertainment shall claim any federal, state and/or local tax deductions after the Distribution Date, and Spinco shall not claim such deductions. With respect to the Equity Compensation held by individuals who are employees of the Spinco Group at the time the Equity Compensation becomes taxable and individuals who are Former Spinco Employees at such time, Spinco shall claim any federal, state and/or local tax deductions after the Distribution Date, and MSG Entertainment shall not claim such deductions. If either MSG Entertainment or Spinco determines in its reasonable judgment that there is a substantial likelihood that a tax deduction that was assigned to MSG Entertainment or Spinco pursuant to this Section 7.2 will instead be available only to the other party (whether as a result of a determination by the IRS, a change in the Code or the regulations or guidance thereunder, or otherwise), it will notify the other party and both Parties will negotiate in good faith to resolve the issue in accordance with the following principle: the party entitled to the deduction shall pay to the other party an amount that places the other party in a financial position equivalent to the financial position the party would have been in had the party received the deduction as intended under this Section 7.2. Such amount shall be paid within 90 days of filing the last tax return necessary to make the determination described in the preceding sentence.

Section 7.3    Cooperation. In addition to any cooperation principles governed by Article X, if, after the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment or Spinco identify an administrative error in the individuals identified as holding Equity Compensation, the amount of Equity Compensation so held, the vesting level of such Equity Compensation, or any other similar error, MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall mutually cooperate in taking such actions as are necessary or appropriate to place, as nearly as reasonably practicable, the individual and MSG Entertainment and Spinco in the position in which they would have been had the error not occurred. Each of the Parties shall establish an appropriate administration system in order to handle in an orderly manner exercises of MSG Entertainment Options and Spinco Options and the settlement of MSG Entertainment RSUs and Spinco RSUs. Each of the Parties will work together to unify and consolidate all indicative data and payroll and employment information on regular timetables and make certain that each applicable entity’s data and records with respect to Equity Compensation are correct and updated on a timely basis. The foregoing shall include employment status and information required for tax withholding/remittance, compliance with trading windows and compliance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and other applicable Laws.

Section 7.4    SEC Registration. The Parties mutually agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain effective registration statements with the SEC with respect to the long-term incentive awards to the extent any such registration statement is required by applicable Law.

Section 7.5    Savings Clause. The Parties hereby acknowledge that the provisions of this Article VII are intended to achieve certain tax, legal and accounting objectives and, in the event such objectives are not achieved, the Parties agree to negotiate in good faith regarding such other actions that may be necessary or appropriate to achieve such objectives.

 

-21-


ARTICLE VIII

ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS MATTERS

Section 8.1    Cash Incentive Awards.

(a)    Cooperation. The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts and shall cooperate in good faith to take all actions reasonably necessary or appropriate to achieve the treatment of annual cash incentive awards established under MSG Entertainment’s annual incentive plan(s) as approved by the MSG Entertainment Compensation Committee prior to the Distribution in accordance with the terms of such plan(s), including as set forth in this Section 8.1.

(b)    Liability.

(i)    Effective as of the Distribution Date, Spinco shall assume or retain, as applicable, responsibilities for all Liabilities, and fully perform, pay and discharge all Liabilities when such Liabilities become due, relating to any annual cash incentive awards or portion of any such incentive awards that any Spinco Participant is eligible to receive with respect to any performance period that ends after the Distribution Date and, effective as of the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment shall have no obligations with respect to any such incentive awards. As soon as reasonably practicable, but in any event within 30 days, following the date that MSG Entertainment or Spinco pays an annual cash incentive award established with respect to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024 to a MSG Entertainment Participant or Spinco Participant who, immediately prior to the Distribution, was a “corporate” employee of MSG Entertainment (including Shared Executives), the Parties shall cooperate to ensure that each Party is responsible for (and reimburses as applicable) the portion of the Liability with respect to such award accrued as of the Distribution Date reflected on Exhibit H, except as otherwise agreed between the Parties.

(ii)    MSG Entertainment acknowledges and agrees that, except as otherwise provided herein, it shall have full responsibility with respect to any Liabilities and the payment or performance of any obligations arising out of or relating to any incentive, commission or other similar compensatory arrangement previously provided by any member of the MSG Entertainment Group or Spinco Group to any MSG Entertainment Participant.

(iii)    Spinco acknowledges and agrees that, except as otherwise provided herein, it shall have full responsibility with respect to any Liabilities and the payment or performance of any obligations arising out of or relating to any incentive, commission or other similar compensatory arrangement previously provided by any member of the MSG Entertainment Group or Spinco Group to any Spinco Participant.

Section 8.2    Individual Arrangements.

(a)    MSG Entertainment Individual Arrangements. MSG Entertainment acknowledges and agrees that, except as otherwise provided herein, it shall have full

 

-22-


responsibility with respect to any Liabilities and the payment or performance of any obligations arising out of or relating to any employment, separation, severance, consulting, non-competition, retention or other compensatory arrangement previously provided by any member of the MSG Entertainment Group or Spinco Group to any MSG Entertainment Participant.

(b)    Spinco Individual Arrangements. Spinco acknowledges and agrees that, except as otherwise provided herein, it shall have full responsibility with respect to any Liabilities and the payment or performance of any obligations arising out of or relating to any employment, separation, severance, consulting, non-competition, retention or other compensatory arrangement previously provided by any member of the MSG Entertainment Group or Spinco Group to any Spinco Participant.

(c)    [Intentionally Omitted].

(d)    Effect of the Distribution on Severance. The Parties acknowledge and agree that the transactions contemplated by the Distribution Agreement will not constitute a termination of employment of any Spinco Participant for purposes of any policy, plan, program or agreement of MSG Entertainment or Spinco or any member of the MSG Entertainment Group or Spinco Group that provides for the payment of severance, separation pay, salary continuation or similar benefits in the event of a termination of employment.

Section 8.3    Non-Competition. For the purpose of any non-compete provision in any MSG Entertainment Plan or any award thereunder, each of Spinco and Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. shall not be regarded as a “competitive entity.” For the purpose of any non-compete provision in any Spinco Plan or any award thereunder, each of MSG Entertainment and Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. shall not be regarded as a “competitive entity.” This Section 8.3 shall apply only so long as MSG Entertainment, Spinco and Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. remain under common Control.

Section 8.4    Collective Bargaining. To the extent any provision of this Agreement is contrary to the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement to which MSG Entertainment or Spinco or any of their respective Subsidiaries is a party, the terms of such collective bargaining agreement shall prevail. Should any provisions of this Agreement be deemed to relate to a topic determined by an appropriate authority to be a mandatory subject of collective bargaining, MSG Entertainment or Spinco may be obligated to bargain with the union representing affected employees concerning those subjects.

Section 8.5    Union Dues; Severance and Fringe Benefits. MSG Entertainment and its Subsidiaries shall retain responsibility for the payment of dues and severance and fringe benefit payments on behalf of MSG Entertainment Employees with respect to the unions set forth on Exhibit F. Spinco and its Subsidiaries shall retain responsibility for the payment of dues and severance and fringe benefit payments on behalf of Spinco Employees with respect to the unions set forth on Exhibit G.

Section 8.6    Director Programs. MSG Entertainment shall retain responsibility for the payment of any fees and MSG Entertainment RSUs payable in respect of service on the MSG Entertainment Board of Directors that are payable but not yet paid as of the Distribution Date, and Spinco shall have no responsibility for any such payments (to an individual who is a member of the Spinco Board of Directors as of the Distribution Date or otherwise).

 

-23-


Section 8.7    Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (including the treatment of supplemental and deferred compensation plans, outstanding long-term incentive awards and annual incentive awards as described herein), the Parties agree to negotiate in good faith regarding the need for any treatment different from that otherwise provided herein to ensure that the treatment of such supplemental or deferred compensation or long-term incentive award, annual incentive award or other compensation does not cause the imposition of a tax under Section 409A of the Code.

ARTICLE IX

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 9.1    Indemnification. All Liabilities retained or assumed by or allocated to MSG Entertainment or the MSG Entertainment Group pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be “MSG Entertainment Liabilities” (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) for purposes of Article III of the Distribution Agreement, and all Liabilities retained or assumed by or allocated to Spinco or the Spinco Group pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be “Spinco Liabilities” (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) for purposes of Article III of the Distribution Agreement.

ARTICLE X

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Section 10.1    Sharing of Information. MSG Entertainment and Spinco (acting directly or through their respective Subsidiaries) shall provide to the other and their respective agents and vendors all Information as the other may reasonably request to enable the requesting Party to administer efficiently and accurately each of its Plans, to assist Spinco in obtaining its own insurance policies to provide benefits under Spinco Plans, and to determine the scope of, as well as fulfill, its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that, in the event that any Party reasonably determines that any such provision of Information could be commercially detrimental to such Party or any member of its Group, violate any Law or agreement to which such Party or member of its Group is a party, or waive any attorney-client privilege applicable to such Party or member of its Group, the Parties shall provide any such Information and the Parties shall take all reasonable measures to comply with the obligations pursuant to this Section 10.1 in a manner that mitigates any such harm or consequence to the extent practicable, and the Parties agree to cooperate with each other and take such commercially reasonable steps as may be practicable to preserve the attorney-client privilege with respect to the disclosure of any such Information. Such Information shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, be provided in the format and at the times and places requested, but in no event shall the Party providing such Information be obligated to incur any out-of-pocket expenses not reimbursed by the Party making such request or make such Information available outside of its normal business hours and premises. Any Information shared or exchanged pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to the same confidentiality requirements set forth in Section 4.4 of the Distribution Agreement.

 

-24-


Section 10.2    Reasonable Efforts/Cooperation. Each of the Parties hereto will use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws and regulations to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including adopting plans or plan amendments. Each of the Parties hereto shall cooperate fully on any issue relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which the other Party seeks a determination letter or private letter ruling from the IRS, an advisory opinion from the DOL or any other filing, consent or approval with respect to or by a Governmental Authority.

Section 10.3    Non-Termination of Employment; No Third-Party Beneficiaries. No provision of this Agreement or the Distribution Agreement shall be construed to create any right, or accelerate entitlement, to any compensation or benefit whatsoever on the part of any MSG Entertainment Employee or Spinco Employee or other future, present, or former employee of any member of the MSG Entertainment Group or Spinco Group under any MSG Entertainment Plan or Spinco Plan or otherwise. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person or persons (including any employee or former employee of MSG Entertainment or Spinco or either of their respective Subsidiaries or any beneficiary or dependent thereof) any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement. No provision in this Agreement shall modify or amend any other agreement, plan, program, or document unless this Agreement explicitly states that the provision “amends” that other agreement, plan, program, or document. This shall not prevent the Parties entitled to enforce this Agreement from enforcing any provision in this Agreement, but no other person shall be entitled to enforce any provision in this Agreement on the grounds that it is an amendment to another agreement, plan, program, or document unless the provision is explicitly designated as such in this Agreement, and the person is otherwise entitled to enforce the other agreement, plan, program, or document. If a person not entitled to enforce this Agreement brings a lawsuit or other action to enforce any provision in this Agreement as an amendment to another agreement, plan, program, or document, and that provision is construed to be such an amendment despite not being explicitly designated as one in this Agreement, that provision in this Agreement shall be void ab initio, thereby precluding it from having any amendatory effect. Furthermore, nothing in this Agreement is intended to confer upon any employee or former employee of MSG Entertainment, Spinco or either of their respective Subsidiaries any right to continued employment, or any recall or similar rights to an individual on layoff or any type of approved leave.

Section 10.4    Consent of Third Parties. If any provision of this Agreement is dependent on the consent of any third party and such consent is withheld, the Parties hereto shall use their reasonable best efforts to implement the applicable provisions of this Agreement to the fullest extent practicable. If any provision of this Agreement cannot be implemented due to the failure of such third party to consent, the Parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to implement the provision in a mutually satisfactory manner.

Section 10.5    Access to Employees. Following the Distribution Date, MSG Entertainment and Spinco shall, or shall cause each of their respective Subsidiaries to, make available to each other those of their employees who may reasonably be needed in order to defend or prosecute any legal or administrative action (other than a legal action between any

 

-25-


member of the MSG Entertainment Group and any member of the Spinco Group) to which any employee, director or Plan of the MSG Entertainment Group or Spinco Group is a party and which relates to their respective Plans prior to the Distribution Date.

Section 10.6    Beneficiary Designation/Release of Information/Right to Reimbursement. To the extent permitted by applicable Law and except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, all beneficiary designations, authorizations for the release of information and rights to reimbursement made by or relating to Spinco Participants under MSG Entertainment Plans shall be transferred to and be in full force and effect under the corresponding Spinco Plans until such beneficiary designations, authorizations or rights are replaced or revoked by, or no longer apply to, the relevant Spinco Participant.

Section 10.7    Not a Change in Control. The Parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the transactions contemplated by the Distribution Agreement and this Agreement do not constitute a “change in control” for purposes of any MSG Entertainment Plan or Spinco Plan.

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 11.1    Effect If Distribution Does Not Occur. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Distribution Agreement is terminated prior to the Distribution Date, then all actions and events that are, under this Agreement, to be taken or occur effective immediately prior to or as of the Distribution Date, or otherwise in connection with the Distribution, shall not be taken or occur except to the extent specifically agreed to in writing by MSG Entertainment and Spinco and neither Party shall have any Liability to the other Party under this Agreement.

Section 11.2    Complete Agreement; Construction. This Agreement, including the Exhibits, shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter.

Section 11.3    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more such counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Party.

Section 11.4    Survival of Agreements. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Distribution Date.

Section 11.5    Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, shall reference this Agreement and shall be hand delivered or mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Parties at the following addresses (or at such other

 

-26-


addresses for a Party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the date on which such notice is received:

To MSG Entertainment:

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (or, after the applicable name change, Sphere Entertainment Co.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

To Spinco:

MSGE Spinco, Inc. (or, after the applicable name change, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)

Two Penn Plaza

New York, New York 10121

Attention: General Counsel

Section 11.6    Waivers. The failure of any Party to require strict performance by any other Party of any provision in this Agreement will not waive or diminish that Party’s right to demand strict performance thereafter of that or any other provision hereof.

Section 11.7    Amendments. Subject to the terms of Sections 11.8 and 11.10 hereof, this Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the Parties.

Section 11.8    Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void; provided that either Party may assign this Agreement to a purchaser (by merger, sale of assets or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Party so long as such purchaser expressly assumes, in a written instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to the non-assigning Party, the due and punctual performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Agreement on the part of the assigning Party to be performed or observed. Any arrangement in violation of the provisions of this Section 11.8 shall be void.

Section 11.9    Successors and Assigns. The provisions to this Agreement shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

Section 11.10    Subsidiaries. Each of the Parties shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth herein to be performed by any entity that is contemplated to be a Subsidiary of such Party after the Distribution Date.

Section 11.11    Title and Headings. Titles and headings to Sections herein are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

-27-


Section 11.12    Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 11.13    Waiver of Jury Trial. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement.

Section 11.14    Specific Performance. From and after the Distribution, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the Parties agree that the Party to this Agreement who is or is to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that, from and after the Distribution, the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any Loss, that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are hereby waived.

Section 11.15    Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

[signature page follows]

 

-28-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.)

By:  

/s/ James L. Dolan

  Name:   James L. Dolan
  Title:   Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)

By:  

/s/ David F. Byrnes

  Name:  

David F. Byrnes

  Title:  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature Page to Employee Matters Agreement]

Exhibit 10.4

 

 

 

SHAREHOLDER’S AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(TO BE RENAMED MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.)

AND

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(TO BE RENAMED SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.)

 

 

 


SHAREHOLDER’S AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

Shareholder’s and Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) dated as of March 29, 2023 (but effective as provided in Section 12(k)), by and among MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.), a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.) (the “Shareholder” or “MSGE” and, together with its subsidiaries, “Initial Sphere Entertainment Holders”), a Delaware corporation. Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in Annex A hereto.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, as of the date of this Agreement, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of MSGE;

WHEREAS, MSGE intends to distribute approximately 67% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company to the holders of MSGE common stock (the “Distribution”). The Distribution will take the form of a distribution of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value (the “Class A Common Stock”), to the holders of Class A Common Stock of MSGE and shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value (the “Class B Common Stock”), to the holders of Class B Common Stock of MSGE;

WHEREAS, following the Distribution, the Shareholder intends to retain approximately 33% of the outstanding common stock of the Company, which will be shares of Class A Common Stock;


WHEREAS, the Company and the Shareholder wish to provide for certain registration rights and other benefits and restrictions applicable to the Shares owned by the Shareholder, its subsidiaries and the Transferees (collectively, the “Sphere Entertainment Holders” and each, a “Sphere Entertainment Holder” and, together with any Qualifying Creditors, the “Sphere Entertainment Parties”) following the Distribution, all as provided herein; and

WHEREAS, the Shareholder desires to grant the Company a proxy to vote the Shares in proportion to the votes cast by the Company’s other holders of Class A Common Stock, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I     

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

1.    Demand Registration by the Sphere Entertainment Parties of the Shares.

(a)    Demand Registration. One or more of the Sphere Entertainment Parties may request in writing that the Company file a registration statement on an appropriate form for the general registration of securities under the Securities Act, and include therein such number of the Shares owned by such Sphere Entertainment Party as such Sphere Entertainment Party may specify in its written request; provided, however, that (i) the Company shall not be required to file a registration statement pursuant to this Section 1 if (x) the Shares requested to be so registered do not, in the case of a Sphere Entertainment Holder, together with any Shares timely requested to be registered by other

 

-2-


Sphere Entertainment Holders pursuant to the fourth-to-last sentence of this Section 1(a), have an aggregate Market Price exceeding the Rule 144 Threshold as of the Trading Day immediately preceding the expiration of the applicable Notice Period under such sentence or, in the case of a Qualifying Creditor, do not have an aggregate Market Price exceeding the Rule 144 Threshold as of the Trading Day immediately preceding the date on which the request for registration is received by the Company, or (y) the Company delivers to each Sphere Entertainment Party requesting registration under this Section 1 an opinion of counsel to the Company (such opinion and such counsel to be reasonably acceptable to each such Sphere Entertainment Party, it being agreed that the Company’s regular outside securities counsel shall be deemed to be reasonably acceptable counsel for this purpose) to the effect that the Shares proposed to be registered by such person may be offered and sold by such person to the public in the United States together with the Shares requested to be registered by all other Sphere Entertainment Parties (I) without registration pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and (II) within the volume limitations under Rule 144(e) promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation) whether or not such volume limitations are then applicable, (ii) subject to the next sentence, the Sphere Entertainment Holders shall in the aggregate have the right on only five occasions to require the Company to file a registration statement pursuant to this Section 1, and (iii) subject to the next sentence, a Qualifying Creditor may require registration only following the exercise of its remedies under a security agreement with a Sphere Entertainment Holder and for the purpose of Transferring Shares pursuant thereto and each Qualifying Creditor may only require one registration hereunder. The total number of demand registrations under clauses (ii) and (iii) of the immediately preceding

 

-3-


sentence shall not exceed five. All requests made pursuant to this paragraph shall specify the aggregate number of Shares to be registered and the intended methods of disposition thereof, which methods may include an underwritten public offering, exchange offer or pro-rata distribution. Upon receipt of a written request for registration from a Sphere Entertainment Holder pursuant to the preceding sentences, the Company shall promptly give written notice of the proposed registration to each such other Sphere Entertainment Holder and provide each such other holder with the opportunity to join in such request by written notice to the Company specifying the aggregate number of Shares to be registered by such holder within 20 days from the date of the Company’s written notice (such period is referred to as the “Notice Period”). Subject to Section 1(c) of this Agreement, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that each registration statement required to be filed pursuant to this Section 1 shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) as promptly as reasonably practicable, but no later than 45 days after receipt of such request by the Company, and the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to be declared effective by the Commission as promptly thereafter as practicable; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to maintain such effectiveness for more than 90 days. No registration shall be deemed to have been effective if the conditions to closing specified in the underwriting agreement or dealer manager agreement, if any, entered into in connection with such registration are not satisfied by reason of a wrongful act, misrepresentation or breach of such applicable underwriting agreement or dealer manager agreement by the Company. Notwithstanding the Company’s rights to effect a Suspension of Filing or Suspension of Effectiveness in Section 1(c), the Sphere

 

-4-


Entertainment Parties that made the registration request under this Section 1(a) shall have the right to withdraw any such request, and such withdrawn request shall not count as a demand registration under clause (ii) or (iii) of this Section 1(a), if (1) the registration statement required to be filed pursuant to this Section 1 is not filed with the Commission by the date that is 45 days after such request is received by the Company and has not at the time of such withdrawal been filed with the Commission, or is not declared effective by the date that is 90 days after the date such registration statement is filed with the Commission and has not at the time of such withdrawal been declared effective, and (2) in either case, such Sphere Entertainment Parties notify the Company of the withdrawal of such request no later than 10 days after such 45th or 90th day, as the case may be.

(b)    Concurrent Primary Offering. Anything in this Section 1 to the contrary notwithstanding, if the Company at the time of receipt of a request for registration pursuant to this Section 1 has a bona fide intent and plan to file a registration statement (other than on Form S-4 or S-8 or any successor forms) covering a primary offering by the Company of its Common Equity Securities, the Company, by notice to the applicable Sphere Entertainment Parties, may delay the filing (but not the preparation) of the requested registration statement for a period ending on the earlier of (i) 60 days after the closing of such offering or (ii) 120 days after receipt of the request for registration; and, provided, further, if the Company either abandons its plan to file such registration statement or does not file the same within 75 days after receipt of such request, the Company shall promptly thereafter file the requested registration statement. The Company may not, pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, delay the filing of a requested registration statement more than once during any two-year period.

 

-5-


(c)    Suspension of Offering. Upon notice by the Company to any Sphere Entertainment Party which has requested registration under this Section 1 that a negotiation or consummation of a transaction by the Company or any of its subsidiaries is pending or an event has occurred, which negotiation, consummation or event would require disclosure in the registration statement for the requested registration and such disclosure would, in the good faith judgment of the board of directors of the Company, be materially adverse to the business interests of the Company, and the nondisclosure of which in the registration statement would reasonably be expected to cause the registration statement to fail to comply with applicable disclosure requirements (a “Materiality Notice”), the Company may delay the filing (but not the preparation) of such registration statement (a “Suspension of Filing”). Upon the delivery of a Materiality Notice by the Company pursuant to the preceding sentence at any time when a registration statement has been filed but not declared effective, the Company may delay seeking the effectiveness of such registration statement (a “Suspension of Effectiveness”), and each Sphere Entertainment Party named therein shall immediately discontinue any offers of Shares under such registration statement until such Sphere Entertainment Party receives copies of a supplemented or amended prospectus that corrects such misstatement or omission, or until it is advised in writing by the Company that offers under such registration statement may be resumed and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings which are incorporated by reference in such registration statement. Upon the delivery of a Materiality Notice by the Company pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 1(c) at any time when a registration statement has been filed and declared effective, each Sphere Entertainment Party named therein shall immediately discontinue

 

-6-


offers and sales of Shares under such registration statement until such Sphere Entertainment Party receives copies of a supplemented or amended prospectus that corrects such misstatement or omission and notice that any post-effective amendment has become effective, or until it is advised in writing by the Company that offers under such registration statement may be resumed and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings which are incorporated by reference in the registration statement (a “Suspension of Offering;” a Suspension of Filing, a Suspension of Effectiveness and a Suspension of Offering are collectively referred to herein as, “Suspensions”). If so directed by the Company, each Sphere Entertainment Party will deliver to the Company all copies (other than permanent file copies then in such Sphere Entertainment Party’s possession) of any prospectus covering Shares in the possession of such Sphere Entertainment Party or its agents current at the time of receipt of any Materiality Notice. In any 12-month period, the aggregate time of all Suspensions shall not, without the consent of a majority of the Sphere Entertainment Holders (by number of Shares held), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, exceed 180 days. If interrupted by a Suspension of Offering, any 90-day period in respect of which the Company is required to maintain the effectiveness of a registration statement pursuant to Section 1(a) of this Agreement shall be extended by the number of days during which the Suspension of Offering was in effect. In the event of any Suspension of Offering of more than 30 days in duration prior to which the Sphere Entertainment Parties have sold less than 75% of the Shares to be sold in such offering, the Sphere Entertainment Parties shall be entitled to withdraw such registration prior to the later of (i) the end of the Suspension of Offering and (ii) three business days after the Company has provided the Sphere Entertainment

 

-7-


Parties written notice of the anticipated date on which the Suspension of Offering will end, and, if such registration is withdrawn, the related demand for registration shall not count for the purposes of the limitations set forth under clauses (ii) and (iii) of Section 1(a).

(d)    Market Price; Trading Day. For purposes of this Section 1:

(i)    “Market Price” of a share of Class A Common Stock shall mean the weighted average of the closing prices for the Class A Common Stock on each Trading Day (as defined below) in the 30-day period ending on the day prior to the date of determination as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system of the New York Stock Exchange or on the comparable reporting system of such other exchange or trading system that is at the time the principal market for the Class A Common Stock.

(ii)    “Trading Day” shall mean any day on which trading takes place on the New York Stock Exchange or such other exchange or trading system that is at the time the principal market for the Class A Common Stock.

2.    Coordination of Piggyback Registration Rights.

The Shareholder hereby acknowledges and consents, on behalf of itself and each Sphere Entertainment Party, to the grant by the Company to the Children Trust Holders (as defined in the Dolan Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement) and the Dolan Family Holders (as defined in the Dolan Family Affiliates Registration Rights Agreement) (together with the Children Trust Holders, hereinafter referred to in this Agreement as the “Other Holders”), in the Dolan Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement and the Dolan Family Affiliates Registration Rights Agreement (collectively,

 

-8-


the “Dolan Registration Rights Agreements”), respectively, of the right of the Other Holders to include certain of their respective shares of Class A Common Stock in certain registration statements filed pursuant hereto. Each of the Sphere Entertainment Parties further acknowledges and agrees that if any offering upon the demand registration by any Sphere Entertainment Party under Section 1 is to be underwritten and if the managing underwriter or underwriters of such offering informs such person in writing that the number of shares of Class A Common Stock which the Sphere Entertainment Parties and the Other Holders, as the case may be, intend to include in such offering is sufficiently large so as to affect the offering price of such offering materially and adversely, then the Sphere Entertainment Parties shall have priority with respect to the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be offered in such offering and the respective number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be offered for the account of each Other Holder who is participating in such offering shall be reduced pro rata with the Other Holders participating in such offering to the extent necessary to reduce the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be included in such offering to the number recommended by such managing underwriter before any shares to be offered for the account of the Sphere Entertainment Parties are reduced, which reduction shall be on a pro rata basis among the Sphere Entertainment Parties participating in such offering. Except for such piggyback registration rights granted to the Sphere Entertainment Holders and Other Holders and to any transferee of the shares of Class A Common Stock owned by an Other Holder which may be registered pursuant to the applicable Dolan Registration Rights Agreement, neither the Company nor any of its security holders shall have the right to include any of the Company’s securities in any registration statement filed pursuant hereto.

 

-9-


3.    Piggyback Registration of the Shares.

(a)    If the Company proposes to file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering (a) by an Other Holder of its holdings of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the applicable Dolan Registration Rights Agreement, (b) by any other holder of any Common Equity Securities or (c) by the Company for its own account of any Common Equity Securities, other than (i) a registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8, or any successor form or a form filed in connection with an exchange offer, (ii) in connection with an offering of securities solely to the existing shareholders of the Company, (iii) any form of registration statement that does not include substantially the same information, other than information relating to the selling holders or their plan of distribution, as would be required to be included in a registration statement covering the sale of the Shares, (iv) in connection with any dividend reinvestment or similar plan, (v) for the sole purpose of offering securities to another entity or its security holders in connection with the acquisition of assets or securities of such entity or any similar transaction, or (vi) a registration in which the only common stock of the Company being registered is common stock issuable upon conversion of debt securities that are also being registered, the Company shall give written notice of such proposed filing to each of the Sphere Entertainment Holders at least 20 days before the anticipated filing date which shall state whether such registration will be in connection with an underwritten offering and offer such Sphere Entertainment Holders the opportunity to include in such registration statement such number of the Shares as such Sphere Entertainment Holder

 

-10-


may request not later than three days prior to the anticipated filing date. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the managing underwriter or underwriters of a proposed underwritten offering to permit such Sphere Entertainment Holders to be included in the registration for such offering and to include such Shares in such offering on the same terms and conditions as the Common Equity Securities included in such offering. If such proposed offering is to be underwritten, then upon request by the managing underwriter or underwriters given to such Sphere Entertainment Holders prior to the effective date of the offering, any Sphere Entertainment Holder electing to have Shares included in the registration statement shall either enter into underwriting agreements with customary terms and conditions for a secondary offering with such underwriter or underwriters providing for the inclusion of such number of the Shares owned by such Sphere Entertainment Holder in such offering on such terms and conditions or, if such Sphere Entertainment Holder shall refuse to enter into any such agreement, the Company shall have the right to exclude from such registration all (but not less than all) of the Shares of such Sphere Entertainment Holder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) in no event will any Sphere Entertainment Holder be required in such underwriting agreement (or in any other agreement in connection with such offering) to (i) make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements customarily made by selling security holders in underwritten secondary offerings, (ii) make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Sphere Entertainment Holders, the ownership of such Sphere Entertainment Holder’s Common Equity Securities, the authorization, validity and

 

-11-


binding effect of transaction documents executed by such Sphere Entertainment Holder in connection with such registration and such Sphere Entertainment Holder’s intended method or methods of distribution and any other representation required by law; provided that no Sphere Entertainment Holder shall be required to make any representation or warranty to any person covered by the indemnity in Section 7(b) other than on a several (and not joint) basis, or (iii) furnish any indemnity to any person which is broader than the indemnity customarily furnished by selling security holders in underwritten offerings; provided that no Sphere Entertainment Holder shall be required to furnish any indemnity broader than the indemnity furnished by such Sphere Entertainment Holder in Section 7(b) to any person covered by the indemnity in Section 7(b), and (y) if the managing underwriter or underwriters of such offering informs the Sphere Entertainment Holders in writing that the number of Shares which the Sphere Entertainment Holders and the number of Shares which the Other Holders intend to include in such offering is sufficiently large so as to affect materially and adversely the success of such offering, the Shares to be offered for the account of the Sphere Entertainment Holders, the Other Holders and the other applicable holders of any Common Equity Securities shall first be reduced pro rata to the extent necessary to reduce the total number of shares of Class A Common Stock to be included in such offering to the number recommended by such managing underwriter. In giving effect to the foregoing reduction, the respective number of the Shares to be offered for the account of Sphere Entertainment Holders shall be reduced pro rata.

 

-12-


(b)    Each Sphere Entertainment Holder shall be permitted to withdraw all or part of such Sphere Entertainment Holder’s Shares from a piggyback registration at any time prior to the effective date thereof.

(c)    After a Sphere Entertainment Holder has been notified of its opportunity to include Shares in a piggyback registration, such Sphere Entertainment Holder (i) shall treat the Offering Confidential Information as confidential information, (ii) shall not use any Offering Confidential Information for any purpose other than to evaluate whether to include its Shares (or other shares of the common stock of the Company) in such piggyback registration and (iii) shall not disclose any Offering Confidential Information to any person other than such of its agents, employees, advisors and counsel as have a need to know such Offering Confidential Information, and to cause such agents, employees, advisors and counsel to comply with the requirements of this Section 3(c); provided, that any such Sphere Entertainment Holder may disclose Offering Confidential Information if such disclosure is required by legal process, but such Sphere Entertainment Holder shall cooperate with the Company to limit the extent of such disclosure through protective order or otherwise, and to seek confidential treatment of the Offering Confidential Information.

4.    Holdback Agreements.

(a)    Restrictions on Public Sale by Sphere Entertainment Parties. To the extent not inconsistent with applicable law, the Shareholder, on behalf of itself and each Sphere Entertainment Party, agrees not to offer publicly or effect any public sale or distribution of Common Equity Securities, including a sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation), during the seven days prior to,

 

-13-


and during the 90-day period beginning on, the effective date of any registration statement filed by the Company pursuant to which any such shares or securities are being registered (except as part of such registration), if and to the extent requested by the Company in the case of a non-underwritten public offering, exchange offer or pro-rata distribution, or if and to the extent requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters in the case of an underwritten public offering or by the managing dealer manager or dealer managers in the case of an exchange offer.

(b)    Restrictions on Public Sale by the Company and Others. The Company agrees (i) that during the seven days prior to, and during the 90-day period beginning on, the effective date of any registration statement filed at the request of a Sphere Entertainment Party pursuant hereto, the Company will not offer publicly or effect any public sale or distribution of Common Equity Securities (other than any such sale or distribution of such securities in connection with any merger or consolidation of the Company or any subsidiary with, or the acquisition by the Company or a subsidiary of the capital stock or substantially all of the assets of, any other person or any offer or sale of such securities pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8), and (ii) that any agreement entered into after the date of this Agreement pursuant to which the Company issues or agrees to issue any privately placed Common Equity Securities shall contain a provision under which holders of such securities agree not to effect any public sale or distribution of any such securities during the periods described in (i) above, in each case including a sale pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor rule or regulation) under the Securities Act (except as part of any such registration, if permitted).

 

-14-


5.    Registration Procedures.

In connection with any registration of the Shares owned by a Sphere Entertainment Party contemplated hereby, the Company will as expeditiously as possible

(a)    Furnish to such Sphere Entertainment Party, prior to filing a registration statement, copies of such registration statement as proposed to be filed, and thereafter such number of copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all exhibits thereto), the prospectus included in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus) and such other documents in such quantities as such Sphere Entertainment Party may reasonably request from time to time in order to facilitate the disposition of the Shares.

(b)    Use its reasonable best efforts to register or qualify the Shares being registered as contemplated hereby (the “Registered Class A”) under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as such Sphere Entertainment Party reasonably requests and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such Sphere Entertainment Party to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registered Class A; provided that the Company will not be required to (i) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this paragraph (b), (ii) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (iii) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction.

(c)    Use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registered Class A to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of the Company to enable such Sphere Entertainment Party to consummate the disposition of such Registered Class A.

 

-15-


(d)    Notify such Sphere Entertainment Party at any time, (i) of any request by the Commission or any other federal or state governmental authority for amendments or supplements to a registration statement or related prospectus or for additional information, (ii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (iii) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Registered Class A for sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, and (iv) when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and, except as otherwise provided in Section 1(c) hereof, the Company will, as expeditiously as practicable, prepare a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registered Class A, such prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.

(e)    Use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement, or the lifting of any suspension of the qualification (or exemption from qualification) of any of the Registered Class A for sale in any jurisdiction at the earliest date reasonably practical.

 

-16-


(f)    Cause all such Registered Class A to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange or on any other securities exchange on which the Class A Common Stock is then listed, provided that the applicable listing requirements are satisfied.

(g)    Enter into customary agreements (including an underwriting agreement in customary form) and take such other actions as are reasonably requested by the relevant Sphere Entertainment Party in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Registered Class A.

(h)    Make available for inspection by such Sphere Entertainment Party, any underwriter or dealer manager participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by such Sphere Entertainment Party or such underwriter or dealer manager (collectively, the “Inspectors”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company (collectively, the “Records”) as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the officers, directors and employees of the Company to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such registration statement. Records which the Company determines, in good faith, to be confidential and which it notifies the Inspectors are confidential shall not be disclosed by the Inspectors unless (i) the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the registration statement or (ii) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction. Any Sphere Entertainment Party shall use

 

-17-


reasonable best efforts, prior to any disclosure by any such Inspector under clause (i) of the preceding sentence, to inform the Company that such disclosure is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the registration statement. Each Sphere Entertainment Party further agrees that it will, upon learning that disclosure of Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Company and allow the Company, at the expense of the Company, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential.

(i)    In the event such sale is pursuant to an underwritten offering or exchange offer, use its reasonable best efforts to (i) obtain a comfort letter from the independent public accountants for the Company in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by such letters as any Sphere Entertainment Party reasonably requests and (ii) ensure that (A) the representations, warranties and covenants contained in the applicable underwriting agreement, dealer manager agreement or distribution agreement shall expressly be for the benefit of any Sphere Entertainment Party participating in such sale, (B) the conditions to closing in said underwriting agreement or dealer managers agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory to such Sphere Entertainment Party and (C) to the extent customary, all comfort letters and opinions of counsel contemplated by said underwriting agreement or dealer manager agreement are delivered to such Sphere Entertainment Party on the closing date of the offering.

(j)    In the case of an exchange offer that does not involve a dealer manager or a pro-rata distribution, provide to each participating Sphere Entertainment Party such customary written representations and warranties or other covenants or agreements as may be requested by any participating Sphere Entertainment Party comparable to those that would be included in an underwriting agreement, dealer manager agreement or distribution agreement.

 

-18-


(k)    Otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Commission and have the registration statement declared effective as soon as practicable after filing.

The Company may require any Sphere Entertainment Party to furnish to the Company such information regarding such Sphere Entertainment Party as the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing, in each case only as required by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.

Each Sphere Entertainment Party agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 5(d) hereof, such Sphere Entertainment Party will forthwith discontinue disposition of the Registered Class A pursuant to the registration statement covering such Registered Class A until such Sphere Entertainment Party receives the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 5(d) hereof, and, if so directed by the Company, such Sphere Entertainment Party will deliver to the Company (at the expense of the Company) all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Sphere Entertainment Party’s possession, of the prospectus covering such Registered Class A current at the time of receipt of such notice. If interrupted by receipt of any such notice pursuant to Section 5(d), any 90-day period in respect of which the Company is required to maintain the effectiveness of a registration statement pursuant to Section 1(a) shall be extended by the number of days during which the interruption was in effect.

 

-19-


6.    Registration Expenses.

Other than in the case of (a) a registration at the request of a Qualifying Creditor or (b) a demand registration under Section 1(a)(ii) after the second such registration (each registration referred to in clause (a) or (b), a “Designated Registration”), all expenses incident to the performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Company, including, without limitation, all registration and filing fees, fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with blue sky qualifications of the Registered Class A), printing expenses, messenger and delivery expenses, internal expenses (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registered Class A on the New York Stock Exchange or any other securities exchange on which such Class A Common Stock is then listed, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and its independent certified public accountants (including the expenses of any special audit or comfort letters required by or incident to such performance), securities acts liability insurance (if the Company elects to obtain such insurance), the fees and expenses of any special experts retained by the Company in connection with such registration, the fees and expenses of other persons retained by the Company, including transfer agents, trustees, depositories and registrars (all such expenses being herein called “Registration Expenses”), will be borne by the Company. In the case of a Designated Registration, all Registration Expenses other than internal expenses of the Company and securities acts liability insurance obtained by the Company at its election, shall be borne by the Qualifying Creditor or the Sphere

 

-20-


Entertainment Holders participating in the offering, as the case may be. The Company will not have any responsibility for any of the expenses of any Sphere Entertainment Party incurred in connection with any registration statement hereunder, including, without limitation, underwriting discounts or commissions or dealer manager fees attributable to the sale or other disposition of Registered Class A and fees and expenses of counsel for such Sphere Entertainment Party.

7.    Indemnification; Contribution.

(a)    Indemnification by the Company. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, (i) each Sphere Entertainment Party, (ii) the directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, beneficiaries, trustees, members and affiliates of each Sphere Entertainment Party, and the directors, officers, partners, employees and agents of each such affiliate, and (iii) each person who controls any of the foregoing (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act), against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, expenses (or actions or proceedings in respect thereof) or costs (including, without limitation, costs of investigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements incurred by any such indemnified person in connection with enforcing its rights hereunder preparing, pursuing or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense, action or proceeding), including any of the foregoing incurred in settlement of any litigation commenced or threatened (collectively, “Losses”), joint or several, based upon or arising out of (x) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, (y) any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact

 

-21-


required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, or (z) any violation by the Company of any federal, state or common law rule or regulation applicable to the Company in connection with such registration, and the Company will reimburse each such indemnified party for any such Loss, except in each case insofar as any such Loss arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or omission made in any such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, summary prospectus, amendment or supplement, or a violation of law or regulation in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such indemnified party expressly for use in the preparation thereof, it being understood that the information to be furnished to the Company for use in the preparation of any such document shall be limited only to the information specifically referenced in the penultimate sentence of Section 7(b). Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by such indemnified person and shall survive the Transfer of any Shares by any such indemnified person. The indemnity in this Section 7(a) shall not apply to Losses incurred by a person other than in his or her capacity as a selling security holder. In connection with an underwritten offering or registered exchange offer, the Company will indemnify the underwriters or dealer managers thereof, their officers and directors and each person who controls such underwriters or dealer managers (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of each Sphere Entertainment Party.

 

-22-


(b)    Indemnification by Sphere Entertainment Parties. In connection with any registration statement contemplated hereby, each Sphere Entertainment Party participating in any offer or sale pursuant to such registration statement will furnish to the Company in writing such information with respect to such Sphere Entertainment Party as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, severally, and not jointly, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company, its directors, officers, employees, agents and affiliates and the directors, officers, partners, employees and agents of each such affiliate and each person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) against any Losses insofar as such Losses arise out of or are based upon (i) an untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in or omitted from any information with respect to such Sphere Entertainment Party so furnished in writing by such Sphere Entertainment Party expressly for use in the preparation of such registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus, summary prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, as the case may be, or (ii) any violation by such Sphere Entertainment Party of any federal, state or common law rule or regulation applicable to such Sphere Entertainment Party in

 

-23-


connection with such registration. It is understood that the information to be furnished by a Sphere Entertainment Party to the Company for use in the preparation of any such document shall be limited only to information regarding such Sphere Entertainment Party, the ownership of such Sphere Entertainment Party’s Common Equity Securities, such Sphere Entertainment Party’s intended method or methods of distribution and any other information required by law. The liability of a Sphere Entertainment Party under this Section 7(b) shall not exceed the amount of net proceeds (including the value of any securities received in an exchange offer) received by such Sphere Entertainment Party (net of underwriting discounts or dealer manager fees borne by such Sphere Entertainment Party) from the sale or other disposition of the Shares in the offering that is the subject of an indemnity claim under this Section 7(b).

(c)    Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. Any person entitled to indemnification hereunder agrees to give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party after the receipt by such person of any written notice of the commencement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation or threat thereof made in writing for which such person will claim indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Agreement, provided that the failure of any indemnified party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnified party of its obligations under this Section 7, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is materially prejudiced by such failure to give notice. Unless in the reasonable judgment of such indemnified party, a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and the indemnifying party with respect to such claim, the indemnified party shall permit the indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party. If the

 

-24-


indemnifying party is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim, it will not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim, in which event the indemnifying party shall be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of such additional counsel or counsels. No indemnifying party will be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its consent. No indemnifying party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation shall, except with the consent of the applicable indemnified party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect of such claim or litigation.

(d)    Indemnification Payments. Any indemnification required to be made by an indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 7 shall be made by periodic payments to the indemnified party during the course of the action or proceeding, as and when bills are received by such indemnifying party with respect to indemnifiable Losses incurred by such indemnified party.

(e)    Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 from the indemnifying party is unavailable to an indemnified party hereunder in respect of any Losses or is insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party from all Losses covered thereby, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result

 

-25-


of such Losses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified parties in connection with the actions which resulted in such Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such indemnifying party and indemnified parties shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by such indemnifying party or indemnified parties, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statements or omissions. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 7(c), any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding.

The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7(e) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, (i) no party shall be liable for contribution under this Section 7(e) except to the extent and under such circumstances as such party would have been liable to indemnify under this Section 7 if such indemnification were enforceable under applicable law and (ii) no Sphere Entertainment

 

-26-


Party (or related indemnified party) shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the net proceeds (including the value of any securities received in an exchange offer) received by such Sphere Entertainment Party (net of underwriting discounts or dealer manager fees borne by such Sphere Entertainment Party) from the sale or other disposition of Shares in the offering that is the subject of the claim for contribution exceeds the amount of any damages which such Sphere Entertainment Party (or related indemnified party) would have been required to pay by reason of the indemnity under this Section 7 if such indemnification was enforceable under applicable law.

If indemnification is available under this Section 7, the indemnifying parties shall indemnify each indemnified party to the full extent provided in Sections 7(a) and (b) without regard to the relative fault of said indemnifying party or indemnified party or any other equitable consideration provided for in this Section 7(e).

8.    Participation in Underwritten Registrations. A Sphere Entertainment Party may not participate in any underwritten registration, exchange offer or pro-rata distribution hereunder or otherwise unless such Sphere Entertainment Party (a) agrees to sell the Shares on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements, dealer manager arrangements or distribution arrangements with customary terms and conditions for a secondary offering approved by the Company or the persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements, dealer manager agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements, the dealer manager arrangements or this Agreement, provided that none of the foregoing shall in any way limit the obligations of the Company under Section 7.

 

-27-


9.    Convertible or Exchange Registration.

(a)    If any Sphere Entertainment Holder who is a holder of the Shares offers any options, rights, warrants or other securities issued by it or any other person that are offered with, convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for any Shares, the Shares underlying such options, rights, warrants or other securities shall be eligible for registration pursuant to Section 1 and Section 3 hereof.

10.    Reporting Requirements; Rule 144. Until the expiration or termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Company shall be and remain in compliance with the periodic filing requirements imposed under the Commission’s rules and regulations, including the Exchange Act, and any other applicable laws or rules, and shall timely file such information, documents and reports as the Commission may require or prescribe under Section 13 or 15(d) (whichever is applicable) of the Exchange Act. If the Company is not required to file such reports, it will, upon the request of any Sphere Entertainment Holder, make publicly available such necessary information for so long as necessary to permit sales pursuant to Rule 144 or Regulation S under the Securities Act, and it will take such further action as any Sphere Entertainment Holder may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Sphere Entertainment Holder to sell the Shares without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by (a) Rule 144 or Regulation S under the Securities Act, as such Rules may be amended from time to time, or (b) any rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC. From and after the date

 

-28-


hereof through the first anniversary of the date upon which no Sphere Entertainment Holder owns any Shares, the Company shall forthwith upon request furnish any Sphere Entertainment Holder (i) a written statement by the Company as to whether it has complied with such requirements and, if not, the specifics thereof, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and (iii) such other reports and documents filed by the Company with the Commission as such Sphere Entertainment Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of an exemption for the sale of Shares without registration under the Securities Act.

ARTICLE II

VOTING RESTRICTIONS

11.    Voting of the Class A Common Stock.

(a)    From the date of the Distribution until the date that the Initial Sphere Entertainment Holders cease to own any Shares, the Shareholder shall, and shall cause each Initial Sphere Entertainment Holder to (in each case, to the extent that they own any Shares), be present, in person or by proxy, at each and every shareholder meeting of the Company, and otherwise to cause all Shares owned by them to be counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum at any such meeting, and to vote or consent on any matter (including waivers of contractual or statutory rights), or cause to be voted or consented on any such matter, all such Shares in proportion to the votes cast by the other holders of the Class A Common Stock on such matter.

(b)    From the date of the Distribution until the date that the Initial Sphere Entertainment Holders cease to own any Shares, the Shareholder hereby grants, and shall cause each Initial Sphere Entertainment Holder (in each case, to the extent that

 

-29-


they own any Shares) to grant, an irrevocable proxy, which shall be deemed coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable proxy to the Company or its designees, to vote, with respect to any matter (including waivers of contractual or statutory rights), all Shares owned by them, in proportion to the votes cast by the other holders of the Class A Common Stock on such matter; provided that (i) such proxy shall automatically be revoked as to a particular Share upon any sale of such Share from an Initial Sphere Entertainment Holder to a person other than an Initial Sphere Entertainment Holder and (ii) nothing in this Section 11(b) shall limit or prohibit any such sale.

(c)    The Shareholder acknowledges and agrees (on behalf of itself and each Initial Sphere Entertainment Holder) that the Company will be irreparably damaged in the event any of the provisions of this Article II are not performed by the Shareholder in accordance with their terms or are otherwise breached. Accordingly, it is agreed that the Company shall be entitled to an injunction to prevent breaches of this Article II and to specific enforcement of the provisions of this Article II in any action instituted in any court of the United States or any state having subject matter jurisdiction over such action.

ARTICLE III     

MISCELLANEOUS

12.    Miscellaneous.

(a)    No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company will not hereafter enter into any agreement with respect to its securities which is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Sphere Entertainment Parties in this Agreement.

 

-30-


(b)    Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or altered except by a writing duly signed by the party against which such amendment or modification is sought to be enforced.

(c)    Successors and Assigns.

(i)    This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company, the Sphere Entertainment Parties and the respective successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the Sphere Entertainment Parties. The Company shall assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any entity that succeeds to all or substantially all of its assets, by merger or otherwise, including to any holding company that may be formed to be the parent of the Company, if such entity becomes the issuer of the securities then owned by the Sphere Entertainment Holders. Each Sphere Entertainment Holder may assign its rights and obligations hereunder to any other Sphere Entertainment Holder that succeeds to all or substantially all of its assets, by merger or otherwise, without the consent of the Company.

(ii) In connection with the sale of Shares, the Shareholder or another Sphere Entertainment Holder that has been transferred Shares pursuant to clause (A) below may assign its registration-related rights and obligations under this Agreement relating to such Shares (other than, in the case of clause (B) or (C) below, the voting provisions contained in Article II hereof) to the following transferees in such sale: (A) another Sphere Entertainment Holder to which the Shares are sold, (B) any other transferee to which the Shares are sold, if the Company provides prior written consent to the transfer of such registration-related

 

-31-


rights and obligations along with the sale of the Shares or (C) any other transferee to which the Shares are sold, unless (I) such sale consists of Shares representing less than 5% of the Company’s then-issued and outstanding securities of the same class as the Shares or (II) such Shares are eligible for sale pursuant to an exemption from the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act under Section 4(a) thereof (including transactions pursuant to Rule 144); provided, (x) the Company is given written notice prior to or at the time of such sale stating the name and address of the transferee and identifying the securities with respect to which the registration-related rights and obligations are being sold and (y) the transferee executes a counterpart in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A and delivers the same to the Company (any such transferee in such sale, a “Transferee”). A Transferee that obtains Shares in compliance with the foregoing sentence shall be considered a Sphere Entertainment Holder for purposes of this Agreement upon satisfaction of the procedures set forth in the foregoing sentence.

(d)    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(e)    Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not constitute a part hereof.

(f)    Construction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York without giving any effect to principles of conflicts of laws.

 

-32-


(g)    Notices. Any notice required or desired to be delivered hereunder shall be (i) in writing, (ii) delivered by personal delivery, sent by commercial delivery service or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by facsimile or electronic mail, (iii) deemed to have been given on the date of personal delivery, the date set forth in the records of the delivery service or return receipt, or in the case of facsimile or electronic mail, upon dispatch, and (iv) addressed as designated on Schedule 1 hereto (or to such other address as the party entitled to notice shall hereafter designate in accordance with the terms hereof), with copies as designated on Schedule 1 hereto.

(h)    Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any provision hereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected unless the provision held invalid shall substantially impair the benefits of the remaining portions of this Agreement.

(i)    Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and is intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

(j)    Attorneys’ Fees. In any action or proceeding brought to enforce any provision of this Agreement, or where any provision hereof is validly asserted as a defense, the successful party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other available remedy.

 

-33-


(k)    Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective on the date on which the Distribution is consummated, without any further action of any of the parties hereto.

 

-34-


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.

 

MSGE SPINCO, INC.
(to be renamed Madison Square Garden
Entertainment Corp.)
By:  

/s/ David F. Byrnes

  Name:   David F. Byrnes
  Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
(to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.)
By:  

/s/ James L. Dolan

  Name:   James L. Dolan
  Title:   Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

[Signature Page to Shareholder’s and Registration Rights Agreement]


ANNEX A

Definitions

Class A Common Stock” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Class B Common Stock” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Commission” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(a) hereof.

Common Equity Securities” means shares of any class of common stock, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of any class of common stock of the Company.

Company” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Creditor” means any financial institution approved by the Company, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

Designated Registration” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6 hereof.

Distribution” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Recitals.

Dolan Children Trusts Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, to be dated as of March 31, 2023, between the Company and the Charles F. Dolan Children Trusts, as the same may be amended, modified or amended and restated from time to time.

Dolan Family Affiliates Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, to be dated as of March 31, 2023, between the Company and the Dolan Family Affiliates (as defined therein), as the same may be amended, modified or amended and restated from time to time.

Dolan Registration Rights Agreements” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2 hereof.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Inspectors” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5(g) hereof.

Losses” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 7(a) hereof.

Market Price” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(d) hereof.

 

A-1


Materiality Notice” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(c) hereof.

Sphere Entertainment Group” means MSGE and its subsidiaries.

Sphere Entertainment Holders” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Preamble hereof.

Sphere Entertainment Parties” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Preamble hereof.

MSGE” means The Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.), a Delaware corporation.

Offering Confidential Information” means, with respect to a piggyback registration, (i) the Company’s plan to file the relevant registration statement and engage in the offering so registered, (ii) any information regarding the offering being registered (including the potential timing, price, number of shares, underwriters or other counterparties, selling stockholders or plan of distribution) and (iii) any other information (including information contained in draft supplements or amendments to offering materials) provided to any Sphere Entertainment Party or Other Holder by the Company (or by third parties) in connection with a piggyback registration; provided, that Offering Confidential Information shall not include information that (x) was or becomes generally available to the public (including as a result of the filing of the relevant registration statement) other than as a result of a disclosure by any Sphere Entertainment Party or Other Holder, (y) was or becomes available to any Sphere Entertainment Party or Other Holder from a source not bound by any confidentiality agreement with the Company or (z) was otherwise in such Sphere Entertainment Party or Other Holder’s possession prior to it being furnished to such Sphere Entertainment Party or Other Holder by the Company or on the Company’s behalf.

Other Holders” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2 hereof.

Qualifying Creditor” means a Creditor who has, at the written request of a Sphere Entertainment Holder, signed an instrument in form reasonably acceptable to the Company agreeing to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement.

Records” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5(g) hereof.

Registered Class A” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5(b).

 

A-2


Registration Expenses” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6 hereof.

Rule 144 Threshold” means the product of (a) the maximum number of shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company that could be sold under Rule 144(e)(1) under the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation) and (b) the applicable Market Price provided for in this Agreement.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Shares” means (i) shares of Class A Common Stock acquired by any Sphere Entertainment Holder in the Distribution, (ii) any shares of Class A Common Stock acquired by any Sphere Entertainment Holder as a result of any stock split, stock dividend or other recapitalization with respect to any shares of Class A Common Stock acquired by any Sphere Entertainment Holder in the Distribution or acquired as provided in this clause (ii), provided that the “Shares” excludes any security (i) the offering and sale of which has been effectively registered under the Securities Act and which has been sold in accordance with a registration statement or (ii) that has been sold pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor provision) under the Securities Act.

Suspension of Effectiveness” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2(c) hereof.

Suspension of Filing” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(c) hereof.

Suspension of Offering” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(c) hereof.

Trading Day” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 1(d) hereof.

Transfer” means a sale, transfer or other disposition.

Transferee” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 12(c) hereof.

 

A-3

Exhibit 10.5

TRANSACTION AGREEMENT

Transaction Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of [______], 2023, by and among (i) MSG Arena, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Arenaco”), MSG Arena Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Arena Holdco” and together with Arenaco, the “Arena Companies”), MSG National Properties, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“National Properties”), MSG Entertainment Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“MSGE Holdings”), and MSGE Spinco, Inc. (to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.), a Delaware corporation (“Spinco” and together with the Arena Companies, National Properties and MSGE Holdings, the “Spinco Parties”); and (ii) Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.), a Delaware corporation (“Sphere Entertainment”), and MSG Entertainment Group, LLC (to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Group, LLC), a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Sphere Entertainment (“Sphere Entertainment Holdings” and, together with Sphere Entertainment and the Spinco Parties, the “Transaction Parties”), on the one hand, each Spinco Party c/o Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, New York 10121, Attn: General Counsel and each of Sphere Entertainment and Sphere Entertainment Holdings c/o Sphere Entertainment Co., Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, New York 10121, Attn: General Counsel; and the National Basketball Association (“NBA”), on the other hand, c/o National Basketball Association, Olympic Tower, 645 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10022, Attn: General Counsel.

RECITALS

A. The NBA and certain of the Transaction Parties are parties to (i) the Agreement and Undertaking (the “2015 Agreement and Undertaking”), dated as of September 28, 2015, from certain of the Transaction Parties and certain other parties in favor of the NBA Entities (as defined therein), (ii) the Transfer Consent Agreement (the “2015 Transfer Consent


Agreement”), dated as of September 28, 2015, among certain of the Transaction Parties and certain other parties, on the one hand, and the NBA, on the other hand, and (iii) the Transaction Agreement (the “2020 Transaction Agreement” and together with the 2015 Agreement and Undertaking and the 2015 Transfer Consent Agreement, the “Prior Agreements”), dated as of April 15, 2020, among certain of the Transaction Parties and certain other parties, on the one hand, and the NBA, on the other hand.

B. Sphere Entertainment plans to separate (the “Spin-Off”) certain of its businesses which include the Madison Square Garden Arena (the “Arena”) from its sphere and certain other businesses on [_____], 2023 (the “Spin-Off Date”). The Spin-Off will not affect the Team Parties’ (as defined in the 2020 Transaction Agreement) ownership of their respective sports businesses, which includes Knicks LLC’s ownership of the NBA membership known as the New York Knickerbockers (the “Membership”) and all assets comprising the New York Knickerbockers basketball team (collectively with the Membership, the “Knickerbockers”).

C. After giving effect to the Spin-Off, Sphere Entertainment will remain a publicly-traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”).

D. As steps in effecting the Spin-Off, on the date hereof, (i) Sphere Entertainment Holdings will transfer its 100% ownership interest in National Properties to MSGE Holdings and (ii) Sphere Entertainment Holdings will transfer its 100% ownership interest in MSGE Holdings to Spinco (the transactions described in clauses (i) and (ii) collectively, the “Transfer”), and (iv) MSGE Holdings, National Properties and the Arena Companies will become subsidiaries of Spinco (together with the Transfer and the Spin-Off, the “Proposed Transactions”).

 

2


E. After giving effect to the Proposed Transactions: (i) all of the membership interests of Arenaco will continue to be directly owned by Arena Holdco, (ii) all of the membership interests of Arena Holdco will continue to be directly owned by National Properties, (iii) all of the membership interests of National Properties will be directly owned by MSGE Holdings, (iv) all of the membership interests of MSGE Holdings will be directly owned by Spinco, (v) Spinco will be a publicly-traded company listed on the NYSE, and (vi) Sphere Entertainment will continue to own an interest in Spinco constituting approximately 33% of the outstanding shares of Spinco common stock in the form of Class A common stock of Spinco (the “Retained Interest”).

G. After giving effect to the Proposed Transactions: (i) the ultimate ownership of the Arena Parties and the Arena immediately following the Spin-Off by shall be the same as it was immediately prior to the Spin-Off (including the Dolan family’s ability to elect a majority of the board of directors), and (ii) Sphere Entertainment Holdings will own the Retained Interest, which shall constitute an indirect ownership interest in the Arena and the Arena Companies.

H. The Proposed Transactions require the approval of the NBA. The NBA has approved the Proposed Transactions upon the condition that each of the Transaction Parties executes, delivers and performs this Agreement and the Closing Certificate (as defined below).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the approval by the NBA of the Proposed Transactions, the Transaction Parties agree and undertake in favor of the NBA and the other Affiliated NBA Parties (as defined below) as follows:

1. The Transaction Parties jointly and severally represent, warrant and agree as follows:

(i) Each Transaction Party is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, and has the power and authority to own, operate and lease its properties and to carry on its business. Each Transaction Party has the power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each Transaction Party, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

 

3


(ii) All consents, approvals and filings necessary for the consummation of the Proposed Transactions have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect.

(iii) There is no action, suit or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of any Transaction Party, threatened against any Transaction Party that is reasonably likely to result in a material adverse change in the business, properties, assets or prospects or in the condition, financial or otherwise (a “Material Adverse Change”) of such Transaction Party, or which is reasonably likely to prevent, impede or adversely affect the consummation of the Proposed Transactions. There is no order, writ, injunction or decree that has been issued by, or, to the knowledge of any Transaction Party, requested by, any court or governmental agency which has resulted or is reasonably likely to result in any Material Adverse Change with respect to any Transaction Party or which is reasonably likely to prevent, impede or adversely affect the consummation of the Proposed Transactions.

(iv) Each Transaction Party is in compliance in all material respects with all laws, regulations and orders, federal, state, provincial or otherwise, except where the failure to be in compliance (individually or collectively) would not be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Change with respect to such Transaction Party or have a material adverse effect on the ability of such Transaction Party to conduct its business as currently conducted.

(v) Each Transaction Party has performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed by such Transaction Party to date with respect to the Proposed Transactions. No Transaction Party is in default under any material contract, agreement, lease, or other instrument relating to the Proposed Transactions to which such Transaction Party is a party or by which such Transaction Party is bound. Each of the Transaction Documents (as defined below) constitutes a valid and binding obligation enforceable against each Transaction Party that is a party thereto in accordance with its terms.

 

4


(vi) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents, and the compliance by the Transaction Parties with their terms, will not conflict with, or result in the breach or termination of, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any Transaction Party’s properties or assets pursuant to any indenture, mortgage, lease, agreement or other instrument to which such Transaction Party is a party or by which such Transaction Party is bound, except pursuant to that certain Pledge Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2022, by Sphere Entertainment Holdings in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. on behalf of the lenders under that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2022, among MSG Las Vegas, LLC, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Sphere Entertainment, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto, Sphere Entertainment will pledge the Retained Interest on terms previously consented to by the NBA on December 22, 2022 (the “Retained Interest Pledge”). The Proposed Transactions will have no material adverse effect on the business, assets, operations or condition, financial or otherwise, of New York Knicks LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Knicks LLC”), Arenaco, the Knickerbockers or the Arena.

(vii) After giving effect to the Proposed Transactions, neither the Arena nor any direct or indirect ownership interests in the Arena Companies or National Properties (except for (i) shares of Spinco that may be pledged without NBA approval to the same extent shares of Sphere Entertainment may be pledged without NBA approval as provided in Section 3 of the 2020 Transaction Agreement and (ii) shares of Spinco subject to the Retained Interest Pledge) are, and

 

5


after giving effect to the Proposed Transactions none of such assets or interests will be, pledged to secure the indebtedness or obligations of any person or entity. As used in this Agreement, the terms “interest” and “ownership interest” shall include, individually and collectively, each economic, voting, management, disposition and other right associated with such interest or ownership interest, including, without limitation, the right to receive dividends and distributions upon a sale transaction or otherwise.

(viii) After giving effect to the Proposed Transactions and except as provided in Schedule 1(vii), the Transaction Parties do not have, and after giving effect to the Proposed Transactions, the Transaction Parties will not have (as of the Spin-Off Date), any Enterprise Indebtedness (as defined in the NBA Debt Policies).

(ix) None of the Transaction Parties has any Claims (as defined below) against any of the Affiliated NBA Parties, except for claims of the type described in Section 3(b).

(x) The Proposed Transactions (other than the Spin-Off) have been consummated today and the Spin-Off shall be consummated on the Spin-Off Date, in each case in accordance with the terms of the documents listed on Schedule 1(x) (the “Transaction Documents”).

(xi) Except as provided in the Transaction Documents, the agreements referred to below in this paragraph (xi) and in Schedule 1(vii) and the Retained Interest Pledge, there are no agreements, arrangements or understandings, whether written or oral, among any of the Transaction Parties or their respective Affiliates (as defined below) relating to or entered into in connection with the Proposed Transactions or relating to the ownership, control, management, right to transfer direct or indirect interests in, or financing of the Knickerbockers, the Arena or any of the Transaction Parties (including, without limitation, partnership or shareholders agreements).

 

6


The NBA has received true and complete copies of each of the Transaction Documents, in the forms to be entered into on the Spin-Off Date. Except for the assignments referred to in clauses (b) and (c) below, the Proposed Transactions will have no effect on (a) the Arena License Agreement dated April 15, 2020 between Knicks LLC and Arenaco, (b) the Sponsorship Sales and Service Representation Agreement dated April 15, 2020 between Knicks Holdings and Sphere Entertainment Holdings (which is being be assigned to MSGE Holdings in connection with the Proposed Transactions), or the (c) Team Sponsorship Allocation Agreement dated April 15, 2020 between MSG Sports, LLC and Sphere Entertainment Holdings (which is being be assigned to MSGE Holdings in connection with the Proposed Transactions). None of the above-referenced agreements has been amended, waived or supplemented in any respect since its execution, and each remains in full force and effect.

(xii) All information furnished by or on behalf of the Transaction Parties to the NBA Entities in connection with the request for approval of the Proposed Transactions is true and correct in all material respects and has not contained any material misstatement or omitted any material statement which would make such information not misleading.

(xiii) No Transaction Party is holding its direct or indirect interest in the Knickerbockers or rights under the Transaction Documents for the benefit of any other person or entity. After giving effect to the Proposed Transactions, no Spinco Party presently has any intention of, or agreement or arrangement with respect to, selling, relocating or otherwise transferring any of its direct or indirect interests in the Arena. Following the consummation of the Proposed Transactions, all Basketball-Related Assets (other than the Arena) will be owned by Knicks LLC and neither Spinco nor any of its subsidiaries will own any Basketball-Related Assets (other than the Arena). As used in this Agreement, the term “Basketball-Related Assets” means,

 

7


collectively, (a) the Knickerbockers, (b) any and all other assets used in or related to the ownership or operation of the Knickerbockers or the performance or exhibition by the Knickerbockers of NBA games in which it is a participant, and (c) any and all assets arising out of or created or issued by virtue of, as a result of, or in connection with, the admission or current status of the Knickerbockers as a member of the NBA, including, without limitation, media rights, sponsorship rights, rights to attend Knickerbockers games and all rights to derive revenues from any of the foregoing; “Basketball-Related Assets” include any agreements to the extent they grant other persons any such rights, whether or not they include the grant of additional rights. Following the consummation of the Proposed Transactions, Arenaco will continue to own the Arena and will be an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Spinco; and no Team Party will have any direct or indirect ownership interest in Arenaco. Following the consummation of the Proposed Transactions and for so long as it remains an affiliate of Knicks LLC, Arena Holdco, Arenaco and any other direct or indirect subsidiary of Spinco that does not own substantial assets other than such entity’s direct or indirect ownership interests in the Arena (and Spinco if it does not own such other substantial assets) will be an “Arena Affiliate” for purposes of the NBA Debt Policies; thereafter, such entities shall not be “Arena Affiliates” for purposes of the NBA Debt Policies and therefore the Arena and any direct or indirect ownership interests in the Arena Companies may be pledged to secure the indebtedness or obligations of any person or entity. For the avoidance of doubt, following the consummation of the Proposed Transactions, none of Sphere Entertainment, Sphere Entertainment Holdings or any of their respective direct or indirect subsidiaries that is not an Arena Affiliate shall be subject to the Arena Indebtedness limitations in the NBA Debt Policies or any NBA restriction on pledging any of such entity’s assets (other than direct or indirect equity interests in an Arena Affiliate as provided in Section 1(vii)) provided that it complies with the foregoing covenant to not own any

Basketball-Related Assets (other than the Arena) and each of the other terms of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents.

 

8


(xiv) After giving effect to the Proposed Transactions, (i) the Spinco Parties will not own any shares of Sphere Entertainment and (ii) Sphere Entertainment Holdings will own the Retained Interest, subject to the Retained Interest Pledge.

2. (a) The Transaction Parties agree that none of the Transaction Documents shall be amended, modified, terminated or waived in any respect, and none of the Transaction Parties or their Affiliates shall enter into any new agreements, arrangements or understandings, in each case that change in a material way any management, control or ownership arrangement or the business transaction presented to and approved by the NBA without the prior written consent of the NBA. None of the Transaction Parties shall assign, pledge or otherwise encumber any of their rights, or delegate any of their duties, under any of the Transaction Documents, without the prior written consent of the NBA, and any assignment, pledge, encumbrance or delegation in violation of this provision shall be void.

(b) The Spinco Parties shall cause Arenaco to operate the Arena in a first class manner, consistent with the manner in which NBA arenas generally are operated, as determined by the NBA Commissioner.

(c) Spinco agrees to provide each other Spinco Party with all required operating support, financial and otherwise, necessary to operate the Arena in a first class manner in accordance with Section 2(b) and pay its expenses, liabilities and obligations as and when due.

(d) From and after the date of this Agreement, the Spinco Parties agree not to incur any Enterprise Indebtedness without the prior approval of the NBA and compliance with the applicable NBA Rules.

 

9


3. (a) Each of the Transaction Parties, on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliates, hereby releases and forever discharges the NBA Entities, each of the present and future member teams of the NBA (the “NBA Teams”) (other than New York Knicks, LLC), and each of their respective predecessors, successors, assigns and affiliates, and the past, present and future direct and indirect directors, officers, employees, agents, owners, partners, members, managers, shareholders, governors, affiliates and subsidiaries of each of the foregoing (collectively, including the NBA Entities and NBA Teams, the “Affiliated NBA Parties”) from all actions, causes of action, suits, debts, losses, costs, controversies, damages, liabilities, judgments, claims, and demands whatsoever, in law, admiralty or equity (collectively, “Claims”), known or unknown and arising out of or relating to (i) the Proposed Transactions, or (ii) facts, circumstances, acts or omissions existing or occurring on or prior to the date of this Agreement relating to the business of the NBA Entities or the game of NBA, WNBA, NBA 2K League or G League basketball, that any of the Transaction Parties (or its Affiliates) ever had, now has or hereafter can, shall or may have against any of them. Each of the Transaction Parties represents and warrants to the NBA Entities that none of the Claims purportedly released under the prior sentence has been assigned or transferred to any other party.

(b) The release and discharge set forth in Section 3(a) shall not apply to terminate, modify or amend any contracts or agreements between or among the Transaction Parties (or their Affiliates) and any of the Affiliated NBA Parties which were entered into by the Transaction Parties (or their Affiliates) in the ordinary course of their business, or release or discharge any amounts due in the ordinary course under any of those agreements.

 

10


4. (a) The Transaction Parties jointly and severally shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless each of the Affiliated NBA Parties from and against all actions, causes of action, suits, debts, obligations, losses, damages, amounts paid in settlement, liabilities, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, interest, penalties and reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) (collectively, “Losses”) resulting to, imposed upon, asserted against or incurred by any Affiliated NBA Party (including, but not limited to, in any action between any of the Transaction Parties and any Affiliated NBA Party) in connection with or arising out of (i) the Proposed Transactions or any transactions or other acts or occurrences relating to the Proposed Transactions; (ii) any breach or misrepresentation by any of the Transaction Parties under this Agreement; (iii) any act or omission (or alleged act or omission), whether on, prior to or after the date of this Agreement, by or on behalf of any of the Transaction Parties or their respective past, present or future Affiliates, except that in the case of Losses suffered by owners of NBA Teams or their affiliates (other than their NBA Teams and the NBA Entities), such Losses must arise from acts or circumstances related to the business of the NBA Entities or the game of NBA, WNBA, NBA 2K League or G-League basketball, and in the case of Losses suffered by NBA Teams or their affiliates (other than the NBA Entities), such Losses shall not include damages payable by such NBA Team or affiliate to a Transaction Party in a proceeding in which such Transaction Party is the prevailing party, or expenses incurred by such NBA Team or affiliate in such proceeding; or (iv) any Claim (other than a Claim against a particular NBA Team or its owners) by an Affiliate of any of the Transaction Parties that would have been released by such Affiliate under Section 3(a) (after giving effect to Section 3(b)) if it had been defined as an “Transaction Party” for purposes of this Agreement.

(b) Upon the request of the NBA, the applicable Transaction Parties shall advance to the NBA or another indemnified party an amount equal to any Losses as those Losses are incurred; provided that in a proceeding between a Transaction Party or its Affiliate and an NBA Team or its affiliate (other than their NBA Teams and the NBA Entities), such Losses must only be advanced upon a final determination that the Transaction Party or its Affiliate is liable in such proceeding.

 

11


(c) None of the Affiliated NBA Parties shall be entitled to bring an indemnification claim against any of the Transaction Parties under this Section 4 without the approval of the NBA Commissioner.

(d) Any Affiliated NBA Party claiming a right of indemnity hereunder shall give the indemnifying party prompt notice of the claim, action, suit, proceeding or circumstance giving rise to the potential Losses and shall afford the indemnifying party the opportunity to participate in the defense of such claim, action, suit or proceeding; provided, however, that the failure of any Affiliated NBA Party to give such prompt notice shall not affect its right to receive indemnification under this Agreement except to the extent the indemnifying party is materially and adversely affected by the failure.

5. Each Transaction Party acknowledges that from time to time it and one or more of the NBA Entities will jointly retain one or more law firms or experts to represent and advise them (“League Advisors”). Each Transaction Party agrees and consents to the representation of the NBA Entities and the other NBA Teams by League Advisors in connection with any and all controversies and disputes, including any litigation or other adversarial proceeding adverse to such Transaction Party. In any such adverse representation, the current or prior representation of such Transaction Party by that League Advisor, and the information that was conveyed to that League Advisor in the course of such representation, shall not be asserted as, and shall not constitute, a basis to disqualify that League Advisor from the adverse representation.

 

12


6. Any notice or other communication under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be considered given when delivered personally, sent by reputable overnight courier or mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the parties at the addresses set forth above (or at such other address as a party may specify by notice similarly given).

7. This Agreement and the Closing Certificate contain the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the Proposed Transactions, and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter hereof; provided that nothing in this Agreement or the Closing Certificate shall (a) amend, terminate or waive any of the terms or provisions (including representations and indemnities) of any Agreement and Undertaking or other agreement or certificate executed by any of the Transaction Parties prior to the date of this Agreement, including the Prior Agreements, or (b) affect any rights or Claims of the Affiliated NBA Parties, or liabilities or obligations of any of the Transaction Parties or other parties, under any such Agreement and Undertaking or other agreement or certificate arising or accrued through the date of this Agreement, including the Prior Agreements, each of which shall remain in full force and effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Transaction Parties and the NBA confirm that: (i) after the Spin-Off Date, Sphere Entertainment and its subsidiaries shall not have any further obligation to provide operating support to any Spinco Party or any Team Party under the second sentence of Section 2(b) of the 2020 Transaction Agreement or the fourth sentence of Section 2(c) of the 2020 Transaction Agreement, (ii) following a Retained Interest Sale (as defined below), Sphere Entertainment and its subsidiaries shall not have any obligation under Section 7(a)(ii) or (iii) of the 2015 Agreement and Undertaking for breaches, acts or omissions of any Spinco Party occurring thereafter, (iii) following a Retained Interest Sale, no Spinco Party shall have any obligation under Section 7(a)(ii) or (iii) of the 2015

 

13


Transaction Agreement for breaches, acts or omissions of Sphere Entertainment and its subsidiaries occurring thereafter, (iv) following a Retained Interest Sale, Sphere Entertainment and its subsidiaries shall not have any obligation under Section 4(a)(ii) or (iii) of the 2020 Transaction Agreement for breaches, acts or omissions of any Team Party or Spinco Party occurring thereafter, and (v) following a Retained Interest Sale, no Team Party or Spinco Party shall have any obligation under Section 4(a)(ii) or (iii) of the 2020 Transaction Agreement for breaches, acts or omissions of Sphere Entertainment and its subsidiaries occurring thereafter. A “Retained Interest Sale” shall mean a sale, transfer or other disposition of all of the Retained Interest by Sphere Entertainment Holdings in accordance with NBA Rules pursuant to one of more of the following means: (a) an underwritten public offering to public shareholders, (b) a private sale to an unaffiliated party, (c) an exchange for shares of common stock of Sphere Entertainment in a registered exchange offer, (d) a distribution to the holders of common stock of Sphere Entertainment, or (e) a delivery of shares of Class A common stock of Spinco constituting a portion of the Retained Interest by Sphere Entertainment to Spinco in partial payment of the delayed draw term loan by Spinco, as lender, to Sphere Entertainment, as borrower.

8. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed entirely in New York. Pursuant to Article 24(h) of the NBA Constitution, the provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted by the NBA Commissioner.

9. The covenants and agreements by the Transaction Parties contained in this Agreement shall be construed as several covenants by each of the Transaction Parties in favor of the NBA Entities that may be relied on solely by the NBA Entities, and not as covenants between any of the Transaction Parties. Accordingly, any of such covenants and agreements, and any of the representations made by the Transaction Parties in this Agreement, may be waived, amended,

 

14


consented to or otherwise approved by the NBA Entities, on the one hand, and the particular Transaction Party to which such covenant, agreement or representation applies, on the other hand, without the consent or approval of any other party, including, but not limited to, in cases where one or more other Transaction Parties has made the same or a similar covenant, agreement or representation that is not being waived, amended, consented to or otherwise approved by the NBA Entities as to such Transaction Party, as applicable.

10. As used in this Agreement, the term “Affiliate” means with respect to a specified person or entity, (i) any other person or entity directly or indirectly controlled by, controlling or under common control with the specified person or entity, (ii) any person who is an officer, director or trustee of, or serves in a similar capacity with respect to, the specified entity, (iii) any other person or entity that, directly or indirectly, is the beneficial owner of 50% or more of any class of equity interests of the specified entity, or of which the specified person or entity, directly or indirectly, is the owner of 50% or more of any class of equity interests, and (iv) the spouse, children and other lineal descendants (collectively, “Relatives”) of the specified person, any trust for the benefit of the specified person or his or her Relatives, and any entity directly or indirectly controlled by one or more Relatives of the specified person. For the avoidance of doubt, each of Sphere Entertainment, Spinco, Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. and their direct and indirect subsidiaries are Affiliates of each other as of the date of this Agreement and the Spin-Off Date.

11. The Transaction Parties acknowledge and agree that the NBA’s approval of the Proposed Transactions and agreements hereunder are subject to: (i) the Spin-Off being consummated on the Spin-Off Date strictly in accordance with the Distribution Agreement and the other applicable Transaction Documents, (ii) the Transaction Parties executing and delivering to the NBA a certificate dated the Spin-Off Date in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto (the

 

15


Closing Certificate”), and (iii) the ownership structure of the Transaction Parties upon consummation of the Proposed Transactions conforming to Schedule 1(xiv) hereto. If any condition in the foregoing clauses (i)-(iii) is not satisfied, the approval of the NBA with respect to the Proposed Transactions (but not the representations, warranties and obligations of the Transaction Parties hereunder) shall be void ab initio.

12. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which together shall constitute the same instrument.

[Signature pages follow]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement, intending to be bound hereby, as of the date first written above.

 

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
By:    
MSG ARENA, LLC
By:    
MSG ARENA HOLDINGS, LLC
By:    
MSG ENTERTAINMENT HOLDINGS, LLC
By:    
MSG NATIONAL PROPERTIES, LLC
By:    

MSGE SPINCO, INC.

(to be renamed Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.)


By:    

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co.)

By:    

MSG ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, LLC

(to be renamed Sphere Entertainment Group, LLC)

By:    

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP. BOARD APPROVES SPIN-OFF

OF TRADITIONAL LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS

Spin-Off Transaction Expected to be Completed April 20th

NEW YORK, NY – March 30, 2023 – Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (NYSE: MSGE) (“Company”) today announced that its board of directors has approved the spin-off of its traditional live entertainment business, which is expected to be completed on April 20th.

Upon completion of the spin-off transaction, the current parent company will be renamed Sphere Entertainment Co. and will be comprised of the Sphere, MSG Networks and Tao Group Hospitality businesses. The newly formed live entertainment company will take on the name Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. and will include a diverse collection of performance venues, the entertainment and sports bookings business, and the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes production.

Executive Chairman and CEO James L. Dolan said: “With today’s announcement, we are one step closer toward our goal of creating two distinct companies, each well positioned to generate long-term value for our shareholders.”

The distribution will take place on April 20, 2023 to the Company’s stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 14, 2023. Each of the Company’s common stockholders will receive a distribution of one Class A or Class B share of the new live entertainment company for every share of the Company’s Class A or Class B common stock, respectively, held as of the record date, representing approximately 67% of the outstanding shares of the new live entertainment company. Immediately after the spin-off becomes effective, Sphere Entertainment Co., will own approximately 33% of the outstanding shares of the new live entertainment company.

The Company’s Board of Directors also authorized a $250 million share repurchase program for the new live entertainment company’s Class A common stock following completion of the spin-off.

The spin-off is intended to qualify as a tax-free distribution to the Company’s stockholders and the Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Company’s stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of the spin-off.

Beginning on April 17, 2023, and continuing until the occurrence of the distribution, the Company expects that its common stock will trade in two markets on the NYSE: in the “regular way” market under the Company’s current name, “Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.”, and under the current ticker symbol, “MSGE”, and in the “ex-distribution” market under the new name, “Sphere Entertainment Co.”, and under the symbol “SPHR WI”.

Any holders of the Company’s Class A common stock who sell shares regular way on or before April 20, 2023, will also be selling their right to receive Class A common stock of the newly formed live entertainment company. Investors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisors regarding the specific implications of buying or selling the Company’s Class A common stock on or before the distribution date. The CUSIP number for the Company’s Class A common stock will remain 55826T102. The Company’s Class B common stock is not listed on a securities exchange.


The new live entertainment company’s Class A common stock is expected to begin trading on a “when-issued” basis on the NYSE under the symbol “MSGE WI” and under the name, “Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.”, beginning on April 17, 2023 and continuing until the distribution occurs. The CUSIP number for the new live entertainment company’s Class A stock will be 558256103. The new live entertainment company’s Class B common stock will not be listed on a securities exchange.

“Regular way” trading will begin on April 21, 2023 with Sphere Entertainment Co. Class A common stock trading under the symbol “SPHR” and the Class A common stock of the new live entertainment company, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., trading under the symbol “MSGE”.

The completion of the spin-off is subject to the effectiveness of the Form 10 registration statement, as well as certain conditions, approvals, and consents, including final NBA league approval and receipt of a tax opinion from counsel. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, BofA Securities, and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are serving as financial advisors. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal advisor.

No action or payment is required by the Company’s stockholders to receive shares of the newly formed live entertainment company. Stockholders who hold the Company’s common stock as of the record date will receive a book-entry account statement reflecting their ownership of new Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. common stock or their brokerage account will be credited with the new Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. shares. An Information Statement containing details regarding the distribution of the new Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. common stock and the new Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. business and management following the spin-off will be mailed to the Company’s stockholders as of the record date prior to the distribution date.

About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. is a leader in live entertainment. Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. presents or hosts a broad array of events in its diverse collection of venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre. Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. is also building a new state-of-the-art venue in Las Vegas, Sphere at The Venetian. In addition, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. features the original production, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, and delivers a wide range of live sports content and other programming through two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet. Also under the Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. umbrella is Tao Group Hospitality, with entertainment dining and nightlife brands including: Tao, Hakkasan, Omnia, Marquee, Lavo, Beauty & Essex, and Cathédrale. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.

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, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential spin-off of the live entertainment business 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.

# # #

Contact:

Ari Danes, CFA

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, Financial Communications & Treasury

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

(212) 465-6072

Justin Blaber

Vice President, Financial Communications

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

(212) 465-6109

Grace Kaminer

Senior Director, Investor Relations & Treasury

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

(212) 631-5076