-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, HoC3feDOkjmoKHCAq1aiSJ9m6G8QHhTth0sv8t7EvJ0RoKT2haNH0YMPnKDuIk96 yCc9xQ+ljNfdv8tW+mQDhw== 0000950123-09-073356.txt : 20100301 0000950123-09-073356.hdr.sgml : 20100301 20091224113919 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950123-09-073356 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-12B/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 19 FILED AS OF DATE: 20091224 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20100114 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: Madison Square Garden, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001469372 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: CABLE & OTHER PAY TELEVISION SERVICES [4841] IRS NUMBER: 270624498 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-12B/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-34434 FILM NUMBER: 091259923 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO PENN PLAZA CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10121 BUSINESS PHONE: (212)465-6000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO PENN PLAZA CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10121 10-12B/A 1 y78599a5e10v12bza.htm AMENDMENT NO. 5 TO FORM 10 e10v12bza
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 24, 2009
File No. 001-34434
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
Amendment No. 5
to
 
 
Form 10
 
General Form for Registration of Securities
Pursuant to Section 12(b) or (g) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
 
 
Madison Square Garden, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 
 
 
 
     
Delaware
  27-0624498
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (IRS Employer
Identification Number)
     
Two Penn Plaza
New York, NY
(Address of Principal
Executive Offices)
  10121
(Zip Code)
(212) 465-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
 
Securities to be Registered
Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Title of Each Class
  Name of Each Exchange
to be so Registered
 
on Which Each Class is to be Registered
 
Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
  The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
 
Securities to be Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 


 

 
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET BETWEEN ITEMS OF FORM 10
AND THE ATTACHED INFORMATION STATEMENT.
 
Item 1.   Business
 
The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Summary,” “Business,” “Available Information” and “Madison Square Garden, Inc. Combined Financial Statements” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
 
The information required by this item is contained under the section “Risk Factors.” That section is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 2.   Financial Information
 
The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Summary,” “Selected Financial Data” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 3.   Properties
 
The information required by this item is contained under the section “Business — Properties” of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 4.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
 
The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Summary” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 5.   Directors and Executive Officers
 
The information required by this item is contained under the section “Corporate Governance and Management” of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 6.   Executive Compensation
 
The information required by this item is contained under the section “Executive Compensation” of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 7.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
 
The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 8.   Legal Proceedings
 
The information required by this item is contained under the section “Business — Legal Proceedings” of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 9.   Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
 
The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Risk Factors,” “The Distribution,” “Dividend Policy,” “Business,” “Corporate Governance and Management,” “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” and “Description of Capital Stock” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.


 

 
Item 10.   Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
 
On July 29, 2009, in connection with the incorporation of Madison Square Garden, Inc., Regional Programming Partners, GP, an indirect subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation, acquired 1,000 shares of common stock of Madison Square Garden, Inc. for $10.
 
Item 11.   Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered
 
The information required by this item is contained under the sections “The Distribution” and “Description of Capital Stock” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 12.   Indemnification of Directors and Officers
 
The information required by this item is contained under the section “Indemnification of Directors and Officers” of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 13.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
The information required by this item is contained under the sections “Selected Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Madison Square Garden, Inc. Combined Financial Statements” of this information statement. Those sections are incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 14.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.
 
Item 15.   Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
(a) Financial Statements
 
The information required by this item is contained under the section “Madison Square Garden, Inc. Combined Financial Statements” beginning on page F-1 of this information statement. That section is incorporated herein by reference.
 
(b) Exhibits
 
The following documents are filed as exhibits hereto:
 
         
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
  2 .1   Form of Distribution Agreement between Cablevision Systems Corporation and Madison Square Garden, Inc. (“Distribution Agreement”)†
  2 .2   Form of Contribution Agreement among Cablevision Systems Corporation, Regional Programming Partners and Madison Square Garden, Inc.
  3 .1   Certificate of Incorporation of Madison Square Garden, Inc.†
  3 .2   Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as in effect immediately prior to Distribution).†
  3 .3   By-laws of Madison Square Garden, Inc.†
  3 .4   Form of Amended By-Laws (as in effect immediately prior to Distribution).†
  8 .1   Form of Tax Opinion of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.
  10 .1   Form of Transition Services Agreement between Cablevision Systems Corporation and Madison Square Garden, Inc. (“Transition Services Agreement”).†
  10 .2   Form of Tax Disaffiliation Agreement between Cablevision Systems Corporation and Madison Square Garden, Inc. (“Tax Disaffiliation Agreement”).
  10 .3   Form of Employee Matters Agreement between Cablevision Systems Corporation and Madison Square Garden, Inc. (“Employee Matters Agreement”).†
  10 .4   Form of Madison Square Garden, Inc. 2009 Employee Stock Plan.†
  10 .5   Form of Madison Square Garden, Inc. 2009 Cash Incentive Plan.†
  10 .6   Form of Madison Square Garden, Inc. 2009 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.†
  10 .7   Lease Agreement, between RCPI Trust and Radio City Productions LLC, relating to Radio City Music Hall, dated December 4, 1997.†+


 

         
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
  10 .8   First Amendment to Original Lease Agreement, dated December 4, 1997, between RCPI Trust and Radio City Productions LLC, dated February 19, 1999.†
  10 .9   Second Amendment to Original Lease Agreement, dated December 4, 1997, between RCPI Landmark Properties, LLC and Radio City Productions LLC, dated November 6, 2002.†+
  10 .10   Third Amendment to Original Lease Agreement, dated December 4, 1997, between RCPI Landmark Properties, LLC and Radio City Productions LLC, dated August 14, 2008.†+
  10 .11   Restated Guaranty of Lease between Madison Square Garden, L.P. and RCPI Landmark Properties, LLC, dated August 14, 2008.†+
  10 .12   Form of Affiliation Agreement between CSC Holdings, Inc. and Madison Square Garden, L.P. (“Affiliation Agreement”).†+
  10 .13   Form of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Option Agreement in respect of Vested Cablevision Options granted on and prior to November 8, 2005.
  10 .14   Form of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Option Agreement in respect of Vested Cablevision Options and Rights.
  10 .15   Form of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Option Agreement in respect of Vested Cablevision Options granted on June 5, 2006.
  10 .16   Form of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Option Agreement in respect of Cablevision Options granted on January 20, 2009.
  10 .17   Form of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Option Agreement in respect of Cablevision Options granted on March 5, 2009.
  10 .18   Employment Agreement by and between Madison Square Garden, Inc. and James L. Dolan.
  10 .19   Employment Agreement by and between Madison Square Garden, Inc. and Hank J. Ratner.
  10 .20   Employment Agreement by and between Madison Square Garden, Inc. and Robert M. Pollichino.
  10 .21   Employment Agreement by and between Madison Square Garden, Inc. and Lawrence J. Burian.
  10 .22   Form of Time Sharing Agreement between Dolan Family Office LLC and Madison Square Garden, Inc.
  21 .1   Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
  99 .1   Preliminary Information Statement dated December 24, 2009.
 
 
Previously filed
* To be filed by amendment
+ Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


 

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Madison Square Garden, Inc.
 
  By: 
/s/  Robert M. Pollichino
Name: Robert M. Pollichino
  Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Dated: December 24, 2009

EX-2.2 2 y78599a5exv2w2.htm EX-2.2 exv2w2
Exhibit 2.2
          CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of _________, by and among CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Cablevision”), REGIONAL PROGRAMMING PARTNERS, a New York general partnership and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision (“RPP”), and MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC., a Delaware corporation (“MSG”).
RECITALS
          WHEREAS, Cablevision and MSG are parties to a Distribution Agreement, dated as of _________(the “Distribution Agreement”);
          WHEREAS, pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, Cablevision and MSG wish to cause the transactions described on Annex I (the “Reorganization Transactions”) to be completed including, without limitation, the assignment by RPP to MSG of (i) all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Rainbow Garden Corp (the “RGC Common Stock”) and (ii) all the membership interests in Regional MSG Holdings LLC (the “Holdings Interests;” the assignments of the RGC Common Stock and the Holdings Interests are referred to herein as the “Assignments”);
          WHEREAS, in consideration of the Assignments, MSG wishes to issue to RPP, and RPP wishes to receive, _________shares of newly issued Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of MSG and _________shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of MSG (the “MSG Stock”);
          WHEREAS, in order to complete the Reorganization Transactions and the MSG Stock issuance, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement; 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, effective as of the date of this Agreement, RPP shall assign to MSG, and MSG shall accept from RPP, all of RPP’s right, title and interest in the RGC Common Stock and the Holdings Interests, pursuant to the Assignment Agreement, dated the date of this Agreement between RPP and MSG.
          2. Stock Issuance. MSG hereby agrees to issue to RPP, effective as of the date of this Agreement, the MSG Stock, by delivery of stock certificates therefor registered in the name of “Regional Programming Partners,” pursuant to the Assignment Agreement, dated the date of this Agreement, between RPP and MSG. Cablevision and RPP acknowledge and agree that each of these stock certificates shall bear the legends contemplated by 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 MSG Stock issuance, and (ii) MSG is not directly assuming any liabilities under the Reorganization Transactions or the 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.
          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.
          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.
          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 Cablevision and RPP:
Cablevision Systems Corporation
1111 Stewart Avenue
Bethpage, New York 11714
Attention: General Counsel
          To MSG:
Madison Square Garden, Inc.
Two Penn Plaza
New York, New York 10001
Attention: General Counsel

-2-


 

          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.
          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 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 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.
          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 Cablevision without the approval of MSG or the stockholders of Cablevision. 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

-3-


 

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.
          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.

-4-


 

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
         
  CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
 
     
  Name:      
  Title:      
 
         
  REGIONAL PROGRAMMING PARTNERS    
  By:   RAINBOW MEDIA HOLDINGS LLC,    
    as General Partner   
         
     
     
  Name:      
  Title:      
 
  MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
 
     
  Name:      
  Title:      

-5-


 

         
Annex I
Reorganization Transactions
Transaction
1.   RRH I, LLC is dissolved
 
2.   RRH II, LLC is dissolved
 
3.   Rainbow Regional Holdings LLC is dissolved
 
4.   Regional Programming Partners (“RPP”) contributes the stock of Rainbow Garden Corp. and membership interests in Regional MSG Holdings LLC to Madison Square Garden Inc. (“MSG Inc.”) in exchange for common stock of MSG Inc.
 
5.   RPP distributes MSG Inc. shares to Rainbow Media Holdings LLC (“RMH”)
 
6.   RMH distributes MSG Inc. shares to CSC Holdings, LLC
 
7.   CSC Holdings, LLC distributes MSG Inc. shares to Cablevision Systems Corporation
 
8.   Cablevision Systems Corporation distributes MSG Inc. shares to its stockholders

 


 

Annex II
Stock Certificates Legends
“The shares represented by this certificate have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) or any state securities or Blue Sky laws and may not be sold, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of without registration under the Act or such state laws or unless such sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition is exempt from registration thereunder.”1
“If at any time Madison Square Garden, Inc. owns, directly or indirectly, an interest in a professional sports franchise, the ownership and transfer of the shares represented by this certificate will be subject to any applicable restrictions on transfer imposed by the league or other governing body with respect to such franchise (a “League”) and to the provisions of Section A.X. of Article Fourth of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of Madison Square Garden, Inc., a copy of which, and a summary of any applicable League restrictions, are on file with the Secretary of Madison Square Garden, Inc. and will be furnished without charge to the holder of such shares upon written request.”
“The shares represented by this certificate are held subject to the terms of a certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated _________, by and among Madison Square Garden, Inc. and the Dolan Family Holders (as defined therein), as amended from time to time, a copy of which is on file with the Secretary of Madison Square Garden, Inc., and such shares may not be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, directly or indirectly, except in accordance with the terms of such Registration Rights Agreement.”2
“The voting and transfer of the shares represented by his certificate are restricted by, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the Class B Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of _________, as it may be further amended, a copy of which is with the Secretary of Madison Square Garden, Inc. and will be furnished without charge to the holder of such shares upon written request.”3
 
1   This legend shall be removed from certificates representing Class A Common Stock prior to the distribution of those shares by Cablevision Systems Corporation.
 
2   Prior to the distribution of Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, by Cablevision, this legend shall be placed on the certificates registered in the following names:
[to come]
 
3   Prior to the distribution of Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value, by Cablevision, this legend will be placed on all certificates representing Class B Common Stock.

 

EX-8.1 3 y78599a5exv8w1.htm EX-8.1 exv8w1
Exhibit 8.1
 
 
 
 
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that (i) the advice in this opinion is limited to the U.S. federal income tax issues that are discussed below; (ii) additional issues may exist that could affect the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the transactions that are the subject of this opinion and this opinion does not consider or provide a conclusion with respect to any such additional issues and (iii) with respect to any significant U.S. federal income tax issues that are outside the limited scope of this opinion, this opinion was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code.
[Date]
Cablevision Systems Corporation,
     1111 Stewart Avenue,
          Bethpage, NY 11714.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
          We have acted as U.S. tax counsel to Cablevision Systems Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Cablevision”), in connection with the CSC Holdings Liquidation and the Distribution as described in the ruling request filed with the Internal Revenue Service by Cablevision, dated [   ] (the “Ruling Request”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Ruling Request.
          In rendering our opinion, we have examined and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of the facts set forth in the Ruling Request and such other documents

 


 

Cablevision Systems Corporation   -2-
as we have deemed necessary or appropriate. In addition, we have relied upon the officer’s certificate to us from Cablevision and the representation letter to us from Charles F. Dolan. In connection with this opinion, we have assumed that the CSC Holdings Liquidation and the Distribution will be consummated in the manner described in the Ruling Request, and have made the assumptions described in the Annex attached hereto. Further, we have relied upon the ruling from the Internal Revenue Service to Cablevision, dated [   ], as to matters covered by such ruling.
          In rendering our opinion, we have considered the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, pertinent judicial authorities, interpretive rulings of the Internal Revenue Service, and such other authorities as we have deemed appropriate under the circumstances. All such authorities are subject to change, and any of such changes could apply retroactively.
          Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that under current law,
          (1) Cablevision will not recognize gain or loss upon the Distribution under Section 361(c) of the Code; and
          (2) Shareholders of Cablevision will not recognize gain or loss upon the Distribution under Section 355(a) of the Code, and no amount will be included in such shareholders’ income, except in respect of cash received in lieu of fractional shares of Controlled.
          Our opinion is expressly conditioned upon the assumptions and statements of reliance set forth above. We express no other opinion as to the tax consequences (including any applicable state, local or foreign tax consequences) of the transactions referred to herein or in the Ruling Request.
Very truly yours,

 

EX-10.2 4 y78599a5exv10w2.htm EX-10.2 exv10w2
Exhibit 10.2
TAX DISAFFILIATION AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION
AND
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
             
        Page  
 
SECTION 1. Definition of Terms     1  
 
           
SECTION 2. Allocation of Taxes and Tax-Related Losses     7  
 
           
2.1
  Allocation of Taxes     8  
2.2
  Allocation of Deconsolidation Taxes, Distribution Taxes and Transfer Taxes     8  
2.3
  Tax Payments     8  
 
           
SECTION 3. Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns     8  
 
           
3.1
  Combined Returns     8  
3.2
  Separate Returns     8  
3.3
  Agent     9  
3.4
  Provision of Information     9  
3.5
  Special Rules Relating to the Preparation of Tax Returns     9  
3.6
  Refunds, Credits or Offsets     10  
3.7
  Carrybacks     10  
3.8
  Amended Returns     10  
3.9
  Compensatory Equity Interests     10  
 
           
SECTION 4. Tax Payments     10  
 
           
4.1
  Payment of Taxes to Tax Authority     10  
4.2
  Indemnification Payments     10  
4.3
  Interest on Late Payments     11  
4.4
  Tax Consequences of Payments     11  
4.5
  Section 336(e) Election     11  
4.6
  Certain Final Determinations     11  
 
           
SECTION 5. Cooperation and Tax Contests     12  
 
           
5.1
  Cooperation     12  
5.2
  Notices of Tax Contests     12  
5.3
  Control of Tax Contests     12  
5.4
  Cooperation Regarding Tax Contests     12  
 
           
SECTION 6. Tax Records     13  
 
           
6.1
  Retention of Tax Records     13  
6.2
  Access to Tax Records     13  
6.3
  Confidentiality     13  
 
           
SECTION 7. Representations and Covenants     13  
 
           
7.1
  Covenants of Cablevision and MSG     13  
7.2
  Private Letter Ruling     14  
7.3
  Covenants of MSG     14  
7.4
  Covenants of Cablevision     14  
7.5
  Exceptions     15  
7.6
  Further Assurances     15  

i


 

             
        Page  
 
SECTION 8. General Provisions     15  
 
           
8.1
  Predecessors or Successors     15  
8.2
  Construction     15  
8.3
  Ancillary Agreements     15  
8.4
  Counterparts     16  
8.5
  Notices     16  
8.6
  Amendments     16  
8.7
  Assignment     16  
8.8
  Successors and Assigns     16  
8.9
  Change in Law     16  
8.10
  Authorization, Etc.     16  
8.11
  Termination     16  
8.12
  Subsidiaries     16  
8.13
  Third-Party Beneficiaries     17  
8.14
  Titles and Headings     17  
8.15
  Governing Law     17  
8.16
  Waiver of Jury Trial     17  
8.17
  Severability     17  
8.18
  No Strict Construction; Interpretation     17  

ii


 

TAX DISAFFILIATION AGREEMENT
     THIS TAX DISAFFILIATION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is dated as of ___, 2009, by and between Cablevision Systems Corporation, a Delaware corporation (Cablevision), and Madison Square Garden, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision (“MSG” and, together with Cablevision, the “Parties”). Unless otherwise indicated, all “Section” references in this Agreement are to sections of the Agreement.
RECITALS
     WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Cablevision determined that, based on the Corporate Business Purposes, it is in the best interests of Cablevision and its stockholders to separate the businesses of MSG, all as more fully described in MSG’s registration statement on Form 10, from Cablevision’s other businesses on the terms and conditions set forth in the Distribution Agreement between Cablevision and MSG dated on or about the date hereof (the “Distribution Agreement”);
     WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of CSC Holdings, LLC (“CSC”) authorized the distribution to Cablevision, as the sole stockholder of CSC, of all the MSG Common Stock (the “CSC Distribution”) and has determined that, based on the Corporate Business Purposes, the CSC Distribution is in the best interests of CSC and its stockholder and has approved the Distribution Agreement;
     WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Cablevision has authorized the distribution to the holders of the issued and outstanding shares of NY Group Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Cablevision (Cablevision Class A Stock) and NY Group Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Cablevision (“Cablevision Class B Stock” and, together with the Cablevision Class A Stock, the “Cablevision Common Stock”) as of the record date for the distribution of all the issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MSG (the “MSG Class A Common Shares”) and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MSG (the “MSG Class B Common Shares”) (each such MSG Class A Common Share and MSG Class B Common Share is individually referred to as an “MSG Share” and collectively referred to as the “MSG Shares”), respectively, on the basis of one MSG Share for each ___ shares of Cablevision Common Stock (the “Distribution”);
     WHEREAS, Cablevision intends the Distribution to qualify as a tax-free transaction described under Sections 368(a)(1)(D), 355, and 361 of the Code;
     WHEREAS, the Boards of Directors of Cablevision and MSG 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 MSG Group from the Cablevision Group; and
     WHEREAS, the Parties desire to provide for and agree upon the allocation between the Parties of liabilities for Taxes 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” means, 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. Unless explicitly provided

 


 

herein to the contrary, (x) neither Cablevision nor any member of the Cablevision Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of MSG or any of its Subsidiaries; and (y) neither MSG nor any member of the MSG Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of Cablevision or any of its Subsidiaries.
     “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.
     “Cablevision” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.
     “Cablevision Business” means such cable video business as set forth in the Ruling Request that constitutes an active trade or business, within the meaning of Section 355(b) of the Code, of the separate affiliated group of Cablevision, as determined in the Ruling.
     “Cablevision Class A Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
     “Cablevision Class B Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
     “Cablevision Common Stock” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
     “Cablevision Group” means Cablevision and each Subsidiary of Cablevision (but only while such Subsidiary is a Subsidiary of Cablevision) other than any Person that is a member of the MSG Group (but only during the period such Person is treated as a member of the MSG Group).
     “Cablevision Indemnified Party” includes each member of the Cablevision 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.
     “Cablevision Tainting Act” means any breach of a representation or covenant made by Cablevision in Section 7.1 or Section 7.4 of this Agreement, if as a result of such breach a Final Determination is made that the Contribution and Distribution failed to be tax-free by reason of (i) failing to qualify as a distribution described in Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, (ii) any stock of MSG failing to qualify as “qualified property” within the meaning of Section 355(c)(2) of the Code or, where applicable, failing to be stock permitted to be received without recognition of gain or loss under Section 361(a) of the Code, or (iii) the application of Sections 355(d) or 355(e) of the Code to the Distribution.
     “Code” means the U.S. 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 Cablevision Group and one or more members of the MSG Group.
     “Companies” means Cablevision and MSG.
     “Company” means Cablevision or MSG, as the context requires.
     “Compensatory Equity Interests” means options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other rights with respect to Cablevision Common Stock or MSG Stock that are granted by Cablevision, MSG or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with employee or director compensation or other employee benefits.
     “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)

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on the other hand, in each case pursuant to the terms of the relevant agreement with respect to such Compensatory Equity Interests.
     “Contribution” means the contribution by Cablevision (through entities disregarded as separate from Cablevision for U.S. federal tax purposes) to MSG of all the shares of Rainbow Garden Corp., a Delaware corporation, and all the membership interests of Regional MSG Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in exchange for the MSG Stock.
     “Control” means, with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through ownership of securities or partnership, membership, limited liability company, or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise and the terms “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
     “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 and the “Reasons for the Distribution” in MSG’s Registration statement on Form 10.
     “Covered Income Taxes” means any Income Taxes other than New York City Unincorporated Business Tax as currently imposed by Section 11-503 of the New York City Administrative Code or any successor thereto.
     “CSC” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
     “CSC Distribution” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
     “Deconsolidation Taxes” means any Taxes imposed on any member of the Cablevision Group or the MSG Group as a result of or in connection with the Contribution and the Distribution (or any portion thereof), including, but not limited to, any Taxes imposed pursuant to or as a result of Section 311 or 1502 of the Code or the Treasury Regulations thereunder (and under any applicable similar state, local or foreign law), 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” means the date on which the Distribution occurs.
     “Distribution Taxes” means any Taxes arising from a Final Determination that the Contribution and Distribution failed to be tax-free to Cablevision in accordance with the requirements of Section 355 or 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code (including any Taxes resulting from the application of Section 355(d) or (e) to the Distribution), and shall include any Taxes resulting from an election under Section 336(e) of the Code in the circumstances set forth in Section 4.5 hereof.
     “Due Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.
     “Effective Time” shall mean 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on the Distribution Date.
     “Employee Matters Agreement” means the Employee Matters Agreement by and between Cablevision and MSG entered into on or about the date hereof.
     “Excess Taxes” means the excess of (x) the Taxes for which Cablevision Group is liable if an election is made pursuant to Section 336(e) of the Code under Section 4.5 of this Agreement, over (y) the Taxes for which

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Cablevision 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 4.5 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.
     “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 Cablevision Group or the MSG Group, as the context requires.
     “Income Taxes” means any Tax which is based upon, measured by, or calculated with respect to (i) net income or profits (including, but not limited to, any capital gains, gross receipts, value added or minimum Tax) or (ii) multiple bases (including, but not limited to, corporate franchise, doing business or occupation Taxes) if one or more of the bases upon which such Tax may be based, by which it may be measured, or with respect to which it may be calculated is described in clause (i) of this sentence.
     “Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.
     “Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.
     “Interest Rate” means the Rate determined below, as adjusted as of each Interest Rate Determination Date. The “Rate” means, with respect to each period between two consecutive Interest Rate Determination Dates, a rate determined at approximately 11:00 a.m., New York time, two Business Days before the first Interest Rate Determination Date equal to: (x) the sum of (i) the six-month dollar LIBOR rate as displayed on page “LR” of Bloomberg (or such other appropriate page as may replace such page), plus (ii) 2%, 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) applies, such interest rate that would be applicable at such time to such “large corporate underpayment.”
     “Interest Rate Determination Date” means the Due Date and each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 thereafter.
     “IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service.
     “MSG” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.
     “MSG Business” means the “Fuse national music programming network” business as set forth in the Ruling Request that constitutes an active trade or business, within the meaning of Section 355(b) of the Code, of the separate affiliated group of MSG, as determined in the Ruling.
    “MSG Class A Common Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
     “MSG Class B Common Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
     “MSG Group” means (x) with respect to any Tax Year (or portion thereof) ending at or before the Effective Time, MSG and each of its Subsidiaries at the Effective Time; and (y) with respect to any Tax Year (or portion thereof) beginning after the Effective Time, MSG and each Subsidiary of MSG (but only while such Subsidiary is a Subsidiary of MSG).

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     “MSG Indemnified Party” includes each member of the MSG 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 Shares” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.
     “MSG Tainting Act” means a breach of the covenant made by MSG in Section 7.1 of this Agreement or the taking of a Restricted Action, if as a result of such breach or taking of a Restricted Action a Final Determination is made that the Contribution and Distribution failed to be tax-free by reason of (i) failing to qualify as a distribution described in Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, (ii) any stock of MSG failing to qualify as “qualified property” within the meaning of Section 355(c)(2) of the Code or, where applicable, failing to be stock permitted to be received without recognition of gain or loss under Section 361(a) of the Code, or (iii) the application of Sections 355(d) or 355(e) of the Code to the Distribution.
     “Non-Controlling Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).
     “Non-Preparer” means any Company that is not responsible for the preparation and filing of the applicable Tax Return pursuant to Sections 3.1 or 3.2.
     “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.
     “Permitted Acquisition” means any acquisition (as a result of the Distribution) of MSG Shares solely by reason of holding Cablevision Common Stock, but does not include such an acqusition if such Cablevision Common Stock, before such acquisition, was itself 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) not to apply).
     “Person” means any individual, corporation, 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.
     “Residual Taxes” means all Taxes other than Covered Income Taxes.
     “Restricted Action” means any action by MSG 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 Restricted Action even if MSG or any of its Subsidiaries is permitted to take such an action pursuant to Section 7.5.

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     “Restriction Period” means the period beginning on the Distribution Date and ending twenty-four (24) months after the Distribution Date.
     “Ruling” means the private letter ruling that was issued to Cablevision in response to the Ruling Request.
     “Ruling Request” means the request for ruling in connection with the Distribution filed by Cablevision with the IRS, as amended or supplemented, including any appendices and exhibits attached thereto or included therewith and including so much of the pre-submission materials submitted by Cablevision to the IRS, as relate to the Distribution.
     “Satisfactory Guidance” means either a ruling from the IRS or an Unqualified Opinion, in either case reasonably satisfactory to Cablevision in both form and substance.
     “Separate Return” means (a) in the case of any Tax Return required under relevant Tax Law to be filed by any member of the Cablevision Group (including any consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return), any such Tax Return that does not include any member of the MSG Group, and (b) in the case of any Tax Return required under relevant Tax Law to be filed by any member of the MSG Group (including any consolidated, combined or unitary Tax Return), any such Tax Return that does not include any member of the Cablevision Group.
     “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.
     “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, 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 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 4.6.
     “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 affiliated 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

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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 affiliated 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.
     “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 Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.
     “Tax-Free Status” means the qualification of the Contribution and Distribution (a) as a transaction described in Sections 355(a) and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code and (b) as a transaction in which the stock distributed thereby are “qualified property” for purposes of Section 361(c) of the Code.
     “Tax Item” means, with respect to any Tax, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit 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 to be delivered by Tax Counsel to Cablevision in connection with the Distribution to the effect that (i) Cablevision will not recognize gain or loss upon the Distribution under Section 361(c) of the Code, and (ii) shareholders of Cablevision will not recognize gain or loss upon the Distribution under Section 355(a) of the Code, and no amount will be included in such shareholders’ income, except in respect of cash received in lieu of fractional shares of MSG.
     “Tax Opinion Representations” means the representations made 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.
     “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.
     “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 Cablevision. For the avoidance of doubt, an Unqualified Opinion may be based on factual representations and assumptions that are reasonably satisfactory to Cablevision.
     SECTION 2. Allocation of Taxes and Tax-Related Losses.

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     2.1 Allocation of Taxes. Except as provided in Section 2.2 (Allocation of Deconsolidation Taxes, Distribution Taxes and Transfer Taxes), Taxes shall be allocated as follows:
     (a) Cablevision shall be liable for and shall be allocated (i) any Taxes attributable to members of the Cablevision Group for all periods, and (ii) any Covered Income Taxes attributable to members of the MSG Group for a Pre-Distribution Period.
     (b) MSG shall be liable for and shall be allocated (i) any Residual Taxes attributable to members of the MSG Group for a Pre-Distribution Period, and (ii) any Taxes attributable to members of the MSG Group for any Post-Distribution Period.
     (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 2.1(a) and 2.1(b) (but subject to the provisions of Section 2.2), Taxes attributable to any transaction or action taken by or with respect to any member of the MSG 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 MSG Group after the Effective Time on the Distribution Date shall be allocated to the Post-Distribution Period.
     2.2 Allocation of Deconsolidation Taxes, Distribution Taxes and Transfer Taxes. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:
     (a) Any and all Deconsolidation Taxes shall be borne by Cablevision.
     (b) MSG shall indemnify and hold harmless each Cablevision Indemnified Party from and against any liability of Cablevision for Distribution Taxes to the extent such Distribution Taxes are attributable to an MSG Tainting Act, provided, however, that MSG shall have no obligation to indemnify any Cablevision Indemnified Party hereunder if there has occurred, prior to such MSG Tainting Act, a Cablevision Tainting Act.
     (c) Cablevision shall indemnify and hold harmless each MSG Indemnified Party from and against any liability of MSG for Distribution Taxes to the extent that MSG is not liable for such Taxes pursuant to Section 2.2(b).
     (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 Cablevision.
     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. Cablevision shall be responsible for preparing and filing (or causing to be prepared and filed) all Combined Returns for any Tax Year, provided, however, that MSG shall have the right to review and comment with respect to items on such returns if and to the extent such items directly relate to Taxes for which MSG would be liable under Section 2.1(b)(i), such comment not to be unreasonably rejected.
     3.2 Separate Returns.
     (a) Tax Returns to be Prepared by Cablevision. Cablevision shall be responsible for preparing and filing (or causing to be prepared and filed):

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     (i) all Separate Returns which relate to one or more members of the Cablevision Group for any Tax Year, and
     (ii) all Separate Returns which relate to one or more members of the MSG Group for any Pre-Distribution Period or Straddle Period if such return is in respect of Covered Income Taxes, provided, however, that MSG shall have the right to review and comment with respect to items on such returns if and to the extent such items directly relate to a Tax for which MSG would be liable under Section 2.1(b)(i), such comment not to be unreasonably rejected.
     (b) Tax Returns to be Prepared by MSG. MSG 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 Group and for which Cablevision is not responsible under Section 3.2(a), provided, however, that in the case of such returns in respect of any Pre-Distribution Period or Straddle Period, Cablevision shall have the right to review and comment on such returns, such comment not to be unreasonably rejected.
     3.3 Agent. Subject to the other applicable provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 5), MSG irrevocably designates, and agrees to cause each MSG Affiliate so to designate, Cablevision as its sole and exclusive agent and attorney-in-fact to take such action (including execution of documents) as Cablevision may deem reasonably appropriate in matters relating to the preparation or filing of any Tax Return described in Sections 3.1 and 3.2(a)(ii).
     3.4 Provision of Information.
     (a) Cablevision shall provide to MSG, and MSG shall provide to Cablevision, any information about members of the Cablevision Group or the MSG 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 MSG Group supplies information to a member of the Cablevision Group, or a member of the Cablevision Group supplies information to a member of the MSG 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 Group or Cablevision Group, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall be prepared in a manner that is consistent with the Ruling Request, the Ruling, and 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 Cablevision is responsible 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 a manner reasonably acceptable to both Parties; provided, however, that in each case of (x) and (y) to the extent that a change in such elections, methods or practices would not reasonably be expected to result in any adverse impact on MSG, such Tax Returns shall be prepared in accordance with reasonable practices selected by Cablevision.
     (b) Election to File Consolidated, Combined or Unitary Tax Returns. Cablevision shall have the sole discretion in electing 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.

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     3.6 Refunds, Credits or Offsets.
     (a) Any refunds, credits or offsets with respect to Taxes allocated to, and actually paid by, Cablevision pursuant to this Agreement shall be for the account of Cablevision. Any refunds, credits or offsets with respect to Taxes, allocated to, and actually paid by, MSG pursuant to this Agreement shall be for the account of MSG.
     (b) Cablevision shall forward to MSG, or reimburse MSG 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 MSG within 15 Business Days from receipt thereof by Cablevision or any of its Affiliates. MSG shall forward to Cablevision, or reimburse Cablevision 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 Cablevision within 15 Business Days from receipt thereof by MSG or any of its Affiliates. Any refunds, credits or offsets, plus any interest received thereon, or reimbursements not forwarded or made within the 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.
     3.7 Carrybacks. To the extent permitted under applicable Tax Laws, the MSG 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 MSG Group that cannot be waived shall be payable to MSG 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 Group may be made only by the Company (or its Affiliates) responsible for preparing 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 review and comment 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 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. Cablevision shall be responsible for remitting to the proper Tax Authority the Tax shown on any Tax Return for which it is responsible for the preparation and filing pursuant to Section 3.1 or Section 3.2, and MSG shall be responsible for remitting to the proper Tax Authority the Tax shown on any Tax Return for which it is responsible for the preparation and filing pursuant to Section 3.2.
     4.2 Indemnification Payments.

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     (a) Tax Payments Made by the Cablevision Group. If any member of the Cablevision Group is required to make a payment to a Tax Authority for Taxes allocated to MSG under this Agreement, MSG will pay the amount of Taxes allocated to it to Cablevision not later than the later of (i) five Business Days after receiving notification requesting such amount, and (ii) one Business Day prior to the date such payment is required to be made to such Tax Authority.
     (b) Tax Payments Made by the MSG Group. If any member of the MSG Group is required to make a payment to a Tax Authority for Taxes allocated to Cablevision under this Agreement, Cablevision will pay the amount of Taxes allocated to it to MSG not later than the later of (i) five Business Days after receiving notification requesting such amount, and (ii) one Business Day prior to the date such payment is required to be made to such Tax Authority.
     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 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.
     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 made pursuant to this Agreement as a capital contribution or a distribution, as the case may be, immediately prior to the Distribution. If the receipt or accrual of any indemnity payment under this Agreement causes, directly or indirectly, an increase in the taxable income of the recipient 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 recipient thereof 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 4.4 and not by Section 2.2. To the extent that Taxes for which any Party hereto (the “Indemnifying Party”) is required to pay another Party (the “Indemnified Party”) pursuant to this Agreement may be deducted or credited in determining the amount of any other Taxes required to be paid by the Indemnified Party (for example, state Taxes which are permitted to be deducted in determining federal Taxes), 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 other Taxes actually realized by the Indemnified Party. 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 4.4 is subsequently decreased or eliminated, then the Indemnifying Party shall promptly pay the Indemnified Party the amount of the decrease in such Tax Benefit.
     4.5 Section 336(e) Election. In the event that Section 355(d) or 355(e) of the Code applies to the Distribution as a result of a Final Determination, and if the proposed Treasury Regulations under Section 336(e) of the Code and published at 73 Fed. Reg. 49965-81 (or similar Treasury Regulations) have been adopted as final, Cablevision agrees (if so requested by MSG in a written notice) to make an election (if Cablevision is legally able to do so) pursuant to such final Treasury Regulations to treat the Distribution as an asset sale for U.S. federal tax purposes, provided that MSG shall indemnify Cablevision for any cost to the Cablevision Group of making such an election (but it being understood that any such cost arising from Taxes shall be limited to Excess Taxes).
     4.6 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 4.6, 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.

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     SECTION 5. Cooperation and Tax Contests.
     5.1 Cooperation. In addition to the obligations enumerated in Sections 3.4 and 5.4, Cablevision and MSG 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.
     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 Preparer (or the appropriate member of its Group) shall 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 preparing and filing (or causing to be prepared and 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 Cablevision shall be the Controlling Party with respect to any Tax Contest involving Distribution Taxes), in which case any Non-Preparer 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-Preparer (x) acknowledges to the Preparer in writing its full liability under this Agreement to indemnify for any Tax, and (y) provides to the Preparer evidence (that is satisfactory to the Preparer as determined in the Preparer’s reasonable discretion) of the Non-Preparer’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-Preparer shall be the Controlling Party (subject to Section 5.3(b)) and the Preparer 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. MSG shall assist Cablevision, and Cablevision shall assist MSG, in taking any remedial actions that are necessary or desirable to minimize the effects of any adjustment made by a Tax Authority. The

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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.
     SECTION 6. Tax Records.
     6.1 Retention of Tax Records. Each of Cablevision and MSG 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. MSG shall make available, and cause its Subsidiaries to make available, to members of the Cablevision Group for inspection and copying (x) all Tax Records in their possession that relate to a Pre-Distribution Period, and (y) the portion of any Tax Record in their possession that relates to a Post-Distribution Period and which is reasonably necessary for the preparation of a Tax Return by a member of the Cablevision Group or any of their Affiliates or with respect to any Tax Contest with respect to such return. Cablevision shall make available, and cause its Subsidiaries to make available, to members of the MSG 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 of a Tax Return by a member of the MSG 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.
     SECTION 7. Representations and Covenants.
     7.1 Covenants of Cablevision and MSG.
     (a) Cablevision hereby covenants that, to the fullest extent permissible under United States federal income and state Tax Laws, it will, and will cause the members of the Cablevision Group to, treat the Contribution and Distribution in accordance with the Tax-Free Status. MSG hereby covenants that, to the fullest extent permissible under United States federal income and state Tax Laws, it will, and will cause each Subsidiary of MSG to, treat the Contribution and Distribution in accordance with the Tax-Free Status.
     (b) Cablevision further covenants that, as of and following the date hereof, Cablevision shall not and shall cause the members of the Cablevision Group not to take any action that (or fail to take any action the omission of which) (i) would be inconsistent with the Contribution and Distribution qualifying, or would preclude the Contribution and Distribution from qualifying, for the Tax-Free Status, or (ii) would cause any holders of Cablevision Common Stock that receive stock of MSG in the Distribution to recognize gain or loss, or otherwise include any amount in income, as a result of the Contribution and/or the Distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes (except with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares).
     (c) MSG further covenants that, as of and following the date hereof, MSG shall not and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to take any action that (or fail to take any action the omission of which) (i) would be inconsistent with the Contribution and Distribution qualifying, or would preclude the Contribution and

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Distribution from qualifying, for the Tax-Free Status, or (ii) would cause any holders of Cablevision Common Stock that receive stock of MSG in the Distribution to recognize gain or loss, or otherwise include any amount in income, as a result of the Contribution and/or the Distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes (except with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares).
     7.2 Private Letter Ruling. Cablevision represents that it has provided MSG with a copy of the Ruling and the Ruling Request submitted on or prior to the Distribution Date, and agrees to provide MSG with copies of any additional documents submitted to the IRS relating to the Ruling Request and prepared after the Distribution Date prior to the submission of such documents to the IRS in connection with the Distribution.
     7.3 Covenants of MSG.
     (a) Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 7.1, MSG, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, agrees and covenants that MSG and each of its Subsidiaries will not, directly or indirectly, during the Restriction Period, (i) take any action that would result in MSG’s ceasing to be engaged in the active conduct of the MSG Business with the result that MSG 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) any of MSG’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 MSG that would affect the relative voting rights of separate classes of MSG’s stock or would convert one class of MSG’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 (within the meaning of Section 346 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) MSG, (v) merge MSG with any other corporation (other than in a transaction that does not affect the relative shareholding of MSG shareholders), sell or otherwise dispose of (other than in the ordinary course of business) the assets of MSG 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 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 representing a Fifty-Percent Equity Interest in MSG, other than a Permitted Acquisition.
     7.4 Covenants of Cablevision.
     (a) Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 7.1, Cablevision, on behalf of itself and each member of the Cablevision Group, agrees and covenants that Cablevision and each member of the Cablevision Group will not, directly or indirectly, during the Restriction Period, (i) take any action that would result in Cablevision’s ceasing to be engaged in the active conduct of the Cablevision Business with the result that Cablevision 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 Cablevision) any of Cablevision’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 Cablevision that would affect the relative voting rights of separate classes of Cablevision’s stock or would convert one class of Cablevision’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 (within the meaning of Section 346 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) Cablevision, (v) merge Cablevision with any other corporation (other than in a transaction that does not affect the relative shareholding of Cablevision shareholders), sell or otherwise dispose of (other than in the ordinary course of business) the assets of Cablevision and its Subsidiaries, or take any other action or actions if such merger, sale, other disposition

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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 Cablevision 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 Cablevision representing a Fifty-Percent Equity Interest in Cablevision.
     (b) Nothing in this Section 7 shall be construed to give MSG or any Affiliates of MSG any right to remedies other than indemnification for any increase in the actual Tax liability (and/or decrease in Tax Benefit) of MSG or any Affiliate of MSG that results from Cablevision Group’s failure to comply with the covenants and representations in this Section 7.
     7.5 Exceptions.
     (a) Notwithstanding Section 7.3 above, MSG or any of its Subsidiaries may take a Restricted Action if Cablevision consents in writing to such Restricted Action, or if MSG provides Cablevision with Satisfactory Guidance concluding that such Restricted Action will not alter the Tax-Free Status of the Contribution and Distribution in respect of Cablevision and Cablevision’s shareholders.
     (b) MSG and each of its Subsidiaries agree that Cablevision and each Cablevision Affiliate are to have no liability for any Tax resulting from any Restricted Actions permitted pursuant to this Section 7.5 and, subject to Section 2.2, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Cablevision Indemnified Party against any such Tax. MSG shall bear all costs incurred by it, and all reasonable costs incurred by Cablevision, in connection with requesting and/or obtaining any Satisfactory Guidance.
     7.6 Injunctive Relief. For the avoidance of doubt, Cablevision shall have the right to seek injunctive relief to prevent MSG or any of its Subsidiaries from taking any action that is not consistent with the covenants of the MSG or any of its Subsidiaries under Section 7.1 or 7.3.
     7.7 Further Assurances. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) neither Cablevision nor a member of the Cablevision 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 MSG 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 Ruling Request or the Ruling, and (ii) neither MSG 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 Cablevision or a member of the Cablevision Group, other than in the ordinary course of business, except for actions undertaken in connection with the Distribution, which actions are described in the Ruling Request or the Ruling.
     SECTION 8. General Provisions.
     8.1 Predecessors or Successors. Any reference to Cablevision, MSG, a Person, or a Subsidiary in this Agreement shall include any predecessors or successors (e.g., by merger or other reorganization, liquidation, conversion, or election under Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3) of Cablevision, MSG, such Person, or such Subsidiary, respectively, including within the meaning of Section 355(e)(4)(D) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
     8.2 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.
     8.3 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.

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     8.4 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 of the Parties and delivered to the other Party.
     8.5 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 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 Cablevision:
Cablevision Systems Corporation
1111 Stewart Avenue
Bethpage, NY 11714
Attention: General Counsel
To MSG:
Madison Square Garden, Inc.
Two Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
Attention: General Counsel
     8.6 Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the Parties.
     8.7 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 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.
     8.8 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.
     8.9 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.
     8.10 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.
     8.11 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Distribution by and in the sole discretion of Cablevision without the approval of MSG or the stockholders of Cablevision. 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.
     8.12 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.

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     8.13 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except with respect to Cablevision Indemnified Parties and MSG 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 MSG Indemnified Parties any rights or remedies against MSG hereunder, and this Agreement is not intended to confer upon any Cablevision Indemnified Parties any rights or remedies against Cablevision hereunder.
     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 Cablevision and MSG 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.

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by the respective officers as of the date set forth above.
         
  CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
  MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 

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EX-10.13 5 y78599a5exv10w13.htm EX-10.13 exv10w13
OPTION AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.13
Dear                       :
          Pursuant to the Cablevision Systems Corporation                      Employee Stock Plan, on                      (the “Grant Date”), you were granted options to purchase                        shares of Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”). In conjunction with the spin-off of Madison Square Garden, Inc. (the “Company”) from Cablevision on                       (the “Distribution Date”), and pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Employee Stock Plan (the “Plan”), you are receiving the award described in this Option Agreement (the “Agreement”) of nonqualified stock options (the “Options”) to purchase                       shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A common stock (the “Class A Common Stock”) at a price of $                     per share.
          Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The Options are granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:
          1. Vesting. The Options are immediately exercisable.
          2. Exercise. You may exercise the Options by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company, or by following such procedures as established by the Company, specifying the number of shares of Class A Common Stock as to which the Options are being exercised (the “Exercise Notice”), together with a copy of this Agreement. Unless the Company chooses to settle such exercise in cash, shares of Class A Common Stock, or a combination thereof pursuant to Paragraph 3, you will be required to deliver to the Company, or such person as the Company may designate, within such time period as the Company may require, payment in full of the exercise price due on account of such exercise. You may pay the exercise price by cash, by certified check, by surrendering shares of Class A Common Stock or by any combination thereof. Class A Common Stock used to pay the exercise price pursuant to this Paragraph 2 will be valued at the Fair Market Value as of the day preceding the date of exercise.
          3. Option Spread. Upon receipt of the Exercise Notice, the Company may elect, in lieu of issuing shares of Class A Common Stock, to settle the exercise covered by such notice by paying you an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise over the per share exercise price of the Options (the “Option Spread”) by (ii) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock specified in the Exercise Notice. The amount payable to you in these circumstances may be paid by the Company either in cash or in shares of Class A Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the Option Spread, or a combination thereof, as the Company shall determine. Class A Common Stock used to pay the Option Spread pursuant to this Paragraph 3 will be valued at the Fair Market Value as of the day the Exercise Notice is received by the Company.
          4. Expiration. The Options will terminate automatically and without further notice on the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Grant Date, or at any of the following dates, if earlier:

 


 

  (A)   one hundred and eighty (180) days following the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group (each as defined below), unless you cease to be an employee by reason of (x) death, Disability (as defined below) or Retirement (as defined below) with your Employer’s consent or (y) termination from your Employer for Cause (as defined below); provided, that for purposes of this Section 4(A), you shall be deemed to cease to be an employee of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group if you transfer between the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group at a time when the Company and Cablevision are not considered Affiliates;
 
  (B)   three (3) years following the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, if such cessation is the result of death, Disability or Retirement; or
 
  (C)   the date upon which your employment with your Employer is terminated for Cause.
          Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Paragraph 4, in the event of your death during the period that your Options are exercisable, whether death occurs before or after you cease employment, the Options that are exercisable at the time of your death shall remain exercisable by your estate or beneficiary until the earlier of the third (3rd) anniversary of your death and the eleventh (11th) anniversary of the Grant Date.
          For purposes of this Agreement, the “Cablevision Group” means Cablevision Systems Corporation and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates, other than Madison Square Garden, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The “MSG Group” means Madison Square Garden, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates, other than Cablevision Systems Corporation and its subsidiaries.
          For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer, your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against your Employer or any of its Affiliates, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.
          For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means your inability to perform for six (6) continuous months substantially all the essential duties of your occupation, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer.
          For purposes of this Agreement, if you are employed by the Cablevision Group, your “Employer” means Cablevision Systems Corporation; if you are employed by the MSG Group, your “Employer” means Madison Square Garden, Inc.; and if you are employed by both the Cablevision Group and the MSG Group, your “Employer” shall mean Cablevision Systems Corporation.

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          For purposes of this Agreement, “Retirement” means the voluntary termination by you of your employment with your Employer at such time as (i) you have attained at least the age of fifty-five (55) and (ii) you have been employed by the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group for at least five (5) years in the aggregate, provided that your Employer, may nevertheless decide, in its sole discretion, not to treat your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder. Treatment of your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder shall be further subject to your execution (and the effectiveness) of a retirement agreement to your Employer’s satisfaction, including, without limitation (to the extent desired by your Employer), non-compete, non-disparagement, non-solicitation, confidentiality and further cooperation obligations/restrictions on you as well as a general release by you of your Employer. The above definition of “Retirement” is solely for purposes of this Agreement and shall not, in any way, create or imply any obligations of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group (under any other agreement or otherwise) with respect to any such termination of your employment.
          5. Change of Control/Going Private Transaction. As set forth in Appendix 1 attached hereto, the Options may be affected in the event of a Change of Control or a going private transaction (each as defined in Appendix 1 attached hereto).
          6. Tax Representations and Tax Withholding. You hereby acknowledge that you have reviewed with your own tax advisors the federal, state and local tax consequences of exercising the Options and receiving shares of Class A Common Stock and cash. You hereby represent to the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group that you are relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company, Cablevision or any of their respective Affiliates or agents.
          If, in connection with the exercise of the Options, your Employer is required to withhold any amounts by reason of any federal, state or local tax, such withholding shall be effected in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.
          7. Section 409A. It is the intent that payments under this Agreement are exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and that the Agreement be administered and interpreted accordingly. To the extent necessary to give effect to this intent, in the case of any conflict or potential inconsistency between the provisions of the Plan and this Section 7 of the Agreement, the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement shall govern. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if and to the extent that any payment or benefit under this Agreement is determined by your Employer to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”) and is payable to you by reason of your termination of employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by your Employer), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or your earlier death). Any amount not paid in respect of the six month period specified in the preceding sentence will be paid to you in a lump sum after the expiration of such six month period. Any such payment or benefit shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A to the extent Section 409A applies to such payments.

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          8. Transfer Restrictions. You may not transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the Options, other than to the extent provided in the Plan.
          9. Non-Qualification as ISO. The Options are not intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422A of the Code.
          10. Securities Law Acknowledgments. You hereby acknowledge and confirm to the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group that (i) you are aware that the shares of Class A Common Stock are publicly-traded securities and (ii) the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Options may not be sold or otherwise transferred unless such sale or transfer is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the securities laws of any applicable state or other jurisdiction, or is exempt from such registration.
          11. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be made under, and in all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
          12. Jurisdiction and Venue. You hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States of America located in the Southern District and Eastern District of the State of New York in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, and hereby waive, and agree not to assert, as a defense that you are not subject thereto or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate. You hereby agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in any manner as may be permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.
          13. Right of Offset. You hereby agree that the Company shall have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Class A Common Stock, cash or other property under this Agreement to the extent that it does not constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Section 409A, any outstanding amounts of whatever nature that you then owe to the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.
          14. The Committee. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any replacement committee established under, and as more fully defined in, the Plan.
          15. Committee Discretion. The Committee has full discretion with respect to any actions to be taken or determinations to be made in connection with this Agreement, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.
          16. Amendment. The Committee reserves the right at any time to amend the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, except that the Committee shall not make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to you (other than if immaterial), without your consent. No consent shall be required for amendments made pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan, except that, for purposes of Section 19 of the Plan, Section 5 and Appendix 1 of this Agreement are deemed to be “terms of an Award Agreement expressly referring to an Adjustment Event.” Any amendment of this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by an authorized member of the Committee or a person or persons designated by the Committee.

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          17. Options Subject to the Plan. The Options granted by this Agreement are subject to the Plan.
          18. Entire Agreement. Except for any employment agreement between you and the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group in effect as of the Distribution Date (as such employment agreement may be modified, renewed or replaced, provided that such modification, renewal or replacement shall not extend the time any Options may be exercised or accelerate the vesting of any Options beyond the time provided herein or in such original employment agreement), this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the Options covered hereby and supersede all prior understandings and agreements. Except as provided in this Agreement, in the event of a conflict among the documents with respect to the terms and conditions of the Options covered hereby, the documents will be accorded the following order of authority: the terms and conditions of the Plan will have highest authority followed by the terms and conditions of your employment agreement, if any, followed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
          19. Successors and Assigns. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and its successors and assigns.
          20. Waiver. No waiver by the Company at any time of any breach by you of, or compliance with, any term or condition of this Agreement or the Plan to be performed by you shall be deemed a waiver of the same, any similar or any dissimilar term or condition at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
          21. Severability. The terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or condition hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other terms and conditions set forth herein.
          22. Exclusion from Compensation Calculation. By acceptance of this Agreement, you shall be considered in agreement that all shares of Class A Common Stock and cash received upon each exercise of the Options shall be considered special incentive compensation and will be exempt from inclusion as “wages” or “salary” in pension, retirement, life insurance and other employee benefits arrangements of your Employer, except as determined otherwise by your Employer. In addition, each of your beneficiaries shall be deemed to be in agreement that all such shares of Class A Common Stock and cash be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by your Employer.
          23. No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement or the Plan shall be construed to confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, as applicable, or derogate from the right of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, as applicable, to retire, request the resignation of, or discharge you, at any time, with or without cause.
          24. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

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          25. Effective Date. Upon execution by you, this Agreement shall be effective from and as of the Distribution Date.
          26. Signatures. Execution of this Agreement by the Company may be in the form of an electronic or similar signature and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.
         
  MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
          By your signature, you (i) acknowledge that a complete copy of the Plan and an executed original of this Agreement have been made available to you and (ii) agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.
                                                                                      
Optionee:                                                                

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APPENDIX 1
TO
STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
     1. In the event of a “Change of Control” or a “going private transaction” with respect to the Company, as defined below, your entitlement to exercise the Options shall be as follows:
          a. If the Company or the “Surviving Entity,” as defined below, has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on NASDAQ, the Committee shall, to the extent that the Options have not been exercised and have not expired (the “Outstanding Options”), no later than the effective date of the transaction which results in a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company either (A) convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to (i) the number of common shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options multiplied by (ii) the excess of (x) the “offer price per share,” the “acquisition price per share” or the “merger price per share,” each as defined below, whichever of such amounts is applicable, over (y) the exercise price of the shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options, or (B) arrange to have the Surviving Entity grant to you in substitution for your Outstanding Options an award of options for shares of common stock (or partnership units) of the Surviving Entity on the same terms with a value equivalent to the Outstanding Options and which will, in the good faith determination of the Committee, provide you with an equivalent profit potential.
          b. If the Company or the Surviving Entity does not have shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on NASDAQ, the Committee shall convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to the amount calculated as per Section 1(A) above.
          c. The cash award provided in Section 1(a) or 1(b) shall become payable to you, and the substitute options of the Surviving Entity provided in Section 1(a) will become exercisable (1) with respect to the Outstanding Options that were not exercisable on the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, as the case may be, at the earlier of (a) the date on which the Outstanding Options would otherwise have become exercisable hereunder had they continued in effect, or (b) if immediately prior to termination you were a MSG Employee, the date on which (i) your employment with the MSG Group or the Surviving Entity is terminated by the MSG Group or the Surviving Entity other than for Cause, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, (ii) your employment with the MSG Group or the Surviving Entity is terminated by you for “good reason,” as defined below, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company or (iii) your employment with the MSG Group or one of its subsidiaries or the Surviving Entity is terminated by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than

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nine (9) months after the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company; provided that clause (iii) herein shall not apply in the event that your rights in the Outstanding Options are converted into a right to receive an amount of cash in accordance with Section 1(a), or (2) with respect to the Outstanding Options that were exercisable on the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, as the case may be, the substitute options shall become exercisable immediately and the cash awards shall become payable promptly. The amount payable in cash shall be payable together with interest from the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company until the date of payment at (a) the weighted average cost of capital of the Company immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, or (b) if the Company (or the Surviving Entity) sets aside the funds in a trust or other funding arrangement, the actual earnings of such trust or other funding arrangement.
     2. As used herein,
     “Acquisition price per share” shall mean the greater of (i) the highest price per share stated on the Schedule 13D or any amendment thereto filed by the holder of twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s voting power which gives rise to the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company.
     “Change of Control” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).
     “Going private transaction” means a transaction involving the purchase of Company securities described in Rule 13e-3 to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
     “Good reason” means
     (i) without your express written consent any reduction in your base salary or bonus potential, or any material impairment or material adverse change in your working conditions (as the same may from time to time have been improved or, with your written consent, otherwise altered, in each case, after the Distribution Date) at any time after or within ninety (90) days prior to the Change of Control, including, without limitation, any material reduction of your other compensation, executive perquisites or other employee benefits (measured, where applicable, by level or participation or percentage of award under any plans of the Company), or material impairment or material adverse change of your level of responsibility, authority, autonomy or title, or to your scope of duties;

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     (ii) any failure by your Employer to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an insubstantial or inadvertent failure remedied by your Employer promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you;
     (iii) your Employer’s requiring you to be based at any office or location more than thirty-five (35) miles from your location immediately prior to such event except for travel reasonably required in the performance of your responsibilities; or
     (iv) any failure by the Company to obtain the assumption and agreement to perform this Agreement by a successor as contemplated by Section 1.
     “Merger price per share” shall mean, in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or other disposition of assets that results in a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (a “Merger”), the greater of (i) the fixed or formula price for the acquisition of shares of common stock occurring pursuant to the Merger, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock pursuant to the Merger shall be valued in determining the merger price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity which is a party with the Company to the Merger, or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.
     “MSG Employee” means any individual who is employed by the MSG Group.
     “Offer price per share” shall mean, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer which results in a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (an “Offer”), the greater of (i) the highest price per share of common stock paid pursuant to the Offer, or (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock in the Offer shall be valued in determining the Offer Price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity making such offer or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.
     “Surviving Entity” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of the Company’s assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction). If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on NASDAQ, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the Surviving Entity provided that it there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of the Company’s assets shall be deemed to be the Surviving Entity.

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EX-10.14 6 y78599a5exv10w14.htm EX-10.14 exv10w14
OPTION AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.14
Dear                     :
          Pursuant to the Cablevision Systems Corporation 2006 Employee Stock Plan, on                      (the “Grant Date”), you were granted options to purchase                        shares of Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”), and rights with respect to the same number of shares subject to the options. In conjunction with the spin-off of Madison Square Garden, Inc. (the “Company”) from Cablevision on                       (the “Distribution Date”), and pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Employee Stock Plan (the “Plan”), you are receiving the award described in this Option Agreement (the “Agreement”) of (A) nonqualified stock options (the “Options”) to purchase                       shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A common stock (the “Class A Common Stock”) at a price of $                      per share and, in addition, (B) Conjunctive Rights (the “Rights”) with respect to the same number of shares of Class A Common Stock subject to the Options.
          Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The Options and Rights are granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:
          1. Vesting. The Options and Rights are immediately exercisable.
          2. Exercise. You may exercise the Options and Rights by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company, or by following such procedures as established by the Company, specifying the number of shares to be exercised (the “Exercise Notice”), together with a copy of this letter. Unless the Company chooses to settle the Options in cash, shares of the underlying Class A Common Stock or a combination of cash and the underlying Common Stock pursuant to paragraph 3 hereof, you will be required to deliver to the Company, or such person as the Company may designate, within such time period as the Company may require, payment in full for the exercise of Options. You may pay the exercise price by cash (directly and/or by applying the proceeds of exercise of the related Rights), by certified check, by surrendering shares of the underlying Class A Common Stock or by any combination thereof. Class A Common Stock used to pay the exercise price will be valued at its Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) as of the day preceding the date of exercise.
          3. Option Spread. Upon receipt of the notice described in paragraph 2 above, the Company may elect, in lieu of issuing shares of Common Stock, to settle the Option by paying you a amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of one share of the underlying Class A Common Stock on the date the option is exercised over the exercise price of the Option (the “Option Spread”) by (ii) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock with respect to which the Option is exercised. The amount payable to you in these circumstances may be paid by the Company either in cash or in shares of the underlying Class A Common Stock having a Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) equal to the Option Spread, or a combination thereof, as the Company shall determine.

 


 

          4. Expiration. Subject to subsection 4(D), the Options and Rights will terminate automatically and without further notice at the end of 10 years from the Effective Date (the “Option Term”), or at any of the following dates, if earlier:
  (A)   one hundred and eighty (180) days following the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group (each as defined below), unless you cease to be an employee by reason of death, Disability (as defined below) or Retirement (as defined below) with your Employer’s consent; provided, that for purposes of this Section 4(A), you shall be deemed to cease to be an employee of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group if you transfer between the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group at a time when the Company and Cablevision are not considered Affiliates;
 
  (B)   three (3) years following the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, if such cessation is the result of Disability or Retirement with your Employer’s consent; or
 
  (C)   the date upon which your employment with your Employer is terminated for Cause.
          Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of your death during the period that the Options and Rights are exercisable, whether death occurs before or after you cease employment, all Options and Rights that are exercisable at the time of your death shall remain exercisable by your estate or beneficiary until the first anniversary of your death, whether or not such first anniversary occurs prior to the expiration of ten years from the date hereof.
      For purposes of this Agreement, the “Cablevision Group” means Cablevision Systems Corporation and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates, other than Madison Square Garden, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The “MSG Group” means Madison Square Garden, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates, other than Cablevision Systems Corporation and its subsidiaries.
          For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer, your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against your Employer or any of its Affiliates, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.
          For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means your inability to perform for six (6) continuous months substantially all the essential duties of your occupation, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer.
          For purposes of this Agreement, if you are employed by the Cablevision Group, your “Employer” means Cablevision Systems Corporation; if you are employed by the MSG Group, your “Employer” means Madison Square Garden, Inc.; and if you are employed by both the Cablevision Group and the MSG Group, your “Employer” shall mean Cablevision Systems Corporation.

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          For purposes of this Agreement, “Retirement” means the voluntary termination by you of your employment with your Employer at such time as (i) you have attained at least the age of fifty-five (55) and (ii) you have been employed by the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group for at least five (5) years in the aggregate, provided that your Employer, may nevertheless decide, in its sole discretion, not to treat your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder. Treatment of your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder shall be further subject to your execution (and the effectiveness) of a retirement agreement to your Employer’s satisfaction, including, without limitation (to the extent desired by your Employer), non-compete, non-disparagement, non-solicitation, confidentiality and further cooperation obligations/restrictions on you as well as a general release by you of your Employer. The above definition of “Retirement” is solely for purposes of this Agreement and shall not, in any way, create or imply any obligations of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group (under any other agreement or otherwise) with respect to any such termination of your employment.
          5. Change of Control/Going Private Transaction. As set forth in Appendix 1 attached hereto, the Options may be affected in the event of a Change of Control or going private transaction (each as defined in Appendix 1 attached hereto).
          6. Rights. Upon exercise of the Rights, you will receive from the Company an amount in cash, equal to the result of multiplying (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of one share of the underlying Class A Common Stock on the date the Rights are exercised over the per share exercise price under the related Options, by (ii) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock with respect to which the Rights are exercised.
          7. Section 409A. It is the intent that payments under this Agreement are exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and that the Agreement be administered accordingly. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if and to the extent that any payment or benefit under this Agreement is determined by your Employer to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”) and is payable to you by reason of your termination of employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by your Employer), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or your earlier death).
          8. Tax Representations and Tax Withholding. If, in connection with the exercise of Options or Rights, the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group is required to withhold any amounts by reason of any federal, state or local taxes, such withholding shall be in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan. You hereby acknowledge that you have reviewed with your own tax advisors the federal, state and local tax consequences of exercising the Options and Rights and receiving shares of Class A Common Stock and cash. You hereby represent to the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group that you are relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company, Cablevision or any of their respective Affiliates or agents.

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          9. Transfer Restrictions. You may not transfer or assign the Options or Rights, other than (i) by will or the laws of descent or distribution or (ii) to the extent specifically permitted by action of the Committee and communicated to you in writing, to a Permitted Transferee (as defined in the Plan).
          10. Non-Qualification as ISO. The Options are not intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
          11. The Options and Rights granted by this letter are being issued pursuant and subject to the Plan, a copy of which has been furnished to you.
          12. Securities Law Acknowledgments. You hereby acknowledge and confirm to the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group that (i) you are aware that the shares of Class A Common Stock are publicly-traded securities and (ii) the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Options may not be sold or otherwise transferred unless such sale or transfer is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the securities laws of any applicable state or other jurisdiction, or is exempt from such registration.
          13. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be made under, and in all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
          14. Jurisdiction and Venue. You hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States of America located in the State of New York solely in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, and hereby waive, and agree not to assert, as a defense that you are not subject thereto or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate. You hereby agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in any manner as may be permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.
          15. Right of Offset. You hereby agree that the Company shall have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Class A Common Stock, cash or other property under this Agreement to the extent that it does not constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Section 409A, any outstanding amounts of whatever nature that you then owe to the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.
          16. The Committee. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any replacement committee established under, and as more fully defined in, the Plan.
          17. Committee Discretion. The Committee has full discretion with respect to any actions to be taken or determinations to be made in connection with this Agreement, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.
          18. Amendment. The Committee reserves the right at any time to amend the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, except that the Committee shall not make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to you (other than if immaterial), without your

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consent. No consent shall be required for amendments made pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan, except that, for purposes of Section 19 of the Plan, Section 5 and Appendix 1 of this Agreement are deemed to be “terms of an Award Agreement expressly referring to an Adjustment Event.” Any amendment of this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by an authorized member of the Committee or a person or persons designated by the Committee.
          19. Entire Agreement. Except for any employment agreement between you and the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group in effect as of the date of the grant hereof (as such employment agreement may be modified, renewed or replaced, provided that such modification, renewal or replacement shall not extend the time any Options may be exercised or accelerate the vesting of any Options beyond the time provided herein or in such original employment agreement), this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the Options and Rights covered hereby and supersede all prior understandings and agreements. In the event of a conflict among the documents with respect to the terms and conditions of the Options and Rights covered hereby, the documents will be accorded the following order of authority: the terms and conditions of the Plan will have highest authority followed by the terms and conditions of your employment agreement, if any, followed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
          20. Successors and Assigns. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and its successors and assigns.
          21. Waiver. No waiver by the Company at any time of any breach by you of, or compliance with, any term or condition of this Agreement or the Plan to be performed by you shall be deemed a waiver of the same, any similar or any dissimilar term or condition at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
          22. Severability. The terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or condition hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other terms and conditions set forth herein.
          23. Exclusion from Compensation Calculation. By acceptance of this Agreement, you shall be considered in agreement that all shares of Class A Common Stock and cash received upon each exercise of the Options shall be considered special incentive compensation and will be exempt from inclusion as “wages” or “salary” in pension, retirement, life insurance and other employee benefits arrangements of your Employer, except as determined otherwise by your Employer. In addition, each of your beneficiaries shall be deemed to be in agreement that all such shares of Class A Common Stock and cash be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by your Employer.
          24. No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement or the Plan shall be construed to confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, or derogate from the right of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group to retire, request the resignation of, or discharge you, at any time, with or without cause.

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          25. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
          26. Effective Date. Upon execution by you, this Agreement shall be effective from and as of the Distribution Date.
          27. Execution of this letter by the Company may be in the form of an electronic or similar signature and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.
         
  MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
          By your signature, you acknowledge receipt of the Plan and of an executed original of this letter and agree to all of the terms set forth herein.
                                                                                     
Optionee:                                                               

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APPENDIX 1
TO
STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
     1. In the event of a “Change of Control” or a “going private transaction” with respect to the Company, as defined below, your entitlement to exercise the Options shall be as follows:
          a. If the Company or the “Surviving Entity,” as defined below, has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on NASDAQ, the Committee shall, to the extent that the Options have not been exercised and have not expired (the “Outstanding Options”), no later than the effective date of the transaction which results in a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company either (A) convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to (i) the number of common shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options multiplied by (ii) the excess of (x) the “offer price per share,” the “acquisition price per share” or the “merger price per share,” each as defined below, whichever of such amounts is applicable, over (y) the exercise price of the shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options, or (B) arrange to have the Surviving Entity grant to you in substitution for your Outstanding Options an award of options for shares of common stock (or partnership units) of the Surviving Entity on the same terms with a value equivalent to the Outstanding Options and which will, in the good faith determination of the Committee, provide you with an equivalent profit potential.
          b. If the Company or the Surviving Entity does not have shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on NASDAQ, the Committee shall convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to the amount calculated as per Section 1(A) above.
          c. The cash award provided in Section 1(a) or 1(b) shall become payable to you, and the substitute options of the Surviving Entity provided in Section 1(a) will become exercisable (1) with respect to the Outstanding Options that were not exercisable on the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, as the case may be, at the earlier of (a) the date on which the Outstanding Options would otherwise have become exercisable hereunder had they continued in effect, or (b) if immediately prior to termination you were a MSG Employee, the date on which (i) your employment with the MSG Group or the Surviving Entity is terminated by the MSG Group or the Surviving Entity other than for Cause, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, (ii) your employment with the MSG Group or the Surviving Entity is terminated by you for “good reason,” as defined below, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company or (iii) your employment with the MSG Group or the Surviving Entity is terminated by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after

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the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company; provided that clause (iii) herein shall not apply in the event that your rights in the Outstanding Options are converted into a right to receive an amount of cash in accordance with Section 1(a), or (2) with respect to the Outstanding Options that were exercisable on the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, as the case may be, the substitute options shall become exercisable immediately and the cash awards shall become payable promptly. The amount payable in cash shall be payable together with interest from the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company until the date of payment at (a) the weighted average cost of capital of the Company immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, or (b) if the Company (or the Surviving Entity) sets aside the funds in a trust or other funding arrangement, the actual earnings of such trust or other funding arrangement.
     2. As used herein,
     “Acquisition price per share” shall mean the greater of (i) the highest price per share stated on the Schedule 13D or any amendment thereto filed by the holder of twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s voting power which gives rise to the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company.
     “Change of Control” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).
     “Going private transaction” means a transaction involving the purchase of Company or Cablevision, as applicable, securities described in Rule 13e-3 to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
     “Good reason” means
     (i) without your express written consent any reduction in your base salary or bonus potential, or any material impairment or material adverse change in your working conditions (as the same may from time to time have been improved or, with your written consent, otherwise altered, in each case, after the Distribution Date) at any time after or within ninety (90) days prior to the Change of Control, including, without limitation, any material reduction of your other compensation, executive perquisites or other employee benefits (measured, where applicable, by level or participation or percentage of award under any plans of the Company), or material impairment or material adverse change of your level of responsibility, authority, autonomy or title, or to your scope of duties;

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     (ii) any failure by your Employer to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an insubstantial or inadvertent failure remedied your Employer promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you;
     (iii) your Employer’s requiring you to be based at any office or location more than thirty-five (35) miles from your location immediately prior to such event except for travel reasonably required in the performance of your responsibilities; or
     (iv) any failure by the Company to obtain the assumption and agreement to perform this Agreement by a successor as contemplated by Section 1.
     “Merger price per share” shall mean, in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or other disposition of assets that results in a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (a “Merger”), the greater of (i) the fixed or formula price for the acquisition of shares of common stock occurring pursuant to the Merger, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock pursuant to the Merger shall be valued in determining the merger price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity which is a party with the Company to the Merger, or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.
     “MSG Employee” means any individual who is employed by the MSG Group.
     “Offer price per share” shall mean, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer which results in a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (an “Offer”), the greater of (i) the highest price per share of common stock paid pursuant to the Offer, or (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock in the Offer shall be valued in determining the Offer Price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity making such offer or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.
     “Surviving Entity” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of the Company’s assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction). If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on NASDAQ, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the Surviving Entity provided that it there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of the Company’s assets shall be deemed to be the Surviving Entity.

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EX-10.15 7 y78599a5exv10w15.htm EX-10.15 exv10w15
Exhibit 10.15
OPTION AGREEMENT
Dear                     :
          Pursuant to the Cablevision Systems Corporation 2006 Employee Stock Plan, on June 5, 2006 (the “Grant Date”), you were granted options to purchase                      shares of Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”). In conjunction with the spin-off of Madison Square Garden, Inc. (the “Company”) from Cablevision on                      (the “Distribution Date”), and pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Employee Stock Plan (the “Plan”), you are receiving the award described in this Option Agreement (the “Agreement”) of nonqualified stock options (the “Options”) to purchase                      shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A common stock (the “Class A Common Stock”) at a price of $           per share.
          Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The Options are granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:
          1. Vesting. The Options are immediately exercisable.
          2. Exercise. You may exercise the Options by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company, or by following such procedures as established by the Company, specifying the number of shares of Class A Common Stock as to which the Options are being exercised (the “Exercise Notice”), together with a copy of this Agreement. Unless the Company chooses to settle such exercise in cash, shares of Class A Common Stock, or a combination thereof pursuant to Paragraph 3, you will be required to deliver to the Company, or such person as the Company may designate, within such time period as the Company may require, payment in full of the exercise price due on account of such exercise. You may pay the exercise price by cash, by certified check, by surrendering shares of Class A Common Stock or by any combination thereof. Class A Common Stock used to pay the exercise price pursuant to this Paragraph 2 will be valued at the Fair Market Value as of the day preceding the date of exercise.
          3. Option Spread. Upon receipt of the Exercise Notice, the Company may elect, in lieu of issuing shares of Class A Common Stock, to settle the exercise covered by such notice by paying you an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise over the per share exercise price of the Options (the “Option Spread”) by (ii) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock specified in the Exercise Notice. The amount payable to you in these circumstances may be paid by the Company either in cash or in shares of Class A Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the Option Spread, or a combination thereof, as the Company shall determine. Class A Common Stock used to pay the Option Spread pursuant to this Paragraph 3 will be valued at the Fair Market Value as of the day the Exercise Notice is received by the Company.
          4. Expiration. The Options will terminate automatically and without further notice on the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Grant Date, or at any of the following dates, if earlier:

 


 

  (A)   one hundred and eighty (180) days following the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group (each as defined below), unless you cease to be an employee by reason of (x) you terminating your employment for any reason, (y) death, Disability (as defined below) or Retirement (as defined below) with your Employer’s consent or (z) termination from your Employer for Cause (as defined below); provided, that for purposes of this Section 4(A), you shall be deemed to cease to be an employee of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group if you transfer between the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group at a time when the Company and Cablevision are not considered Affiliates;
 
  (B)   ninety (90) days following the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group due to you terminating your employment for any reason; provided, that for purposes of this Section 4(B), you shall be deemed to cease to be an employee of any of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group if you transfer between the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group at a time when the Company and Cablevision are not considered Affiliates;
 
  (C)   three (3) years following the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, if such cessation is the result of death, Disability or Retirement; or
 
  (D)   the date upon which your employment with your Employer is terminated for Cause.
          Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Paragraph 4, in the event of your death during the period that your Options are exercisable, whether death occurs before or after you cease employment, the Options that are exercisable at the time of your death shall remain exercisable by your estate or beneficiary until the earlier of the third (3rd) anniversary of your death and the eleventh (11th) anniversary of the Grant Date.
          For purposes of this Agreement, the “Cablevision Group” means Cablevision Systems Corporation and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates, other than Madison Square Garden, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The “MSG Group” means Madison Square Garden, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates, other than Cablevision Systems Corporation and its subsidiaries.
          For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer, your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against your Employer or any of its Affiliates, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.

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          For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means your inability to perform for six (6) continuous months substantially all the essential duties of your occupation, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer.
          For purposes of this Agreement, if you are employed by the Cablevision Group, your “Employer” means Cablevision Systems Corporation; if you are employed by the MSG Group, your “Employer” means Madison Square Garden, Inc.; and if you are employed by both the Cablevision Group and the MSG Group, your “Employer” shall mean Cablevision Systems Corporation.
          For purposes of this Agreement, “Retirement” means the voluntary termination by you of your employment with your Employer at such time as (i) you have attained at least the age of fifty-five (55) and (ii) you have been employed by the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group for at least five (5) years in the aggregate, provided that your Employer, may nevertheless decide, in its sole discretion, not to treat your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder. Treatment of your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder shall be further subject to your execution (and the effectiveness) of a retirement agreement to your Employer’s satisfaction, including, without limitation (to the extent desired by your Employer), non-compete, non-disparagement, non-solicitation, confidentiality and further cooperation obligations/restrictions on you as well as a general release by you of your Employer. The above definition of “Retirement” is solely for purposes of this Agreement and shall not, in any way, create or imply any obligations of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group (under any other agreement or otherwise) with respect to any such termination of your employment.
          5. Change of Control/Going Private Transaction. As set forth in Appendix 1 attached hereto, the Options may be affected in the event of a Change of Control or a going private transaction (each as defined in Appendix 1 attached hereto).
          6. Tax Representations and Tax Withholding. You hereby acknowledge that you have reviewed with your own tax advisors the federal, state and local tax consequences of exercising the Options and receiving shares of Class A Common Stock and cash. You hereby represent to the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group that you are relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company, Cablevision or any of their respective Affiliates or agents.
          If, in connection with the exercise of the Options, your Employer is required to withhold any amounts by reason of any federal, state or local tax, such withholding shall be effected in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.
          7. Section 409A. It is the intent that payments under this Agreement are exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and that the Agreement be administered and interpreted accordingly. To the extent necessary to give effect to this intent, in the case of any conflict or potential inconsistency between the provisions of the Plan and this Section 7 of the Agreement, the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement shall govern. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if and to the extent that any payment or benefit under this Agreement is determined by your Employer to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code (“Section

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409A”) and is payable to you by reason of your termination of employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by your Employer), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or your earlier death). Any amount not paid in respect of the six month period specified in the preceding sentence will be paid to you in a lump sum after the expiration of such six month period. Any such payment or benefit shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A to the extent Section 409A applies to such payments.
          8. Transfer Restrictions. You may not transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the Options, other than to the extent provided in the Plan.
          9. Non-Qualification as ISO. The Options are not intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422A of the Code.
          10. Securities Law Acknowledgments. You hereby acknowledge and confirm to the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group that (i) you are aware that the shares of Class A Common Stock are publicly-traded securities and (ii) the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Options may not be sold or otherwise transferred unless such sale or transfer is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the securities laws of any applicable state or other jurisdiction, or is exempt from such registration.
          11. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be made under, and in all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
          12. Jurisdiction and Venue. You hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States of America located in the Southern District and Eastern District of the State of New York in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, and hereby waive, and agree not to assert, as a defense that you are not subject thereto or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate. You hereby agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in any manner as may be permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.
          13. Right of Offset. You hereby agree that the Company shall have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Class A Common Stock, cash or other property under this Agreement to the extent that it does not constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Section 409A, any outstanding amounts of whatever nature that you then owe to the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.
          14. The Committee. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any replacement committee established under, and as more fully defined in, the Plan.

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          15. Committee Discretion. The Committee has full discretion with respect to any actions to be taken or determinations to be made in connection with this Agreement, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.
          16. Amendment. The Committee reserves the right at any time to amend the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, except that the Committee shall not make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to you (other than if immaterial), without your consent. No consent shall be required for amendments made pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan, except that, for purposes of Section 19 of the Plan, Section 5 and Appendix 1 of this Agreement are deemed to be “terms of an Award Agreement expressly referring to an Adjustment Event.” Any amendment of this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by an authorized member of the Committee or a person or persons designated by the Committee.
          17. Options Subject to the Plan. The Options granted by this Agreement are subject to the Plan.
          18. Entire Agreement. Except for any employment agreement between you and the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group in effect as of the Distribution Date (as such employment agreement may be modified, renewed or replaced, provided that such modification, renewal or replacement shall not extend the time any Options may be exercised or accelerate the vesting of any Options beyond the time provided herein or in such original employment agreement), this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the Options covered hereby and supersede all prior understandings and agreements. Except as provided in this Agreement, in the event of a conflict among the documents with respect to the terms and conditions of the Options covered hereby, the documents will be accorded the following order of authority: the terms and conditions of the Plan will have highest authority followed by the terms and conditions of your employment agreement, if any, followed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
          19. Successors and Assigns. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and its successors and assigns.
          20. Waiver. No waiver by the Company at any time of any breach by you of, or compliance with, any term or condition of this Agreement or the Plan to be performed by you shall be deemed a waiver of the same, any similar or any dissimilar term or condition at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
          21. Severability. The terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or condition hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other terms and conditions set forth herein.
          22. Exclusion from Compensation Calculation. By acceptance of this Agreement, you shall be considered in agreement that all shares of Class A Common Stock and cash received upon each exercise of the Options shall be considered special incentive compensation and will be exempt from inclusion as “wages” or “salary” in pension, retirement, life insurance and other employee benefits arrangements of your Employer, except as determined otherwise by your Employer. In addition, each of your beneficiaries shall be deemed to be in

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agreement that all such shares of Class A Common Stock and cash be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by your Employer.
          23. No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement or the Plan shall be construed to confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, as applicable, or derogate from the right of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, as applicable, to retire, request the resignation of, or discharge you, at any time, with or without cause.
          24. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
          25. Effective Date. Upon execution by you, this Agreement shall be effective from and as of the Distribution Date.
          26. Signatures. Execution of this Agreement by the Company may be in the form of an electronic or similar signature and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.
         
  MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
          By your signature, you (i) acknowledge that a complete copy of the Plan and an executed original of this Agreement have been made available to you and (ii) agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.
                                                            
Optionee:                                         

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APPENDIX 1
TO
STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
     1. In the event of a “Change of Control” or a “going private transaction” with respect to the Company, as defined below, your entitlement to exercise the Options shall be as follows:
          a. If the Company or the “Surviving Entity,” as defined below, has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on NASDAQ, the Committee shall, to the extent that the Options have not been exercised and have not expired (the “Outstanding Options”), no later than the effective date of the transaction which results in a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company either (A) convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to (i) the number of common shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options multiplied by (ii) the excess of (x) the “offer price per share,” the “acquisition price per share” or the “merger price per share,” each as defined below, whichever of such amounts is applicable, over (y) the exercise price of the shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options, or (B) arrange to have the Surviving Entity grant to you in substitution for your Outstanding Options an award of options for shares of common stock (or partnership units) of the Surviving Entity on the same terms with a value equivalent to the Outstanding Options and which will, in the good faith determination of the Committee, provide you with an equivalent profit potential.
          b. If the Company or the Surviving Entity does not have shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on NASDAQ, the Committee shall convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to the amount calculated as per Section 1(A) above.
          c. The cash award provided in Section 1(a) or 1(b) shall become payable to you, and the substitute options of the Surviving Entity provided in Section 1(a) will become exercisable (1) with respect to the Outstanding Options that were not exercisable on the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, as the case may be, at the earlier of (a) the date on which the Outstanding Options would otherwise have become exercisable hereunder had they continued in effect, or (b) if immediately prior to termination you were a MSG Employee, the date on which (i) your employment with the MSG Group or the Surviving Entity is terminated by the MSG Group or the Surviving Entity other than for Cause, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, (ii) your employment with the MSG Group or the Surviving Entity is terminated by you for “good reason,” as defined below, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company or (iii) your employment with the MSG Group or the Surviving Entity is terminated by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after

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the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company; provided that clause (iii) herein shall not apply in the event that your rights in the Outstanding Options are converted into a right to receive an amount of cash in accordance with Section 1(a), or (2) with respect to the Outstanding Options that were exercisable on the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, as the case may be, the substitute options shall become exercisable immediately and the cash awards shall become payable promptly. The amount payable in cash shall be payable together with interest from the effective date of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company until the date of payment at (a) the weighted average cost of capital of the Company immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, or (b) if the Company (or the Surviving Entity) sets aside the funds in a trust or other funding arrangement, the actual earnings of such trust or other funding arrangement.
     2. As used herein,
     “Acquisition price per share” shall mean the greater of (i) the highest price per share stated on the Schedule 13D or any amendment thereto filed by the holder of twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s voting power which gives rise to the Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company.
     “Change of Control” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).
     “Going private transaction” means a transaction involving the purchase of Company securities described in Rule 13e-3 to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
     “Good reason” means
     (i) without your express written consent any reduction in your base salary or bonus potential, or any material impairment or material adverse change in your working conditions (as the same may from time to time have been improved or, with your written consent, otherwise altered, in each case, after the Distribution Date) at any time after or within ninety (90) days prior to the Change of Control, including, without limitation, any material reduction of your other compensation, executive perquisites or other employee benefits (measured, where applicable, by level or participation or percentage of award under any plans of the Company), or material impairment or material adverse change of your level of responsibility, authority, autonomy or title, or to your scope of duties;

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     (ii) any failure by your Employer to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an insubstantial or inadvertent failure remedied by your Employer promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you;
     (iii) your Employer’s requiring you to be based at any office or location more than thirty-five (35) miles from your location immediately prior to such event except for travel reasonably required in the performance of your responsibilities; or
     (iv) any failure by the Company to obtain the assumption and agreement to perform this Agreement by a successor as contemplated by Section 1.
     “Merger price per share” shall mean, in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or other disposition of assets that results in a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (a “Merger”), the greater of (i) the fixed or formula price for the acquisition of shares of common stock occurring pursuant to the Merger, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock pursuant to the Merger shall be valued in determining the merger price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity which is a party with the Company to the Merger, or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.
     “MSG Employee” means any individual who is employed by the MSG Group.
     “Offer price per share” shall mean, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer which results in a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (an “Offer”), the greater of (i) the highest price per share of common stock paid pursuant to the Offer, or (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of a Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock in the Offer shall be valued in determining the Offer Price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity making such offer or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.
     “Surviving Entity” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of the Company’s assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction). If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on NASDAQ, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the Surviving Entity provided that it there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of the Company’s assets shall be deemed to be the Surviving Entity.

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EX-10.16 8 y78599a5exv10w16.htm EX-10.16 exv10w16
Exhibit 10.16
OPTION AGREEMENT
Dear                     :
               Pursuant to the Cablevision Systems Corporation 2006 Employee Stock Plan, on January 20, 2009 (the “Grant Date”), you were granted options to purchase                      shares of Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”). In conjunction with the spin-off of Madison Square Garden, Inc. (the “Company”) from Cablevision on                      (the “Distribution Date”), and pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Employee Stock Plan (the “Plan”), you are receiving the award described in this Option Agreement (the “Agreement”) of nonqualified stock options (the “Options”) to purchase                      shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A common stock (the “Class A Common Stock”) at a price of $                     per share.
               Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The Options are granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:
               1. Vesting. If you remain in the continuous employ of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group (each as defined below), the Options will become exercisable on January 20, ___; provided that you will forfeit any unvested Options if you transfer between the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group at a time when the Company and Cablevision are not considered Affiliates.
               2. Exercise. You may exercise the Options that become vested and exercisable by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company, or by following such procedures as established by the Company, specifying the number of shares of Class A Common Stock as to which the Options are being exercised (the “Exercise Notice”), together with a copy of this Agreement. Unless the Company chooses to settle such exercise in cash, shares of Class A Common Stock, or a combination thereof pursuant to Paragraph 3, you will be required to deliver to the Company, or such person as the Company may designate, within such time period as the Company may require, payment in full of the exercise price due on account of such exercise. You may pay the exercise price by cash, by certified check, by surrendering shares of Class A Common Stock or by any combination thereof. Class A Common Stock used to pay the exercise price pursuant to this Paragraph 2 will be valued at the Fair Market Value as of the day preceding the date of exercise.
               3. Option Spread. Upon receipt of the Exercise Notice, the Company may elect, in lieu of issuing shares of Class A Common Stock, to settle the exercise covered by such notice by paying you an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise over the per share exercise price of the Options (the “Option Spread”) by (ii) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock specified in the Exercise Notice. The amount payable to you in these circumstances may be paid by the Company either in cash or in shares of Class A Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the Option Spread, or a combination thereof, as the Company shall determine. Class A Common Stock used to pay the Option Spread pursuant to

 


 

this Paragraph 3 will be valued at the Fair Market Value as of the day the Exercise Notice is received by the Company.
               4. Expiration. The Options will terminate automatically and without further notice on the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Grant Date, or at any of the following dates, if earlier:
  (A)   with respect to those Options which are then unexercisable, the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, unless as a result of your death in which case all of your Options granted under this Agreement shall become immediately exercisable; provided, that for purposes of this Section 4(A), you shall be deemed to cease to be an employee of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group if you transfer between the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group at a time when the Company and Cablevision are not considered Affiliates.
 
  (B)   with respect to those Options which are then exercisable:
(i) one hundred and eighty (180) days following the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, unless you cease to be an employee by reason of (x) you terminating your employment for any reason, (y) death, Disability (as defined below) or Retirement (as defined below) with your Employer’s consent or (z) termination from your Employer for Cause (as defined below);
(ii) ninety (90) days following the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group due to you terminating your employment for any reason; provided, that for purposes of this Section 4(B)(ii), you shall be deemed to cease to be an employee of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group if you transfer between the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group at a time when the Company and Cablevision are not considered Affiliates; and
(iii) three (3) years following the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, if such cessation is the result of death, Disability or Retirement;
  (C)   with respect to all your then outstanding Options, whether exercisable or unexercisable, the date upon which your employment with your Employer is terminated for Cause; or
 
  (D)   with respect to those Options which are then unexercisable, you breach any of your obligations in relation to the purchase and retention of shares of Cablevision contained in the seventh paragraph of your offer letter dated January 12, 2009.

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               Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Paragraph 4, in the event of your death during the period that your Options are exercisable, whether death occurs before or after you cease employment, the Options that are exercisable at the time of your death shall remain exercisable by your estate or beneficiary until the earlier of the third (3rd) anniversary of your death and the eleventh (11th) anniversary of the Grant Date.
               For purposes of this Agreement, the “Cablevision Group” means Cablevision Systems Corporation and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates, other than Madison Square Garden, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The “MSG Group” means Madison Square Garden, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates, other than Cablevision Systems Corporation and its subsidiaries.
               For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer, your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against your Employer or any of its Affiliates, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.
               For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means your inability to perform for six (6) continuous months substantially all the essential duties of your occupation, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer.
               For purposes of this Agreement, if you are employed by the Cablevision Group, your “Employer” means Cablevision Systems Corporation and if you are employed by the MSG Group, your “Employer” means Madison Square Garden, Inc.
               For purposes of this Agreement, “Retirement” means the voluntary termination by you of your employment with your Employer at such time as (i) you have attained at least the age of fifty-five (55) and (ii) you have been employed by the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group for at least five (5) years in the aggregate, provided that your Employer, may nevertheless decide, in its sole discretion, not to treat your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder. Treatment of your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder shall be further subject to your execution (and the effectiveness) of a retirement agreement to your Employer’s satisfaction, including, without limitation (to the extent desired by your Employer), non-compete, non-disparagement, non-solicitation, confidentiality and further cooperation obligations/restrictions on you as well as a general release by you of your Employer. The above definition of “Retirement” is solely for purposes of this Agreement and shall not, in any way, create or imply any obligations of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group (under any other agreement or otherwise) with respect to any such termination of your employment.
               5. Change of Control/Going Private Transaction. As set forth in Appendix 1 attached hereto, the Options may be affected in the event of a Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction or a MSG Change of Control or going private transaction (each as defined in Appendix 1 attached hereto).

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               6. Tax Representations and Tax Withholding. You hereby acknowledge that you have reviewed with your own tax advisors the federal, state and local tax consequences of exercising the Options and receiving shares of Class A Common Stock and cash. You hereby represent to the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group that you are relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company, Cablevision or any of their respective Affiliates or agents.
               If, in connection with the exercise of the Options, your Employer is required to withhold any amounts by reason of any federal, state or local tax, such withholding shall be effected in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.
               7. Section 409A. It is the intent that payments under this Agreement are exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and that the Agreement be administered and interpreted accordingly. To the extent necessary to give effect to this intent, in the case of any conflict or potential inconsistency between the provisions of the Plan and this Section 7 of the Agreement, the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement shall govern. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if and to the extent that any payment or benefit under this Agreement is determined by your Employer to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”) and is payable to you by reason of your termination of employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by your Employer), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or your earlier death). Any amount not paid in respect of the six month period specified in the preceding sentence will be paid to you in a lump sum after the expiration of such six month period. Any such payment or benefit shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A to the extent Section 409A applies to such payments.
               8. Transfer Restrictions. You may not transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the Options, other than to the extent provided in the Plan.
               9. Non-Qualification as ISO. The Options are not intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422A of the Code.
               10. Securities Law Acknowledgments. You hereby acknowledge and confirm to the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group that (i) you are aware that the shares of Class A Common Stock are publicly-traded securities and (ii) the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Options may not be sold or otherwise transferred unless such sale or transfer is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the securities laws of any applicable state or other jurisdiction, or is exempt from such registration.
               11. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be made under, and in all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

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               12. Jurisdiction and Venue. You hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States of America located in the Southern District and Eastern District of the State of New York in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, and hereby waive, and agree not to assert, as a defense that you are not subject thereto or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate. You hereby agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in any manner as may be permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.
               13. Right of Offset. You hereby agree that the Company shall have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Class A Common Stock, cash or other property under this Agreement to the extent that it does not constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Section 409A, any outstanding amounts of whatever nature that you then owe to the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.
               14. The Committee. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any replacement committee established under, and as more fully defined in, the Plan.
               15. Committee Discretion. The Committee has full discretion with respect to any actions to be taken or determinations to be made in connection with this Agreement, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.
               16. Amendment. The Committee reserves the right at any time to amend the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, except that the Committee shall not make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to you (other than if immaterial), without your consent. No consent shall be required for amendments made pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan, except that, for purposes of Section 19 of the Plan, Section 5 and Appendix 1 of this Agreement are deemed to be “terms of an Award Agreement expressly referring to an Adjustment Event.” Any amendment of this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by an authorized member of the Committee or a person or persons designated by the Committee.
               17. Options Subject to the Plan. The Options granted by this Agreement are subject to the Plan.
               18. Entire Agreement. Except for any employment agreement between you and the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group in effect as of the Distribution Date (as such employment agreement may be modified, renewed or replaced, provided that such modification, renewal or replacement shall not extend the time any Options may be exercised or accelerate the vesting of any Options beyond the time provided herein or in such original employment agreement), this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the Options covered hereby and supersede all prior understandings and agreements. Except as provided in this Agreement, in the event of a conflict among the documents with respect to the terms and conditions of the Options covered hereby, the documents will be accorded the following order of authority: the terms and conditions of the Plan will have highest authority followed by the terms and conditions of your employment agreement, if any, followed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

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               19. Successors and Assigns. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and its successors and assigns.
               20. Waiver. No waiver by the Company at any time of any breach by you of, or compliance with, any term or condition of this Agreement or the Plan to be performed by you shall be deemed a waiver of the same, any similar or any dissimilar term or condition at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.
               21. Severability. The terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or condition hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other terms and conditions set forth herein.
               22. Exclusion from Compensation Calculation. By acceptance of this Agreement, you shall be considered in agreement that all shares of Class A Common Stock and cash received upon each exercise of the Options shall be considered special incentive compensation and will be exempt from inclusion as “wages” or “salary” in pension, retirement, life insurance and other employee benefits arrangements of your Employer, except as determined otherwise by your Employer. In addition, each of your beneficiaries shall be deemed to be in agreement that all such shares of Class A Common Stock and cash be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by your Employer.
               23. No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement or the Plan shall be construed to confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, or derogate from the right of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, to retire, request the resignation of, or discharge you, at any time, with or without cause.
               24. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
               25. Effective Date. Upon execution by you, this Agreement shall be effective from and as of the Distribution Date.
               26. Signatures. Execution of this Agreement by the Company may be in the form of an electronic or similar signature and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.
         
  MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
               By your signature, you (i) acknowledge that a complete copy of the Plan and an executed original of this Agreement have been made available to you and (ii) agree to all of the

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terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.
                                                                                    
Optionee:                                         

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APPENDIX 1
TO
STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
     1. In the event of a “MSG Change of Control” or a “going private transaction” with respect to the Company, as defined below, your entitlement to exercise the Options shall be as follows:
          a. If the Company or the “MSG Surviving Entity,” as defined below, has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on NASDAQ, the Committee shall, to the extent that the Options have not been exercised and have not expired (the “Outstanding Options”), no later than the effective date of the transaction which results in a MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company either (A) convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to (i) the number of common shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options multiplied by (ii) the excess of (x) the “offer price per share,” the “acquisition price per share” or the “merger price per share,” each as defined below, whichever of such amounts is applicable, over (y) the exercise price of the shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options, or (B) arrange to have the MSG Surviving Entity grant to you in substitution for your Outstanding Options an award of options for shares of common stock (or partnership units) of the MSG Surviving Entity on the same terms with a value equivalent to the Outstanding Options and which will, in the good faith determination of the Committee, provide you with an equivalent profit potential.
          b. If the Company or the MSG Surviving Entity does not have shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on NASDAQ, the Committee shall convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to the amount calculated as per Section 1(A) above.
          c. The cash award provided in Section 1(a) or 1(b) shall become payable to you, and the substitute options of the MSG Surviving Entity provided in Section 1(a) will become exercisable (1) with respect to the Outstanding Options that were not exercisable on the effective date of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, as the case may be, at the earlier of (a) the date on which the Outstanding Options would otherwise have become exercisable hereunder had they continued in effect, or (b) if immediately prior to termination you were a MSG Employee, the date on which (i) your employment with the MSG Group or the MSG Surviving Entity is terminated by the MSG Group or the MSG Surviving Entity other than for Cause, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, (ii) your employment with the MSG Group or the MSG Surviving Entity is terminated by you for “good reason,” as defined below, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company or (iii) your employment with the MSG Group

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or the MSG Surviving Entity is terminated by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company; provided that clause (iii) herein shall not apply in the event that your rights in the Outstanding Options are converted into a right to receive an amount of cash in accordance with Section 1(a), or (2) with respect to the Outstanding Options that were exercisable on the effective date of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, as the case may be, the substitute options shall become exercisable immediately and the cash awards shall become payable promptly. The amount payable in cash shall be payable together with interest from the effective date of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company until the date of payment at (a) the weighted average cost of capital of the Company immediately prior to the effectiveness of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, or (b) if the Company (or the MSG Surviving Entity) sets aside the funds in a trust or other funding arrangement, the actual earnings of such trust or other funding arrangement.
     2. In the event of a “Cablevision Change of Control” a “going private transaction” with respect to Cablevision, as defined below, and if immediately prior to such Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction you were a Cablevision Employee, your entitlement to exercise the Options shall be as follows:
     Your Options will become exercisable with respect to the Outstanding Options that were not exercisable on the effective date of the Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to Cablevision, as the case may be, at the earlier of (a) the date on which the Outstanding Options would otherwise have become exercisable hereunder had they continued in effect, or (b) the date on which (i) your employment with the Cablevision Group, or the Cablevision Surviving Entity is terminated by the Cablevision Group or the Cablevision Surviving Entity, as applicable, other than for Cause, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to Cablevision, (ii) your employment with the Cablevision Group or the Cablevision Surviving Entity, as applicable, is terminated by you for “good reason,” as defined below, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to Cablevision or (iii) your employment with the Cablevision Group or the Cablevision Surviving Entity is terminated by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to Cablevision.
     3. As used herein,
     “Acquisition price per share” shall mean the greater of (i) the highest price per share stated on the Schedule 13D or any amendment thereto filed by the holder of twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s voting power which gives rise to the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company.
     “Cablevision Change of Control” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the

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immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by Cablevision, of (1) the power to direct the management of substantially all the cable television systems then owned by Cablevision in the New York City Metropolitan Area (as hereinafter defined) or (2) after any fiscal year of Cablevision in which all the systems referred to in clause (1) above shall have contributed in the aggregate less than a majority of the net revenues of Cablevision and its consolidated subsidiaries, the power to direct the management of Cablevision or substantially all its assets. For purposes of this definition, net revenues shall be determined by the independent accountants of Cablevision in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied and certified by such accountants. “New York City Metropolitan Area” means all locations within the following counties: (i) New York, Richmond, Kings, Queens, Bronx, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, Dutchess, and Ulster in New York State; (ii) Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, Morris, Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Essex and Ocean in New Jersey; (iii) Pike in Pennsylvania; and (iv) Fairfield and New Haven in Connecticut.
     “Cablevision Employee” means any individual who is employed by the Cablevision Group.
     “Cablevision Surviving Entity” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all the cable television systems owned directly or indirectly by Cablevision in the New York City Metropolitan Area prior to consummation of such transaction. If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on NASDAQ, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the Cablevision Surviving Entity provided that if there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of Cablevision’s cable television systems shall be deemed to be the Cablevision Surviving Entity. Ownership of “substantially all” of Cablevision’s New York City Metropolitan Area cable television systems shall mean ownership, after consummation of such transaction (or series of related transactions), of an aggregate of at least eighty percent (80%) of the basic subscribers of all the cable television systems owned by Cablevision and its consolidated subsidiaries in the New York City Metropolitan Area prior to such transaction (or series of related transactions).
     “Going private transaction” means a transaction involving the purchase of Company or Cablevision, as applicable, securities described in Rule 13e-3 to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
     “Good reason” means
     (i) without your express written consent any reduction in your base salary or bonus potential, or any material impairment or material adverse change in your working conditions (as the same may from time to time have been improved or, with your written consent, otherwise altered, in each case, after the Distribution Date) at any time after or within ninety (90) days prior to the MSG Change of Control or Cablevision Change of Control, as applicable, including, without limitation, any material reduction of your other compensation, executive perquisites or other employee benefits (measured, where applicable, by level or participation or percentage of

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award under any plans of the Company or Cablevision, as applicable), or material impairment or material adverse change of your level of responsibility, authority, autonomy or title, or to your scope of duties;
     (ii) any failure by your Employer to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an insubstantial or inadvertent failure remedied by your Employer promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you;
     (iii) your Employer’s requiring you to be based at any office or location more than thirty-five (35) miles from your location immediately prior to such event except for travel reasonably required in the performance of your responsibilities; or
     (iv) with respect to the Company only, any failure by the Company to obtain the assumption and agreement to perform this Agreement by a successor as contemplated by Section 1, if applicable.
     “Merger price per share” shall mean, in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or other disposition of assets that results in a MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (a “Merger”), the greater of (i) the fixed or formula price for the acquisition of shares of common stock occurring pursuant to the Merger, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock pursuant to the Merger shall be valued in determining the merger price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity which is a party with the Company to the Merger, or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.
     “MSG Change of Control” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).
     “MSG Employee” means any individual who is employed by the MSG Group.
     “MSG Surviving Entity” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of the Company’s assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction). If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on NASDAQ, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the MSG Surviving Entity provided that it there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of the Company’s assets shall be deemed to be the MSG Surviving Entity.
     “Offer price per share” shall mean, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer which results in a MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (an

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Offer”), the greater of (i) the highest price per share of common stock paid pursuant to the Offer, or (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of a MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock in the Offer shall be valued in determining the Offer Price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity making such offer or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.

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EX-10.17 9 y78599a5exv10w17.htm EX-10.17 exv10w17
Exhibit 10.17
OPTION AGREEMENT
Dear                     :
          Pursuant to the Cablevision Systems Corporation 2006 Employee Stock Plan, on March 5, 2009 (the “Grant Date”), you were granted options to purchase                      shares of Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”). In conjunction with the spin-off of Madison Square Garden, Inc. (the “Company”) from Cablevision on                      (the “Distribution Date”), and pursuant to the Company’s 2009 Employee Stock Plan (the “Plan”), you are receiving the award described in this Option Agreement (the “Agreement”) of nonqualified stock options (the “Options”) to purchase                      shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A common stock (the “Class A Common Stock”) at a price of $                     per share.
          Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The Options are granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:
          1. Vesting. If you remain in the continuous employ of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group (each as defined below), the Options will become exercisable in accordance with the schedule below; provided that you will forfeit any unvested Options if you transfer between the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group (each as defined below) at a time when the Company and Cablevision are not considered Affiliates:
     
    Number of Options
Date   Becoming Exercisable
March 5, 2010
   
March 5, 2011
   
March 5, 2012
   
          2. Exercise. You may exercise the Options that become vested and exercisable by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company, or by following such procedures as established by the Company, specifying the number of shares of Class A Common Stock as to which the Options are being exercised (the “Exercise Notice”), together with a copy of this Agreement. Unless the Company chooses to settle such exercise in cash, shares of Class A Common Stock, or a combination thereof pursuant to Paragraph 3, you will be required to deliver to the Company, or such person as the Company may designate, within such time period as the Company may require, payment in full of the exercise price due on account of such exercise. You may pay the exercise price by cash, by certified check, by surrendering shares of Class A Common Stock or by any combination thereof. Class A Common Stock used to pay the exercise price pursuant to this Paragraph 2 will be valued at the Fair Market Value as of the day preceding the date of exercise.
          3. Option Spread. Upon receipt of the Exercise Notice, the Company may elect, in lieu of issuing shares of Class A Common Stock, to settle the exercise covered by such notice by paying you an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (i) the excess of the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise over

 


 

the per share exercise price of the Options (the “Option Spread”) by (ii) the number of shares of Class A Common Stock specified in the Exercise Notice. The amount payable to you in these circumstances may be paid by the Company either in cash or in shares of Class A Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the Option Spread, or a combination thereof, as the Company shall determine. Class A Common Stock used to pay the Option Spread pursuant to this Paragraph 3 will be valued at the Fair Market Value as of the day the Exercise Notice is received by the Company.
          4. Expiration. The Options will terminate automatically and without further notice on September 5, 2014, or at any of the following dates, if earlier:
  (A)   with respect to those Options which are then unexercisable, the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, unless as a result of your death in which case all of your Options granted under this Agreement shall become immediately exercisable; provided, that for purposes of this Section 4(A), you shall be deemed to cease to be an employee of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group if you transfer between the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group at a time when the Company and Cablevision are not considered Affiliates;
 
  (B)   with respect to those Options which are then exercisable, ninety (90) days following the date upon which you are no longer employed by either the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group due to you terminating your employment for any reason (other than a termination by reason of your Disability or Retirement, or a termination by you in accordance with Section 1(b)(ii) or Section 1(b)(iii) of Appendix 1 to this Agreement); provided, that for purposes of this Section 4(B), you shall be deemed to cease to be an employee of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group if you transfer between the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group at a time when the Company and Cablevision are not considered Affiliates; and
 
  (C)   with respect to all your then outstanding Options, whether exercisable or unexercisable, the date upon which your employment with your Employer is terminated for Cause.
          For the avoidance of doubt, Section 4(B) above shall not apply to any termination of your employment by the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group.
          Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Paragraph 4, in the event of your death during the period that your Options are exercisable, whether death occurs before or after you cease employment, the Options that are exercisable at the time of your death shall remain exercisable by your estate or beneficiary until the later of the first (1st) anniversary of your death and September 5, 2014.
          For purposes of this Agreement, the “Cablevision Group” means Cablevision Systems Corporation and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates, other than Madison Square

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Garden, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The “MSG Group” means Madison Square Garden, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries and Affiliates, other than Cablevision Systems Corporation and its subsidiaries.
          For purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer, your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against your Employer or any of its Affiliates, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.
          For purposes of this Agreement, “Disability” means your inability to perform for six (6) continuous months substantially all the essential duties of your occupation, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer.
          For purposes of this Agreement, if you are employed by the Cablevision Group, your “Employer” means Cablevision Systems Corporation; if you are employed by the MSG Group, your “Employer” means Madison Square Garden, Inc.; and if you are employed by both the Cablevision Group and the MSG Group, your “Employer” shall mean Cablevision Systems Corporation.
          For purposes of this Agreement, “Retirement” means the voluntary termination by you of your employment with your Employer at such time as (i) you have attained at least the age of fifty-five (55) and (ii) you have been employed by the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group for at least five (5) years in the aggregate, provided that your Employer, may nevertheless decide, in its sole discretion, not to treat your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder. Treatment of your termination of employment as a “Retirement” hereunder shall be further subject to your execution (and the effectiveness) of a retirement agreement to your Employer’s satisfaction, including, without limitation (to the extent desired by your Employer), non-compete, non-disparagement, non-solicitation, confidentiality and further cooperation obligations/restrictions on you as well as a general release by you of your Employer. The above definition of “Retirement” is solely for purposes of this Agreement and shall not, in any way, create or imply any obligations of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group (under any other agreement or otherwise) with respect to any such termination of your employment.
          5. Change of Control/Going Private Transaction. As set forth in Appendix 1 attached hereto, the Options may be affected in the event of a Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction or a MSG Change in Control or going private transaction (each as defined in Appendix 1 attached hereto).
          6. Tax Representations and Tax Withholding. You hereby acknowledge that you have reviewed with your own tax advisors the federal, state and local tax consequences of exercising the Options and receiving shares of Class A Common Stock and cash. You hereby represent to the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group that you are relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company, its Affiliates or any of their respective agents.

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          If, in connection with the exercise of the Options, your Employer is required to withhold any amounts by reason of any federal, state or local tax, such withholding shall be effected in accordance with Section 16 of the Plan.
          7. Section 409A. It is the intent that payments under this Agreement are exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and that the Agreement be administered accordingly. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if and to the extent that any payment or benefit under this Agreement is determined by your Employer to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code (“Section 409A”) and is payable to you by reason of your termination of employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by your Employer), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or your earlier death).
          8. Transfer Restrictions. You may not transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the Options, other than to the extent provided in the Plan.
          9. Non-Qualification as ISO. The Options are not intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422A of the Code.
          10. Securities Law Acknowledgments. You hereby acknowledge and confirm to the MSG Group and the Cablevision Group that (i) you are aware that the shares of Class A Common Stock are publicly-traded securities and (ii) the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Options may not be sold or otherwise transferred unless such sale or transfer is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the securities laws of any applicable state or other jurisdiction, or is exempt from such registration.
          11. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be made under, and in all respects shall be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
          12. Jurisdiction and Venue. You hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States of America located in the Southern District and Eastern District of the State of New York in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, and hereby waive, and agree not to assert, as a defense that you are not subject thereto or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate. You hereby agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in any manner as may be permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.
          13. Right of Offset. You hereby agree that the Company shall have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Class A Common Stock, cash or other property under this Agreement to the extent that it does not constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” pursuant to Section 409A, any outstanding amounts of whatever nature that you then owe to the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

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          14. The Committee. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company or any replacement committee established under, and as more fully defined in, the Plan.
          15. Committee Discretion. The Committee has full discretion with respect to any actions to be taken or determinations to be made in connection with this Agreement, and its determinations shall be final, binding and conclusive.
          16. Amendment. The Committee reserves the right at any time to amend the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, except that the Committee shall not make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to you (other than if immaterial), without your consent. No consent shall be required for amendments made pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan, except that, for purposes of Section 19 of the Plan, Section 5 and Appendix 1 of this Agreement are deemed to be “terms of an Award Agreement expressly referring to an Adjustment Event.” Any amendment of this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by an authorized member of the Committee or a person or persons designated by the Committee.
          17. Options Subject to the Plan. The Options granted by this Agreement are subject to the Plan.
          18. Entire Agreement. Except for any employment agreement between you and the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group in effect as of the date of the grant hereof (as such employment agreement may be modified, renewed or replaced, provided that such modification, renewal or replacement shall not extend the time any Options may be exercised or accelerate the vesting of any Options beyond the time provided herein or in such original employment agreement), this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the Options covered hereby and supersede all prior understandings and agreements. In the event of a conflict among the documents with respect to the terms and conditions of the Options covered hereby, the documents will be accorded the following order of authority: the terms and conditions of the Plan will have highest authority followed by the terms and conditions of your employment agreement, if any, followed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement; provided that if you terminate your employment with the Company for the reason specified in clause (i) of the definition of “Good Reason” in the Definitions Annex to your employment agreement in effect as of the date hereof, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in such employment agreement, any Options that are then unexercisable will immediately terminate in accordance with Section 4(A) of this Agreement.
          19. Successors and Assigns. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the Company and its successors and assigns.
          20. Waiver. No waiver by the Company at any time of any breach by you of, or compliance with, any term or condition of this Agreement or the Plan to be performed by you shall be deemed a waiver of the same, any similar or any dissimilar term or condition at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.

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          21. Severability. The terms or conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any term or condition hereof shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other terms and conditions set forth herein.
          22. Exclusion from Compensation Calculation. By acceptance of this Agreement, you shall be considered in agreement that all shares of Class A Common Stock and cash received upon each exercise of the Options shall be considered special incentive compensation and will be exempt from inclusion as “wages” or “salary” in pension, retirement, life insurance and other employee benefits arrangements of your Employer. In addition, each of your beneficiaries shall be deemed to be in agreement that all such shares of Class A Common Stock and cash be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by your Employer.
          23. No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement or the Plan shall be construed to confer on you any right to continue in the employ of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, or derogate from the right of the MSG Group or the Cablevision Group, to retire, request the resignation of, or discharge you, at any time, with or without cause.
          24. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for purposes of convenience only and are not intended to define or limit the construction of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
          25. Effective Date. Upon execution by you, this Agreement shall be effective from and as of the Distribution Date.
          26. Signatures. Execution of this Agreement by the Company may be in the form of an electronic or similar signature and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.
         
  MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
          By your signature, you (i) acknowledge that a complete copy of the Plan and an executed original of this Agreement have been made available to you and (ii) agree to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.
         
     
Optionee:
       
 
       

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APPENDIX 1
TO
STOCK OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT
     1. In the event of a “MSG Change of Control” or a “going private transaction” with respect to the Company, as defined below, your entitlement to exercise the Options shall be as follows:
          a. If the Company or the “MSG Surviving Entity,” as defined below, has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on NASDAQ, the Committee shall, to the extent that the Options have not been exercised and have not expired (the “Outstanding Options”), no later than the effective date of the transaction which results in a MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company either (A) convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to (i) the number of common shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options multiplied by (ii) the excess of (x) the “offer price per share,” the “acquisition price per share” or the “merger price per share,” each as defined below, whichever of such amounts is applicable, over (y) the exercise price of the shares subject or relating to the Outstanding Options, or (B) arrange to have the MSG Surviving Entity grant to you in substitution for your Outstanding Options an award of options for shares of common stock (or partnership units) of the MSG Surviving Entity on the same terms with a value equivalent to the Outstanding Options and which will, in the good faith determination of the Committee, provide you with an equivalent profit potential.
          b. If the Company or the MSG Surviving Entity does not have shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on NASDAQ, the Committee shall convert your rights in the Outstanding Options into a right to receive an amount of cash equal to the amount calculated as per Section 1(A) above.
          c. The cash award provided in Section 1(a) or 1(b) shall become payable to you, and the substitute options of the MSG Surviving Entity provided in Section 1(a) will become exercisable (1) with respect to the Outstanding Options that were not exercisable on the effective date of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, as the case may be, at the earlier of (a) the date on which the Outstanding Options would otherwise have become exercisable hereunder had they continued in effect, or (b) if immediately prior to termination you were a MSG Employee, the date on which (i) your employment with the MSG Group or the MSG Surviving Entity is terminated by the MSG Group or the MSG Surviving Entity other than for Cause, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, (ii) your employment with the MSG Group or the MSG Surviving Entity is terminated by you for “good reason,” as defined below, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company or (iii) your employment with the MSG Group

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or the MSG Surviving Entity is terminated by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company; provided that clause (iii) herein shall not apply in the event that your rights in the Outstanding Options are converted into a right to receive an amount of cash in accordance with Section 1(a), or (2) with respect to the Outstanding Options that were exercisable on the effective date of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, as the case may be, the substitute options shall become exercisable immediately and the cash awards shall become payable promptly. The amount payable in cash shall be payable together with interest from the effective date of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company until the date of payment at (a) the weighted average cost of capital of the Company immediately prior to the effectiveness of the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, or (b) if the Company (or the MSG Surviving Entity) sets aside the funds in a trust or other funding arrangement, the actual earnings of such trust or other funding arrangement.
     2. In the event of a “Cablevision Change of Control” a “going private transaction” with respect to Cablevision, as defined below, and if immediately prior to such Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction you were a Cablevision Employee, your entitlement to exercise the Options shall be as follows:
     Your Options will become exercisable with respect to the Outstanding Options that were not exercisable on the effective date of the Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to Cablevision, as the case may be, at the earlier of (a) the date on which the Outstanding Options would otherwise have become exercisable hereunder had they continued in effect, or (b) the date on which (i) your employment with the Cablevision Group, or the Cablevision Surviving Entity is terminated by the Cablevision Group or the Cablevision Surviving Entity, as applicable, other than for Cause, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to Cablevision, (ii) your employment with the Cablevision Group or the Cablevision Surviving Entity, as applicable, is terminated by you for “good reason,” as defined below, if such termination occurs within three (3) years of the Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to Cablevision or (iii) your employment with the Cablevision Group or the Cablevision Surviving Entity is terminated by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the Cablevision Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to Cablevision.
     3. As used herein,
     “Acquisition price per share” shall mean the greater of (i) the highest price per share stated on the Schedule 13D or any amendment thereto filed by the holder of twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s voting power which gives rise to the MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company.
     “Cablevision Change of Control” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the

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immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by Cablevision, of (1) the power to direct the management of substantially all the cable television systems then owned by Cablevision in the New York City Metropolitan Area (as hereinafter defined) or (2) after any fiscal year of Cablevision in which all the systems referred to in clause (1) above shall have contributed in the aggregate less than a majority of the net revenues of Cablevision and its consolidated subsidiaries, the power to direct the management of Cablevision or substantially all its assets. For purposes of this definition, net revenues shall be determined by the independent accountants of Cablevision in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied and certified by such accountants. “New York City Metropolitan Area” means all locations within the following counties: (i) New York, Richmond, Kings, Queens, Bronx, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, Dutchess, and Ulster in New York State; (ii) Hudson, Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, Morris, Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Essex and Ocean in New Jersey; (iii) Pike in Pennsylvania; and (iv) Fairfield and New Haven in Connecticut.
     “Cablevision Employee” means any individual who is employed by the Cablevision Group.
     “Cablevision Surviving Entity” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all the cable television systems owned directly or indirectly by Cablevision in the New York City Metropolitan Area prior to consummation of such transaction. If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on NASDAQ, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the Cablevision Surviving Entity provided that if there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of Cablevision’s cable television systems shall be deemed to be the Cablevision Surviving Entity. Ownership of “substantially all” of Cablevision’s New York City Metropolitan Area cable television systems shall mean ownership, after consummation of such transaction (or series of related transactions), of an aggregate of at least eighty percent (80%) of the basic subscribers of all the cable television systems owned by Cablevision and its consolidated subsidiaries in the New York City Metropolitan Area prior to such transaction (or series of related transactions).
     “Going private transaction” means a transaction involving the purchase of Company or Cablevision, as applicable, securities described in Rule 13e-3 to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
     “Good reason” means
     (i) without your express written consent any reduction in your base salary or bonus potential, or any material impairment or material adverse change in your working conditions (as the same may from time to time have been improved or, with your written consent, otherwise altered, in each case, after the Distribution Date) at any time after or within ninety (90) days prior to the MSG Change of Control or Cablevision Change of Control, as applicable, including, without limitation, any material reduction of your other compensation, executive perquisites or other employee benefits (measured, where applicable, by level or participation or percentage of

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award under any plans of the Company or Cablevision, as applicable), or material impairment or material adverse change of your level of responsibility, authority, autonomy or title, or to your scope of duties;
     (ii) any failure by your Employer to comply with any of the provisions of this Agreement, other than an insubstantial or inadvertent failure remedied by your Employer, promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by you;
     (iii) your Employer’s requiring you to be based at any office or location more than thirty-five (35) miles from your location immediately prior to such event except for travel reasonably required in the performance of your responsibilities; or
     (iv) with respect to the Company only, any failure by the Company to obtain the assumption and agreement to perform this Agreement by a successor as contemplated by Section 1, if applicable.
     “Merger price per share” shall mean, in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or other disposition of assets that results in a MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (a “Merger”), the greater of (i) the fixed or formula price for the acquisition of shares of common stock occurring pursuant to the Merger, and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of such MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock pursuant to the Merger shall be valued in determining the merger price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity which is a party with the Company to the Merger, or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.
     “MSG Change of Control” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).
     “MSG Employee” means any individual who is employed by the MSG Group.
     “MSG Surviving Entity” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of the Company’s assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction). If any such entity is at least majority-owned, directly or indirectly, by any entity (a “parent entity”) which has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on NASDAQ, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the MSG Surviving Entity provided that it there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of the Company’s assets shall be deemed to be the MSG Surviving Entity.
     “Offer price per share” shall mean, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer which results in a MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company (an

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Offer”), the greater of (i) the highest price per share of common stock paid pursuant to the Offer, or (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety-day period ending on the date of a MSG Change of Control or going private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or property which are part or all of the consideration paid for shares of common stock in the Offer shall be valued in determining the Offer Price per share at the higher of (A) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Company, person or other entity making such offer or (B) the valuation placed on such securities or property by the Committee.

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EX-10.18 10 y78599a5exv10w18.htm EX-10.18 exv10w18
Exhibit 10.18
December 24, 2009
Mr. James L. Dolan
Madison Square Garden, Inc.
Two Pennsylvania Plaza
New York, NY 10022
         
 
  Re:   Employment Agreement
Dear Jim:
This letter, effective upon the “Effective Date” (as defined in Annex A hereof), will confirm the terms of your employment by Madison Square Garden, Inc. (the “Company”).
1.   Your title shall be Executive Chairman. It is also expected that you will continue to be nominated for election as a director of the Company during the period you serve as Executive Chairman. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 2, you agree to devote your business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company. Subject to such continuing rights as each party may have hereunder, either you or the Company may terminate your employment hereunder at any time.
2.   The Company acknowledges that, in addition to your services pursuant to this Agreement, you will simultaneously serve, and are expected to devote most of your business time and attention to serving, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”). The Company understands that you are entering into an Employment Agreement with Cablevision contemporaneous with the execution of this Agreement and recognizes and agrees that your responsibilities to Cablevision will preclude you from devoting a substantial portion your time and attention to the Company’s affairs. In addition, as recognized in Article Eleventh of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, there may be certain potential conflicts of interest and fiduciary duty issues associated with your dual roles at the Company and Cablevision. The Company recognizes and agrees that none of (i) your dual responsibilities at the Company and Cablevision, (ii) your inability to devote a substantial portion of your time and attention to the Company’s affairs, (iii) the actual or potential conflicts of interest and fiduciary duty issues that are waived in the Article Eleventh of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or (iv) any actions taken, or omitted to be taken, by you in good faith to comply with your duties and responsibilities to the Company in light of your dual responsibilities to the Company and Cablevision, shall be deemed to be a breach by you of your obligations under this Agreement (including your obligations under Annex B) nor shall any of the foregoing constitute “Cause” as such term is defined in Annex A.
3.   Your annual base salary will be a minimum of $500,000, subject to annual review and potential increase by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) in its discretion. Your annual base salary shall not be reduced during the time of this Agreement.

 


 

4.   Your annual bonus will have a target of 200% of your annual base salary, and may range from 0% to 400% of your annual base salary, as the Compensation Committee shall determine in its discretion.
5.   You will be eligible to participate in all employee benefit and retirement plans of the Company at the level available to other members of senior management subject to meeting the relevant eligibility requirements and terms of the plans. You acknowledge that you may not meet the eligibility requirements of certain qualified and other plans in light of your dual role at the Company and Cablevision. In the event that the eligibility requirements for the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Salary Continuation Plan (short-term disability) are not met, any amount that otherwise would have been payable to you under such plan in the event of a short-term disability, will be payable by the Company in the amount, and for the duration, set forth under such plan. In addition, to the extent that you do not participate in the Madison Square Garden, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan and/or the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Cash Balance Pension Plan, your full Company base salary will be used to determine the applicable benefit under the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Excess Savings Plan and/or Madison Square Garden, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan. Any Company provided life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance will continue to be based on your base salary (provided that, to the extent the Company and Cablevision continue to use the same insurance carriers, any payout under the Company’s plans will be aggregated with similar payouts under the Cablevision plan with respect to any applicable maximum coverage).
6.   You will be eligible to participate in long-term cash or equity programs and arrangements of the Company at the level determined by the Compensation Committee, in its discretion consistent with your role and responsibilities as Executive Chairman. In calendar year 2010, for example, you will be entitled to receive one or more long-term cash and/or equity awards with an aggregate target value of $1,750,000, all as determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. Although there is no guarantee, it is currently expected that long-term cash or equity awards of similar aggregate target values will be made to you annually.
7.   If prior to December 31, 2014 (the “Scheduled Expiration Date”), your employment with the Company is terminated (i) for any reason by you during the thirteenth calendar month following a “Change in Control” (as defined in Annex A) of the Company, (ii) by the Company, or (iii) by you for “Good Reason” (as defined in Annex A), and at the time of any such termination described above, “Cause” does not exist, then, subject to your execution and delivery (without revocation) to the Company of the Company’s then standard separation agreement (modified to reflect the terms of this Agreement) which agreement will include, without limitation, general releases by you as well as non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, confidentiality and other provisions substantially similar to those set forth in Annex B (a “Separation Agreement”), the Company will provide you with the following benefits and rights:
  (a)   A severance payment in an amount determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, but in no event less than two times the sum of your annual base salary and your annual target bonus in effect at the time your

 


 

      employment terminates and such payment shall be payable to you on the 90th day after the termination of your employment;
 
  (b)   Each of your outstanding long-term cash performance awards granted under the plans of the Company shall immediately vest in full and shall be paid to the same extent that other members of senior management receive payment for such awards as determined by the Compensation Committee (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives) and shall be payable at the same time such awards are payable to other members of senior management and in accordance with the terms of the award;
 
  (c)   Each of your outstanding long-term cash awards (including any deferred compensation awards under the long-term cash award program) that are not subject to performance criteria granted under the plans of the Company shall immediately vest in full and shall be payable to you on the 90th day after the termination of your employment;
 
  (d)   (i) All of the time based restrictions on each of your outstanding restricted stock or restricted stock units granted to you under the plans of the Company shall immediately be eliminated, (ii) payment and deliveries with respect to your restricted stock units that are not subject to performance criteria shall be made on the 90th day after the termination of your employment, (iii) the performance based restrictions with respect to your restricted stock and restricted stock units that are subject to performance criteria shall lapse when and to the same extent that such restrictions lapse on such awards held by other executive officers as determined by the Compensation Committee (subject to satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives) and (iv) the payment and deliveries with respect to your restricted stock units subject to performance criteria shall be made at the same time payment and deliveries are made to other executive officers who hold such restricted stock units and in accordance with the terms of the award;
 
  (e)   Each of your outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards under the plans of the Company shall immediately vest and become exercisable and you shall have the right to exercise each of those options and stock appreciation awards for the remainder of the term of such option or award;
 
  (f)   A pro rated annual bonus for the year in which such termination occurred (based on the number of full calendar months during which you were employed by the Company during the year) to the same extent that other executive officers receive payment of bonuses for such year as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives), which pro rata annual bonus shall be payable at the same time annual bonuses for such year are payable to other executive officers; and
 
  (g)   If not previously paid, your annual bonus for the preceding year to the same extent that other members of senior management receive payment of annual bonuses for such preceding year as determined by the Compensation Committee

 


 

      in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives), which annual bonus shall be payable at the same time annual bonuses for such preceding year are payable to other members of senior.
8.   If you die after a termination of your employment that is subject to Paragraph 7, your estate or beneficiaries, as the case may be, will be provided with any remaining benefits and rights under Paragraph 7.
9.   If you cease to be an employee of the Company or any of its affiliates (other than Cablevision and its subsidiaries) prior to the Scheduled Expiration Date as a result of your death or physical or mental disability, you (or your estate or beneficiary) will be provided with the benefits and rights set forth immediately above in Paragraphs 7(b) through (g) and in the event of your death, such longer period to exercise your then outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards as may otherwise be permitted under the applicable Employee Stock Plan and award letter.
10.   If, prior to or after the Scheduled Expiration Date, you cease to be employed by the Company for any reason other than your being terminated for Cause, you shall have three years to exercise outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards, unless you are afforded a longer period for exercise pursuant to another provision of this Agreement or any applicable award letter, but in no event exercisable after the end of the applicable regularly scheduled term (except in the case of death, as may otherwise be permitted under the applicable Employee Stock Plan and award letter).
11.   If, after the Scheduled Expiration Date, your employment with the Company is terminated (i) for any reason by you during the thirteenth calendar month following a Change in Control of the Company, (ii) by the Company, (iii) by you for Good Reason, or (iv) as a result of your death or disability, and at the time of any such termination described above, Cause does not exist, then, subject to (except in the case of your death) your execution and delivery (without revocation) to the Company of a Separation Agreement, each of your then outstanding long term cash awards and equity awards (including restricted stock, restricted stock units, options and stock appreciation rights) that was awarded prior to the Scheduled Expiration Date shall vest and/or be payable as set forth in Paragraphs 7(b) through (g).
12.   Upon the termination of your employment with the Company, the Company shall pay you any unpaid base salary through the date of termination by no later than the next payroll period, and shall reimburse you for any unreimbursed expenses incurred through the date of termination in accordance with the Company’s reimbursement policy. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, your rights to benefits and payments under the Company’s pension and welfare plans (other than severance benefits) and any outstanding long-term cash or equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the then current terms and provisions of such plans, agreements and awards under which such benefits and payments (including such long-term cash or equity awards) were granted.

 


 

13.   You and the Company agree to be bound by the additional covenants, acknowledgements and other provisions applicable to each that are set forth in Annex B, which shall be deemed to be part of this Agreement.
14.   The Company may withhold from any payment due hereunder any taxes that are required to be withheld under any law, rule or regulation.
15.   If any payment otherwise due to you hereunder would result in the imposition of the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company will instead pay you either (i) such amount or (ii) the maximum amount that could be paid to you without the imposition of the excise tax, depending on whichever amount results in your receiving the greater amount of after-tax proceeds. In the event that the payments and benefits payable to you would be reduced as provided in the previous sentence, then such reduction will be determined in a manner which has the least economic cost to you and, to the extent the economic cost is equivalent, such payments or benefits will be reduced in the inverse order of when the payments or benefits would have been made to you (i.e. , later payments will be reduced first) until the reduction specified is achieved.
16.   To the extent you would otherwise be entitled to any payment that under this Agreement, or any plan or arrangement of the Company or its affiliates, constitutes “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A and that if paid during the six months beginning on the date of termination of your employment would be subject to the Section 409A additional tax because you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by the Company), (i) the payment will not be made to you and instead will be made to a trust in compliance with Rev. Proc. 92-64 (the “Rabbi Trust”), and (ii) the payment, together with any earnings on it, will be paid to you on the earlier of the six-month anniversary of your “separation from service” as defined in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(h) or your death; provided, however, that no payment will be made to the Rabbi Trust if it would be contrary to law or cause you to incur additional tax under Section 409A. Similarly, to the extent you would otherwise be entitled to any benefit (other than a payment) during the six months beginning on termination of your employment that would be subject to the Section 409A additional tax, the benefit will be delayed and will begin being provided (together, if applicable, with an adjustment to compensate you for the delay) on the earlier of the six-month anniversary of your separation from service or your death. Any such payments or benefit subject to Section 409A shall be treated as separate payments for purposes of Section 409A. Furthermore, to the extent any other payments of money or other benefits due to you could cause the application of an additional tax under Section 409A, such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other benefits compliant under Section 409A.
17.   In addition, any payment or benefit that is due or commences upon a termination of your employment that represents a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A shall be paid, commenced to be paid or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(h).

 


 

18.   To the extent any expense reimbursement is determined to be subject to Section 409A, the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement in one calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year (except under any lifetime limit applicable to expenses for medical care), in no event shall any expenses be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which you incurred such expenses, and in no event shall any right to reimbursement be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
19.   If the Rabbi Trust has not been established at the time of the termination of your employment, you may select an institution to serve as the trustee of the Rabbi Trust (so long as the institution is reasonably acceptable to the Company). You may negotiate such terms with the trustee as are customary for such arrangements and reasonably acceptable to the Company. The Company will bear all costs related to the establishment and operation of the Rabbi Trust, including your attorney’s fees.
20.   The Company will not take any action that would expose any payment or benefit to you to the additional tax of Section 409A, unless (i) the Company is obligated to take the action under agreement, plan or arrangement to which you are a party, (ii) you request the action, (iii) the Company advises you in writing that the action may result in the imposition of the additional tax and (iv) you subsequently request the action in a writing that acknowledges you will be responsible for any effect of the action under Section 409A. The Company will hold you harmless for any action it may take in violation of this Paragraph 20, including any attorney’s fees you may incur in enforcing your rights.
21.   It is our intention that the benefits and rights to which you could become entitled in connection with termination of employment comply with Section 409A. If you or the Company believes, at any time, that any of such benefit or right does not comply, it will promptly advise the other and will negotiate reasonably and in good faith to amend the terms of such arrangement such that it complies (with the most limited possible economic effect on you and on the Company).
22.   You acknowledge that the Company has no liability to you with respect to any cash payable pursuant to the outstanding long-term cash and equity awards that were granted to you under the plans of Cablevision prior to the Effective Date, and you agree that you will not assert any such liability against the Company.
23.   This Agreement is personal to you and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by you otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your legal representatives. The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor to all or substantially all the business and/or assets of the Company provided the Company shall require such successor to expressly assume this Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
24.   You and the Company agree to resolve any controversy or claim between you and the Company arising out of or relating to or concerning this Agreement (including the covenants contained in Annex B) or any aspect of your employment with the Company

 


 

    or the termination of that employment (together, an “Employment Matter”) as provided in Annex C, which shall be deemed to be part of this Agreement.
25.   To the extent permitted by law, you and the Company waive any and all rights to the jury trial with respect to any employment matter.
26.   This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within that state.
27.   This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. It is the parties’ intention that this Agreement not be construed more strictly with regard to you or the Company. From and after the Effective Date, this Agreement shall supersede any prior agreements, arrangements, understandings and communications between the parties dealing with such subject matter hereof, whether oral or written.
28.   Certain capitalized terms used herein have the meanings set forth in Annex A hereto.
29.   This Agreement shall automatically expire and be of no further effect as of the Scheduled Expiration Date; provided, however, Paragraphs 2 and 7 through, and including, 29 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall be binding on you and the Company.
         
    MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
       
    /s/    HANK J. RATNER
 
   
 
       
 
  By:   Hank J. Ratner
 
  Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
 
       
    Accepted and Agreed:
 
       
    /s/    JAMES L. DOLAN
 
   
    James L. Dolan

 


 

James L. Dolan
ANNEX A
DEFINITIONS ANNEX

(This Annex constitutes part of the Agreement)
Cause” means your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or an affiliate thereof, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in, or may reasonably be expected to result in, a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of Nolo Contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or felony.
Change in Control” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).
Effective Date” means the date on which the spinoff of Madison Square Garden, Inc. from Cablevision Systems Corporation is consummated.
Termination for “Good Reason” means that (i) without your consent, (A) your base salary or bonus target is reduced, (B) the Company requires that your principal office be located outside of Nassau County or Manhattan, (C) the Company materially breaches its obligations to you under this Agreement, (D) you are no longer the Executive Chairman of the Company, (E) you no longer report directly to the Board of Directors of the Company, or (F) your responsibilities are materially diminished, (ii) you have given the Company written notice, referring specifically to this definition, that you do not consent to such action, (iii) the Company has not corrected such action within 15 days of receiving such notice, and (iv) you voluntarily terminate your employment within 90 days following the happening of the action described in subsection (i) above.

 


 

ANNEX B
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

(This Annex constitutes part of the Agreement)
You agree to comply with the following covenants in addition to those set forth in the Agreement.
1.   CONFIDENTIALITY
You agree to retain in strict confidence and not divulge, disseminate, copy or disclose to any third party any Confidential Information, other than for legitimate business purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. As used herein, “Confidential Information” means any non-public information that is material or of a confidential, proprietary, commercially sensitive or personal nature of, or regarding, the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any current or former director, officer or member of senior management of any of the foregoing (collectively “Covered Parties”). The term Confidential Information includes information in written, digital, oral or any other format and includes, but is not limited to (i) information designated or treated as confidential; (ii) budgets, plans, forecasts or other financial or accounting data; (iii) subscriber, customer, guest, fan, vendor or shareholder lists or data; (iv) technical or strategic information regarding the Covered Parties’ programming, advertising, sports, entertainment, theatrical or other businesses; (v) advertising, business, sales or marketing tactics and strategies; (vi) policies, practices, procedures or techniques; (vii) trade secrets or other intellectual property; (vii) information, theories or strategies relating to litigation, arbitration, mediation, investigations or matters relating to governmental authorities; (vii) terms of agreements with third parties and third party trade secrets; (viii) information regarding employees, players, coaches, agents, consultants, advisors or representatives, including their compensation or other human resources policies and procedures; and (ix) any other information the disclosure of which may have an adverse effect on the Covered Parties’ business reputation, operations or competitive position, reputation or standing in the community.
If disclosed, Confidential Information or Other Information could have an adverse effect on the Company’s standing in the community, its business reputation, operations or competitive position or the standing, reputation, operations or competitive position of any of its affiliates (other than Cablevision or its subsidiaries) subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, teams, players, coaches, consultants or agents or any of the Covered Parties.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of this section, other than with respect to subscriber information, shall not apply to Confidential Information which is:
a)   already in the public domain;
b)   disclosed to you by a third party with the right to disclose it in good faith; or
c)   specifically exempted in writing by the Company from the applicability of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding anything elsewhere in this Agreement, you are authorized to make any disclosure required of you by any federal, state and local laws or judicial, arbitral or

 


 

governmental agency proceedings, after providing the Company with prior written notice and an opportunity to respond prior to such disclosure. In addition, this Agreement in no way restricts or prevents you from providing truthful testimony concerning the Company to judicial, administrative, regulatory or other governmental authorities.
2.   NON-COMPETE
You acknowledge that due to your executive position in the Company and your knowledge of the Company’s confidential and proprietary information, your employment or affiliation with certain entities would be detrimental to the Company. You agree that, without the prior written consent of the Company, you will not represent, become employed by, consult to, advise in any manner or have any material interest in any business directly or indirectly in any Competitive Entity (as defined below). A “Competitive Entity” shall mean (1) any person or entity (other than Cablevision and its subsidiaries) that (i) owns or operates a professional sports team in the New York City metropolitan area, (ii) creates, produces or presents live sporting events or live entertainment in any metropolitan area in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries owns, operates or has exclusive booking rights to a venue, (iii) owns or operates any New York metropolitan area regional programming network, (iv) owns or operates a programming network in the United States that focuses on music, or (v) directly competes with any other business of the Company or one of its subsidiaries that produced greater than 10% of the Company’s revenues in the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which the determination is made, or (2) any trade or professional association representing any of the companies covered by this paragraph. Ownership of not more than 1% of the outstanding stock of any publicly traded company shall not be a violation of this paragraph. This agreement not to compete will expire upon the first anniversary of the date of your termination of employment with the Company.
3.   ADDITIONAL UNDERSTANDINGS
You agree, for yourself and others acting on your behalf, that you (and they) have not disparaged and will not disparage, make negative statements about or act in any manner which is intended to or does damage to the good will of, or the business or personal reputations of the Company or any of its incumbent or former officers, directors, agents, consultants, employees, successors and assigns or any of the Covered Parties.
This agreement in no way restricts or prevents you from providing truthful testimony concerning the Company to judicial, administrative, regulatory or other governmental authorities.
In addition, you agree that the Company is the owner of all rights, title and interest in and to all documents, tapes, videos, designs, plans, formulas, models, processes, computer programs, inventions (whether patentable or not), schematics, music, lyrics and other technical, business, financial, advertising, sales, marketing, customer or product development plans, forecasts, strategies, information and materials (in any medium whatsoever) developed or prepared by you or with your cooperation in connection with your employment by the Company (the “Materials”). For purposes of clarity, Materials shall not include any music or lyrics written (in the past or in the future) by you, and shall not include any documents, tapes or videos that relate to such music or lyrics or the performances of such music or lyrics other than music or lyrics

 


 

written in connection with your employment. The Company will have the sole and exclusive authority to use the Materials in any manner that it deems appropriate, in perpetuity, without additional payment to you.
4.   FURTHER COOPERATION
Following the date of termination of your employment with the Company (the “Expiration Date”), you will no longer provide any regular services to the Company or represent yourself as a Company agent. If, however, the Company so requests, you agree to cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any matter with which you were involved prior to the Expiration Date, or in any litigation or administrative proceedings or appeals (including any preparation therefore) where the Company believes that your personal knowledge, attendance and participation could be beneficial to the Company. This cooperation includes, without limitation, participation on behalf of the Company in any litigation or administrative proceeding brought by any former or existing Company employees, teams, players, coaches, guests, representatives, agents or vendors. The Company will pay you for your services rendered under this provision at the rate of $8,400 per day for each day or part thereof, within 30 days of approved invoice therefore.
Unless the Company determines in good faith that you have committed any malfeasance during your employment by the Company, the Company agrees that its corporate officers and directors, employees in its public relations department or third party public relations representatives retained by the Company will not disparage you or make negative statements in the press or other media which are damaging to your business or personal reputation. In the event that the Company so disparages you or makes such negative statements, then notwithstanding the “Additional Understandings” provision to the contrary, you may make a proportional response thereto.
The Company will provide you with reasonable notice in connection with any cooperation it requires in accordance with this section and will take reasonable steps to schedule your cooperation in any such matters so as not to materially interfere with your other professional and personal commitments. The Company will reimburse you for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses you reasonably incur in connection with the cooperation you provide hereunder as soon as practicable after you present appropriate documentation evidencing such expenses. You agree to provide the Company with an estimate of such expense before you incur the same.
5.   NON-HIRE OR SOLICIT
You agree not to hire, seek to hire, or cause any person or entity to hire or seek to hire (without the prior written consent of the Company), directly or indirectly (whether for your own interest or any other person or entity’s interest) any then current employee of the Company, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (other than Cablevision and its subsidiaries), until the first anniversary of the date of your termination of employment with the Company. This restriction does not apply to any employee who was discharged by the Company. In addition, this restriction will not prevent you from providing references.

 


 

6.   ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
You acknowledge that the restrictions contained in this Annex B, in light of the nature of the Company’s business and your position and responsibilities, are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the Company. You acknowledge that the Company has no adequate remedy at law and would be irreparably harmed if you breach or threaten to breach the provisions of this Annex B, and therefore agree that the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief, to prevent any breach or threatened breach of any of those provisions and to specific performance of the terms of each of such provisions in addition to any other legal or equitable remedy it may have. You further agree that you will not, in any equity proceeding relating to the enforcement of the provisions of this Annex B, raise the defense that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. Nothing in this Annex B shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies at law or in equity that it may have or any other rights that it may have under any other agreement. If it is determined that any of the provisions of this Annex B or any part thereof, is unenforceable because of the duration or scope (geographic or otherwise) of such provision, it is the intention of the parties that the duration or scope of such provision, as the case may be, shall be reduced so that such provision becomes enforceable and, in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.
7.   SURVIVING
The provisions of this Annex B shall survive any termination of your employment by the Company or the expiration of the Agreement.

 


 

ANNEX C
DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(This Annex constitutes part of the Agreement)
Any controversy or claim between you and the Company relating to an Employment Matter will be finally settled by arbitration in the County of New York administered by the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules then in effect. However, the AAA’s Commercial Arbitration Rules will be modified in the following ways: (i) the decision must not be a compromise but must be the adoption of the submission by one of the parties, (ii) each arbitrator will agree to treat as confidential, all evidence and other information presented to the arbitrator, (iii) there will be no authority to award punitive damages (and you and the Company agree not to request any such award), (iv) there will be no authority to amend or modify the terms of this Agreement (and you and the Company agree not to request any such amendment or modification), (v) a decision must be rendered within ten business days of the parties’ closing statements or submission of post-hearing briefs, and (vi) the arbitration shall be conducted before a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by you within 10 days of the commencement of the arbitration, one selected by the Company within the same period and the third selected jointly by the arbitrators selected by you and the Company or, if they are unable to so agree upon an arbitrator who accepts the appointment within 30 days of the commencement of the arbitration, an arbitrator shall be appointed by the AAA; provided, however, that such arbitrator shall be a partner or former partner at a nationally recognized law firm.
You or the Company may bring an action or special proceeding in a state or federal court of competent jurisdiction sitting in the County of New York to enforce any arbitration award under the immediately preceding paragraph. Also, the Company may bring such an action or proceeding, in addition to its rights under, and notwithstanding, the immediately preceding paragraph and whether or not an arbitration proceeding has been or is ever initiated, to temporarily, preliminarily or permanently enforce any of the covenants in Annex B. You agree that (i) violating any of the covenants in Annex B would cause damage to the Company that cannot be measured or repaired, (ii) the Company therefore is entitled to an injunction, restraining order or other equitable relief restraining any actual or threatened violation of the covenants in Annex B, (iii) no bond bill needs to be posted for the Company to receive such an injunction, order or other relief and (iv) no proof will be required that monetary damages for violations of the covenants in Annex B would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate.
YOU AND THE COMPANY IRREVOCABLY SUBMIT TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK OVER ANY EMPLOYMENT MATTER THAT IS NOT OTHERWISE ARBITRATED OR RESOLVED ACCORDING TO THE NEXT PRECEDING PARAGRAPH. This includes any action or proceeding to compel arbitration or to enforce an arbitration award. Both you and the Company (i) acknowledge that the forum stated in this paragraph has a reasonable relation to this Agreement and to the relationship between you and the Company and that the submission to the forum will apply even if the forum chooses to apply non-forum law, (ii) waive, to the extent permitted by law, any objection to personal jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding covered by this paragraph in the forum stated in this

 


 

paragraph, (iii) agree not to commence any such action or proceeding in any forum other than the forum stated in this paragraph and (iv) agree that, to the extent permitted by law, a final and non-appealable judgment in any such action or proceeding in any such court will be conclusive and binding on you and the Company. However, nothing in this Agreement precludes you or the Company from bringing any action or proceeding in any court for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the next preceding paragraph and this paragraph.

 

EX-10.19 11 y78599a5exv10w19.htm EX-10.19 exv10w19
Exhibit 10.19
December 21, 2009
Mr. Hank Ratner
Madison Square Garden, Inc.
Two Pennsylvania Plaza
New York, NY 10022
Re: EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Dear Mr. Ratner:
This letter, effective upon the “Effective Date” (as defined in Annex A hereof), will confirm the terms of your employment by Madison Square Garden, Inc. (the “Company”).
1.   Your title shall be President and Chief Executive Officer. You agree to devote your business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company. Subject to such continuing rights as each party may have hereunder, either you or the Company may terminate your employment hereunder at any time.
 
2.   Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 1, the Company acknowledges that, in addition to your services pursuant to this Agreement, you will simultaneously serve, and are expected to devote a portion of your business time and attention to serving, as Vice Chairman of Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”). The Company understands that you are entering into an Employment Agreement with Cablevision contemporaneous with the execution of this Agreement and recognizes and agrees that your responsibilities to Cablevision will preclude you from devoting all of your time and attention to the Company’s affairs. In addition, as recognized in Article Eleventh of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, there may be certain potential conflicts of interest and fiduciary duty issues associated with your dual roles at the Company and Cablevision. The Company recognizes and agrees that none of (i) your dual responsibilities at the Company and Cablevision, (ii) your inability to devote all of your time and attention to the Company’s affairs, (iii) the actual or potential conflicts of interest and fiduciary duty issues that are waived in the Article Eleventh of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, or (iv) any actions taken, or omitted to be taken, by you in good faith to comply with your duties and responsibilities to the Company in light of your dual responsibilities to the Company and Cablevision, shall be deemed to be a breach by you of your obligations under this Agreement (including your obligations under Annex B) nor shall any of the foregoing constitute “Cause” as such term is defined in Annex A.
 
3.   Your annual base salary will be a minimum of $1,200,000, subject to annual review and potential increase by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) in its discretion. Your annual base salary shall not be reduced during the time of this Agreement.
 
4.   Your annual bonus will have a target of 200% of your annual base salary, and may range

 


 

    from 0% to 400% of your annual base salary, as the Compensation Committee shall determine in its discretion.
 
5.   You will be eligible to participate in all employee benefit and retirement plans of the Company at the level available to other members of senior management subject to meeting the relevant eligibility requirements and terms of the plans.
 
6.   You will be eligible to participate in the long-term cash or equity programs and arrangements of the Company at the level determined by the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, consistent with your role and responsibilities as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In calendar year 2010, for example, you will be entitled to receive one or more long-term cash and/or equity awards with an aggregate target value of $5,400,000, all as determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. Although there is no guarantee, it is currently expected that long-term cash or equity awards of similar aggregate target values will be made to you annually. The Company agrees that neither the scheduled expiration of this Agreement nor your rights in connection therewith will have any effect on any determination by the Compensation Committee with respect to the amount, terms or form of any long-term incentive awards granted to you in the future.
 
7.   In addition to your eligibility for the above grant of equity and/or cash long-term incentives in 2010, you will also receive a one-time special award in stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and/or restricted stock units, in such form or forms as determined by the Compensation Committee, with an aggregate target value of $4,750,000, all as to be determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion (the “Special Equity Award”). Such Special Equity Award will be made to you during 2010 and by no later than March 31, 2010 and is anticipated to be made on the same date as the Compensation Committee makes its regular grants to executives of 2010 long-term incentive awards. The Special Equity Award shall be subject to terms substantially similar to the terms contained in the agreements historically used by Cablevision for similar equity awards for its senior executives, except that the forfeiture restrictions for the equity awards shall expire on the third anniversary of the grant, provided, that any portion of the Special Equity Award in the form of restricted stock or restricted stock units will also be subject to the performance objectives set forth in Annex C.
 
8.   The Company will provide you with the use of a driver and a car appropriate to your status and responsibilities.
 
9.   If, prior to December 31, 2014 (the “Scheduled Expiration Date”), your employment with the Company is terminated (i) for any reason by you during the thirteenth calendar month following a “Change in Control” (as defined in Annex A) of the Company, (ii) by the Company, (iii) by you for “Good Reason” (as defined in Annex A), or (iv) by “Mutual Consent” (as defined in Annex A), and at the time of any such termination described above, Cause does not exist, then, subject to your execution and delivery (without revocation) to the Company of the Company’s then standard separation agreement (modified to reflect the terms of this Agreement) which agreement will include, without limitation, general releases by you as well as non-competition, non-solicitation, non-

 


 

    disparagement, confidentiality and other provisions substantially similar to those set forth in Annex B (a “Separation Agreement”), the Company will provide you with the following benefits and rights:
  (a)   A severance payment in an amount determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, but in no event less than two times the sum of your annual base salary and your annual target bonus in effect at the time your employment terminates and such payment shall be payable to you on the 90th day after the termination of your employment;
 
  (b)   Each of your outstanding long-term cash performance awards granted under the plans of the Company shall immediately vest in full and shall be paid only if, when and to the same extent that other similarly situated executives receive payment for such awards as determined by the Compensation Committee (subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives);
 
  (c)   Each of your outstanding long-term cash awards (including any deferred compensation awards under the long-term cash award program) that are not subject to performance criteria granted under the plans of the Company shall immediately vest in full and shall be payable to you on the 90th day after the termination of your employment;
 
  (d)   (i) All of the time based restrictions on each of your outstanding restricted stock or restricted stock units granted to you under the plans of the Company shall immediately be eliminated, (ii) deliveries with respect to your restricted stock that are not subject to performance criteria shall be made immediately after the effective date of the Separation Agreement, (iii) payment and deliveries with respect to your restricted stock units that are not subject to performance criteria shall be made on the 90th day after the termination of your employment, and (iv) payments or deliveries with respect to your restricted stock and restricted stock units that are subject to performance criteria shall be made only if, when and to the same extent that other similarly situated executives receive payment or deliveries for such awards as determined by the Compensation Committee (subject to satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives);
 
  (e)   Each of your outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards under the plans of the Company shall immediately vest and become exercisable and you shall have the right to exercise each of those options and stock appreciation awards for the remainder of the term of such option or award; and
 
  (f)   A pro rated annual bonus for the year in which such termination occurred (based on the number of full calendar months during which you were employed by the Company during the year) only if, when and to the same extent that other similarly situated executives receive payment of bonuses for such year (without adjustment for your individual performance) as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives) and, if not previously paid, your annual bonus for the

 


 

      preceding year, if, when and to the same extent that other similarly situated executives receive payment of bonuses for such year (without adjustment for your individual performance) as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives).
10.   If you die after a termination of your employment that is subject to Paragraph 9, your estate or beneficiaries will be provided with any remaining benefits and rights under Paragraph 9.
 
11.   If you cease to be an employee of the Company or any of its affiliates (other than Cablevision and its subsidiaries) prior to the Scheduled Expiration Date as a result of your death or physical or mental disability, you (or your estate or beneficiary) will be provided with the benefits and rights set forth immediately above in Paragraphs 9(b) through (f), and, in the event of your death, such longer period to exercise your then outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards as may otherwise be permitted under the applicable Employee Stock Plan and award letter.
 
12.   If, after the Scheduled Expiration Date, your employment with the Company is terminated (i) for any reason by you during the thirteenth calendar month following a Change in Control of the Company, (ii) by the Company, (iii) by you for Good Reason, (iv) by you without Good Reason but only if you had provided the Company with at least six months advance written notice of your intent to so terminate your employment under this provision, or (v) as a result of your death or disability, and at the time of any such termination described above, Cause does not exist, then, subject to (except in the case of your death) your execution and delivery (without revocation) to the Company of a Separation Agreement, you or your estate or beneficiary, as the case may be, will be provided with the benefits and rights set forth above in Paragraphs 9(b) through (f).
 
13.   If, prior to or after the Scheduled Expiration Date, you cease to be employed by the Company for any reason other than your being terminated for Cause, you shall have three years to exercise outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards, unless you are afforded a longer period for exercise pursuant to another provision of this Agreement or any applicable award letter, but in no event exercisable after the end of the applicable regularly scheduled term (except in the case of death, as may otherwise be permitted under the applicable Employee Stock Plan and award letter).
 
14.   Upon the termination of your employment with the Company, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, your rights to benefits and payments under the Company’s pension and welfare plans (other than severance benefits) and any outstanding long-term cash or equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the then current terms and provisions of such plans, agreements and awards under which such benefits and payments (including such long-term cash or equity awards) were granted.
 
15.   You and the Company agree to be bound by the additional covenants, acknowledgements

 


 

    and other provisions applicable to each that are set forth in Annex B, which shall be deemed to be part of this Agreement.
 
16.   The Company may withhold from any payment due hereunder any taxes that are required to be withheld under any law, rule or regulation.
 
17.   If any payment otherwise due to you hereunder would result in the imposition of the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company will instead pay you either (i) such amount or (ii) the maximum amount that could be paid to you without the imposition of the excise tax, depending on whichever amount results in your receiving the greater amount of after-tax proceeds. In the event that the payments and benefits payable to you would be reduced as provided in the previous sentence, then such reduction will be determined in a manner which has the least economic cost to you and, to the extent the economic cost is equivalent, such payments or benefits will be reduced in the inverse order of when the payments or benefits would have been made to you (i.e., later payments will be reduced first) until the reduction specified is achieved.
 
18.   To the extent you would otherwise be entitled to any payment that under this Agreement, or any plan or arrangement of the Company or its affiliates, constitutes “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A and that if paid during the six months beginning on the date of termination of your employment would be subject to the Section 409A additional tax because you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A and as determined by the Company), (i) the payment will not be made to you and instead will be made to a trust in compliance with Rev. Proc. 92-64 (the “Rabbi Trust”), and (ii) the payment, together with any earnings on it, will be paid to you on the earlier of the six-month anniversary of your “separation from service” as defined in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(h) or your death; provided, however, that no payment will be made to the Rabbi Trust if it would be contrary to law or cause you to incur additional tax under Section 409A. Similarly, to the extent you would otherwise be entitled to any benefit (other than a payment) during the six months beginning on termination of your employment that would be subject to the Section 409A additional tax, the benefit will be delayed and will begin being provided (together, if applicable, with an adjustment to compensate you for the delay) on the earlier of the six-month anniversary of your separation from service or your death. Any such payments or benefit subject to Section 409A shall be treated as separate payments for purposes of Section 409A. Furthermore, to the extent any other payments of money or other benefits due to you could cause the application of an additional tax under Section 409A, such payments or other benefits shall be deferred if deferral will make such payment or other benefits compliant under Section 409A.
 
19.   In addition, any payment or benefit that is due or commences upon a termination of your employment that represents a “deferral of compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A shall be paid, commenced to be paid or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(h).
 
20.   To the extent any expense reimbursement is determined to be subject to Section 409A, the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement in one calendar year shall

 


 

    not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year (except under any lifetime limit applicable to expenses for medical care), in no event shall any expenses be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which you incurred such expenses, and in no event shall any right to reimbursement be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
 
21.   If the Rabbi Trust has not been established at the time of the termination of your employment, you may select an institution to serve as the trustee of the Rabbi Trust (so long as the institution is reasonably acceptable to the Company). You may negotiate such terms with the trustee as are customary for such arrangements and reasonably acceptable to the Company. The Company will bear all costs related to the establishment and operation of the Rabbi Trust, including your attorney’s fees. It is understood that the Rabbi Trust may also be used for similar arrangements with other executives of the Company.
 
22.   The Company will not take any action that would expose any payment or benefit to you to the additional tax of Section 409A, unless (i) the Company is obligated to take the action under agreement, plan or arrangement to which you are a party, (ii) you request the action, (iii) the Company advises you in writing that the action may result in the imposition of the additional tax and (iv) you subsequently request the action in a writing that acknowledges you will be responsible for any effect of the action under Section 409A. The Company will hold you harmless for any action it may take in violation of this Paragraph 22, including any attorney’s fees you may incur in enforcing your rights.
 
23.   It is our intention that the benefits and rights to which you could become entitled in connection with termination of employment comply with Section 409A. If you or the Company believes, at any time, that any of such benefit or right does not comply, it will promptly advise the other and will negotiate reasonably and in good faith to amend the terms of such arrangement such that it complies (with the most limited possible economic effect on you and on the Company).
 
24.   You acknowledge that the Company has no liability to you with respect to any cash payable pursuant to the outstanding long-term cash and equity awards that were granted to you under the plans of Cablevision prior to the Effective Date, and you agree that you will not assert any such liability against the Company.
 
25.   This Agreement is personal to you and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by you otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your legal representatives. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
 
26.   To the extent permitted by law, you and the Company waive any and all rights to the jury trial with respect to any controversy or claim between you and the Company arising out of or relating to or concerning this Agreement (including the covenants contained in Annex B) or any aspect of your employment with the Company or the termination of that employment (each an “Employment Matter”).

 


 

27.   This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within that state.
 
28.   Both the Company and you hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the federal courts of the United States of America located in the State of New York solely in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, and each of us hereby waives, and agrees not to assert, as a defense that either of us, as appropriate, is not subject thereto or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate. We each hereby agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in any manner as may be permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.
 
29.   This Agreement may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. It is the parties’ intention that this Agreement not be construed more strictly with regard to you or the Company. From and after the Effective Date, this Agreement shall supersede any prior agreements, arrangements, understandings and communications between the parties dealing with such subject matter hereof, whether oral or written.
 
30.   Certain capitalized terms used herein have the meanings set forth in Annex A hereto.
 
31.   This Agreement shall automatically expire and be of no further effect as of the Scheduled Expiration Date; provided, however, Paragraphs 2 and 10 through, and including, 31 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement and shall be binding on you and the Company.
         
 
  MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.    
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
/s/ James L. Dolan
 
By: James L. Dolan
   
 
  Title: Executive Chairman    
         
 
       
 
       
 
  Accepted and Agreed:    
 
       
 
       
 
/s/ Hank Ratner
 
Hank Ratner
   

 


 

ANNEX A
DEFINITIONS ANNEX

(This Annex constitutes part of the Agreement)
Cause” means your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or an affiliate thereof, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in, or may reasonably be expected to result in, a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of Nolo Contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or felony.
Change in Control” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).
Effective Date” means the date on which the spinoff of Madison Square Garden, Inc. from Cablevision Systems Corporation is consummated.
Termination for “Good Reason” means that (1) without your consent, (A) your base salary or bonus target as an employee is reduced, (B) the Company requires that your principal office be located outside of Nassau County or Manhattan, (C) the Company materially breaches its obligations to you under this Agreement, (D) you are no longer the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, (E) you report directly to someone other than the Chairman (or the Executive Chairman), or (F) your responsibilities are materially diminished, (2) you have given the Company written notice, referring specifically to this definition, that you do not consent to such action, (3) the Company has not corrected such action within 15 days of receiving such notice, and (4) you voluntarily terminate your employment within 90 days following the happening of the action described in subsection (1) above.
Mutual Consent” means you and the Company mutually agree in writing to terminate your employment with the Company and that such termination of employment shall not constitute a termination by the Company with or without Cause or by you with or without Good Reason.

 


 

ANNEX B
ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

(This Annex constitutes part of the Agreement)
You agree to comply with the following covenants in addition to those set forth in the Agreement.
1. CONFIDENTIALITY
You agree to retain in strict confidence and not divulge, disseminate, copy or disclose to any third party any Confidential Information, other than for legitimate business purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. As used herein, “Confidential Information” means any non-public information that is material or of a confidential, proprietary, commercially sensitive or personal nature of, or regarding, the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any current or former director, officer or member of senior management of any of the foregoing (collectively “Covered Parties”). The term Confidential Information includes information in written, digital, oral or any other format and includes, but is not limited to (i) information designated or treated as confidential; (ii) budgets, plans, forecasts or other financial or accounting data; (iii) subscriber, customer, guest, fan, vendor or shareholder lists or data; (iv) technical or strategic information regarding the Covered Parties’ programming, advertising, sports, entertainment, theatrical or other businesses; (v) advertising, business, sales or marketing tactics and strategies; (vi) policies, practices, procedures or techniques; (vii) trade secrets or other intellectual property; (vii) information, theories or strategies relating to litigation, arbitration, mediation, investigations or matters relating to governmental authorities; (vii) terms of agreements with third parties and third party trade secrets; (viii) information regarding employees, players, coaches, agents, consultants, advisors or representatives, including their compensation or other human resources policies and procedures; and (ix) any other information the disclosure of which may have an adverse effect on the Covered Parties’ business reputation, operations or competitive position, reputation or standing in the community.
If disclosed, Confidential Information or Other Information could have an adverse effect on the Company’s standing in the community, its business reputation, operations or competitive position or the standing, reputation, operations or competitive position of any of its affiliates (other than Cablevision or its subsidiaries) subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, teams, players, coaches, consultants or agents or any of the Covered Parties.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of this section, other than with respect to subscriber information, shall not apply to Confidential Information which is:
a) already in the public domain;
b) disclosed to you by a third party with the right to disclose it in good faith; or
c) specifically exempted in writing by the Company from the applicability of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding anything elsewhere in this Agreement, you are authorized to make any disclosure required of you by any federal, state and local laws or judicial, arbitral or governmental agency proceedings, after providing the Company with prior written notice and an

 


 

opportunity to respond prior to such disclosure. In addition, this Agreement in no way restricts or prevents you from providing truthful testimony concerning the Company to judicial, administrative, regulatory or other governmental authorities.
2. Non-Compete
You acknowledge that due to your executive position in the Company and your knowledge of the Company’s confidential and proprietary information, your employment or affiliation with certain entities would be detrimental to the Company. You agree that, without the prior written consent of the Company, you will not represent, become employed by, consult to, advise in any manner or have any material interest in any business directly or indirectly in any Competitive Entity (as defined below). A “Competitive Entity” shall mean (1) any person or entity (other than Cablevision and its subsidiaries) that (i) owns or operates a professional sports team in the New York City metropolitan area, (ii) creates, produces or presents live sporting events or live entertainment in any metropolitan area in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries owns, operates, or has exclusive booking rights to a venue, (iii) owns or operates any New York metropolitan area regional programming network, (iv) owns or operates a programming network in the United States that focuses on music, or (v) directly competes with any other business of the Company or one of its subsidiaries that produced greater than 10% of the Company’s revenues in the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which the determination is made, or (2) any trade or professional association representing any of the companies covered by this paragraph. Ownership of not more than 1% of the outstanding stock of any publicly traded company shall not be a violation of this paragraph. This agreement not to compete will expire upon the first anniversary of the date of your termination of employment with the Company.
3. Additional Understandings
You agree, for yourself and others acting on your behalf, that you (and they) have not disparaged and will not disparage, make negative statements about or act in any manner which is intended to or does damage to the good will of, or the business or personal reputations of the Company or any of its incumbent or former officers, directors, agents, consultants, employees, successors and assigns or any of the Covered Parties.
In addition, you agree that the Company is the owner of all rights, title and interest in and to all documents, tapes, videos, designs, plans, formulas, models, processes, computer programs, inventions (whether patentable or not), schematics, music, lyrics and other technical, business, financial, advertising, sales, marketing, customer or product development plans, forecasts, strategies, information and materials (in any medium whatsoever) developed or prepared by you or with your cooperation during the course of your employment by the Company (the “Materials”). The Company will have the sole and exclusive authority to use the Materials in any manner that it deems appropriate, in perpetuity, without additional payment to you.
4. Further Cooperation
Following the date of termination of your employment with the Company (the “Expiration Date”), you will no longer provide any regular services to the Company or represent yourself as a Company agent. If, however, the Company so requests, you agree to cooperate fully with the

 


 

Company in connection with any matter with which you were involved prior to the Expiration Date, or in any litigation or administrative proceedings or appeals (including any preparation therefore) where the Company believes that your personal knowledge, attendance and participation could be beneficial to the Company. This cooperation includes, without limitation, participation on behalf of the Company in any litigation or administrative proceeding brought by any former or existing Company employees, teams, players, coaches, guests, representatives, agents or vendors. The Company will pay you for your services rendered under this provision at the rate of $6,800 per day for each day or part thereof, within 30 days of approved invoice therefore.
Unless the Company determines in good faith that you have committed any malfeasance during your employment by the Company, the Company agrees that its corporate officers and directors, employees in its public relations department or third party public relations representatives retained by the Company will not disparage you or make negative statements in the press or other media which are damaging to your business or personal reputation. In the event that the Company so disparages you or makes such negative statements, then notwithstanding the “Additional Understandings” provision to the contrary, you may make a proportional response thereto.
The Company will provide you with reasonable notice in connection with any cooperation it requires in accordance with this section and will take reasonable steps to schedule your cooperation in any such matters so as not to materially interfere with your other professional and personal commitments. The Company will reimburse you for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses you reasonably incur in connection with the cooperation you provide hereunder as soon as practicable after you present appropriate documentation evidencing such expenses. You agree to provide the Company with an estimate of such expense before you incur the same.
5. Non-Hire or Solicit
You agree not to hire, seek to hire, or cause any person or entity to hire or seek to hire (without the prior written consent of the Company), directly or indirectly (whether for your own interest or any other person or entity’s interest) any then current employee of the Company, or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (other than Cablevision and its subsidiaries), until the first anniversary of the date of your termination of employment with the Company. This restriction does not apply to any employee who was discharged by the Company. In addition, this restriction will not prevent you from providing references.
6. Acknowledgements.
You acknowledge that the restrictions contained in this Annex B, in light of the nature of the Company’s business and your position and responsibilities, are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the Company. You acknowledge that the Company has no adequate remedy at law and would be irreparably harmed if you breach or threaten to breach the provisions of this Annex B, and therefore agree that the Company shall be entitled to injunctive relief, to prevent any breach or threatened breach of any of those provisions and to specific performance of the terms of each of such provisions in addition to any other legal or equitable remedy it may have. You further agree that you will not, in any equity proceeding relating to the

 


 

enforcement of the provisions of this Annex B, raise the defense that the Company has an adequate remedy at law. Nothing in this Annex B shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies at law or in equity that it may have or any other rights that it may have under any other agreement. If it is determined that any of the provisions of this Annex B or any part thereof, is unenforceable because of the duration or scope (geographic or otherwise) of such provision, it is the intention of the parties that the duration or scope of such provision, as the case may be, shall be reduced so that such provision becomes enforceable and, in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.
7. Surviving.
The provisions of this Annex B shall survive any termination of your employment by the Company or the expiration of the Agreement.

 


 

Annex C
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
(This Annex constitutes part of the Agreement)
One-Time Special Award of Restricted Stock
Performance Objectives
The performance objective for the One Time Special Award of Restricted Stock is Business Unit AOCF (excludes corporate and LTIP) for any of calendar year 2010, 2011 or 2012 of at least 90% of Business Unit AOCF (excludes corporate and LTIP) for calendar year 2009 (the “Base Year”).
Business Unit AOCF will be based on actual financial performance, modified to neutralize the impact of the following items in both the measured year and the Base Year, in each case to the extent not already contemplated by the 2010 Budget and Plan, as approved in December 2009:
  a)   acquisitions of businesses (including costs for acquisitions that are not completed, if any);
 
  b)   dispositions of businesses or discontinued businesses, in each case in a manner that neutralizes the impact of the associated effects on corporate or other expenses that otherwise would have been allocated to such businesses;
 
  c)   changes in GAAP or in the application of GAAP different from what was assumed in the budget, provided that adjustments will be made only for any such individual to the extent the change results in a positive or negative variance greater than $5 million;
 
  d)   acts of God, terrorism or vandalism;
 
  e)   any strike, lock-out or other work-stoppage or similar action
 
  f)   a change in timing of the planned renovation of the MSG arena;
 
  g)   disputes under or a termination of any affiliation agreement; and
 
  h)   charges incurred for career or season ending injuries of players or for waivers or terminations of players or team personnel.

 

EX-10.20 12 y78599a5exv10w20.htm EX-10.20 exv10w20
Exhibit 10.20
December 21, 2009               
Mr. Robert M. Pollichino
Madison Square Garden, Inc.
Two Pennsylvania Plaza
New York, NY 10022
Dear Robert:
     This letter will confirm the terms of your employment by Madison Square Garden, Inc. (the “Company”), effective as of the consummation of the spin-off of the Company from Cablevision Systems Corporation (the “Effective Date”).
     Your title will be Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and you will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer. You agree to devote substantially all of your business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company.
     Your annual base salary will be a minimum of $700,000, subject to annual review and potential increase by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company in its sole discretion. You will also be eligible to participate in our discretionary annual bonus program with an annual target bonus opportunity equal to 60% of salary. Bonus payments are based on actual salary dollars paid during the year and depend on a number of factors including Company, unit and individual performance. However, the decision of whether or not to pay a bonus, and the amount of that bonus, if any, is made by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. Bonuses are typically paid early in the subsequent calendar year. In order to receive a bonus, you must be employed by the Company at the time bonuses are being paid. Your annual base salary and annual bonus target (as each may be increased from time to time in the Compensation Committee’s sole discretion) will not be reduced during the term of this letter.
     You will be eligible to participate in such long-term incentive programs as are made available to similarly situated executives at the Company. It is expected that such awards will consist of annual grants of cash and/or equity awards with an annual target value of not less than $950,000, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Any such awards would be subject to actual grant to you by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, would be pursuant to the applicable plan document and would be subject to terms and conditions established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion that would be detailed in separate agreements you would receive after any award is actually made.

 


 

     You will also remain eligible for our standard benefits programs at the levels that are made available to similarly situated executives at the Company. Participation in our benefits programs is subject to meeting the relevant eligibility requirements, payment of the required premiums and the terms of the plans themselves.
     If your employment with the Company is terminated prior to the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Expiration Date”) (i) by the Company (other than for “Cause”) or (ii) by you for “Good Reason” (other than if “Cause” then exists) then, subject to your execution and the effectiveness of a severance agreement to the Company’s reasonable satisfaction (which will be based on the Company’s standard form agreement which includes, without limitation, non-compete (limited to one year), non-disparagement, non-solicitation, confidentiality, and further cooperation obligations and restrictions on you as well as a general release by you of the Company and its affiliates), the Company will provide you with the following:
  (1)   Severance in an amount to be determined by the Compensation Committee (the “Severance Amount”), but in no event less than two (2) times the sum of your annual base salary and your annual target bonus, each as in effect at the time your employment terminates. Sixty percent (60%) of the Severance Amount will be payable to you on the six-month anniversary of the date your employment so terminates (the “Termination Date”) and the remaining forty percent (40%) of the Severance Amount will be payable to you on the twelve-month anniversary of the Termination Date;
 
  (2)   A prorated bonus based on the amount of your base salary actually earned by you during the calendar year through the Termination Date, provided that such bonus, if any, will be payable to you if and when such bonuses are generally paid to similarly situated employees and will be based on your then current annual target bonus as well as Company and your business unit performance as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, but without adjustment for your individual performance;
 
  (3)   If, as of the Termination Date, annual bonuses had not yet generally been paid to similarly situated employees with respect to the prior calendar year, a bonus based on the amount of your base salary actually paid to you during such prior calendar year, provided that such bonus, if any, will be payable to you if and when such bonuses are generally paid to similarly situated employees and will be based on your annual target bonus that was in effect with respect to such prior calendar year as well as Company and your business unit performance as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, but without adjustment for your individual performance;
 
  (4)   Any vested stock options or stock appreciation rights that you may have outstanding as of the Termination Date shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (x) the three-year anniversary of the Termination Date and (y) the end of the original full stated term of the applicable award. This

 


 

      clause (4) shall apply notwithstanding any shorter period to exercise provided for in any applicable award letter outstanding at the time but shall not apply to shorten or otherwise limit any longer period to exercise or other rights that would have applied under any applicable award letter in the absence of this provision; and
 
  (5)   The Compensation Committee will consider, in good faith, approving the vesting of your then outstanding equity and cash incentive awards on a pro rata basis (to reflect the portion of the applicable period during which you were an employee of the Company), provided that, to the extent any such awards are subject to any performance criteria, any such pro rata vested portion as may be approved by the Compensation Committee shall be payable/delivered only if when and to the same extent as paid/delivered to other employees generally holding such awards subject to the satisfaction of the performance criteria.
     In connection with any termination of your employment, except as specifically provided above, any outstanding equity and cash incentive awards shall be treated in accordance with their terms.
     For purposes of this letter, “Cause” means your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or an affiliate thereof, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.
     For purposes of this letter, “Good Reason” means that (1) without your written consent, (A) your base salary or annual target bonus (as each may be increased from time to time in the Compensation Committee’s sole discretion) is reduced, or (B) you are no longer the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, (2) you have given the Company written notice, referring specifically to this letter and definition, that you do not consent to such action, (3) the Company has not corrected such action within 30 days of receiving such notice, and (4) you voluntarily terminate your employment with the Company within 90 days following the happening of the action described in subsection (1) above.
     This letter does not constitute a guarantee of employment for any definite period. Your employment is at will and may be terminated by you or the Company at any time, with or without notice or reason.
     The Company may withhold from any payment due to you any taxes required to be withheld under any law, rule or regulation. If any payment otherwise due to you hereunder would result in the imposition of the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company will instead pay you either (i) such amount or (ii) the maximum amount that could be paid to you without the imposition of the excise tax, depending on whichever amount results in your receiving the greater amount of after-tax proceeds. In the event that the payments and benefits payable to you would be reduced

 


 

as provided in the previous sentence, then such reduction will be determined in a manner which has the least economic cost to you and, to the extent the economic cost is equivalent, such payments or benefits will be reduced in the inverse order of when the payments or benefits would have been made to you until the reduction specified is achieved.
     If and to the extent that any payment or benefit under this letter, or any plan, award or arrangement of the Company or its affiliates, is determined by the Company to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”) and is payable to you by reason of your termination of employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A as determined by the Company), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or, if earlier than the expiration of such six month period, the date of death). Any amount not paid or benefit not provided in respect of the six month period specified in the preceding sentence will be paid to you in a lump sum or provided to you as soon as practicable after the expiration of such six month period.
     To the extent you are entitled to any expense reimbursement from the Company that is subject to Section 409A, (i) the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement in one calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year (except under any lifetime limit applicable to expenses for medical care), (ii) in no event shall any such expense be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which you incurred such expense, and (iii) in no event shall any right to reimbursement be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
     This letter is personal to you and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by you otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This letter shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your legal representatives. This letter shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
     To the extent permitted by law, you and the Company waive any and all rights to a jury trial with respect to any matter relating to this letter.
     This letter will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within that State.
     Both the Company and you hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the federal courts of the United States of America located in the State of New York solely in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this letter, and each of us hereby waives, and agrees not to assert, as a defense that either of us, as appropriate, is not subject thereto or that the venue thereof may not be appropriate. We each hereby agree that mailing of process or other papers in

 


 

connection with any such action or proceeding in any manner as may be permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.
     This letter may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this letter shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this letter. It is the parties’ intention that this letter not be construed more strictly with regard to you or the Company.
     You agree to keep this letter and its terms strictly confidential (unless it is made public by the Company); provided that (1) you are authorized to make any disclosure required of you by any federal, state or local laws or judicial proceedings, after providing the Company with prior written notice and an opportunity to respond to such disclosure (unless such notice is prohibited by law) and (2) you are authorized to disclose this letter and its terms to your legal, financial and tax advisors and your representatives may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of this letter and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to you relating to such tax treatment or structure.
     This letter reflects the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements.
     This letter will automatically terminate, and be of no further force or effect, on the Expiration Date (other than with respect to any rights which, by the terms of this letter, arose before such date). At your request, as promptly as reasonably practicable within the 6-month period prior to the Expiration Date, the Company will discuss with you in good faith the potential extension of this letter and any proposed revised terms thereof.
         
  Sincerely,
 
 
  /s/ Hank J. Ratner    
  Hank J. Ratner   
  Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer  
  Date: 12-21-09
 
Accepted and Agreed:
     
/s/ Robert M. Pollichino
 
Robert M. Pollichino
   
Date: 12/22/09
   

 

EX-10.21 13 y78599a5exv10w21.htm EX-10.21 exv10w21
Exhibit 10.21
December 21, 2009
Mr. Lawrence J. Burian
Madison Square Garden, Inc.
Two Pennsylvania Plaza
New York, NY 10022
Dear Lawrence:
     This letter will confirm the terms of your employment by Madison Square Garden, Inc. (the “Company”), effective as of the consummation of the spin-off of the Company from Cablevision Systems Corporation (the “Effective Date”).
     Your title will be Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary and you will report to the President and Chief Executive Officer. You agree to devote substantially all of your business time and attention to the business and affairs of the Company.
     Your annual base salary will be a minimum of $600,000, subject to annual review and potential increase by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company in its sole discretion. You will also be eligible to participate in our discretionary annual bonus program with an annual target bonus opportunity equal to 60% of salary. Bonus payments are based on actual salary dollars paid during the year and depend on a number of factors including Company, unit and individual performance. However, the decision of whether or not to pay a bonus, and the amount of that bonus, if any, is made by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. Bonuses are typically paid early in the subsequent calendar year. In order to receive a bonus, you must be employed by the Company at the time bonuses are being paid. Your annual base salary and annual bonus target (as each may be increased from time to time in the Compensation Committee’s sole discretion) will not be reduced during the term of this letter.
     You will be eligible to participate in such long-term incentive programs as are made available to similarly situated executives at the Company. It is expected that such awards will consist of annual grants of cash and/or equity awards with an annual target value of not less than $600,000, as determined by the Compensation Committee. Any such awards would be subject to actual grant to you by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, would be pursuant to the applicable plan document and would be subject to terms and conditions established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion that would be detailed in separate agreements you would receive after any award is actually made.

 


 

     You will also remain eligible for our standard benefits programs at the levels that are made available to similarly situated executives at the Company. Participation in our benefits programs is subject to meeting the relevant eligibility requirements, payment of the required premiums and the terms of the plans themselves.
     If your employment with the Company is terminated prior to the third anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Expiration Date”) (i) by the Company (other than for “Cause”) or (ii) by you for “Good Reason” (other than if “Cause” then exists) then, subject to your execution and the effectiveness of a severance agreement to the Company’s reasonable satisfaction (which will be based on the Company’s standard form agreement which includes, without limitation, non-compete (limited to one year), non-disparagement, non-solicitation, confidentiality, and further cooperation obligations and restrictions on you as well as a general release by you of the Company and its affiliates), the Company will provide you with the following:
  (1)   Severance in an amount to be determined by the Compensation Committee (the “Severance Amount”), but in no event less than two (2) times the sum of your annual base salary and your annual target bonus, each as in effect at the time your employment terminates. Sixty percent (60%) of the Severance Amount will be payable to you on the six-month anniversary of the date your employment so terminates (the “Termination Date”) and the remaining forty percent (40%) of the Severance Amount will be payable to you on the twelve-month anniversary of the Termination Date;
 
  (2)   A prorated bonus based on the amount of your base salary actually earned by you during the calendar year through the Termination Date, provided that such bonus, if any, will be payable to you if and when such bonuses are generally paid to similarly situated employees and will be based on your then current annual target bonus as well as Company and your business unit performance as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, but without adjustment for your individual performance;
 
  (3)   If, as of the Termination Date, annual bonuses had not yet generally been paid to similarly situated employees with respect to the prior calendar year, a bonus based on the amount of your base salary actually paid to you during such prior calendar year, provided that such bonus, if any, will be payable to you if and when such bonuses are generally paid to similarly situated employees and will be based on your annual target bonus that was in effect with respect to such prior calendar year as well as Company and your business unit performance as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, but without adjustment for your individual performance;
 
  (4)   Any vested stock options or stock appreciation rights that you may have outstanding as of the Termination Date shall remain exercisable until the earlier of (x) the three-year anniversary of the Termination Date and (y)

 


 

      the end of the original full stated term of the applicable award. This clause (4) shall apply notwithstanding any shorter period to exercise provided for in any applicable award letter outstanding at the time but shall not apply to shorten or otherwise limit any longer period to exercise or other rights that would have applied under any applicable award letter in the absence of this provision; and
 
  (5)   The Compensation Committee will consider, in good faith, approving the vesting of your then outstanding equity and cash incentive awards on a pro rata basis (to reflect the portion of the applicable period during which you were an employee of the Company), provided that, to the extent any such awards are subject to any performance criteria, any such pro rata vested portion as may be approved by the Compensation Committee shall be payable/delivered only if when and to the same extent as paid/delivered to other employees generally holding such awards subject to the satisfaction of the performance criteria.
     In connection with any termination of your employment, except as specifically provided above, any outstanding equity and cash incentive awards shall be treated in accordance with their terms.
     For purposes of this letter, “Cause” means your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or an affiliate thereof, or (ii) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.
     For purposes of this letter, “Good Reason” means that (1) without your written consent, (A) your base salary or annual target bonus (as each may be increased from time to time in the Compensation Committee’s sole discretion) is reduced, or (B) your title is reduced from Executive Vice President & General Counsel, or (C) you are no longer the Company’s most senior legal officer, (2) you have given the Company written notice, referring specifically to this letter and definition, that you do not consent to such action, (3) the Company has not corrected such action within 30 days of receiving such notice, and (4) you voluntarily terminate your employment with the Company within 90 days following the happening of the action described in subsection (1) above.
     This letter does not constitute a guarantee of employment for any definite period. Your employment is at will and may be terminated by you or the Company at any time, with or without notice or reason.
     The Company may withhold from any payment due to you any taxes required to be withheld under any law, rule or regulation. If any payment otherwise due to you hereunder would result in the imposition of the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company will instead pay you either (i) such amount or (ii) the maximum amount that could be paid to you without the imposition of the excise tax, depending on whichever amount results in your receiving the greater amount of after-tax

 


 

proceeds. In the event that the payments and benefits payable to you would be reduced as provided in the previous sentence, then such reduction will be determined in a manner which has the least economic cost to you and, to the extent the economic cost is equivalent, such payments or benefits will be reduced in the inverse order of when the payments or benefits would have been made to you until the reduction specified is achieved.
     If and to the extent that any payment or benefit under this letter, or any plan, award or arrangement of the Company or its affiliates, is determined by the Company to constitute “non-qualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”) and is payable to you by reason of your termination of employment, then (a) such payment or benefit shall be made or provided to you only upon a “separation from service” as defined for purposes of Section 409A under applicable regulations and (b) if you are a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A as determined by the Company), such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided before the date that is six months after the date of your separation from service (or, if earlier than the expiration of such six month period, the date of death). Any amount not paid or benefit not provided in respect of the six month period specified in the preceding sentence will be paid to you in a lump sum or provided to you as soon as practicable after the expiration of such six month period.
     To the extent you are entitled to any expense reimbursement from the Company that is subject to Section 409A, (i) the amount of any such expenses eligible for reimbursement in one calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year (except under any lifetime limit applicable to expenses for medical care), (ii) in no event shall any such expense be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which you incurred such expense, and (iii) in no event shall any right to reimbursement be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.
     This letter is personal to you and without the prior written consent of the Company shall not be assignable by you otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. This letter shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your legal representatives. This letter shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and assigns.
     To the extent permitted by law, you and the Company waive any and all rights to a jury trial with respect to any matter relating to this letter.
     This letter will be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely within that State.
     Both the Company and you hereby irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the federal courts of the United States of America located in the State of New York solely in respect of the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this letter, and each of us hereby waives, and agrees not to assert, as a defense that either of us, as appropriate, is not subject thereto or that the venue thereof

 


 

may not be appropriate. We each hereby agree that mailing of process or other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in any manner as may be permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.
     This letter may not be amended or modified otherwise than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this letter shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this letter. It is the parties’ intention that this letter not be construed more strictly with regard to you or the Company.
     You agree to keep this letter and its terms strictly confidential (unless it is made public by the Company); provided that (1) you are authorized to make any disclosure required of you by any federal, state or local laws or judicial proceedings, after providing the Company with prior written notice and an opportunity to respond to such disclosure (unless such notice is prohibited by law) and (2) you are authorized to disclose this letter and its terms to your legal, financial and tax advisors and your representatives may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of this letter and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to you relating to such tax treatment or structure.
     This letter reflects the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements.
     This letter will automatically terminate, and be of no further force or effect, on the Expiration Date (other than with respect to any rights which, by the terms of this letter, arose before such date). At your request, as promptly as reasonably practicable within the 6-month period prior to the Expiration Date, the Company will discuss with you in good faith the potential extension of this letter and any proposed revised terms thereof.
         
 
  Sincerely,    
 
       
 
  /s/ Hank J. Ratner    
 
 
 
Hank J. Ratner
   
 
  Title: President and Chief Executive Officer    
 
  Date: December 21, 2009    
Accepted and Agreed:
     
/s/ Lawrence J. Burian
 
Lawrence J. Burian
   
Date: 12/21/09
   

 

EX-10.22 14 y78599a5exv10w22.htm EX-10.22 exv10w22
Exhibit 10.22
Form of Time Sharing Agreement between Dolan Family Office LLC and Madison Garden, Inc.
          THIS TIME SHARING AGREEMENT is entered into effective as of the ___day of [                    , 20___], by and between DOLAN FAMILY OFFICE, LLC, a New York limited liability company with an address at 340 Crossways Drive, Woodbury, New York 11771 (“Lessor”), and MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC., a Delaware corporation with an address at Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, New York 10121 (“Lessee”).
WITNESSETH:
          WHEREAS, Lessor is a sublessee and an operator of a Gulfstream Aerospace GIV-SP aircraft, manufacturer’s serial number 1313, United States registration N100DF (the “Aircraft”); and
          WHEREAS, Lessor employs or engages a fully-qualified and credentialed flight crew to operate the Aircraft; and
          WHEREAS, Lessor has agreed to lease the Aircraft, with flight crew, to Lessee on a “time sharing” basis as defined in Section 91.501(c)(1) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (“FAR”) upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises, and the covenants and agreements set forth herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, Lessor and Lessee, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
          1. Lease of Aircraft. Lessor agrees to lease the Aircraft to Lessee pursuant to the provisions of FAR Section 91.501(b)(6) and Section 91.501(c)(1) and this Agreement, and to provide a fully-qualified and credentialed flight crew for all flights to be conducted hereunder during the Term (as defined in Section 13) hereof. The parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement did not result in any way from any direct or indirect advertising, holding out or soliciting on the part of Lessor or any person purportedly acting on behalf of Lessor. Lessor and Lessee intend that the lease of the Aircraft effected by this Agreement shall be treated as a “wet lease” pursuant to which Lessor provides transportation services to Lessee in accordance with FAR Section 91.501(b)(6) and Section 91.501(c)(1).
          2. Payment for Use of Aircraft. Lessee shall pay Lessor the following actual expenses of each flight conducted under this Agreement, not to exceed the maximum amount legally payable for such flight under FAR Section 91.501(d)(1)-(10):

1


 

  (a)   fuel, oil, lubricants and other additives;
 
  (b)   travel expenses of crew, including food, lodging and ground transportation;
 
  (c)   hangar and tie-down costs away from the Aircraft’s base of operation;
 
  (d)   additional insurance obtained for the specific flight at the request of Lessee;
 
  (e)   landing fees, airport taxes and similar assessments;
 
  (f)   customs, foreign permit and similar fees directly related to the flight;
 
  (g)   in-flight food and beverages;
 
  (h)   passenger ground transportation;
 
  (i)   flight planning and weather contract services; and
 
  (i)   an additional charge equal to 100% of the expenses listed in Section 2(a).
          3. Operational Control of Aircraft. Lessor and Lessee intend and agree that on all flights conducted under this Agreement, Lessor shall have complete and exclusive operational control over the Aircraft, its flight crews and maintenance, and complete and exclusive possession, command and control of the Aircraft. Lessor shall have complete and exclusive responsibility for scheduling, dispatching and flight following of the Aircraft on all flights conducted under this Agreement, which responsibility includes the sole and exclusive right over initiating, conducting and terminating such flights. Lessee shall have no responsibility for scheduling, dispatching or flight following on any flight conducted under this Agreement, nor any right over initiating, conducting or terminating any such flight. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed so as to convey to Lessee any operational control over, or possession, command and control of, the Aircraft, all of which are expressly retained by Lessor.
          4. Scheduling.
          (a) Lessee will provide Lessor with requests for flight time and proposed flight schedules as far in advance of any given flight as possible. The designated authorized representative(s) of Lessee shall submit scheduling requests under this Agreement to the designated authorized representative(s) of Lessor. Requests for flight time shall be in such form (whether oral or written) mutually convenient to, and agreed upon by, the parties. In addition to proposed schedules and flight times, Lessee shall upon request provide Lessor with the following

2


 

information for each proposed flight prior to scheduled departure: (i) proposed departure point; (ii) destination; (iii) date and time of flight; (iv) the number of anticipated passengers; (v) the nature and extent of luggage to be carried; (vi) the date and time of a return flight, if any; and (vii) any other pertinent information concerning the proposed flight that Lessor or the flight crew may request.
          (b) Subject to Aircraft and crew availability, Lessor shall use its good faith efforts, consistent with Lessor’s approved policies, in order to accommodate the needs of Lessee, to avoid conflicts in scheduling, and to enable Lessee to enjoy the benefits of this Agreement; however, Lessee acknowledges and agrees that notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) Lessor shall have sole and exclusive final authority over the scheduling of the Aircraft; and (ii) the needs of Lessor for the Aircraft shall take precedence over Lessee’s rights and Lessor’s obligations under this Agreement.
          (c) Although every good faith effort shall be made to avoid its occurrence, any flight scheduled under this Agreement is subject to cancellation by either party without incurring liability to the other party. In the event that cancellation is necessary, the canceling party shall provide the maximum notice practicable.
          5. Billing. Lessor shall pay all expenses relating to the operation of the Aircraft under this Agreement on a monthly basis. As soon as possible after the end of each monthly period during the Term, Lessor shall provide to Lessee an invoice showing all use of the Aircraft by Lessee under this Agreement during that month and a complete accounting detailing all amounts payable by Lessee pursuant to Section 2 for that month, including such detail supporting all expenses paid or incurred by Lessor for which reimbursement is sought as Lessee may reasonably request. Lessee shall pay all amounts due to Lessor under this Section 5 not later than 30 days after receipt of the invoice therefor.
          6. Maintenance of Aircraft. Lessor shall be solely responsible for securing maintenance, preventive maintenance and inspections of the Aircraft (utilizing an inspection program listed in FAR Section 91.409(f)), and shall take such requirements into account in scheduling the Aircraft hereunder.
          7. Flight Crew.
          (a) Lessor shall employ or engage and pay all salaries, benefits and and/or compensation for a fully-qualified flight crew with appropriate credentials to conduct each flight undertaken under this Agreement. Lessor may use temporary flight crewmembers for a flight under this Agreement only if any such temporary crewmember is FlightSafety (or SimuFlite) trained, is current on the Aircraft and satisfies all of the requirements and conditions under the insurance coverage for the Aircraft. All flight crewmembers shall be included on any insurance policies that Lessor is required to maintain hereunder.
          (b) The qualified flight crew provided by Lessor shall exercise all of its duties and responsibilities with regard to the safety of each flight conducted hereunder in accordance with applicable FAR’s. The Aircraft shall be operated under the standards and policies

3


 

established by Lessor. Final authority to initiate or terminate each flight, and otherwise to decide all matters relating to the safety of any given flight or requested flight, shall rest with the pilot-in-command of that flight. The flight crew may, in its sole discretion, terminate any flight, refuse to commence any flight, or take any other action that, in the judgment of the pilot-in-command, is necessitated by considerations of safety. No such termination or refusal to commence by the pilot-in-command shall create or support any liability for loss, injury, damage or delay in favor of Lessee or any other person. Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee or any other person for loss, injury or damage occasioned by the delay or failure to furnish the Aircraft and flight crew pursuant to this Agreement for any reason.
          8. Insurance.
          (a) At all times during the Term of this Agreement, Lessor shall maintain at its sole cost and expense (i) comprehensive aircraft liability insurance against bodily injury and property damage claims, including, without limitation, contractual liability, premises liability, personal injury liability, and passenger legal liability coverage, in an amount not less than $200,000,000 for each occurrence, and (ii) hull insurance for the full replacement cost of the aircraft.
          (b) Any policies of hull and liability insurance carried in accordance with this Section 8 and any policies taken out in substitution or replacement of any such policies (i) shall name Lessee and its affiliates and their respective officers, directors, members, managers, employees, agents, licensees, servants and guests as additional insured; (ii) shall provide for 30 days written notice to Lessee by such insurer of cancellation, change, non-renewal or reduction (seven days in the case of war risk and allied perils coverage or such shorter period as is customarily available in the industry); and (iii) shall permit the use of the Aircraft by Lessor for compensation or hire to the extent permitted under applicable law. Each such policy shall be primary insurance, not subject to any co-insurance clause and shall be without right of contribution from any other insurance.
          (c) Lessor shall use reasonable commercial efforts to provide such additional insurance coverage for specific flights under this Agreement, if any, as Lessee may request in writing. Lessee also acknowledges that any trips scheduled to the European Union may require Lessor to purchase additional insurance to comply with local regulations. The cost of all additional flight-specific insurance shall be borne by Lessee as set forth in Section 2(d) hereof.
          (d) Each party agrees that it will not do any act or voluntarily suffer or permit any act to be done whereby any insurance required hereunder shall or may be suspended, impaired or defeated. In no event shall Lessor suffer or permit the Aircraft to be used or operated under this Agreement without such insurance being fully in effect.
          (e) Lessor shall ensure that worker’s compensation insurance with all-states coverage is provided for the Aircraft’s crew and maintenance personnel.
          (f) Lessor shall deliver certificates of insurance to Lessee with respect to the insurance required or permitted to be provided by it hereunder not later than the first flight of the

4


 

Aircraft under this Agreement and upon the renewal date of each policy.
          9. Taxes. Lessee shall be responsible for paying, and Lessor shall be responsible for collecting from Lessee and paying over to the appropriate authorities, all applicable Federal transportation taxes and sales, use or other excise taxes imposed by any governmental authority in connection with any use of the Aircraft by Lessee hereunder. Each party shall indemnify the other party against any and all claims, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorney’s fees as and when incurred) arising out of its breach of this undertaking.
          10. Lessee’s Representations and Warranties. Lessee represents and warrants that:
          (a) It will not use the Aircraft for the purposes of providing transportation of passengers or cargo in air commerce for compensation or hire or for common carriage.
          (b) It shall refrain from incurring any mechanic’s or other liens in connection with inspection, preventive maintenance, maintenance or storage of the Aircraft, and shall not attempt to convey, mortgage, assign, lease or in any way alienate the Aircraft or create any kind of lien or security interest involving the Aircraft or do anything or take any action that might mature into such a lien.
          (c) It shall not lien or otherwise encumber or create or place any lien or other encumbrance of any kind whatsoever, on or against the Aircraft for any reason. It also will ensure that no liens or encumbrances of any kind whatsoever are created or placed against the Aircraft for claims against Lessee or by Lessee.
          (d) It will abide by and conform to all laws, governmental and airport orders, rules and regulations, as shall be imposed upon the lessee of an aircraft under a time sharing agreement and applicable company policies of Lessor.
          11. Lessor’s Representations and Warranties. Lessor represents and warrants that it will abide by and conform to all such laws, governmental and airport orders, rules and regulations, as shall from time to time be in effect relating in any way to the operation and use of the Aircraft pursuant to this Agreement.
          12. Disclaimer of Warranties. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, LESSOR HAS MADE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE AIRCRAFT, INCLUDING ANY WITH RESPECT TO ITS CONDITION, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY OR TO ANY OTHER PERSON FOR ANY INCIDENTIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, HOWEVER ARISING.

5


 

          13. Term. The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) shall commence on the effective date hereof and, unless terminated in accordance with the provisions hereof, shall remain in full force in effect for an initial term of one year and thereafter shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement for any reason or no reason by written notice given to the other party not less than 30 days prior to the proposed termination date.
          14. Limitation of Liability. Lessee, for itself and on behalf of its agents, guests, invitees, licensees, servants and employees, covenants and agrees that the insurance described in Section 8 hereof shall be the sole recourse for any and all liabilities, claims, demands, suits, causes of action, losses, penalties, fines, expenses or damages, including attorneys fees, court costs and witness fees attributable to the use, operation or maintenance of the Aircraft pursuant to this Agreement or performance of or failure to perform any obligation under this Agreement.
          15. Relationship of Parties. Lessor is strictly an independent contractor lessor/provider of transportation services with respect to Lessee. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall it be construed so as, to constitute the parties as partners or joint venturers or principal and agent. All persons furnished by Lessor for the performance of the operations and activities contemplated by this Agreement shall at all times and for all purposes be considered Lessor’s employees or agents.
          16. Governing Law; Severability. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its choice of law rules. If any provision of this Agreement conflicts with any statute or rule of law of the State of New York, or is otherwise unenforceable, such provision shall be deemed null and void only the extent of such conflict or unenforceability, and shall be deemed separate from, and shall not invalidate, any other provision of this Agreement.
          17. Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended, supplemented, modified or terminated, or any of its terms varied, except by an agreement in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.
          18. Counterparts. This Time Sharing Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall, for all purposes, be deemed an original and all such counterparts, taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement, even though all parties may not have executed the same counterpart. Each party may transmit its signature by Portable Document Format (“PDF”) or confirmed facsimile, and such signature shall have the same force and effect as an original signature.
          19. Successors and Assigns. This Time Sharing Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, other legal representatives, successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and, except as otherwise provided herein, to their respective heirs, executors, administrators, other legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns. Lessee agrees that it shall not sublease,

6


 

assign, transfer, pledge or hypothecate this Agreement or any part hereof (including any assignment or transfer pursuant to or as a part of any merger, consolidation or transfer of assets) without the prior written consent of Lessor, which may be given or withheld by Lessor in its sole and absolute discretion.
          20. Notices. All notices or other communications delivered or given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if hand-delivered, sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, nationally-utilized overnight delivery service, PDF or confirmed facsimile transmission, as the case may be. Such notices shall be addressed to the parties at the addresses set forth above, or to such other address as may be designated by any party in a writing delivered to the other in the manner set forth in this Section 20. In the case of notices to Lessee, a copy of each such notice shall be sent to Madison Square Garden, Inc., Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, New York 10121, attention: General Counsel, fax: (212) 465-6466. Notices sent by certified or registered mail shall be deemed received three business days after being mailed. All other notices shall be deemed received on the date delivered. Routine communications may be made by e-mail or fax to the addresses set forth therein.
          21. Truth-in-Leasing Compliance. Lessor, on behalf of the Lessee, shall (i) mail a copy of this Agreement to the Aircraft Registration Branch, Technical Section, of the FAA in Oklahoma City within 24 hours of its execution; (ii) notify the Farmingdale Flight Standards District Office at least 48 hours prior to the first flight of the Aircraft under this Agreement of the registration number of the Aircraft, and the location of the airport of departure and departure time of the first flight; and (iii) carry a copy of this Agreement onboard the Aircraft at all times when the Aircraft is being operated under this Agreement.
          22. TRUTH IN LEASING STATEMENT UNDER FAR SECTION 91.23:
          (A) LESSOR HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT THE AIRCRAFT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED UNDER FAR PART 91 DURING THE 12-MONTH PERIOD PRECEDING THE DATE OF EXECUTION OF THIS AGREEMENT. THE AIRCRAFT WILL BE MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FAR PART 91 FOR ALL OPERATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
          (B) DOLAN FAMILY OFFICE, LLC, WITH AN ADDRESS AT 340 CROSSWAYS DRIVE, WOODBURY, NEW YORK 11771, HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT IT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT FOR ALL OPERATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
          (C) EACH PARTY HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT IT UNDERSTANDS ITS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS.
          (D) THE PARTIES UNDERSTAND THAT AN EXPLANATION OF THE

7


 

FACTORS BEARING ON OPERATIONAL CONTROL AND THE PERTINENT FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEAREST FAA FLIGHT STANDARDS DISTRICT OFFICE.
(signature page follows)

8


 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessor and Lessee have executed this Time Sharing Agreement this ___day of [                    ], 20[___], effective as of the date first above written.
         
  LESSOR:

DOLAN FAMILY OFFICE, LLC
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
         
  LESSEE:

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 

9

EX-21.1 15 y78599a5exv21w1.htm EX-21.1 exv21w1
EXHIBIT 21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
                 
    JURISDICTION OF    
    ORGANIZATION    
SUBSIDIARY   OR REGISTRATION   PERCENT OWNED
 
               
Rainbow Garden Corp.
  Delaware     100 %
Regional MSG Holdings LLC
  Delaware     100 %
MSG Eden Corporation
  Delaware     100 %
Madison Square Garden, L.P. (MSG LP)
  Delaware     100 %
Continental Road LLC
  Delaware     100 %
Garden Programming, L.L.C.
  Delaware     100 %
Madison Square Garden CT, LLC
  Delaware     100 %
MSG Aircraft Leasing, LLC
  Delaware     100 %
MSG Flight Operations, LLC
  Delaware     100 %
MSG Chicago, LLC
  Delaware     100 %
NY Rangers Enterprises Company
  Nova Scotia     100 %
The 31st Street Company, L.L.C.
  Delaware     100 %
Radio City Productions LLC
  Delaware     100 %
The Grand Tour, LLC
  New York     100 %
Radio City Trademarks, LLC
  Delaware     100 %
MSG Aviator, LLC
  Delaware     100 %
MSG Training Center, LLC
  Delaware     100 %
MSG National Properties LLC
  Delaware     100 %
MSG Boston Theatrical, L.L.C.
  Delaware     100 %
MSG Winter Productions, LLC
  Delaware     100 %
MSG Vaudeville, LLC
  Delaware     100 %
FUSE Holdings LLC
  Delaware     100 %
FUSE Networks LLC (Fuse)
  New York     100 %
FUSE Programming Inc.
  Delaware     100 %
SportsChannel Associates
  New York     100 %

 

EX-99.1 16 y78599a5exv99w1.htm EX-99.1 exv99w1
Exhibit 99.1
 
CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION
1111 STEWART AVENUE
BETHPAGE, NEW YORK 11714
 
          , 2010
 
Dear Stockholder:
 
I am pleased to report that the previously announced spin-off by Cablevision Systems Corporation of its Madison Square Garden subsidiary is expected to become effective on          , 2010. Madison Square Garden, Inc., a Delaware corporation, will become a public company on that date and will own the sports, entertainment and media businesses currently owned and operated by Cablevision’s Madison Square Garden subsidiary. Madison Square Garden, Inc.’s Class A Common Stock will be listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “MSG.”
 
Holders of record of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock as of the close of business on          , 2010, which will be the record date, will receive one share of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class A Common Stock for every           shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock held. Holders of record of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock as of the close of business on the record date will receive one share of Madison Square Garden, Inc. Class B Common Stock for every           shares of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock held. No action is required on your part to receive your Madison Square Garden, Inc. shares. You will not be required either to pay anything for the new shares or to surrender any shares of Cablevision stock.
 
No fractional shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. stock will be issued. If you otherwise would be entitled to a fractional share you will receive a check for the cash value thereof, which generally will be taxable to you. In due course you will be provided with information to enable you to compute your tax bases in both the Cablevision and the Madison Square Garden, Inc. stock. Cablevision has received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and expects to obtain an opinion from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP to the effect that, for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, the distribution of the Madison Square Garden, Inc. stock will be tax-free to Cablevision and to you to the extent that you receive Madison Square Garden, Inc. stock.
 
The enclosed information statement describes the distribution of shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. stock and contains important information about Madison Square Garden, Inc., including financial statements. I suggest that you read it carefully. If you have any questions regarding the distribution, please contact Cablevision’s transfer agent, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services at 1-800-401-1957.
 
Sincerely,
 
Charles F. Dolan
Chairman


 

 
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION STATEMENT
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 24, 2009
 
INFORMATION STATEMENT
 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
Distribution of
Class A Common Stock
Par Value, $0.01 Per Share

Class B Common Stock
Par Value, $0.01 Per Share
 
This information statement is being furnished in connection with the distribution by Cablevision Systems Corporation to holders of its common stock of all the outstanding shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. common stock. Prior to the distribution, we will enter into a series of transactions with Cablevision pursuant to which we will own the sports, entertainment and media businesses currently owned and operated by the Madison Square Garden segment of Cablevision, as described in this information statement.
 
Shares of our Class A Common Stock will be distributed to holders of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock of record as of the close of business on          , 2010, which will be the record date. Each such holder will receive one share of our Class A Common Stock for every           shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock held on the record date. Shares of our Class B Common Stock will be distributed to holders of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock as of the close of business on the record date. Each holder of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock will receive one share of our Class B Common Stock for every          shares of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock held on the record date. The distribution will be effective at 11:59 p.m. on          , 2010. For Cablevision stockholders who own common stock in registered form, in most cases the transfer agent will credit their shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. common stock to book entry accounts established to hold their Cablevision common stock. Our distribution agent will mail these stockholders a statement reflecting their Madison Square Garden, Inc. common stock ownership shortly after          , 2010. For stockholders who own Cablevision common stock through a broker or other nominee, their shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. common stock will be credited to their accounts by the broker or other nominee. Stockholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares, which generally will be taxable. See “The Distribution — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”
 
No stockholder approval of the distribution is required or sought. We are not asking you for a proxy and you are requested not to send us a proxy. Cablevision stockholders will not be required to pay for the shares of our common stock to be received by them in the distribution, or to surrender or to exchange shares of Cablevision common stock in order to receive our common stock, or to take any other action in connection with the distribution. There is currently no trading market for our common stock. We have applied to list our Class A Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “MSG.’’ We will not list our Class B Common Stock on any stock exchange.
 
IN REVIEWING THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT, YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE MATTERS DESCRIBED UNDER THE CAPTION “RISK FACTORS” BEGINNING ON PAGE 21.
 
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
 
 
 
THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES.
 
 
 
 
Stockholders of Cablevision with inquiries related to the distribution should contact Cablevision’s transfer agent, Wells Fargo Shareowner Services at 1-800-401-1957.
 
The date of this Information Statement is          , 2010.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
         
    Page
 
SUMMARY
    1  
OUR COMPANY
    1  
Our Strengths
    2  
Our Strategy
    3  
Company Information
    4  
THE DISTRIBUTION
    5  
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
    8  
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE DISTRIBUTION
    10  
THE DISTRIBUTION
    14  
General
    14  
Manner of Effecting the Distribution
    14  
Reasons for the Distribution
    15  
Results of the Distribution
    16  
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution
    17  
Listing and Trading of Our Common Stock
    19  
Reason for Furnishing this Information Statement
    20  
RISK FACTORS
    21  
Risks Relating to Our Sports Business
    21  
Risks Relating to Our Entertainment Business
    23  
Risks Relating to Our Media Business
    24  
General Risks
    26  
BUSINESS
    36  
General
    36  
Our Strengths
    37  
Our Strategy
    38  
Garden of Dreams Foundation
    39  
MSG Sports
    40  
MSG Entertainment
    42  
MSG Media
    44  
Our Venues
    47  
Investment in Front Line Management Group Inc.
    51  
Regulation
    51  
Competition
    53  
Legal Proceedings
    55  
Employees
    56  
Properties
    56  
DIVIDEND POLICY
    57  
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    58  
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
    65  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
    67  
Introduction
    68  
Business Overview
    68  
MSG Media
    68  
MSG Entertainment
    70  
MSG Sports
    73  


i


 

         
    Page
 
Corporate Expenses
    78  
Impact of Current Economic Conditions
    78  
Combined Results of Operations
    79  
Liquidity and Capital Resources
    102  
Cash Flow Discussion
    104  
Contractual Obligations and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
    105  
Seasonality of Our Business
    106  
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Critical Accounting Policies
    106  
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
    112  
Corporate Governance
    112  
Our Directors
    113  
Our Executive Officers
    117  
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
    119  
Introduction
    119  
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
    119  
Employment Agreements
    128  
Key Elements of 2010 Expected Compensation from the Company
    135  
Historical Compensation Information
    135  
Termination and Severance
    145  
Our Equity Compensation Plan Information
    153  
Our Employee Stock Plan
    153  
Our Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors
    157  
Our Cash Incentive Plan
    159  
Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards
    160  
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    163  
Relationship Between Cablevision and Us After The Distribution
    163  
Certain Relationships and Potential Conflicts of Interest
    166  
Related Party Transaction Approval Policy
    167  
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
    169  
Beneficial Ownership Of Stock
    169  
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
    175  
Rule 144
    175  
Employee Stock Awards
    175  
Non-Employee Director Stock Awards
    175  
Registration Rights Agreements
    176  
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
    177  
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
    177  
Preferred Stock
    180  
Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts
    180  
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
    182  
Limitation on Personal Liability
    182  
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
    183  
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
    184  
INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    F-1  


ii


 

 
SUMMARY
 
The following is a summary of some of the information contained in this information statement. This summary is included for convenience only and should not be considered complete. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this information statement, which should be read in its entirety.
 
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we”, “us”, “our”, “Madison Square Garden” or the “Company” refer to Madison Square Garden, Inc., together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries. “Madison Square Garden, Inc.” refers to Madison Square Garden, Inc. individually as a separate entity. Where we describe in this information statement our business activities, we do so as if the transfer of the Madison Square Garden business of Cablevision Systems Corporation to Madison Square Garden, Inc. has already occurred.
 
OUR COMPANY
 
Madison Square Garden is a fully-integrated sports, entertainment and media business comprised of dynamic and powerful brands. Madison Square Garden’s business grew from the legendary venue widely known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” The Company’s three business segments: MSG Sports, MSG Entertainment and MSG Media, are strategically aligned to work together to drive our overall business, which is built on a foundation of iconic venues and compelling content, including live sports and entertainment events, that we create, produce, present and/or distribute through our programming networks and other media assets.
 
(VENUES LOGO)
 
The Company operates in three business segments:
 
  •  MSG Sports.  Our sports business consists of owning and operating sports franchises, including the New York Knicks, a founding member of the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) and the New York Rangers, one of the “original six” franchises of the National Hockey League (“NHL”). We also own and operate the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (“WNBA”), one of the league’s founding franchises, and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (“AHL”), which is the primary player development team for the Rangers and competitive in its own right in the AHL. The Knicks, Rangers and Liberty play their home games at The Madison Square Garden Arena (which we also refer to as “The Garden”). The Company’s sports business also features other sports properties, including the presentation of a wide variety of premier live sporting events including professional boxing, college basketball (The Big East Tournament, Jimmy


1


 

  V Classic, Post-season NIT Finals and, on occasion, Duke University games), track and field (The Millrose Games) and tennis (The BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup, which features the women winners of the previous year’s Grand Slam tennis events).
 
  •  MSG Entertainment.  Our entertainment business is one of the country’s leaders in live entertainment. We create, produce and/or present a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Radio City Rockettes (the “Rockettes”), which is the #1 live holiday family show in America and is seen by approximately two million people annually and the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil’s Wintuk. We also present or host other live entertainment events, such as concerts, including shows by The Police, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake and Madonna; family shows, such as Dora the Explorer, Thomas the Tank Engine and Sesame Street Live; special events such as the Tony Awards, Fashion Rocks and appearances by the Dalai Lama; and theatrical productions, such as The Wizard of Oz and Annie, in our diverse collection of venues. These venues include The Garden, Radio City Music Hall, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, The Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre. MSG Entertainment increasingly utilizes the strength of its industry relationships and live event expertise, as well as the reach of MSG Media, to create performance, promotion and distribution opportunities for artists and productions that, in turn, provide new programming and promotion for both our entertainment and our media businesses.
 
  •  MSG Media.  Our media business is a leader in production and content development for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from our venues. This business consists of programming networks and interactive offerings, including the MSG Networks (MSG network, MSG Plus, MSG HD and MSG Plus HD) and the Fuse Networks (Fuse and Fuse HD). MSG Networks are home to seven professional sports teams: the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres and New York Red Bulls, as well as to our critically acclaimed original and other programming, including MSG Originals, highlighted by the New York Emmy-award winning series The 50 Greatest Moments at MSG, Big 12 and PAC 10 football, and ACC, Big East and PAC 10 basketball. Since Fuse became part of MSG Media in 2008, it has focused on establishing itself as a unique multi-platform music destination, where artists and fans can interact and build relationships. Programming on Fuse focuses on music-related programming, including coverage of premier artists, events and festivals, original content and high profile concerts. Certain Fuse programming centers around its insider access to MSG Entertainment and Madison Square Garden’s venues, which Fuse uses to create music programming while offering a voice and enhanced exposure to artists. Our interactive businesses include a group of highly targeted websites (including msg.com, thegarden.com, radiocity.com, nyknicks.com, newyorkrangers.com and fuse.tv) and wireless, video on demand and digital platforms for all Madison Square Garden properties. MSG Media allows us to leverage the value of the content created, produced and/or presented by MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment.
 
Our Strengths
 
  •  Owned sports franchises
 
  •  Media assets, including affiliation agreements with distributors and exclusive sports and entertainment programming rights
 
  •  Iconic venues
 
  •  Diverse collection of marquee brands and content, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes
 
  •  Powerful presence in the New York tri-state area with established core assets and expertise for strategic expansion
 
  •  Unique ability to provide artists and productions with multiple distribution platforms to develop and promote their businesses


2


 

 
  •  Strong industry relationships that create opportunities for new content and brand extensions
 
  •  Deep connection with loyal and passionate fan bases that span a wide demographic mix
 
  •  Strong and seasoned management team
 
Our Strategy
 
Madison Square Garden pursues opportunities that capitalize on the combination of our iconic venues, our popular sports franchises, the distribution of our programming networks and our exclusive sports and entertainment content.
 
The core of MSG Sports’ strategy is to develop teams that consistently compete for championships in their respective leagues. Leveraging the strength of its fan bases and the popularity of its teams, MSG Sports seeks to expand through the creation and/or acquisition of substantial, enduring sports properties and events that can be presented either inside or outside The Garden. Our extensive fan base provides broad access to growth opportunities and new revenue streams.
 
Building on our iconic venues and the hallmark Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Rockettes brands, MSG Entertainment is focused on enhancing the reach and breadth of our productions and creating a network of venues to deliver high quality live content and increased bookings across all our venues. We are pursuing a strategy of opportunistically acquiring, building or obtaining control of theater venues in additional major markets. Our expansion plans also include the development of new productions and live entertainment events.
 
MSG Media has a strong foundation of recurring revenue streams supported by our long-term rights for live-event content of our New York Knicks, New York Rangers and New York Liberty franchises, in addition to those of the New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, and our affiliation agreements for distribution of our networks. MSG Media’s programming networks serve as strong platforms through which artists, performers and athletes are connected to regional and national audiences, including Fuse, which brings artists and fans together through its music programming and the network’s insider access to MSG Entertainment and our historic venues. Our ability to offer both marquee live performance venues and extensive public exposure through our significant marketing expertise and media platforms attracts world-class artists, performers and athletes to our businesses, and allows us to create with them a relationship built on mutual benefit. We obtain quality sports and entertainment content, while the artists, performers and athletes gain a unique opportunity to develop their brands.
 
The Company believes that its competitive strength stems from combining opportunities across more than one of our segments and aligning these businesses to provide what no other organization can: sports and entertainment content, derived from games and performances at our iconic venues and distributed through our regional and national programming networks.
 
(MAXIMUM GROWTH OPPORTUNITY CHART)
 
We have an expansive view of the power of this integrated approach and believe no other organization can offer athletes, artists, performers, fans and business partners comparable opportunities or experiences. Examples of how we believe we have effectively implemented our strategy are:
 
  •  We have expanded the programming on MSG network to include additional programming originating from or relating to our venues, while continuing to deliver award-winning live sports coverage. MSG network’s focus on becoming “all things Madison Square Garden” serves as a powerful platform for the


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  distribution of our content and supports the Company’s integrated strategic vision, while differentiating our media offerings in a diverse and competitive environment.
 
  •  Our media business continues to seek opportunities to collaborate with our entertainment and sports businesses. For example, in 2009 our media and entertainment businesses forged a multi-faceted relationship with the Dave Matthews Band, through which we booked the Beacon Theatre for a sold-out Dave Matthews Band concert and telecast the concert commercial-free on Fuse. Fuse also aired a week-long series of complementary Dave Matthews Band programming, leading up to the release of the band’s new album. Similarly, in 2008 our media and sports businesses collaborated on the Pete Sampras versus Roger Federer exhibition tennis match, an event that represented the revival of The Garden’s historic affiliation with big-event tennis. The sold-out match, which pitted the #1 ranked Federer against Sampras, who was at that time the recently retired holder of the most Grand Slam titles, originated from The Garden and was promoted as the first live sports programming on the newly re-branded MSG Plus (formerly known as FSN New York).
 
  •  We acquired control of New York’s Beacon Theatre, purchased The Chicago Theatre, and entered into a long-term booking agreement in respect of the Wang Theatre in Boston, extending our geographic footprint and providing new distribution outlets for our live entertainment content. These transactions diversified the collection of venues we offer to artists and productions.
 
  •  Building on their initial collaboration, Wintuk, MSG Entertainment and the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil have expanded their relationship this year with the debut of a new vaudeville-inspired live entertainment show, Banana Shpeel. The show began previews in The Chicago Theatre on November 19, 2009, and will premiere at the Beacon Theatre beginning in February of 2010. This plan illustrates our strategy of developing new live entertainment content that can be utilized through Madison Square Garden’s owned and operated venues.
 
Our commitment to strengthening our core assets is also exemplified by the planned full-scale renovation of The Garden. The renovation is expected to result in a state-of-the-art facility that enhances the experience of our customers, partners, athletes and entertainers and is designed to attract even more marquee events to the building, while augmenting our revenue streams. Utilizing The Garden’s current footprint, the renovation is designed to ensure The Garden’s continued and lasting prominence as a sports and entertainment venue.
 
We believe the Company’s unique combination of assets and integrated approach, the depth of our relationships within the sports, media and entertainment industries and strong connection with our diverse and passionate audiences, sets the Company apart in its industry and represents a substantial opportunity for growth.
 
Company Information
 
We are a Delaware corporation with our principal executive offices at Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY, 10121. Our telephone number is 212-465-6000. Madison Square Garden, Inc. is a holding company and conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries.
 
Madison Square Garden, Inc. was incorporated on July 29, 2009 as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”). Prior to the Distribution, it will acquire subsidiaries of Cablevision that own, directly and indirectly, all of the partnership interests in Madison Square Garden, L.P. (“MSG L.P.”), which is the indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision through which Cablevision currently holds the Madison Square Garden business. Cablevision acquired all of the interests in MSG L.P. in a series of transactions beginning in 1995 and completed in 2005.


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THE DISTRIBUTION
 
Please see “The Distribution” for a more detailed description of the matters described below.
 
Distributing Company Cablevision Systems Corporation, which is one of the largest cable television operators in the United States. In addition to the business of Madison Square Garden, Cablevision also provides telecommunication services and operates cable programming networks and a newspaper publishing business.
 
Distributed Company Madison Square Garden, Inc., which will own and operate the sports, entertainment and media businesses currently owned and operated by MSG L.P., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Cablevision, each of which is described in this information statement. Please see “Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for information concerning these businesses.
 
Distribution Ratio Each holder of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock will receive a distribution of one share of our Class A Common Stock for every           shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock held on the record date and each holder of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock will receive a distribution of one share of our Class B Common Stock for every           shares of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock held on the record date.
 
Securities to be Distributed Based on           shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and           shares of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock outstanding on          , 2010, approximately          shares of our Class A Common Stock and           shares of our Class B Common Stock will be distributed. We refer to this distribution of securities as the “Distribution.” The shares of our common stock to be distributed will constitute all of the outstanding shares of our common stock immediately after the Distribution. Cablevision stockholders will not be required to pay for the shares of our common stock to be received by them in the Distribution, or to surrender or exchange shares of Cablevision common stock in order to receive our common stock, or to take any other action in connection with the Distribution.
 
Fractional Shares Fractional shares of our common stock will not be distributed. Fractional shares of our Class A Common Stock will be aggregated and sold in the public market by the distribution agent and stockholders will receive a cash payment in lieu of a fractional share. Similarly, fractional shares of our Class B Common Stock will be aggregated, converted to Class A Common Stock, and sold in the public market by the distribution agent. The aggregate net cash proceeds of these sales will be distributed ratably to the stockholders who would otherwise have received fractional interests. These proceeds generally will be taxable to those stockholders.
 
Distribution Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar for the Shares Wells Fargo Shareowner Services will be the distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for the shares of our common stock.


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Record Date The record date is the close of business on          , 2010.
 
Distribution Date 11:59 p.m. on          , 2010.
 
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution Cablevision has received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to the effect that, among other things, the Distribution, and certain related transactions, will qualify for tax-free treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In addition, Cablevision expects to obtain an opinion from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP substantially to the effect that, among other things, the Distribution and certain related transactions will qualify for tax-free treatment under the Code, and that accordingly, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, no gain or loss will be recognized by, and no amount will be included in the income of, a holder of Cablevision common stock upon the receipt of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Distribution, except to the extent such holder receives cash in lieu of fractional shares of our common stock.
 
 
Although a private letter ruling from the IRS generally is binding on the IRS, if the factual representations or assumptions made in the letter ruling request are untrue or incomplete in any material respect, we will not be able to rely on the ruling. Furthermore, the IRS will not rule on whether a distribution satisfies certain requirements necessary to obtain tax-free treatment under the Code. Rather, the ruling is based upon representations by Cablevision that these conditions have been satisfied, and any inaccuracy in such representations could invalidate the ruling. The opinion discussed above addresses all of the requirements necessary for the Distribution and certain related transactions to obtain tax-free treatment under the Code and is based on, among other things, certain assumptions and representations made by Cablevision and us, which if incorrect or inaccurate in any material respect would jeopardize the conclusions reached by counsel in such opinion. The opinion will not be binding on the IRS or the courts. See “The Distribution — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”
 
Stock Exchange Listing There is not currently a public market for our common stock. We have applied for our Class A Common Stock to be listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “MSG.” If the application is approved, it is anticipated that trading will commence on a when-issued basis prior to the Distribution. On the first trading day following the Distribution date, when-issued trading in respect of our Class A Common Stock will end and regular-way trading will begin. Our Class B Common Stock will not be listed on a securities exchange.
 
Relationship between Cablevision and Us after the Distribution Following the Distribution, we will be a public company and Cablevision will have no continuing stock ownership interest in us. Prior to the Distribution, we and Cablevision will enter into a Distribution Agreement and will enter into several ancillary agreements for the purpose of accomplishing the distribution of our common stock to Cablevision’s common stockholders. These


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agreements also will govern our relationship with Cablevision subsequent to the Distribution and provide for the allocation of employee benefit, tax and some other liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to the Distribution. These agreements also will include arrangements with respect to transition services and a number of on-going commercial relationships. The Distribution Agreement will include an agreement that we and Cablevision will agree to provide each other with appropriate indemnities with respect to liabilities arising out of the businesses being transferred to us by Cablevision. We will also be party to other arrangements with Cablevision and its subsidiaries, such as affiliation agreements covering the MSG Networks and Fuse. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”
 
Following the Distribution, our intercompany advances to a subsidiary of Cablevision (in an aggregate amount of $190 million as of September 30, 2009) will remain outstanding. Prior to the Distribution date, the terms of these advances will be changed to provide for a maturity date of no later than June 30, 2010 (with prepayment at Cablevision’s option) and for the payment of cash interest at a fixed rate equal to the prime rate on the date the changes to the terms are made.
 
Following the Distribution there will be an overlap between the senior management of the Company and Cablevision. James L. Dolan will serve as the Executive Chairman of the Company and as the President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Cablevision. Hank J. Ratner will serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as Vice Chairman of Cablevision. In addition, immediately following the Distribution, eight of the members of our Board of Directors will also be directors of Cablevision, and several of our directors will continue to serve as employees of Cablevision concurrently with their service on our Board of Directors.
 
See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Relationship Between Cablevision and Us After The Distribution” for a discussion of the policy that will be in place for dealing with potential conflicts of interest that may arise from our ongoing relationship with Cablevision.
 
Control by Dolan Family Following the Distribution, we will be controlled by Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities. We have been informed that Charles F. Dolan, these family members and the related entities will enter into a stockholders agreement relating, among other things, to the voting of their shares of our Class B Common Stock.
 
See “Risk Factors — General Risks — We are Controlled by the Dolan family.” Immediately following the Distribution, eight of the members of our Board of Directors will be members of the Dolan family.
 
Post-Distribution Dividend Policy We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
 
Risk Factors Stockholders should carefully consider the matters discussed under “Risk Factors.”


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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The operating and balance sheet data included in the following selected financial data for each year in the five-year period ended December 31, 2008 have been derived from the combined annual financial statements of Madison Square Garden, Inc. and certain media, entertainment and sports businesses and assets (which we refer to collectively as the “Company”) that were historically owned and operated as part of Cablevision. The operating and balance sheet data for the nine months ended and as of September 30, 2009 and 2008 included in the following selected financial data have been derived from the interim condensed combined financial statements of the Company and, in the opinion of the management of the Company, reflect all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of such data for the respective interim periods. The financial information does not necessarily reflect what our results of operations and financial position would have been if we had operated as a separate publicly-traded entity during the periods presented. The results of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year. The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with the annual and interim financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information.”
 
                                                         
    Nine Months Ended
       
    September 30,     Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Operating Data:
                                                       
Revenues, net
  $ 650,418     $ 645,400     $ 1,042,958     $ 1,002,182     $ 905,196     $ 847,552     $ 810,730  
Operating expenses:
                                                       
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)
    401,149       418,434       724,904       635,108       637,090       543,279       579,129  
Selling, general and administrative
    202,245       202,258       270,065       243,196       222,962       198,198       170,825  
Gain on curtailment of pension plans(1)
                      (15,873 )                  
Restructuring expense
                      221       143       367       4,146  
Other operating income(2)
                                        (95,840 )
Depreciation and amortization
    45,973       49,576       66,231       62,223       64,995       68,616       55,257  
                                                         
Operating income (loss)
    1,051       (24,868 )     (18,242 )     77,307       (19,994 )     37,092       97,213  
Other income (expense):
                                                       
Interest income (expense), net
    (931 )     2,051       1,919       11,607       6,212       1,582       (1,630 )
Miscellaneous
    2,000                   (1,000 )     (250 )     (1 )     30  
                                                         
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
    2,120       (22,817 )     (16,323 )     87,914       (14,032 )     38,673       95,613  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    2,141       6,624       11,387       (45,031 )     1,173       (6,900 )     (45,444 )
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of taxes
                            (238 )            
                                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,261     $ (16,193 )   $ (4,936 )   $ 42,883     $ (13,097 )   $ 31,773     $ 50,169  
                                                         
Balance Sheet Data:
                                                       
Advances due from Cablevision(3)
  $ 190,000     $ 190,000     $ 190,000     $ 130,000     $     $ 21,000     $  
Total assets
    1,994,879       1,956,130       2,000,341       1,969,321       1,891,282       1,933,938       1,922,529  
Capital lease obligations
    6,543       6,956       7,457       7,774       5,050       5,865       6,625  
Combined group equity
    1,087,760       1,066,654       1,072,623       1,072,316       999,076       990,811       1,058,574  


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(1) Gain on curtailment of pension plans relates to the amendment to freeze all benefits earned through December 31, 2007 and eliminate the ability of participants to earn benefits for future service under a certain Company-sponsored qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain non-union employees and a Company-sponsored unfunded, non-qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees who participate in the underlying qualified plan.
 
(2) Other operating income represents a contractually obligated termination fee received by the Company and the reversal in 2004 of a purchase accounting liability related to the notice received from the New York Mets to terminate their telecast rights agreement with the Company.
 
(3) The Company has outstanding non-interest bearing advances to a subsidiary of Cablevision. Prior to the Distribution date, the terms of these advances will be changed to provide for a maturity date of no later than June 30, 2010 (with prepayment at Cablevision’s option) and for the payment of cash interest at a fixed rate equal to the prime rate on the date the changes to the terms are made.


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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE DISTRIBUTION
 
The following is a brief summary of the terms of the Distribution. Please see “The Distribution” for a more detailed description of the matters described below.
 
Q: What is the Distribution?
 
A: The Distribution is the method by which Cablevision will separate the business of our Company from Cablevision’s other businesses, creating two separate, publicly-traded companies. In the Distribution, Cablevision will distribute to its shareholders all of the shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock that it owns. Following the Distribution, we will be a separate company from Cablevision, and Cablevision will not retain any ownership interest in us. The number of shares of Cablevision common stock you own will not change as a result of the Distribution.
 
Q: What is being distributed in the Distribution?
 
A: Approximately      million shares of our Class A Common Stock and           shares of our Class B Common Stock will be distributed in the Distribution, based upon the number of shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock outstanding on the record date. The shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock to be distributed by Cablevision will constitute all of the issued and outstanding shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock immediately after the Distribution. For more information on the shares being distributed in the Distribution, see “Description of Capital Stock — Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.”
 
Q: What will I receive in the Distribution?
 
A: Holders of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock will receive a distribution of one share of our Class A Common Stock for every           shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock held by them on the record date, and holders of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock will receive a distribution of one share of our Class B Common Stock for every          shares of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock held by them on the record date. As a result of the Distribution, your proportionate interest in Cablevision will not change and you will own the same percentage of equity securities and voting power in Madison Square Garden as you previously did in Cablevision. For a more detailed description, see “The Distribution.”
 
Q: What is the record date for the Distribution?
 
A: Record ownership will be determined as the close of business on          , 2010, which we refer to as the record date. The person in whose name shares of Cablevision common stock are registered at the close of business on the record date is the person to whom shares of the Company’s common stock will be issued in the Distribution. As described below, the Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock will not trade on an ex-dividend basis with respect to our common stock and, as a result, if a record holder of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock sells those shares after the record date and on or prior to the Distribution date, the seller will be obligated to deliver to the purchaser the shares of our common stock that are issued in respect of the transferred Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock.
 
Q: When will the Distribution occur?
 
A: We expect that shares of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be distributed by the Distribution agent, on behalf of Cablevision, as of 11:59 p.m. on          , 2010, which we refer to as the Distribution date.
 
Q: What will the relationship between Cablevision and us be following the Distribution?
 
A: Following the Distribution, we will be a public company and Cablevision will have no continuing stock ownership interest in us. Prior to the Distribution, we and Cablevision will enter into a Distribution Agreement and several other agreements for the purpose of accomplishing the distribution of our common stock to Cablevision’s common stockholders. These agreements also will govern our relationship with Cablevision subsequent to the Distribution and provide for the allocation of employee benefit, tax and


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some other liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to the Distribution. These agreements will also include arrangements with respect to transition services and a number of ongoing commercial relationships. The Distribution Agreement will include an agreement that we and Cablevision will agree to provide each other with appropriate indemnities with respect to liabilities arising out of the businesses being transferred to us by Cablevision. We will also be party to other arrangements with Cablevision and its subsidiaries, such as affiliation agreements covering the MSG Networks and Fuse. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.” We and Cablevision will both be controlled by Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities.
 
Following the Distribution, our intercompany advances to a subsidiary of Cablevision (in an aggregate amount of $190 million as of September 30, 2009) will remain outstanding. Prior to the Distribution date, the terms of these advances will be changed to provide for a maturity date of no later than June 30, 2010 (with prepayment at Cablevision’s option) and for the payment of cash interest at a fixed rate equal to the prime rate on the date the changes to the terms are made.
 
Following the Distribution, there will be overlap between the senior management of the Company and Cablevision. James L. Dolan will serve as the Executive Chairman of the Company and as the President and Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Cablevision. Hank J. Ratner will serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and as Vice Chairman of Cablevision. In addition, immediately following the Distribution, eight of the members of our Board of Directors will also be directors of Cablevision, and several of our directors will continue to serve as employees of Cablevision concurrently with their service on our Board of Directors.
 
See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Relationship Between Cablevision and Us After The Distribution” for a discussion of the policy that will be in place for dealing with potential conflicts of interest that may arise from our ongoing relationship with Cablevision.
 
Q: What do I have to do to participate in the Distribution?
 
A: No action is required on your part. Shareholders of Cablevision on the record date for the Distribution are not required to pay any cash or deliver any other consideration, including any shares of Cablevision common stock, for the shares of our common stock distributable to them in the Distribution.
 
Q: If I sell, on or before the Distribution date, shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock that I held on the record date, am I still entitled to receive shares of Madison Square Garden Class A Common Stock distributable with respect to the shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock I sold?
 
A: No. No ex-dividend market will be established for our Class A Common Stock until the first trading day following the Distribution date. Therefore, if you own shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock on the record date and thereafter sell those shares on or prior to the Distribution date, you will also be selling the shares of our Class A Common Stock that would have been distributed to you in the Distribution with respect to the shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock you sell. Conversely, a person who purchases shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock after the record date and on or prior to the Distribution date will be entitled to receive from the seller of those shares the shares of our Class A Common Stock issued in the Distribution with respect to the transferred Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock.
 
Q: How will fractional shares be treated in the Distribution?
 
A: If you would be entitled to receive a fractional share of our Class A Common Stock in the Distribution, you will instead receive a cash payment. See “The Distribution — Manner of Effecting the Distribution” for an explanation of how the cash payments will be determined.
 
Q: How will Cablevision distribute shares of Madison Square Garden common stock to me?
 
A: Holders of shares of Cablevision’s NY Group Class A Common Stock or NY Group Class B Common Stock on the record date will receive shares of the same class of our common stock, in book-entry form. See “The Distribution — Manner of Effecting the Distribution” for a more detailed explanation.


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Q: What is the reason for the Distribution?
 
A: The potential benefits considered by Cablevision’s board of directors in making the determination to consummate the Distribution included the following:
 
  •  to increase the aggregate value of the stock of Cablevision and the Company above the value that the stock of Cablevision would have had if it had continued to represent an interest in both the businesses of Cablevision and the Company, so that following the Distribution each company can use its stock to pursue and achieve strategic objectives including evaluating and effectuating acquisitions, raising capital and increasing the long-term attractiveness of equity compensation programs in a significantly more efficient and effective manner with significantly less dilution to existing stockholders;
 
  •  to improve Cablevision’s access to debt markets and lower its overall financing costs; and
 
  •  to provide the Company with increased flexibility to fully pursue its business plan including capital expenditures and acquisitions that would be more difficult to consider or effectuate within Cablevision in the absence of the Distribution. This flexibility reflects the Company’s belief that investors in a company with the mix of assets the Company will own following the Distribution will be more receptive to strategic initiatives the Company may pursue, such as the major renovation of The Garden and the acquisition or construction of additional theater venues. Certain investors in Cablevision have historically expressed concern for Cablevision’s funding of strategic investments by its Madison Square Garden segment.
 
Cablevision’s board of directors also considered several factors that might have a negative effect on Cablevision as a result of the Distribution. Cablevision’s board of directors considered that the Distribution would result in substantial reductions to the restricted payments baskets under various debt instruments of Cablevision and its subsidiary, CSC Holdings. Moreover, the Distribution would separate from Cablevision the businesses of the Company, which represent significant value, in a transaction that produces no direct economic consideration for Cablevision. Because the Company will no longer be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision, the Distribution also will affect the terms of, or limit the ability of Cablevision to pursue, cross-company business transactions and initiatives with Madison Square Garden. Finally, following the Distribution, Cablevision and its remaining businesses will need to absorb corporate and administrative costs previously allocated to its Madison Square Garden segment.
 
Cablevision’s board of directors considered certain aspects of the Distribution that may be adverse to the Company. The Company’s common stock may come under initial selling pressure as certain Cablevision stockholders sell their shares in the Company because they are not interested in holding an investment in the Company’s businesses. Moreover, certain factors such as a lack of comparable public companies may limit investors’ ability to appropriately value the Company’s common stock. Because the Company will no longer be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision, the Distribution also will limit the ability of the Company to pursue cross-company business transactions and initiatives with other businesses of Cablevision. Finally, as a result of the Distribution, the Company will bear significant incremental costs associated with being a publicly held company.
 
In determining to move ahead with the Distribution, Cablevision has noted that certain aspects of its business and the business of the Company have changed since Cablevision’s initial acquisition of Madison Square Garden in 1995. When the initial acquisition was completed, Madison Square Garden had certain synergies with Cablevision including its ownership of two important sports franchises, a major arena and a significant regional sports programming business, all in Cablevision’s most important market — the New York metropolitan area. Over time, the business of the Company has expanded beyond its scope at the time of the initial acquisition to include multiple entertainment venues and expanded content. Also, at the time of the initial investment, Cablevision owned a portfolio of regional sports programming businesses in various major cities. Through a series of transactions all of those regional sports programming businesses other than the MSG Networks have been divested. As a result, the synergies associated with owning the MSG Networks have diminished. Finally, the planned renovation of The Garden and other possible growth initiatives such as the acquisition or construction of additional venues, will create significant funding requirements at the Company which are of a nature that did not exist at the time Cablevision made its initial investment in Madison Square Garden.


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Q: What are the federal income tax consequences to me of the Distribution?
 
A: Cablevision has received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and expects to obtain an opinion from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP to the effect that the Distribution will qualify as a tax-free transaction under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). See “The Distribution — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution,” and “Risk Factors — General Risks — The Distribution could result in significant tax liability” and “Risk Factors — General Risks — The Tax Rules Applicable to the Distribution may Restrict Us from Engaging in Certain Corporate Transactions or From Raising Equity Capital Beyond Certain Thresholds for a Period of Time After the Distribution.”
 
Q: Does Madison Square Garden intend to pay cash dividends?
 
A: No. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our businesses and ongoing operations. As a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. All decisions regarding the payment of dividends will be made by our board of directors from time to time in accordance with applicable law.
 
Q: How will Madison Square Garden common stock trade?
 
A: There is not currently a public market for our common stock. We have applied for our Class A Common Stock to be listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “MSG.” It is anticipated that trading will commence on a when-issued basis prior to the Distribution. On the first trading day following the Distribution date, when-issued trading in respect of our Class A Common Stock will end and regular-way trading will begin. Our Class B Common Stock will not be listed on a securities exchange.
 
Q: Will the Distribution affect the trading price of my Cablevision Group NY Class A Common Stock?
 
A: Yes. After the distribution of our Class A Common Stock, the trading price of Cablevision Group NY Class A Common Stock may be lower than the trading price of the Cablevision Group NY Class A Common Stock immediately prior to the Distribution. Moreover, until the market has evaluated the operations of Cablevision without the operations of Madison Square Garden, the trading price of Cablevision Group NY Class A Common Stock may fluctuate significantly. Cablevision believes the separation of Madison Square Garden from Cablevision offers its shareholders the greatest long-term value. However, the combined trading prices of Cablevision Group NY Class A Common Stock and Madison Square Garden Class A Common Stock after the Distribution may be lower than the trading price of Cablevision Group NY Class A Common Stock prior to the Distribution. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 21.
 
Q: Do I have appraisal rights?
 
A: No. Holders of Cablevision common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the Distribution.
 
Q: Who is the transfer agent for Madison Square Garden common stock?
 
A: Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, 161 North Concord Exchange, South St. Paul, Minnesota 55075-1139.
 
Q: Where can I get more information?
 
A: If you have questions relating to the mechanics of the Distribution of shares of Madison Square Garden common stock, you should contact the distribution agent:
 
Wells Fargo Shareowner Services, 161 North Concord Exchange, South St. Paul, Minnesota 55075-1139. Telephone: 1-800-401-1957
 
Before the Distribution, if you have questions relating to the Distribution, you should contact: Cablevision Systems Corporation Investor Relations Dept., 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714-3581. Telephone: (516) 803-2300
 
After the Distribution, if you have questions relating to Madison Square Garden, you should contact:


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THE DISTRIBUTION
 
General
 
We will distribute all of the outstanding shares of our Class A Common Stock to the holders of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and all of the outstanding shares of our Class B Common Stock to the holders of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock. We refer to this distribution of securities as the “Distribution.” In the Distribution, each holder of Cablevision common stock will receive a distribution of one share of our common stock for every           shares of Cablevision common stock held on           , 2010, which will be the record date.
 
Manner of Effecting the Distribution
 
The general terms and conditions relating to the Distribution will be set forth in the Distribution Agreement between us and Cablevision. Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distribution will be effective at 11:59 p.m. on the Distribution date,          , 2010. For most Cablevision stockholders who own Cablevision common stock in registered form on the record date, our transfer agent will credit their shares of our common stock to book entry accounts established to hold these shares. Our distribution agent will send these stockholders a statement reflecting their ownership of our common stock. Book entry refers to a method of recording stock ownership in our records in which no physical certificates are used. For stockholders who own Cablevision common stock through a broker or other nominee, their shares of our common stock will be credited to these stockholders’ accounts by the broker or other nominee. As further discussed below, fractional shares will not be distributed. Following the Distribution, stockholders whose shares are held in book entry form may request that their shares of our common stock be transferred to a brokerage or other account at any time, as well as delivery of physical stock certificates for their shares, in each case without charge.
 
CABLEVISION STOCKHOLDERS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK RECEIVED IN THE DISTRIBUTION, OR TO SURRENDER OR EXCHANGE SHARES OF CABLEVISION COMMON STOCK IN ORDER TO RECEIVE OUR COMMON STOCK, OR TO TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISTRIBUTION. NO VOTE OF CABLEVISION STOCKHOLDERS IS REQUIRED OR SOUGHT IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISTRIBUTION, AND CABLEVISION STOCKHOLDERS HAVE NO APPRAISAL RIGHTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISTRIBUTION.
 
Fractional shares of our common stock will not be issued to Cablevision stockholders as part of the Distribution or credited to book entry accounts. In lieu of receiving fractional shares, each holder of Cablevision common stock who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share of our common stock will receive cash for the fractional interest, which generally will be taxable to such holder. An explanation of the tax consequences of the Distribution can be found below in the subsection captioned “— Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.” The distribution agent will, as soon as practicable after the Distribution date, aggregate fractional shares of our Class A Common Stock into whole shares and sell them in the open market at the prevailing market prices and distribute the aggregate proceeds, net of brokerage fees, ratably to Cablevision NY Group Class A stockholders otherwise entitled to fractional interests in our Class A Common Stock. Similarly, fractional shares of our Class B Common Stock will be aggregated, converted to Class A Common Stock, and sold in the public market by the distribution agent. The amount of such payments will depend on the prices at which the aggregated fractional shares are sold by the distribution agent in the open market shortly after the Distribution date.
 
As described under “Executive Compensation — Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards,” in connection with the Distribution, each Cablevision option will become two options: one will be an option to acquire Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and one an option to acquire our Class A Common Stock. Similarly, each right will become a right with respect to Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and a right with respect to our Class A Common Stock. Cablevision’s employees who become our employees in the Distribution will not be treated as having terminated their employment for vesting purposes so long as they remain employed by Cablevision or any of


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its affiliates. Because the Company and Cablevision will both be controlled by the Dolan family, the Company will be an affiliate of Cablevision following the Distribution. The options and the rights with respect to our Class A Common Stock will be issued under our Employee Stock Plan. The existing exercise price will be allocated between the existing Cablevision options/rights and our new options/rights based upon the ten-day weighted-average price of the Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and our Class A Common Stock immediately following the Distribution, and the underlying share amount will take into account the distribution ratio (i.e., the number of shares of Cablevision common stock in respect of which one share of our common stock will be issued). The Cablevision options/rights and our new options/rights will not be exercisable during a period beginning on a date prior to the Distribution determined by Cablevision in its sole discretion, and continuing until the exercise prices of the Cablevision options/rights and our new options/rights are determined after the Distribution, or such longer period as Cablevision determines is necessary. Other than the split of the Cablevision options and rights and the allocation of the existing exercise price, upon issuance of our new options and rights there will be no additional adjustment to the existing Cablevision options and rights in connection with the Distribution and the terms of each employee’s applicable Cablevision award agreement will continue to govern the Cablevision options and rights; however we will not be regarded as a competitive entity for purposes of any non-compete provisions contained in our employees’ award agreements with Cablevision. The terms of a new award agreement with us will govern the new options and rights issued under our Employee Stock Plan. Recipients of our options and rights will continue to vest in such awards so long as they remain employed by the Company, Cablevision or affiliates of either entity, provided that an employee who moves between the Company or one of its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Cablevision or one of its subsidiaries, on the other hand, at a time when the two entities are no longer affiliates will not continue to vest in our options and rights and such change will constitute a termination of employment for purposes of the award agreement. Under the new award agreement, our options and rights may be affected upon a change in control or a going private transaction of the Company or Cablevision, as set forth in the terms of the award agreement.
 
In order to be entitled to receive shares of our common stock in the Distribution, Cablevision stockholders must be stockholders of record of Cablevision common stock at the close of business on the record date,          , 2010.
 
Reasons for the Distribution
 
Cablevision’s board of directors has determined that separation of our businesses from Cablevision’s other businesses is in the best interests of Cablevision and its stockholders. The potential benefits considered by Cablevision’s board of directors in making the determination to consummate the Distribution included the following:
 
  •  to increase the aggregate value of the stock of Cablevision and the Company above the value that the stock of Cablevision would have had if it had continued to represent an interest in both the businesses of Cablevision and the Company, so that following the Distribution each company can use its stock to pursue and achieve strategic objectives including evaluating and effectuating acquisitions, raising capital and increasing the long-term attractiveness of equity compensation programs in a significantly more efficient and effective manner with significantly less dilution to existing stockholders;
 
  •  to improve Cablevision’s access to debt markets and lower its overall financing costs; and
 
  •  to provide the Company with increased flexibility to fully pursue its business plan including capital expenditures and acquisitions that would be more difficult to consider or effectuate within Cablevision in the absence of the Distribution. This flexibility reflects the Company’s belief that investors in a company with the mix of assets the Company will own following the Distribution will be more receptive to strategic initiatives the Company may pursue, such as the major renovation of The Garden and the acquisition or construction of additional theater venues. Certain investors in Cablevision have historically expressed concern for Cablevision’s funding of strategic investments by its Madison Square Garden segment.


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Cablevision’s board of directors also considered several factors that might have a negative effect on Cablevision as a result of the Distribution. Cablevision’s board of directors considered that the Distribution would result in substantial reductions to the restricted payments baskets under various debt instruments of Cablevision and its subsidiary, CSC Holdings. Moreover, the Distribution would separate from Cablevision the businesses of the Company, which represent significant value, in a transaction that produces no direct economic consideration for Cablevision. Because the Company will no longer be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision, the Distribution also will affect the terms of, or limit the ability of Cablevision to pursue, cross-company business transactions and initiatives with Madison Square Garden. Finally, following the Distribution, the remaining businesses of Cablevision will need to absorb corporate and administrative costs previously allocated to its Madison Square Garden segment.
 
Cablevision’s board of directors considered certain aspects of the Distribution that may be adverse to the Company. The Company’s common stock may come under initial selling pressure as certain Cablevision stockholders sell their shares in the Company because they are not interested in holding an investment in the Company’s businesses. Moreover, certain factors such as a lack of comparable public companies may limit investors’ ability to appropriately value the Company’s common stock. Because the Company will no longer be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision, the Distribution also will limit the ability of the Company to pursue cross-company business transactions and initiatives with other businesses of Cablevision. Finally, as a result of the Distribution, the Company will bear significant incremental costs associated with being a publicly held company.
 
In determining to move ahead with the Distribution, Cablevision has noted that certain aspects of its business and the business of the Company have changed since Cablevision’s initial acquisition of Madison Square Garden in 1995. When the initial acquisition was completed, Madison Square Garden had certain synergies with Cablevision including its ownership of two important sports franchises, a major arena and a significant regional sports programming business, all in Cablevision’s most important market — the New York metropolitan area. Over time, the business of the Company has expanded beyond its scope at the time of the initial acquisition to include multiple entertainment venues and expanded content. Also, at the time of the initial investment, Cablevision owned a portfolio of regional sports programming businesses in various major cities. Through a series of transactions all of those regional sports programming businesses other than the MSG Networks have been divested. As a result, the synergies associated with owning the MSG Networks have diminished. Finally, the planned renovation of The Garden and other possible growth initiatives such as the acquisition or construction of additional theaters, will create significant funding requirements at the Company which are of a nature that did not exist at the time Cablevision made its initial investment in Madison Square Garden.
 
Results of the Distribution
 
After the Distribution, we will be a public company owning and operating the sports, entertainment and media businesses currently owned and operated by MSG L.P., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Cablevision. Immediately after the Distribution, we expect to have approximately           holders of record of our Class A Common Stock and          holders of record of our Class B Common Stock and approximately          shares of Class A Common Stock and           shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding, based on the number of record stockholders and outstanding shares of Cablevision common stock on           , 2010 and after giving effect to the delivery to stockholders of cash in lieu of fractional shares of our common stock. The actual number of shares to be distributed will be determined on the record date. You can find information regarding options to purchase our common stock that will be outstanding after the Distribution in the section captioned, “Executive Compensation — Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards.” We and Cablevision will both be controlled by Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities.
 
Prior to the Distribution, we will enter into several agreements with Cablevision (and certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates) in connection with, among other things, employee matters, tax, transition services and a number of ongoing commercial relationships.


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The Distribution will not affect the number of outstanding shares of Cablevision common stock or any rights of Cablevision stockholders.
 
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution
 
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Distribution to us, Cablevision and Cablevision stockholders. This summary is based on the Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code, and interpretations of such authorities by the courts and the IRS, all as in effect as of the date of this information statement and all of which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary is limited to holders of Cablevision common stock that are U.S. holders, as defined below, that hold their shares of Cablevision common stock as capital assets, within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code. Further, this summary does not discuss all tax considerations that may be relevant to holders of Cablevision common stock in light of their particular circumstances, nor does it address the consequences to holders of Cablevision common stock subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as tax-exempt entities, partnerships (including entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes), persons who acquired such shares of Cablevision common stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation, financial institutions, insurance companies, dealers or traders in public securities, and persons who hold their shares of Cablevision common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale, synthetic security, integrated investment or other risk-reduction transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This summary does not address any U.S. federal estate, gift or other non-income tax consequences or any applicable state, local, foreign, or other tax consequences. Each stockholder’s individual circumstances may affect the tax consequences of the Distribution.
 
For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of Cablevision common stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
 
  •  an individual who is a citizen or a resident of the United States;
 
  •  a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized under the laws of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof;
 
  •  an estate, the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
 
  •  a trust, if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or (ii) it has a valid election in place under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
 
If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of Cablevision common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner of a partnership holding shares of Cablevision common stock should consult its tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the Distribution.
 
Cablevision has received a private letter ruling from the IRS to the effect that, among other things, the Distribution, and certain related transactions, will qualify for tax-free treatment under the Code. In addition, Cablevision expects to obtain an opinion from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP substantially to the effect that, among other things, the Distribution and certain related transactions will qualify for tax-free treatment under the Code, and that accordingly, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, no gain or loss will be recognized by, and no amount will be included in the income of, a holder of Cablevision common stock upon the receipt of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Distribution, except to the extent such holder receives cash in lieu of fractional shares of our common stock.
 
Although a private letter ruling from the IRS generally is binding on the IRS, if the factual representations or assumptions made in the letter ruling request are untrue or incomplete in any material respect, we will not be able to rely on the ruling. Furthermore, the IRS will not rule on whether a distribution


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satisfies certain requirements necessary to obtain tax-free treatment under the Code. Rather, the ruling is based upon representations by Cablevision that these conditions have been satisfied, and any inaccuracy in such representations could invalidate the ruling. The opinion discussed above addresses all of the requirements necessary for the Distribution and certain related transactions to obtain tax-free treatment under the Code and is based on, among other things, certain assumptions and representations made by Cablevision and us, which if incorrect or inaccurate in any material respect would jeopardize the conclusions reached by counsel in such opinion. The opinion will not be binding on the IRS or the courts.
 
On the basis of the ruling we have received and the opinion we expect to receive, and assuming that Cablevision common stock is a capital asset in the hands of a Cablevision stockholder on the Distribution date:
 
  •  Except for any cash received in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock, a Cablevision stockholder will not recognize any income, gain or loss as a result of the receipt of our common stock in the Distribution.
 
  •  A Cablevision stockholder’s holding period for our common stock received in the Distribution will include the period for which that stockholder’s Cablevision common stock was held.
 
  •  A Cablevision stockholder’s tax basis for our common stock received in the Distribution will be determined by allocating to that common stock, on the basis of the relative fair market values of Cablevision common stock and our common stock at the time of the Distribution, a portion of the stockholder’s basis in his or her Cablevision common stock. A Cablevision stockholder’s basis in his or her Cablevision common stock will be decreased by the portion allocated to our common stock. Within a reasonable period of time after the Distribution, Cablevision will provide its stockholders who receive our common stock pursuant to the Distribution with a worksheet for calculating their tax bases in our common stock and their Cablevision common stock.
 
  •  The receipt of cash in lieu of a fractional share of our common stock generally will be treated as a sale of the fractional share of our common stock, and a Cablevision stockholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the stockholder’s basis in the fractional share of our common stock, as determined above. The gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period for the fractional share of our common stock, as determined above, is more than one year.
 
  •  Neither we, nor Cablevision will recognize a taxable gain or loss as a result of the Distribution.
 
If the Distribution does not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then, in general, Cablevision would recognize taxable gain in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the common stock of our Company over Cablevision’s tax basis therein, i.e., as if it had sold the common stock of our Company in a taxable sale for its fair market value. In addition, the receipt by Cablevision’s stockholders of common stock of our Company would be a taxable distribution, and each U.S. holder that participated in the Distribution would recognize a taxable distribution as if the U.S. holder had received a distribution equal to the fair market value of our common stock that was distributed to him or her, which generally would be treated first as a taxable dividend to the extent of Cablevision’s earnings and profits, then as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of each U.S. holder’s tax basis in his or her Cablevision common stock, and thereafter as capital gain with respect to any remaining value.
 
Even if the Distribution otherwise qualifies for tax-free treatment under the Code, the Distribution may be disqualified as tax-free to Cablevision and would result in a significant U.S. federal income tax liability to Cablevision (but not to holders of Cablevision common stock) under Section 355(e) of the Code if the Distribution were deemed to be part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, stock representing a 50% or greater interest by vote or value, in Cablevision or us. For this purpose, any acquisitions of Cablevision’s stock or our stock within the period beginning two years before the Distribution and ending two years after the Distribution are presumed to be part of such a plan, although Cablevision or we may be able to rebut that presumption. The process for determining whether a prohibited acquisition has occurred under the rules described in this paragraph is


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complex, inherently factual and subject to interpretation of the facts and circumstances of a particular case. Cablevision or we might inadvertently cause or permit a prohibited change in the ownership of Cablevision or us to occur, thereby triggering tax to Cablevision, which could have a material adverse effect. If such an acquisition of our stock or Cablevision’s stock triggers the application of Section 355(e), Cablevision would recognize taxable gain equal to the excess of the fair market value of the common stock of our Company held by it immediately before the Distribution over Cablevision’s tax basis therein, but the Distribution would be tax-free to each Cablevision stockholder. In certain circumstances, under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement between Cablevision and us, we would be required to indemnify Cablevision against that taxable gain if it were triggered by an acquisition of our stock. Please see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Relationship Between Cablevision and Us After The Distribution — Tax Disaffiliation Agreement” for a more detailed discussion of the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement between Cablevision and us.
 
Payments of cash in lieu of a fractional share of any common stock of our Company made in connection with the Distribution may, under certain circumstances, be subject to backup withholding, unless a holder provides proof of an applicable exception or a correct taxpayer identification number, and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules are not additional tax and may be refunded or credited against the holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the holder furnishes the required information to the IRS.
 
U.S. Treasury regulations require certain Cablevision stockholders with significant ownership in Cablevision that receive shares of our stock in the Distribution to attach to their U.S. federal income tax return for the year in which such stock is received a detailed statement setting forth such data as may be appropriate to show that the Distribution is tax-free under the Code. Within a reasonable period of time after the Distribution, Cablevision will provide its stockholders who receive our common stock pursuant to the Distribution with the information necessary to comply with such requirement.
 
Cablevision and the Company have determined that the Company will not be deemed to be a United States real property holding corporation, as defined in section 897(c)(2) of the Code.
 
EACH CABLEVISION STOCKHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT HIS OR HER TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THE PARTICULAR CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO SUCH STOCKHOLDER, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS, AND POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAX LAW THAT MAY AFFECT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES DESCRIBED ABOVE.
 
Listing and Trading of Our Common Stock
 
There is not currently a public market for our common stock. We have applied to list our Class A Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “MSG.” Assuming such listing is approved, it is anticipated that trading will commence on a when-issued basis prior to the Distribution. On the first trading day following the Distribution date, when-issued trading in our Class A Common Stock will end and regular-way trading will begin. “When issued trading” refers to trading which occurs before a security is actually issued. These transactions are conditional with settlement to occur if and when the security is actually issued and The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC determines transactions are to be settled. “Regular way trading” refers to normal trading transactions, which are settled by delivery of the securities against payment on the third business day after the transaction.
 
We cannot assure you as to the price at which our Class A Common Stock will trade before, on or after the Distribution date. Until our Class A Common Stock is fully distributed and an orderly market develops in our Class A Common Stock, the price at which such stock trades may fluctuate significantly. In addition, the combined trading prices of our Class A Common Stock and Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock held by stockholders after the Distribution may be less than, equal to or greater than the trading price of the Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock prior to the Distribution. Our Class B Common Stock will not be listed on a securities exchange or publicly traded.


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The shares of our common stock distributed to Cablevision stockholders will be freely transferable, except for shares received by people who may have a special relationship or affiliation with us or shares subject to contractual restrictions. People who may be considered our affiliates after the Distribution generally include individuals or entities that control, are controlled by, or are under common control with us. This may include certain of our officers, directors and significant stockholders. Persons who are our affiliates will be permitted to sell their shares only pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, or in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act. As described under “Shares Eligible for Future Sale — Registration Rights Agreements,” we expect that certain persons will have registration rights with respect to our stock.
 
Reason for Furnishing this Information Statement
 
This information statement is being furnished by Cablevision solely to provide information to stockholders of Cablevision who will receive shares of our common stock in the Distribution. It is not, and is not to be construed as, an inducement or encouragement to buy or sell any of our securities. We will not update the information in this information statement except in the normal course of our respective public disclosure obligations and practices.


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RISK FACTORS
 
You should carefully consider the following risk factors and all the other information contained in this information statement in evaluating us and our common stock.
 
Risks Relating to Our Sports Business
 
Our Sports Business Faces Intense and Wide-Ranging Competition.
 
The success of a sports business, like ours, is dependent upon the performance and/or popularity of its franchises. Our New York Knicks and New York Rangers franchises compete, in varying respects and degrees, with other live sporting events, and with sporting events delivered over television networks, the Internet, radio, online services, and other alternative sources. For example, our sports teams compete for attendance, viewership and advertising with a wide range of alternatives available in New York City. During some or all of the basketball and hockey seasons, our sports teams face competition, in varying respects and degrees, from professional baseball (including the New York Yankees and the New York Mets), professional football (including the New York Giants and the New York Jets) and each other. For fans who prefer the unique experience of NHL hockey, we must compete with two other hockey teams located in the New York area (the New York Islanders and the New Jersey Devils) as well as, in varying respects and degrees, with other NHL hockey teams and the NHL itself. Similarly, for those fans attracted to the equally unique experience of NBA basketball, we must compete, in varying respects and degrees, with another NBA team located in the New York area (the New Jersey Nets) as well as other NBA teams and the NBA itself.
 
As a result of the large number of options available, we face strong competition for the New York sports fan. We must compete with these other sporting events, in varying respects and degrees, including on the basis of the quality of the teams we field, their success in the leagues in which they compete, our ability to provide an entertaining environment at our games and the prices we charge for tickets. Given the nature of sports, we cannot assure you that we will be able to compete effectively, in particular with large companies that have substantially greater resources than we have, and as a consequence our operating margins and market position could be reduced and the growth of our business inhibited.
 
Our Basketball and Hockey Decisions, Especially Those Concerning Player Selection and Salaries, Affect Our Financial Performance.
 
Creating and maintaining our sports teams’ popularity and/or on-court and on-ice competitiveness is key to the success of our sports business. Accordingly, efforts to improve our revenues and income from period to period may be secondary to actions that management believes will generate long-term value. As with other sports teams, the competitive positions of our sports teams depends primarily on our ability to develop, obtain and retain talented players, for which we compete with other professional sports teams. Our efforts in this regard may include, among other things, trading for highly compensated players, signing draft picks, free agents or current players to new contracts, engaging in salary arbitration with existing players or terminating or waiving players. Any of these actions could increase expenses for a particular period, subject to salary cap restrictions contained in the respective leagues’ collective bargaining agreements. There can be no assurance that any actions taken by management to increase our long-term value will be successful.
 
A significant factor in our ability to attract and retain talented players is player compensation. NBA and NHL player salaries have generally increased significantly through the 1990s and 2000s, and may continue to increase. Although the collective bargaining agreements between, respectively, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association and the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association cap player salaries at a prescribed percentage of league-wide revenues, such provisions do not apply on a team-by-team basis and, accordingly, we may pay our players a different proportion of our revenues than other NBA or NHL franchises. Future collective bargaining agreements may increase the percentage of league-wide revenues to which NBA or NHL players are entitled, which may further increase our costs. In addition, we may also be obligated to pay the NBA a luxury tax each year, the calculation of which is determined by a formula that takes into account the aggregate salaries paid to our NBA players. Significant increases in players’ salaries or


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luxury tax payments could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows if the increases are not offset by adequate increases in revenue.
 
We have incurred significant charges in each of the last three years for costs associated with transactions relating to players on our sports teams for season-ending and career-ending injuries and for waivers and terminations of players and other team personnel, including team executives. These transactions can result in significant charges as the Company recognizes the estimated ultimate costs of these events in the period in which they occur, although amounts due to these individuals are generally paid over their remaining contract terms. These expenses add to the volatility of the results of our MSG Sports segment. For example, the expense for these items was approximately $60.2 million, $6.8 million, $24.9 million and $23.5 million in 2006, 2007, 2008 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.
 
The Actions of the Basketball and Hockey Leagues may Have a Material Effect on Our Businesses.
 
The governing bodies of the NBA (including the WNBA) and the NHL have certain rights under certain circumstances to take actions that they deem to be in the best interests of their respective sports, which may not necessarily be consistent with maximizing our results of operations and which could affect the Knicks or the Rangers in ways that are different than the impact on other teams. Certain of these decisions by the NBA or the NHL could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. From time to time, we may disagree with or challenge actions the leagues take or the power and authority they assert. The following discussion highlights certain areas in which decisions of the NBA and the NHL could materially affect our businesses.
 
The NBA and the NHL may assert control over certain matters, under certain circumstances, that may affect our revenues such as the national and international rights to telecast the games of league members, including the Knicks and the Rangers, licensing of the rights to produce and sell merchandise bearing the logos of our teams and the leagues, and the online activities of our teams. Changes to national and international telecast rights could impact the availability of games covered by our local telecast rights. The NBA and NHL have each entered into agreements regarding the national and international telecasts of NBA and NHL games. We receive a share equal to that of other teams in the respective leagues of the income the NHL and the NBA generate from these contracts, which expire from time to time. There can be no assurance that the NHL or the NBA will be able to renew these contracts following their expiration on terms as favorable as those in the current agreements or that we will continue to receive the same level of revenues in the future.
 
The leagues have asserted control over certain other important decisions, under certain circumstances, such as the length and format of the playing season, including preseason and playoff schedules, the operating territories of the member teams, admission of new members, franchise relocations, labor relations with the players associations, collective bargaining, free agency, and luxury taxes and revenue sharing. Decisions on these matters, some or all of which are also subject to the terms of the relevant collective bargaining agreement, may materially affect our business. In addition, the NBA imposes a luxury tax and escrow system with respect to player salaries as well as a revenue assistance plan, and the NHL has also imposed a revenue sharing system.
 
The NBA and the NHL have imposed certain restrictions on the ability of owners to undertake some types of transactions in respect of teams, including a change in ownership, a relocation of a team and certain types of financing transactions. In certain instances, these restrictions could impair our ability to proceed with a transaction that is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders if we were unable to obtain required league approvals in a timely manner or at all.
 
The leagues impose certain rules that define, under certain circumstances, the territories in which we operate, including the markets in which we telecast games. Changes to these rules could materially adversely affect us.
 
Each league’s governing body has imposed a number of rules, regulations, guidelines, bulletins, directives, policies and agreements upon its teams. Changes to these provisions may apply to our sports teams


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and their personnel, regardless of whether we agree or disagree with such changes, have voted against such changes or have challenged them through other means, and it is possible that any such changes could materially adversely affect our business to the extent they are ultimately determined to bind our teams. See “Business — Legal Proceedings” for a discussion of recent litigation between us and the NHL.
 
The commissioners of each of the NBA and NHL assert significant authority to take certain actions on behalf of their respective leagues under certain circumstances. Decisions by the commissioners of the NBA and the NHL, including on the matters described above, may adversely affect our businesses. The leagues’ governing documents and our agreements with the leagues purport to limit the manner in which we may challenge decisions and actions by a league commissioner or the league itself.
 
Injuries to Players on Our Sports Teams Could Hinder Our Success.
 
To the degree that our financial results are dependent on our sports teams’ popularity and/or on-court and on-ice success, the likelihood of achieving such popularity or competitive success may, given the nature of sports, be substantially impacted by serious or untimely injuries to key players. Nearly all of our players, including those with multi-year contracts, have guaranteed contracts, meaning that (subject to the terms of the applicable player contract and collective bargaining agreement) each player may be entitled to receive his salary even if the player dies or is unable to play as a result of injury. These salaries represent significant financial commitments for our sports teams. We are generally insured against having to pay salaries in the event of a player’s death and have obtained disability insurance policies for substantially all of our material player contracts. In the event of injuries sustained resulting in lost services (as defined in the policies), the policies provide for payment to us of the majority of the player’s salary for the remaining term of the contract or until the player can resume play, in each case following a deductible number of missed games. The cost of such insurance has risen substantially, however, and it may not be available in certain circumstances or on terms that are commercially feasible. We may choose not to obtain (or may not be able to obtain) such insurance in some cases, and we may change coverage levels (or be unable to change coverage levels) in the future.
 
If an injured player is not insured, we may be obligated to pay all of the injured player’s salary. In addition, player disability insurance policies do not cover any NBA luxury tax that we are required to pay as a result of league rules and regulations and may exclude from coverage certain pre-existing conditions. For purposes of determining any NBA luxury tax, salary payable to an injured player is included in team salary, unless and until that player’s salary is removed from the team salary for purposes of calculating NBA luxury tax pursuant to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. Replacement of an injured player may result in an increase in salary expense for us, subject to any applicable salary cap.
 
Risks Relating to Our Entertainment Business
 
Our Entertainment Business Faces Intense and Wide-Ranging Competition.
 
Our entertainment business competes, in certain respects and to varying degrees, with other leisure-time activities such as television, the Internet, radio, online services, motion picture theaters, Broadway shows, home video and other alternative sources of entertainment and information for total entertainment dollars in our marketplace. The success of our entertainment business is largely dependent on the continued success of our Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and, to a lesser extent, the availability of, and our venues’ ability to attract, concerts, family shows and other events, competition for which is intense. For example, our Madison Square Garden complex (comprising The Garden and a theater within the complex currently known as The Theater at Madison Square Garden), Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre all compete with other entertainment venues in New York and elsewhere, such as the Nassau Coliseum, the Meadowlands Sports Complex, the IZOD Center and the Prudential Center. The Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre face similar competition from other venues in Chicago, Boston and elsewhere.
 
Further, in order to maintain the competitive positions of The Garden and our theaters, we must invest on a continuous basis in state-of-the-art technology while maintaining a competitive pricing structure for events that may be held in our venues, many of which have alternative venue options available to them in New York


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and other cities. In addition, we invest a substantial amount in our Radio City Christmas Spectacular and in new productions, to continue to attract our audiences. We cannot assure you that such investments will generate revenues that are sufficient to justify our investment or even that exceed our expenses.
 
The Success of Our Entertainment Business Depends on the Continued Popularity of Our Live Productions, Particularly the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
 
The financial results of our entertainment business are dependent on the popularity of our live productions with audiences in New York and, with respect to our touring productions, other cities throughout North America. In particular, our entertainment business depends on the continuing popularity of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which has historically made up a significant portion of the revenues of our entertainment business.
 
Should the popularity of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular decline, our revenues from ticket sales, concession and merchandise sales would likely also decline, and we might not be able to replace that lost revenue with revenues from other sources. In addition, we have made significant investments in the touring and arena productions of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and a decline in the popularity of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise might mean that we are less able to recoup those investments.
 
Our Strategy for Our Entertainment Business Includes the Development of New Live Productions and the Possible Addition of New Venues, Each of Which Could Require Making Considerable Investments for Which There Can be No Guarantee of Success.
 
As part of our business strategy, we intend to develop new productions and live entertainment events, which may include expansions of our existing productions or relationships or the creation of entirely new live productions. Expansion of productions or the development of new productions could require significant upfront investment in sets, staging, creative processes, casting and advertising. To the extent that any efforts at expanding productions or creating new productions do not result in a viable live show, or to the extent that any such productions do not achieve expected levels of popularity among audiences, we may lose all or a portion of such investments.
 
Our strategy also involves the possible addition of venues, including in additional major markets beyond New York, Chicago and Boston. Any such additions may involve acquiring control of existing venues or constructing new venues and could require significant investment. In pursuing such an expansion strategy, we will face risks, potentially including risks associated with the construction of new facilities, such as cost overruns and construction delays, risks associated with financing, such as the potential lack of availability of adequate financing to commence or complete an acquisition or development, risks associated with operating in new markets and the risk that we may lose all or a part of our investment in any additional venues.
 
Risks Relating to Our Media Business
 
Our Media Business Faces Intense and Wide-Ranging Competition.
 
Our media business competes, in certain respects and to varying degrees, for viewers and advertisers with other programming networks, pay-per-view, video on demand, and other content offered on cable television and other programming distribution systems. We also compete for viewers and advertisers with other television networks, radio, motion picture theaters, home video, the Internet, mobile media and other sources of information and entertainment and advertising services. Important competitive factors are the prices charged for programming, the quantity, quality (in particular, the on-court and on-ice performance of our sports teams as well as other teams whose rights we control) and the variety of the programming offered and the effectiveness of marketing efforts.
 
The competitive environment in which our media business operates may be affected by technological developments. It is difficult to predict the future effect of technology on many of the factors affecting our competitive position. For example, data compression technology has made it possible for most programming distributors to increase their channel capacity, which may reduce the competition among programming


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networks and broadcasters for channel space. On the other hand, the addition of channel space could also increase competition for desired entertainment and sports programming and ultimately, for viewing by subscribers. As more channel space becomes available, the position of our programming networks in the most favorable tiers of these distributors would be an important goal. Additionally, video content delivered directly to viewers over the Internet competes with our programming networks for viewership.
 
With respect to advertising services, factors affecting the degree and extent of competition include prices, reach, audience demographics and similar factors.
 
Some of our competitors are large companies that have greater financial resources than us.
 
The Success of Our Media Business Also Depends on Affiliation Fees, and on the Existence of Agreements with a Limited Number of Distributors for Our Programming.
 
Our media business derives much of its revenues from affiliation fees paid by cable television operators (including cable television systems owned by Cablevision), satellite operators and other operators (which we collectively refer to as “Distributors”) that provide video service and sales of advertising. Increases in affiliation fee revenues result from a combination of changes in rates and changes in subscriber counts, factors that may be largely out of our control.
 
Our success is also dependent upon the existence of agreements between our programming networks and Distributors. Existing affiliation agreements of our programming networks expire at various dates. Although we have historically been able to secure distribution of our programming networks, we cannot assure you that we will be able to renew these affiliation agreements, or to obtain terms similar to our existing agreements in the event of a renewal. The loss of any of our significant Distributors could severely impact our business and results of operations. In addition, in some cases, if a Distributor is acquired, the affiliation agreement of the acquiring Distributor will govern following the acquisition. In those circumstances, the acquisition of a Distributor that is a party to one or more affiliation agreements with us on terms that are more favorable to us could materially adversely impact our business and results of operations.
 
We Derive Substantial Revenues From the Sale of Advertising Time and Those Revenues are Subject to a Number of Factors, Many of Which are Beyond Our Control.
 
Our media business is dependent on advertising revenues, which, in turn, depend on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, such as the health of the economy in the markets our businesses serve and in the nation as a whole, general economic trends in the advertising industry, the popularity of our programming, the activities of our competitors, including increased competition from other forms of advertising-based media (such as newspapers, cable television, Internet and radio), consumer budgeting and buying patterns, and team performance. A continuing decline in the economic prospects of advertisers or the economy in general could alter current or prospective advertisers’ spending priorities, which could cause our revenues and operating results to decline significantly in any given period. In addition, we cannot assure you that our programming will achieve favorable ratings. Our ratings depend partly upon unpredictable and volatile factors beyond our control, such as viewer preferences, competing programming and the availability of other entertainment activities. A shift in viewer preferences could cause our advertising revenues to decline as a result of changes to the ratings for our programming. Recently, the advertising market has experienced significant weakness. Our advertising revenues declined in 2008 and in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, in each case as compared with the comparable period in the prior year, due in part to the economic recession.
 
Our Rights Agreements with Various Professional Sports Teams that We Do Not Own Have Varying Durations and Renewal Terms and We may be Unable to Renew Those Agreements on Acceptable Terms.
 
In addition to carrying the games of the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty, our media business has rights agreements with other professional sports teams that we do not control. We may seek renewal of these contracts and, if we do so, we may be outbid by a competing network for these contracts or the renewal costs could substantially exceed our costs under the current contracts. One or more of these teams may seek to establish their own programming network or join a competitor’s network and, in certain circumstances, we


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may not have an opportunity to bid for the rights. Moreover, the value of these contracts may also be affected by various league decisions and/or league agreements that we may not be able to control, including a decision to alter the number of games played during a season. The value of these rights can also be affected, or we could lose such rights entirely, if a team is liquidated, undergoes reorganization in bankruptcy or relocates to an area where it is not possible or commercially feasible for us to continue to carry games. Any loss or diminution in the value of rights could impact the extent of the sports coverage offered by us and could adversely affect our affiliation fee and advertising revenues. In addition, our distribution agreements typically include certain remedies in the event our MSG Networks fail to meet a minimum number of professional events, and, accordingly, any loss of rights could adversely affect our business.
 
Each league’s governing body has imposed a number of rules, regulations, guidelines, bulletins, directives, policies and agreements upon its teams, including the teams we carry on our MSG Networks. Changes to these provisions could materially adversely affect our business.
 
Our Programming Business is Subject to Direct and Indirect Government Regulation, in Part as a Result of Federal Law and Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Regulations Applicable Because of Cablevision’s and Our Common Directors, Officers, and Shareholders.
 
For FCC purposes, the common directors and five percent or greater shareholders of Cablevision and Madison Square Garden will be deemed to hold attributable interests in each of the companies after the Distribution. As a result, certain regulations applicable to a programming network affiliated with a cable television operator will continue to apply to Madison Square Garden. This affiliation may also limit the activities or strategic business alternatives available to Madison Square Garden, including the ability to own or operate media properties we do not presently own or operate. Other FCC regulations, although imposed on cable television operators and satellite operators, affect programming networks indirectly. See “Business — Regulation — Regulation of Our Media Business.” Legislative enactments, court actions, and federal regulatory proceedings could materially affect our programming business by modifying the rates, terms, and conditions under which we offer our programming services to distributors and the public, or otherwise materially affect the range of our activities or strategic business alternatives. We cannot predict the likelihood or results of any such legislative, judicial, or regulatory actions.
 
General Risks
 
Our Business has been Adversely Impacted and may, in the Future, be Materially Adversely Impacted by the Economic Downturn.
 
Our businesses depend upon the ability and willingness of consumers and businesses to purchase tickets (including season tickets) or to license suites at our facilities and to spend on concessions and merchandise, and upon advertising revenues. As a result, the current economic downturn and its negative effects on consumers’ discretionary spending has adversely affected our revenues. The New York City metropolitan area has been particularly adversely affected by the impact of the economic downturn.
 
Our Business Could be Adversely Affected by Terrorist Activity or the Threat of Terrorist Activity and Other Developments that Discourage Congregation at Prominent Places of Public Assembly.
 
The venues we operate, like all prominent places of public assembly, could be the target of terrorist activities. The success of our businesses is dependent upon the willingness of patrons to attend events at our venues. Terrorist activity at other locations, or even the threat of terrorist activity, could result in reduced attendance at our venues. Similarly, a major epidemic or pandemic, or the threat of such an event, could adversely affect attendance at our events.
 
Our Businesses are Substantially Dependent on the Continued Popularity and/or Competitive Success of the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers, Which Cannot be Assured.
 
Our financial results have historically been dependent on, and are expected to continue to depend in large part on, the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers remaining popular with our fan bases and, in


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varying degrees, on the teams’ achieving on-court and on-ice success, which can generate fan enthusiasm, resulting in sustained ticket, premium seating, suite, concession and merchandise sales during the regular season, greater shares of total viewership and increased advertising sales. Furthermore, success in the regular season may qualify a team for participation in post-season playoffs, which provides us with additional revenue by increasing the number of games played by our teams and, more importantly, by generating increased excitement and interest in our teams, which can improve attendance and viewership in subsequent seasons. There can be no assurance that any sports teams, including the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers, will compete in post-season play in 2010 or thereafter.
 
We are Planning an Extensive Renovation of The Garden, the Cost, Timing and Revenue Impact of Which are Uncertain.
 
We previously announced our intent to pursue a major renovation of The Garden. We continue to review all aspects of this complex project with our consultants in order to improve the renovation plans, mitigate project risks and identify efficiencies in all aspects of costs, planning and project-phasing. We also continue to develop our cost and capital investment estimates to ensure that the planned renovation meets our overall expectations and objectives.
 
While the pre-construction planning and cost estimates of this renovation are not yet final, we currently expect that the project’s cost will be between $775 million and $850 million, of which approximately $60 million will have been incurred by December 31, 2009. We expect that the estimated costs associated with the project will be met from cash on hand, receipt of repayments of advances made to a subsidiary of Cablevision and cash flow from our operations. We have recently obtained commitments from a group of banks for a revolving credit facility. (See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Financing Agreements.”) To the extent that management determines that financing for this renovation is required or desirable, we would expect to draw on this facility.
 
In order to most efficiently and effectively complete the renovation, it will be a year-round project. Our goal is to minimize disruption to current operations and, to achieve this, The Garden will remain open for the New York Knicks’ and New York Rangers’ seasons in the years when the renovation takes place, while we sequence the construction to ensure that we maximize our construction efforts when we close the arena during summer months. Our current expectation is that the renovated lower bowl of The Garden will be open for the 2011-12 seasons, and that the renovated upper bowl will be open for the 2012-13 seasons.
 
Although the Company continues to pursue the arena renovation plan, there can be no assurance that a renovation will occur or what the ultimate cost, scope or timing of any renovation activity may be.
 
We Do Not Own all of Our Venues and Our Failure to Renew Our Leases or Booking Agreements on Economically Attractive Terms Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business.
 
The lease on Radio City Music Hall expires in 2023. We have the option to renew the lease for an additional ten years by providing two years’ notice prior to the initial expiration date. Similarly, we lease the Beacon Theatre pursuant to a lease that expires in 2026. We have also entered into a booking agreement in respect of the Wang Theatre in Boston. Our booking agreement expires in 2019 and we have the option to renew the agreement at that time for an additional ten years. If we are unable to renew these leases or the booking agreement on economically attractive terms, our business could be adversely affected.
 
Our Properties are Subject to, and Benefit from, Certain Easements, the Availability of Which may Not Continue on Terms Favorable to Us or at All.
 
Our properties are subject to, and benefit from, certain easements. For example, the “breezeway” into the Madison Square Garden complex from Seventh Avenue in New York City is a significant easement that we share with other property owners. Our ability to continue to utilize this and other easements, including for advertising purposes, requires us to comply with a number of conditions. Moreover, certain adjoining property owners have easements over our property, which we are required to maintain so long as those property owners meet certain conditions. It is possible that we will be unable to continue to access or maintain any easements


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on terms favorable to us, or at all, which could have a significant negative impact on our revenues and results of operations.
 
We may Require Third-Party Financing to Fund Our Ongoing Operations and Capital Expenditures, Including Our Planned Renovation of The Garden, the Availability of Which is Highly Uncertain.
 
The capital and credit markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption. The markets have exerted extreme downward pressure on stock prices and upward pressure on the cost of new debt capital and have severely restricted credit availability for most issuers.
 
Our business has been characterized by significant expenditures for properties and businesses, for renovations and for productions. In particular, our planned renovation of The Garden will require significant cash resources. In the future we may also engage in similar transactions and such transactions may be dependent on our ability to obtain third-party financing. We may also seek third-party financing to fund our ongoing operations.
 
Although we have obtained commitments from lenders for a credit facility (see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Financing Agreements”), our ability to draw on any such facility will depend on our ability to meet certain financial tests and other conditions. In addition, you should not assume that we will be able to refinance any such facility in the future or raise any required additional capital or do so on favorable terms. We may not be able to raise additional capital on favorable terms, or at all, if unsettled conditions in financial markets continue to exist. In addition, as described above, the leagues in which our sports teams compete may have, under certain circumstances, approval rights over certain financing transactions, and in connection with those rights, could affect our ability to use third-party financing. If we are unable to pursue our current and future spending programs, we may be forced to cancel or scale back those programs. Our choice of which spending programs to cancel or reduce may be limited, although we do not currently anticipate that unavailability of third-party financing in any circumstances would materially affect our spending on player salaries in any respect. Failure to successfully pursue our capital expenditure and other spending plans could materially and adversely affect our ability to compete effectively.
 
We have Substantial Credit Exposure to a Subsidiary of Cablevision.
 
Cablevision actively manages the available cash of its subsidiaries to minimize the overall need for short term borrowings. As a result, subsidiaries of Cablevision that have excess cash will advance some or all of those funds to Cablevision or to other subsidiaries of Cablevision which have funding needs. We have intercompany advances outstanding with a total balance of $190 million as of September 30, 2009 to Rainbow Media Holdings LLC (“RMH”). RMH is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision. Our advances to RMH are unsecured, do not bear interest and have not been guaranteed by any person. Prior to the Distribution date, the terms of these advances will be changed to provide for a maturity date of no later than June 30, 2010 (with prepayment at Cablevision’s option) and for the payment of cash interest at a fixed rate equal to the prime rate on the date the changes to the terms are made. Until the advances are repaid to us we are exposed to the credit risk of RMH for a substantial portion of our liquid assets.
 
Our Business is Subject to Seasonal Fluctuations.
 
The revenues of our MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment segments tend to be cyclical. For example, because 39% of our MSG Entertainment segment’s revenues and 12% of our combined revenues in 2008, net of intersegment eliminations, were derived from our Radio City Christmas Spectacular, including its touring shows, the revenues of our MSG Entertainment segment are highest in the fourth quarter when these performances primarily occur. As a result, MSG Entertainment earns a disproportionate amount of its revenue and operating income in the fourth quarter of each year. Similarly, because of the nature of the NBA and NHL playing seasons, revenues from our sports teams are concentrated in the first and last quarters of each year. Revenues from our business on a consolidated basis tend to be at their lowest in the second and third quarters.


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Our Sales of Beverages Entails Certain Legal, Regulatory and Reputational Risks.
 
We hold liquor licenses at each of our venues and are subject to licensing requirements with respect to the sale of alcoholic beverages in the jurisdictions in which we serve those beverages. Failure to receive or retain, or the suspension of, liquor licenses or permits could interrupt or terminate our ability to serve alcoholic beverages at the applicable venue and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Additional regulation relating to liquor licenses may limit our activities in the future or significantly increase the cost of compliance, or both.
 
In the jurisdictions in which our venues are located, we are subject to statutes that generally provide that serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated or minor patron is a violation of the law. Our liability insurance coverage may not be adequate or available to cover any potential liability. See “Business — Legal Proceedings.”
 
Our Business Benefits from a New York City Real Estate Tax Exemption, Which Could be Changed or Withdrawn.
 
Many arenas, ballparks and stadia nationally and in New York City have received significant public support, including tax exempt financing, other tax benefits, direct subsidies and other contributions, including for public infrastructure critical to the facilities such as parking lots and transit improvements. Our Madison Square Garden complex benefits from a more limited real estate tax exemption pursuant to an agreement with the City of New York and legislation enacted by the State of New York in 1982. This tax exemption results in annual expense savings of approximately $12.4 million. From time to time there have been calls to repeal or amend the tax exemption. Repeal or amendment would require legislative action by New York State. There can be no assurance that the tax exemption will not be amended in a manner adverse to us or repealed in its entirety, either of which would be financially adverse to us.
 
Organized Labor Matters Could Adversely Impact Our Business and Our Results of Operations.
 
Our business is dependent upon the efforts of unionized workers. Any labor disputes, such as strikes or lockouts, with the unions with which we deal could materially adversely affect our businesses, including our ability to produce or present concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events and live telecasts.
 
The NHL players and the NBA players are covered by collective bargaining agreements between the NHL Players’ Association and the NHL and between the National Basketball Players Association and the NBA, respectively. Both the NHL and the NBA have experienced labor difficulties in the past and may have labor issues in the future. Labor difficulties may include players’ strikes or management lockouts. In 1992, the NHL Players’ Association conducted a 10-day strike. A lockout during the 1994-95 NHL season resulted in the regular season being shortened from 84 to 48 games. A lockout beginning in September 2004 resulted in the cancellation of the entire 2004-05 NHL season. The NBA has also experienced labor difficulties, including a lockout during the 1998-99 season, which resulted in the regular season being shortened from 82 to 50 games.
 
Because There has Not been Any Public Market for Our Common Stock, the Market Price and Trading Volume of Our Common Stock may be Volatile and You may Not be Able to Resell Your Shares at or Above the Initial Market Price of Our Stock Following the Distribution.
 
Prior to the Distribution, there will have been no trading market for our common stock. We cannot predict the extent to which investors’ interest will lead to a liquid trading market or whether the market price of our common stock will be volatile. The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for many reasons, including in response to the risk factors listed in this information statement or for reasons unrelated to our specific performance, such as reports by industry analysts, investor perceptions, or negative developments for our customers, competitors or suppliers, as well as general economic and industry conditions.


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The Combined Post-Distribution Value of Cablevision and Madison Square Garden Shares may Not Equal or Exceed the Pre-Distribution Value of Cablevision Shares.
 
After the Distribution, Cablevision NY Group Class A Shares will continue to be listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Application has been made to list the shares of Madison Square Garden Class A Common Stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “MSG.” We cannot assure you that the combined trading prices of Cablevision NY Group Class A Shares and Madison Square Garden Class A Common Stock after the Distribution, as adjusted for any changes in the combined capitalization of these companies, will be equal to or greater than the trading price of Cablevision NY Group Class A Shares prior to the Distribution. Until the market has fully evaluated the business of Cablevision without the business of Madison Square Garden, the price at which Cablevision NY Group Class A Shares trade may fluctuate significantly. Similarly, until the market has fully evaluated the business of Madison Square Garden, the price at which shares of Madison Square Garden Class A Common Stock trade may fluctuate significantly.
 
The Distribution Could Result in Significant Tax Liability.
 
Cablevision has received a private letter ruling from the IRS to the effect that, among other things, the Distribution, and certain related transactions, will qualify for tax-free treatment under the Code. In addition, Cablevision expects to obtain an opinion from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP substantially to the effect that, among other things, the Distribution and certain related transactions will qualify for tax-free treatment under the Code, and that accordingly, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, no gain or loss will be recognized by, and no amount will be included in the income of, a holder of Cablevision common stock upon the receipt of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Distribution, except to the extent such holder receives cash in lieu of fractional shares of our common stock.
 
Although a private letter ruling from the IRS generally is binding on the IRS, if the factual representations or assumptions made in the letter ruling request are untrue or incomplete in any material respect, we will not be able to rely on the ruling. Furthermore, the IRS will not rule on whether a distribution satisfies certain requirements necessary to obtain tax-free treatment under the Code. Rather, the ruling is based upon representations by Cablevision that these conditions have been satisfied, and any inaccuracy in such representations could invalidate the ruling. The opinion discussed above addresses all of the requirements necessary for the Distribution and certain related transactions to obtain tax-free treatment under the Code and is based on, among other things, certain assumptions and representations made by Cablevision and us, which if incorrect or inaccurate in any material respect would jeopardize the conclusions reached by counsel in such opinion. The opinion will not be binding on the IRS or the courts. See “The Distribution — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”
 
If the Distribution does not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then, in general, Cablevision would be subject to tax as if it had sold the common stock of our Company in a taxable sale for its fair market value. Cablevision’s shareholders would be subject to tax as if they had received a distribution equal to the fair market value of our common stock that was distributed to them, which generally would be treated first as a taxable dividend to the extent of Cablevision’s earnings and profits, then as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of each shareholder’s tax basis in his or her Cablevision stock, and thereafter as capital gain with respect to the remaining value. It is expected that the amount of any such taxes to Cablevision’s shareholders and Cablevision would be substantial. See “The Distribution — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”
 
We may have a Significant Indemnity Obligation to Cablevision if the Distribution is Treated as a Taxable Transaction.
 
We will enter into a Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Cablevision, which will set out each party’s rights and obligations with respect to deficiencies and refunds, if any, of federal, state, local or foreign taxes for periods before and after the Distribution and related matters such as the filing of tax returns and the conduct of IRS and other audits. We expect that pursuant to the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, we will be required to indemnify Cablevision for losses and taxes of Cablevision resulting from the breach of certain covenants and for certain taxable gain recognized by Cablevision, including as a result of certain acquisitions of our stock or assets. If we are


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required to indemnify Cablevision under the circumstances set forth in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, we may be subject to substantial liabilities, which could materially adversely affect our financial position.
 
The Tax Rules Applicable to the Distribution may Restrict Us from Engaging in Certain Corporate Transactions or From Raising Equity Capital Beyond Certain Thresholds for a Period of Time After the Distribution.
 
To preserve the tax-free treatment of the Distribution to Cablevision and its shareholders, under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Cablevision, for the two-year period following the Distribution, we will be subject to restrictions with respect to:
 
  •  entering into any transaction pursuant to which 50% or more of our shares or assets would be acquired, whether by merger or otherwise, unless certain tests are met;
 
  •  issuing equity securities, if any such issuances would, in the aggregate, constitute 50% or more of the voting power or value of our capital stock;
 
  •  certain repurchases of our common shares;
 
  •  ceasing to actively conduct our business;
 
  •  certain changes affecting the relative voting rights of our stock or converting one class of our stock to another;
 
  •  liquidating or partially liquidating; and
 
  •  taking any other action that prevents the Distribution and related transactions from being tax-free.
 
These restrictions may limit our ability during such period to pursue strategic transactions of a certain magnitude that involve the issuance or acquisition of our stock or engage in new businesses or other transactions that might increase the value of our business. These restrictions may also limit our ability to raise significant amounts of cash through the issuance of stock, especially if our stock price were to suffer substantial declines, or through the sale of certain of our assets. For more information, see the sections entitled “The Distribution — Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Relationship Between Cablevision and Us After the Distribution — Tax Disaffiliation Agreement.”
 
We do not have an Operating History as a Public Company.
 
In the past, we relied on Cablevision for various financial, operational and managerial resources in conducting our businesses. Following the Distribution, we will maintain our own credit and banking relationships and perform our own financial and operational functions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully put in place the financial, operational and managerial resources necessary to operate as a public company or that we will be able to be profitable doing so.
 
Our Historical Financial Results as a Business Segment of Cablevision and Our Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements may Not be Representative of Our Results as a Separate, Stand-Alone Company.
 
The historical financial information we have included in this information statement has been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Cablevision and does not necessarily reflect what our financial position, results of operations or cash flows would have been had we been a separate, stand-alone company during the periods presented. Although Cablevision did account for our company as a business segment, we were not operated as a separate, stand-alone company for the historical periods presented. The historical costs and expenses reflected in our combined financial statements include an allocation for certain corporate functions historically provided by Cablevision, including general corporate expenses and employee benefits and incentives. These allocations were based on what we and Cablevision considered to be reasonable reflections of the historical utilization levels of these services required in support of our business. The historical information does not necessarily indicate what our results of operations, financial position, cash flows or costs and expenses will be in the future. Our pro forma financial information set forth under “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information” reflects changes that may occur in


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our funding and operations as a result of the separation. However, there can be no assurances that this unaudited pro forma combined financial information will reflect our costs as a publicly-traded company.
 
Our Ability to Operate Our Business Effectively may Suffer If We do Not, Quickly and Effectively, Establish Our Own Financial, Administrative and Other Support Functions in Order to Operate as a Stand-Alone Company, and We cannot Assure You that the Transition Services Cablevision has Agreed to Provide Us will be Sufficient for Our Needs.
 
Historically, we have relied on financial, administrative and other resources of Cablevision to support the operation of our business. In conjunction with our separation from Cablevision, we will need to expand our financial, administrative and other support systems or contract with third parties to replace certain of Cablevision’s systems. Any failure or significant downtime in our own financial or administrative systems or in Cablevision’s financial or administrative systems during the transition period could impact our results and/or prevent us from performing other administrative services and financial reporting on a timely basis and could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We may Incur Material Costs and Expenses as a Result of Our Separation from Cablevision.
 
We may incur costs and expenses greater than those we currently incur as a result of our separation from Cablevision. These increased costs and expenses may arise from various factors, including financial reporting, costs associated with complying with federal securities laws (including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), tax administration, legal and human resources related functions. Although Cablevision will continue to provide certain of these services to us under the services agreement, such services are for a limited period of time. We cannot assure you that these costs will not be material to our business.
 
If, Following the Distribution, We are Unable to Satisfy the Requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Our Internal Control Over Financial Reporting is not Effective, the Reliability of Our Financial Statements may be Questioned and Our Stock Price may Suffer.
 
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires any company subject to the reporting requirements of the U.S. securities laws to do a comprehensive evaluation of its and its consolidated subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting. To comply with this statute, we will eventually be required to document and test our internal control procedures, our management will be required to assess and issue a report concerning our internal control over financial reporting, and our independent auditors will be required to issue an opinion on management’s assessment of those matters. The rules governing the standards that must be met for management to assess our internal control over financial reporting are complex and require significant documentation, testing and possible remediation to meet the detailed standards under the rules. During the course of its testing, our management may identify material weaknesses or deficiencies which may not be remedied in time to meet the deadline imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. If our management cannot favorably assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting or our auditors identify material weaknesses in our internal controls, investor confidence in our financial results may weaken, and our stock price may suffer.
 
We are Controlled by the Dolan Family.
 
We have two classes of common stock:
 
  •  Class B Common Stock, which is generally entitled to ten votes per share and is entitled collectively to elect 75% of our Board of Directors, and
 
  •  Class A Common Stock, which is entitled to one vote per share and is entitled collectively to elect the remaining 25% of our Board of Directors.
 
As of the Distribution date, the Dolan family, including trusts for the benefit of members of the Dolan family, will collectively own all of our Class B Common Stock, less than 3% of our outstanding Class A Common Stock and approximately 70% of the total voting power of all our outstanding common stock. Of this amount,


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Cablevision’s Chairman, Charles F. Dolan, will beneficially own approximately 46% of our outstanding Class B Common Stock, less than 1% of our outstanding Class A Common Stock and approximately 32% of the total voting power of all our outstanding common stock. The members of the Dolan family holding Class B Common Stock will execute prior to the Distribution a voting agreement that has the effect of causing the voting power of the holders of our Class B Common Stock to be cast as a block with respect to all matters to be voted on by holders of Class B Common Stock. The Dolan family is able to prevent a change in control of our company and no person interested in acquiring us will be able to do so without obtaining the consent of the Dolan family.
 
Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities, by virtue of their stock ownership, have the power to elect all of our directors subject to election by holders of Class B Common Stock and are able collectively to control stockholder decisions on matters on which holders of all classes of our common stock vote together as a single class. These matters could include the amendment of some provisions of our certificate of incorporation and the approval of fundamental corporate transactions.
 
In addition, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 662/3% of the outstanding shares of the Class B Common Stock, voting separately as a class, is required to approve:
 
  •  the authorization or issuance of any additional shares of Class B Common Stock, and
 
  •  any amendment, alteration or repeal of any of the provisions of our certificate of incorporation that adversely affects the powers, preferences or rights of the Class B Common Stock.
 
As a result, Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities also collectively have the power to prevent such issuance or amendment.
 
Prior to the Distribution, the members of the Dolan family group will enter into an agreement with the Company in which they will agree that during the 12-month period beginning on the Distribution date, the Dolan family group must obtain the prior approval of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors prior to acquiring common stock of the Company through a tender offer that results in members of the Dolan family group owning more than 50% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. For purposes of this agreement, the term “Independent Directors” means the directors of the Company who have been determined by our Board of Directors to be independent directors for purposes of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC corporate governance standards.
 
We Have Elected to be a “controlled company” for The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC Purposes Which Allows Us Not to Comply with all of the Corporate Governance Rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.
 
We have been informed that prior to the Distribution, Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities will enter into a Stockholders Agreement relating, among other things, to the voting of their shares of our Class B Common Stock. As a result, following the Distribution, we will be a “controlled company” under the corporate governance rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. As a controlled company, we will have the right to elect not to comply with the corporate governance rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC requiring: (i) a majority of independent directors on our Board and (ii) an independent corporate governance and nominating committee. We expect our Board of Directors to elect to be treated as a “controlled company” under The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC corporate governance rules and to elect not to comply with The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC requirement for a majority independent board of directors and for an independent corporate governance and nominating committee because of our status as a controlled company.
 
Future Stock Sales could Adversely Affect the Trading Price of Our Class A Common Stock Following the Distribution.
 
All of the shares of Class A Common Stock will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act unless the shares are owned by our “affiliates” as that term is defined in the rules under the Securities Act. Shares held by “affiliates” may be sold in the public market only if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 which is summarized under “Shares Eligible for Future Sale.” Further, we plan to file a registration statement to cover the shares issued under our equity-based benefit plans.


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As described under “Shares Eligible for Future Sale — Registration Rights Agreements,” certain parties have registration rights covering a portion of our shares. We expect to enter into a registration rights agreement with Charles F. Dolan, certain Dolan family interests and the Dolan Family Foundations that will provide them with “demand” and “piggyback” registration rights with respect to           shares of Class A Common Stock, including shares issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock. Sales of a substantial number of shares of Class A Common Stock could adversely affect the market price of the Class A Common Stock and could impair our future ability to raise capital through an offering of our equity securities.
 
Transfers and Ownership of Our Common Stock are Subject to Restrictions Under Rules of the NBA and the NHL and Our Certificate of Incorporation Provides Us With Remedies Against Holders Who Don’t Comply with Those Restrictions.
 
The Company is the indirect owner of professional sports franchises in the NBA and the NHL. As a result, transfers and ownership of our Common Stock are subject to certain restrictions under the constituent documents of the NBA and the NHL as well as under consent agreements entered into by the Company with the NBA and the NHL in connection with their approval of the Distribution. These restrictions are described under “Description of Capital Stock — Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock — Transfer Restrictions.” In order to protect the Company and its NBA and NHL franchises from sanctions that might be imposed by the NBA or the NHL as a result of violations of these restrictions, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that if a transfer of shares of our Common Stock to a person or the ownership of shares of our Common Stock by a person requires approval or other action by a league and such approval or other action was not obtained or taken as required, the Company shall have the right by written notice to the holder to require the holder to dispose of the shares of Common Stock which triggered the need for such approval. If a holder fails to comply with such a notice, in addition to any other remedies that may be available, the Company may redeem the shares at 85% of the fair market value of those shares.
 
We Share Certain Key Executives and Directors with Cablevision Which Means Those Executives Will Not Devote Their Full Time and Attention to Our Affairs and the Overlap may Give Rise to Conflicts.
 
Following the Distribution, our Executive Chairman, James L. Dolan, will also continue to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision and our President and Chief Executive Officer, Hank J. Ratner, will continue to serve as a Vice Chairman of Cablevision. This arrangement is similar to the historical situation whereby Messrs. Dolan and Ratner are serving or have served as senior officers and employees of both companies. As a result, following the Distribution, the two most senior officers of the Company will not be devoting their full time and attention to the Company’s affairs. In addition, immediately following the Distribution, eight members of our Board of Directors will also be directors of Cablevision, and several of our directors will continue to serve as employees of Cablevision concurrently with their service on our Board of Directors. These officers and directors 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 we or Cablevision look at acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for both companies. Also, conflicts may arise if there are issues or disputes under the commercial arrangements that will exist between Cablevision and us. In addition, after the Distribution, certain of our directors and officers will continue to own Cablevision stock and options to purchase Cablevision stock, as well as cash performance awards with any payout based on Cablevision’s performance, which they acquired or were granted prior to the Distribution, including Messrs. Dolan and Ratner. 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 our Company and Cablevision. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions — Certain Relationships and Potential Conflicts of Interest” for a discussion of certain procedures we will institute to help ameliorate such potential conflicts that may arise.


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Our Overlapping Directors and Executive Officers with Cablevision may Result in the Diversion of Corporate Opportunities and Other Conflicts to Cablevision and Provisions in Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation may Provide Us No Remedy in That Circumstance.
 
The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will acknowledge that directors and officers of the Company may also be serving as directors, officers, employees, consultants or agents of Cablevision and its subsidiaries and that the Company may engage in material business transactions with such entities. The Company will renounce its rights to certain business opportunities and the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that no director or officer of the Company who is also serving as a director, officer, employee, consultant or agent of Cablevision and its subsidiaries will be liable to the Company or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty that would otherwise exist by reason of the fact that any such individual directs a corporate opportunity (other than certain limited types of opportunities set forth in our certificate of incorporation) to Cablevision or any of its subsidiaries instead of the Company, or does not refer or communicate information regarding such corporate opportunities to the Company. These provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will also expressly validate certain contracts, agreements, assignments and transactions (and amendments, modifications or terminations thereof) between the Company and Cablevision and/or any of its subsidiaries and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, provide that the actions of the overlapping directors or officers in connection therewith are not breaches of fiduciary duties owed to the Company, any of its subsidiaries or their respective shareholders. See “Description of Capital Stock — Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts.”


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BUSINESS
 
We are a Delaware corporation with our principal executive offices at Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY, 10121. Our telephone number is 212-465-6000. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we”, “us”, “our”, “Madison Square Garden” or the “Company” refer to Madison Square Garden, Inc., together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries. “Madison Square Garden, Inc.” refers to Madison Square Garden, Inc. individually as a separate entity. Madison Square Garden, Inc. is a holding company and conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries.
 
Madison Square Garden, Inc. was incorporated on July 29, 2009 as an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”). Prior to the Distribution, it will acquire subsidiaries of Cablevision that own, directly and indirectly, 100% of the partnership interests in Madison Square Garden, L.P. (“MSG L.P.”), which is the indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision through which Cablevision currently holds the Madison Square Garden business. Where we describe in this information statement our business activities, we do so as if the transfer of the subsidiaries owning the partnership interests in MSG L.P. to Madison Square Garden, Inc. has already occurred. Cablevision acquired all of the interests in Madison Square Garden in a series of transactions beginning in 1995.
 
General
 
Madison Square Garden is a fully-integrated sports, entertainment and media business comprised of dynamic and powerful brands. Madison Square Garden’s business grew from the legendary venue widely known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” The Company’s three business segments: MSG Sports, MSG Entertainment and MSG Media, are strategically aligned to work together to drive our overall business, which is built on a foundation of iconic venues and compelling content, including live sports and entertainment events, that we create, produce, present and/or distribute through our programming networks and other media assets.
 
(VENUES LOGO)
 
The Company operates in three business segments:
 
  •  MSG Sports.  Our sports business consists of owning and operating sports franchises, including the New York Knicks, a founding member of the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) and the New York Rangers, one of the “original six” franchises of the National Hockey League (“NHL”). We also own and operate the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (“WNBA”), one of the league’s founding franchises, and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (“AHL”), which is the primary player development team for the Rangers and competitive in its own right in the AHL. The


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  Knicks, Rangers and Liberty play their home games at The Madison Square Garden Arena (which we also refer to as “The Garden”). The Company’s sports business also features other sports properties, including the presentation of a wide variety of premier live sporting events including professional boxing, college basketball (The Big East Tournament, Jimmy V Classic, Post-season NIT Finals and, on occasion, Duke University games), track and field (The Millrose Games) and tennis (The BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup, which features the women winners of the previous year’s Grand Slam tennis events).
 
  •  MSG Entertainment.  Our entertainment business is one of the country’s leaders in live entertainment. We create, produce and/or present a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Radio City Rockettes (the “Rockettes”), which is the #1 live holiday family show in America and is seen by approximately two million people annually, and the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil’s Wintuk. We also present or host other live entertainment events, such as concerts, including shows by The Police, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake and Madonna; family shows, such as Dora the Explorer, Thomas the Tank Engine and Sesame Street Live; special events such as the Tony Awards, Fashion Rocks and appearances by the Dalai Lama; and theatrical productions, such as The Wizard of Oz and Annie, in our diverse collection of venues. These venues include The Garden, Radio City Music Hall, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, The Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre. MSG Entertainment increasingly utilizes the strength of its industry relationships and live event expertise, as well as the reach of MSG Media, to create performance, promotion and distribution opportunities for artists and productions that, in turn, provide new programming and promotion for both our entertainment and our media businesses.
 
  •  MSG Media.  Our media business is a leader in production and content development for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from our venues. This business consists of programming networks and interactive offerings, including the MSG Networks (MSG network, MSG Plus, MSG HD and MSG Plus HD) and the Fuse Networks (Fuse and Fuse HD). MSG Networks are home to seven professional sports teams: the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres and New York Red Bulls, as well as to our critically acclaimed original and other programming, including MSG Originals, highlighted by the New York Emmy-award winning series The 50 Greatest Moments at MSG, Big 12 and PAC 10 football, and ACC, Big East and PAC 10 basketball. Since Fuse became part of MSG Media in 2008, it has focused on establishing itself as a unique multi-platform music destination, where artists and fans can interact and build relationships. Programming on Fuse focuses on music-related programming, including coverage of premier artists, events and festivals, original content and high profile concerts. Certain Fuse programming centers around its insider access to MSG Entertainment and Madison Square Garden’s venues, which Fuse uses to create music programming, while offering a voice and enhanced exposure to artists. Our interactive businesses include a group of highly targeted websites (including msg.com, thegarden.com, radiocity.com, nyknicks.com, newyorkrangers.com and fuse.tv) and wireless, video on demand and digital platforms for all Madison Square Garden properties. MSG Media allows us to leverage the value of the content created, produced and/or presented by MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment.
 
Our Strengths
 
  •  Owned sports franchises
 
  •  Media assets, including affiliation agreements with distributors and exclusive sports and entertainment programming rights
 
  •  Iconic venues
 
  •  Diverse collection of marquee brands and content, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes
 
  •  Powerful presence in the New York tri-state area with established core assets and expertise for strategic expansion
 
  •  Unique ability to provide artists and productions with multiple distribution platforms to develop and promote their businesses


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  •  Strong industry relationships that create opportunities for new content and brand extensions
 
  •  Deep connection with loyal and passionate fan bases that span a wide demographic mix
 
  •  Strong and seasoned management team
 
Our Strategy
 
Madison Square Garden pursues opportunities that capitalize on the combination of our iconic venues, our popular sports franchises, the distribution of our programming networks and our exclusive sports and entertainment content.
 
The core of MSG Sports’ strategy is to develop teams that consistently compete for championships in their respective leagues. Leveraging the strength of its fan bases and the popularity of its teams, MSG Sports seeks to expand through the creation and/or acquisition of substantial, enduring sports properties and events that can be presented either inside or outside The Garden. Our extensive fan base provides broad access to growth opportunities and new revenue streams.
 
Building on our iconic venues and the hallmark Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Rockettes brands, MSG Entertainment is focused on enhancing the reach and breadth of our productions and creating a network of venues to deliver high quality live content to those venues and increased bookings across all our venues. We are pursuing a strategy of opportunistically acquiring, building or obtaining control of theater venues in additional major markets. Our expansion plans also include the development of new productions and live entertainment events.
 
MSG Media has a strong foundation of recurring revenue streams supported by our long-term rights for live-event content of our New York Knicks, New York Rangers and New York Liberty franchises, in addition to those of the New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, and our affiliation agreements for distribution of our networks. MSG Media’s programming networks serve as strong platforms through which artists, performers and athletes are connected to regional and national audiences, including Fuse, which brings artists and fans together through its music programming and the network’s insider access to MSG Entertainment and our historic venues. Our ability to offer both marquee live performance venues and extensive public exposure through our significant marketing expertise and media platforms attracts world-class artists, performers and athletes to our businesses, and allows us to create with them a relationship built on mutual benefit. We obtain quality sports and entertainment content, while the artists, performers and athletes gain a unique opportunity to develop their brands.
 
The Company believes that its competitive strength stems from combining opportunities across more than one of our segments and aligning these businesses to provide what no other organization can: sports and entertainment content, derived from games and performances at our iconic venues and distributed through our regional and national programming networks.
 
(MAXIMUM GROWTH OPPORTUNITY CHART)
 
We have an expansive view of the power of this integrated approach and believe no other organization can offer athletes, artists, performers, fans and business partners comparable opportunities or experiences. Examples of how we believe we have effectively implemented our strategy are:
 
  •  We have expanded the programming on MSG network to include additional programming originating from or relating to our venues, while continuing to deliver award-winning live sports coverage. MSG network’s focus on becoming “all things Madison Square Garden” serves as a powerful platform for the


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  distribution of our content and supports the Company’s integrated strategic vision, while differentiating our media offerings in a diverse and competitive environment.
 
  •  Our media business continues to seek opportunities to collaborate with our entertainment and sports businesses. For example, in 2009 our media and entertainment businesses forged a multi-faceted relationship with the Dave Matthews Band, through which we booked the Beacon Theatre for a sold-out Dave Matthews Band concert and telecast the concert commercial-free on Fuse. Fuse also aired a week-long series of complementary Dave Matthews Band programming, leading up to the release of the band’s new album. Similarly, in 2008 our media and sports businesses collaborated on the Pete Sampras versus Roger Federer exhibition tennis match, an event that represented the revival of The Garden’s historic affiliation with big-event tennis. The sold-out match, which pitted the #1 ranked Federer against Sampras, who was at that time the recently retired holder of the most Grand Slam titles, originated from The Garden and was promoted as the first live sports programming on the newly re-branded MSG Plus (formerly known as FSN New York).
 
  •  We acquired control of New York’s Beacon Theatre, purchased The Chicago Theatre, and entered into a long-term booking agreement in respect of the Wang Theatre in Boston, extending our geographic footprint and providing new distribution outlets for our live entertainment content. These transactions diversified the collection of venues we offer to artists and productions.
 
  •  Building on their initial collaboration, Wintuk, MSG Entertainment and the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil have expanded their relationship this year with the debut of a new vaudeville-inspired live entertainment show, Banana Shpeel. The show began previews in The Chicago Theatre on November 19, 2009, and will premiere at the Beacon Theatre beginning in February of 2010. This plan illustrates our strategy of developing new live entertainment content that can be utilized through Madison Square Garden’s owned and operated venues.
 
Our commitment to strengthening our core assets is also exemplified by the planned full-scale renovation of The Garden. The renovation is expected to result in a state-of-the-art facility that enhances the experience of our customers, partners, athletes and entertainers and is designed to attract even more marquee events to the building, while augmenting our revenue streams. Utilizing The Garden’s current footprint, the renovation is designed to ensure The Garden’s continued and lasting prominence as a sports and entertainment venue.
 
We believe the Company’s unique combination of assets and integrated approach, the depth of our relationships within the sports, media and entertainment industries and strong connection with our diverse and passionate audiences, sets the Company apart in the industry and represents a substantial opportunity for growth.
 
Garden of Dreams Foundation
 
Madison Square Garden also has a close association with The Garden of Dreams Foundation, a non-profit charity. This foundation is dedicated to making dreams come true for children in crisis. Working with 21 organizations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, including hospitals, wish organizations, homeless shelters, foster care organizations and community-based organizations, The Garden of Dreams Foundation utilizes the power and magic of Madison Square Garden and its properties to bring joy and happiness to children facing devastating problems. Garden of Dreams events and activities include full Knicks, Rangers and Liberty team events, special celebrations and event attendance at The Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre, visits by Madison Square Garden and Fuse celebrities, the MSG Entertainment Talent Show, where children perform on the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall, a ‘Dream Week’ summer camp, toy and coat drives, and the ‘Make A Dream Come True Program,’ where children enjoy unforgettable experiences with celebrities and at events.
 
We believe the depth of Madison Square Garden’s relationship with Garden of Dreams, which is actively integrated with each of our business segments, reflects our commitment to positively impact our community. Since its inception in 2006, the Foundation and Madison Square Garden have created once-in-a-lifetime experiences for more than 100,000 tri-state area children in crisis.


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MSG Sports
 
Our MSG Sports business consists of owning and operating sports franchises, including the New York Knicks, a founding member of the NBA, and the New York Rangers, one of the “original six” members of the NHL. We also own and operate the New York Liberty of the WNBA, one of the league’s founding franchises, and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, the primary player development team for the Rangers, which is competitive in its own right in the AHL. The Company’s sports business also features other sports properties, including the presentation of a wide variety of premier live sporting events including professional boxing, college basketball (The Big East Tournament, Jimmy V Classic, Post-season NIT Finals and, on occasion, Duke University games), track and field (The Millrose Games) and tennis (The BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup, which features the women winners of the previous year’s Grand Slam tennis events).
 
Our MSG Sports and MSG Media businesses naturally complement each other — with MSG Sports providing valuable content and MSG Media serving as a vital distribution system and promotional platform. MSG Media, through MSG Networks, telecasts the games of our Knicks, Rangers and Liberty teams, and we are continually exploring opportunities to enhance the relationship between MSG Sports and MSG Media through new events, both at our venues and elsewhere. For example, we utilized the 2008 sold-out Pete Sampras versus Roger Federer tennis match at The Garden as the first live sporting event on our newly rebranded MSG Plus network, taking advantage of the significant interest in the match to enhance viewership. In 2008, we broadened our boxing programming on MSG network by telecasting a middleweight bout from the Beacon Theatre featuring John Duddy.
 
Our Sports Franchises
 
The New York Knicks and the New York Rangers are two of the most recognized franchises in professional sports, with storied histories and passionate, multi-generational fan bases. These teams are major occupants of The Garden, with a total of 82 regular season home games, often at or near capacity attendance. In addition, the New York Liberty play 17 regular season home games at The Garden each year. The number of home games increases if our teams qualify for the playoffs.
 
In addition to being valuable stand-alone businesses, the Knicks and Rangers provide core content for our MSG Media segment, with approximately 150 regular season games telecast on MSG Networks, and generate significant audience demand for wrap-around and themed programming. As part of team and league marketing and telecast efforts, our sports teams provide regional and national visibility for the Company.
 
New York Knicks
 
As an original franchise of the NBA, the New York Knicks have a rich history that includes two NBA Championships, eight conference titles and some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. Under the leadership of Donnie Walsh and head coach Mike D’Antoni, the New York Knicks are focused on being competitive as they rebuild the team with the goal of becoming an elite member of the NBA. The Knicks’ current strategy centers on managing its rostered salary to be below the salary cap so that it can be active in the 2010 free agent market, while continuing to play an exciting, energetic and entertaining style of basketball. The Knicks enjoy the fierce allegiance of generations of passionate and knowledgeable fans. The Knicks ranked second in the NBA for ticket sales receipts for the 2008-09 season, while experiencing a 20% increase in regular season television ratings over the previous season.
 
New York Rangers
 
The New York Rangers hockey club is one of the “original six” franchises of the NHL. Winners of four Stanley Cup Championships, the Rangers have won 10 conference titles over their history. More recently, the team is one of only two Eastern Conference clubs to have made the playoffs in each of the last four seasons. The Rangers have a dynamic new style of play since hall of fame general manager Glen Sather hired head coach John Tortorella in February 2009. Tortorella is the winningest American coach in NHL history. The Rangers are known to have one of the most passionate, loyal and active fanbases in all of sports and ranked third in the NHL for ticket sales receipts for the 2008-09 season.


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New York Liberty
 
The New York Liberty were established on October 30, 1996, when New York was selected as one of eight charter members of the WNBA. The Liberty have won four conference championships and appeared in the post-season playoffs nine times. The Liberty have a well-known tradition of on-court competitiveness supported by an enthusiastic and loyal fan base.
 
Hartford Wolf Pack
 
The Company owns the Hartford Wolf Pack, a minor-league team, as a player development team for the Rangers, which is also competitive in its own right in the AHL. The Rangers send draft picks and other players to the Wolf Pack for skill development and injury rehabilitation, and can call up players as needed for the Rangers’ roster to enhance the team’s competitiveness. The Wolf Pack has reached the AHL playoffs every year of its existence, a streak that has run for twelve straight seasons.
 
The Role of the Leagues in Our Operations
 
As franchises in professional sports leagues, our teams are members of the leagues and, as such, may be subject to certain limitations, under certain circumstances, on the control and management of their affairs. The respective league constitutions, under which each league is operated, together with the collective bargaining agreements each league has signed with its players’ association, contain numerous provisions that, as a practical matter in certain circumstances, could impact our ability to operate our businesses. In addition, under the respective league constitutions, the commissioner of each league, either acting alone or with the consent of a majority (or, in some cases, a supermajority) of the other teams in the league, may be empowered in certain circumstances to take certain actions felt to be in the best interests of the league, whether or not such actions would benefit our teams and whether or not we consent or object to those actions.
 
While the precise rights and obligations of member teams vary from league to league, the leagues may have varying degrees of control exercisable under certain circumstances over the length and format of the playing season, including pre-season and playoff schedules; the operating territories of the member teams; national and international media and other licensing rights; admission of new members and changes in ownership; franchise relocations; indebtedness affecting the franchise; and labor relations with the players’ associations, including collective bargaining, free agency, and rules applicable to player transactions, luxury taxes and revenue sharing. See “Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — MSG Sports.” From time to time, we may disagree with or challenge actions the leagues take or the power and authority they assert, although the leagues’ governing documents and our agreements with the leagues purport to limit the manner in which we may challenge decisions and actions by a league commissioner or the league itself. See “Business — Legal Proceedings” for a discussion of recent litigation between us and the NHL.
 
Other Sports Properties
 
The Company’s sports business also features the presentation of a wide variety of premier live sporting events outside of Knicks, Rangers and Liberty games, including professional boxing, college basketball, track and field and tennis. MSG Sports also presents events such as WWE wrestling and the NBA and NFL drafts. Our sports business includes events that have been among the most popular in our history, as well as perennial highlights on our annual calendar, and also features some of Madison Square Garden’s longest-running associations. We continue to focus on growing this business through an increase in the diversity and number of events and through brand extensions, both at our venues and elsewhere, as we believe it presents growth opportunities for both our MSG Sports and MSG Media segments.
 
Professional boxing, beginning with John L. Sullivan in 1882, has had a long association with The Garden. This includes hosting Muhammad Ali’s and Joe Frazier’s 1971 “The Fight of the Century,” which is considered among the greatest sporting events in modern history, as well as bouts featuring dozens of other boxing greats. These have included Miguel Cotto, Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Rocky Graziano, Emile Griffith, Bernard Hopkins, Oscar de la Hoya, Jake LaMotta, Sugar Ray Leonard, Lennox Lewis, Joe Louis,


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Rocky Marciano, Floyd Patterson, Sugar Ray Robinson, Felix Trinidad, Roy Jones, Jr., Mike Tyson, and Evander Holyfield. Additionally, The Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament has called The Garden home since 1928.
 
College basketball has been a mainstay at The Garden for decades, with the sport’s longest running holiday tournament, the Holiday Festival, first tipping off over 50 years ago. In addition to St. John’s University calling The Garden its home away from home, the popular Big East Tournament celebrated its 27th anniversary at The Garden in 2009. Popular college basketball events also include visits from Duke University’s Blue Devils and the annual Jimmy V Classic and post-season NIT Finals. The Garden has hosted the Millrose Games, with their world famous Wanamaker Mile, since 1914. Additionally, the BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup, a premier tennis event featuring the women winners of the previous year’s Grand Slam events, debuted in 2009 and is scheduled to take place annually through 2013.
 
MSG Entertainment
 
Our entertainment business, MSG Entertainment, continues to solidify its position as one of the country’s leaders in live entertainment. It is responsible for the creation, production and/or presentation of a variety of live productions, including The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Rockettes, which is the #1 live holiday family show in America and seen by approximately two million people annually, and the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil’s Wintuk. MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts other live entertainment events such as concerts, including shows by The Police, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake, Pearl Jam, Chris Rock, Madonna and the Jonas Brothers; family shows, such as Dora the Explorer, Thomas the Tank Engine and Sesame Street Live; special events such as the premiere of Sex and the City: The Movie, Fashion Rocks and the Tony Awards; and theatrical productions, such as The Wizard of Oz and Annie. MSG Entertainment focuses on consistently delivering unforgettable live entertainment experiences in exceptional settings, creating demand for an association with our brands by artists and demand for our productions by the public. From a starting point of world-class expertise in live entertainment, including the historic traditions of the “World’s Most Famous Arena” and Radio City Music Hall, as well as our other venues (including The Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, The Chicago Theatre and the Wang Theatre), MSG Entertainment has a proven ability to utilize the strength of its industry relationships and live event expertise to create performance, promotion and distribution opportunities for artists and productions.
 
MSG Entertainment’s unique combination of relationships and expertise is important not only for MSG Entertainment’s current and future business, but also to our MSG Media segment, which increasingly benefits from opportunities for quality new programming and relationships. For example, our recent, multi-faceted relationship with the Dave Matthews Band resulted in a sold-out show at the Beacon Theatre and exclusive content on Fuse, demonstrating our ability to help artists move beyond their core fan base to attract more diversified interest from fans, venues and other sources. MSG Entertainment’s industry relationships also helped Fuse secure agreements to become the television home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, Bonnaroo Festival and Lollapalooza.
 
Our Productions
 
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
 
One of MSG Entertainment’s core properties, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been performed at Radio City Music Hall for more than 75 years and is a holiday celebration for approximately two million people nationwide each year. Featuring the world-famous Radio City Rockettes, the critically acclaimed Radio City Christmas Spectacular features show-stopping performances, festive holiday scenes and state-of-the-art special effects, including utilizing one of the world’s largest high definition LED screens.
 
In 2007, in celebration of the show’s 75th anniversary and as part of our strategic commitment to invest in our core assets, we significantly enhanced the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The enhanced show balances cutting-edge new Rockettes numbers with more nostalgic fan favorites, including “The Living Nativity” and “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” both of which have been performed in the show since its inception in 1933. Also as part of the 75th anniversary celebration and speaking to the show’s national appeal,


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NBC aired and Madison Square Garden produced a one-hour special of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, anchored from Radio City Music Hall by Meredith Vieira and Matt Lauer. Additionally, as part of its MSG Originals series, and in another instance of collaboration among our segments, our MSG network created a documentary on the history of Radio City Music Hall and the 75th Anniversary of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The documentary, which first aired in 2007, utilized historic footage, interviews with historians, Rockettes and production representatives to showcase the remarkable history of the “Showplace of the Nation,” while also increasing awareness and interest in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
 
We continue to invest in strengthening and broadening our Rockette brand, targeting the most prominent and effective vehicles that elevate their visibility and underscore their reputation as beloved American cultural icons. The Rockettes have appeared or performed at high profile events, such as Super Bowl halftime shows, Presidential Inaugurations and the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, among many others, and pursue carefully considered branded products, such as table-top books, exercise DVDs and Rockette dolls.
 
Based on the success of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, in 1994 we expanded the Radio City Christmas Spectacular franchise outside of the New York area, with a specially designed theater-sized version of the show. Since that time, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been performed in many cities across North America, including Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Toronto, St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Denver, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Seattle, Nashville and Phoenix. The current theatrical touring version of the show consists of three productions: a recurring production at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, as well as two other productions that each perform in two cities for up to four weeks during the holiday season.
 
In 2008, we further extended the Radio City Christmas Spectacular brand with the debut of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular arena tour. This full-scale arena touring production of the show emulates the size and grandeur of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular experience at Radio City Music Hall and, as such, the production required significant investment to recreate the scope and energy of that experience. The show played arenas in 18 cities across the United States, from Minneapolis to Houston, including Austin, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Oklahoma City and Little Rock. This arena production took the show beyond its traditional theater environment, extending our presence into new markets, while attracting a greater audience. Although playing to critical acclaim during its inaugural year, the performance of the show did not meet our financial expectations due, in part, to the severe economic climate at the end of 2008. Currently, the show is being re-designed to be more cost efficient and to be able to tour more cities so that it can achieve its goal of contributing to our profitability. In 2009, the arena tour is expected to play arenas in 31 cities, including Ft. Lauderdale, Toronto, Philadelphia, Columbus, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Memphis, Montreal, Birmingham, Charlotte and Orlando.
 
Since its inception, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has played to more than 67 million people in 43 different cities. We acquired the rights to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 1997, and those rights are separate from, and do not depend on the continuation of, our lease on Radio City Music Hall. We also hold rights to the Rockettes in the same manner.
 
Wintuk and Other Cirque du Soleil Productions
 
In 2007, to realize our vision of creating, developing or acquiring unique and compelling new content for our venues, we entered into an agreement with the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. This relationship led to the creation of Wintuk, the story of a boy’s quest for snow, which was built specifically for The Theater at Madison Square Garden and represents the first Cirque du Soleil family-themed show. Currently scheduled to run at least through the 2010 holiday season, Wintuk weaves together thrilling acrobatics, theatrical effects and memorable songs.
 
We plan to build on the strength of our current relationship with Cirque du Soleil and our shared commitment to create compelling new live events in exceptional settings. For example, we recently have expanded our relationship to include another new stage theatrical production, Banana Shpeel, based on a Vaudeville theme. Banana Shpeel began previews in The Chicago Theatre on November 19, 2009, and will premiere at the Beacon Theatre in New York in February 2010. This production was designed to be capable of


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touring theaters throughout the world. We hope to further expand our relationship with Cirque du Soleil in the future, with the creation of additional new productions for our venues, as well as touring productions.
 
Our Bookings and Other Entertainment Business Activities
 
MSG Entertainment is an established industry leader responsible for booking a wide variety of live entertainment events in our venues, which perennially include some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. Over the last several years, our venues have showcased artists including The Police, Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, The Dead, Beyonce, Paul Simon and Eric Clapton and other popular events such as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the Tony Awards. Although we primarily license our venues to third-party promoters for a fee, we also promote or co-promote shows, in which case we share the economic risk relating to the event. We do not currently promote or co-promote events outside of our venues other than our productions described above.
 
MSG Media
 
MSG Media is a leader in production and content development for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from our venues. It consists of programming networks and interactive offerings, including the MSG Networks (MSG network, MSG Plus, MSG HD and MSG Plus HD) and the Fuse Networks (Fuse and Fuse HD). MSG Networks are home to seven professional sports teams: the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres and New York Red Bulls, as well as to our critically acclaimed original and other programming, including MSG Originals, highlighted by the New York Emmy-award winning series The 50 Greatest Moments at MSG, Big 12 and PAC 10 football, and ACC, Big East and PAC 10 basketball.
 
Since Fuse became part of MSG Media in 2008, it has focused on establishing itself as a unique multi-platform music destination, where artists and fans can interact and build relationships. Programming on Fuse focuses on music-related programming, including coverage of premier artists, events and festivals, original content and high profile concerts. Certain Fuse programming centers around its insider access to MSG Entertainment and Madison Square Garden’s venues that Fuse uses to create music programming, while offering a voice and enhanced exposure to artists. Our interactive businesses include a group of highly targeted websites (including msg.com, thegarden.com, radiocity.com, nyknicks.com, newyorkrangers.com and fuse.tv) and wireless, video on demand and digital platforms for all Madison Square Garden properties. MSG Media allows us to leverage the value of the content created, produced and/or presented by MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment.
 
MSG Networks and Fuse provide regional and national distribution for both MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment content, and thereby play a critical role in supporting, promoting and enhancing those businesses. Fuse’s national distribution and focus on music-related programming provide a national vehicle to expand MSG Media’s and MSG Entertainment’s involvement in the music and entertainment industries, deepening our ability to offer artists enhanced exposure. MSG network’s focus on being “all things Madison Square Garden,” allows it to serve as a powerful platform for the distribution of our sports and entertainment content, while differentiating our media offerings in a diverse and competitive environment.
 
Examples of the success of our business collaborations include Fuse becoming the television home of several music-focused events and festivals and Fuse’s groundbreaking series showcasing numerous performances from Madison Square Garden venues, entitled Fuse Presents. MSG network’s documentary on the history of Radio City Music Hall and the 75th Anniversary of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular also epitomizes this cooperative approach. The documentary, which first aired in 2007, utilized historic footage, interviews with historians, Rockettes and production representatives to showcase the remarkable history of the “Showplace of the Nation,” while also increasing awareness and interest in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. When the restored Beacon Theatre was re-opened, MSG network and Fuse collaborated on a one-hour documentary detailing the history of the theater and the process of restoration that was telecast on both networks. MSG Media and MSG Entertainment also worked together with Kanye West for The Kanye West Foundation event at The Chicago Theatre in June 2009. The event aired on Fuse, Fuse HD and Fuse On


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Demand, with subsequent re-airings on MSG network. This collaboration is indicative of the mutually beneficial opportunities we can provide today’s artists. Kanye West was able to perform a concert to benefit his foundation and received significant visibility between albums, while Fuse and MSG network produced exclusive content and targeted programming to increase viewership.
 
MSG Networks
 
Winner of more than 140 New York Emmy awards for live sports and original programming, MSG Networks is the home to seven professional sports teams: the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres and New York Red Bulls, as well as our critically acclaimed original and other programming, including MSG Originals, highlighted by the New York Emmy-award winning series The 50 Greatest Moments at MSG, Big 12 and PAC 10 football, and ACC, Big East and Pac 10 basketball. In addition to the Company’s ownership of Knicks, Rangers and Liberty rights, MSG Networks has long-term rights agreements with the Islanders, Devils and Sabres. MSG network and MSG Plus are among the nation’s largest regional cable networks and collectively telecast nearly 700 live sporting events over 2,100 hours of original programming in 2008. MSG HD and MSG Plus HD collectively telecast over 300 live sporting events in high definition in 2008. MSG network and MSG Plus are each received by approximately 8 million subscribers primarily in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
 
In 2006, we expanded the programming on MSG network to include additional programming originating from or related to our venues, while continuing to deliver award-winning live sports coverage. MSG network’s line-up of programming highlights how the Company’s sports, entertainment and media segments work together to increase exposure for our brands, enhance our offerings to artists and productions, and create must-see content for our programming networks. Examples include:
 
  •  The critically acclaimed and New York Emmy award-winning, MSG Originals documentary series, which has featured such titles as The 50 Greatest Moments at MSG, Concert for New York City Remembered, Mecca of Boxing, and The Restoration of the Beacon Theatre
 
  •  The MSG Concert Series, which features a variety of past and present concerts or artists playing our venues
 
  •  Road to MSG, a series that brings viewers along as their favorite artists and athletes prepare to take the stage or hit the floor of the “World’s Most Famous Arena” or one of our other venues
 
  •  Programming relating to the Knicks, Rangers and Liberty, such as MSG Vault, MSG Profiles, Fans Most Wanted, Hockey Night Live, and dedicated pre- and post-game shows, all of which allows us to capitalize on the extraordinary enthusiasm of our teams’ fans
 
In March 2008, together with our MSG Sports segment, MSG Media capitalized on the interest and excitement regarding the Roger Federer versus Pete Sampras tennis match at The Garden to launch MSG Plus (previously known as FSN New York). The sold-out match, which pitted the #1 ranked Federer against Sampras, who was at that time the recently retired holder of the most Grand Slam titles, originated from The Garden and was aggressively promoted as the first live sports programming on the newly rebranded MSG Plus. We also have a long and rich tradition of presenting professional and amateur boxing events, including numerous title bouts and the Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament, which has called The Garden home since 1928.
 
MSG Plus programming includes the best of live sports and original programming from Fox Sports Net, which has included a strong lineup of national and local college football and basketball, shows such as Best Damn Sports Show, The FSN Final Score and Sports Science, as well as a variety of live local sports. In addition, MSG Plus produces a robust lineup of original sports programming and games, including high school sports, supporting original programming for its professional teams, human interest shows, horse racing, and international sports content.
 
In 1998, MSG HD became the first regular provider of sporting events in high definition. Today we produce substantially all New York Knicks and New York Rangers telecasts, substantially all of the home


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telecasts and certain away telecasts of the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils and substantially all of the home telecasts of the Buffalo Sabres and certain original programming in a high definition format for inclusion in MSG HD and MSG Plus HD.
 
Fuse
 
Fuse is a national programming network that provides a unique, multi-platform music destination, centered on the development of creative music programming driven by meaningful relationships within the music industry and the interaction of artists and fans. Fuse is received by approximately 54 million subscribers and has a video-on-demand platform that is available to over 25 million homes. Fuse Networks currently distributes programming on its linear television channel, Fuse, on its high-definition channel Fuse HD, on-demand via Fuse On Demand, on-line via fuse.tv and to mobile technologies via Fuse Mobile.
 
Closely tied to MSG Entertainment and to some of the world’s most iconic venues, such as The Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, and The Chicago Theatre, we believe Fuse is positioned to provide artists and fans with a music experience that is not available anywhere else. Its unique access to Madison Square Garden assets allows Fuse to bring fans on-stage, off-stage and behind the stage of some of today’s hottest performances and events, while its ability to offer direct exposure to marketing opportunities for artists gives it credibility among today’s artists and their management. We believe this combination creates opportunities to expand Fuse’s distribution, domestically and internationally.
 
Prior to 2008, Fuse was part of Cablevision’s Rainbow segment, however, the combined financial statements of the Company and the operating results of our MSG Media segment include the operating results for Fuse for all periods presented in this information statement. In 2008, Fuse was contributed to Madison Square Garden to fulfill a strategic objective to expand our reach to a national audience, increase the value proposition of our programming and marketing to promoters, artists and music labels and take advantage of the unique access to our iconic venues and our entertainment industry relationships through MSG Entertainment. Following the contribution, Fuse underwent a year of transition in 2008, as we invested in programming, production and marketing initiatives to reposition the network as a multi-platform music destination. After assessing Fuse’s development during 2008, we have refined our strategy to create a voice for artists and fans by emphasizing collaborations with MSG Entertainment, expanding industry relationships, creating innovative programming and exploiting Fuse’s insider access to our iconic venues.
 
As part of its efforts to enhance its position within the music television space, Fuse has forged exclusive arrangements with popular artists, events and festivals, produced original programming and featured high profile concerts and events. These initiatives often represent a coordinated effort between MSG Entertainment and Fuse. Fuse’s current slate of programming includes:
 
  •  Exclusive television coverage of one of music’s biggest annual events, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Branded Fuse Hall of Fame, this relationship also includes a year-long block of specially dedicated Hall of Fame programming that celebrates the classic and iconic in rock history
 
  •  FuseFest, featuring footage from Bamboozle, Warped Tour, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and the New Orleans-focused Voodoo Experience
 
  •  No. 1 Countdown, Video Yearbook and Loaded, which feature top music videos in rock, pop, alternative, hip-hop and viewer’s choice and select documentaries of artists
 
  •  Fuse Presents, a select series of concert specials and dedicated support programming covering such artists as Dave Matthews Band, Kanye West, Fall Out Boy, The Killers, Foo Fighters and the Cure
 
  •  Full Volume Flicks, which features Hollywood movies relating to music
 
Other Media Properties — MSG Interactive
 
MSG Interactive is the network of websites and wireless, video on demand and digital platforms for all Madison Square Garden properties. It includes 16 interactive websites, blogs and social networking sites for our properties, which collectively reach two million unique users each month. Websites include msg.com,


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thegarden.com, beacontheatre.com, radiocity.com, chicagotheatre.com and fuse.tv, as well as sites dedicated to our sports teams (nyknicks.com, newyorkrangers.com and newyorkliberty.com). Like our MSG Sports business, the on-line operations relating to our sports teams may, in certain circumstances, be subject to certain agreements, rules, policies, regulations and directives of the leagues in which the respective team operates. See “Business — Regulation — Regulation of Our Media Business.” MSG Interactive properties also include the MSG Insider email, alert and wireless platform and a series of Madison Square Garden social network and blog sites. The MSG Interactive business generates revenue for Madison Square Garden via the sale of advertising and sponsorships on these digital properties. Additionally, supported by its database of nearly four million engaged sports and music fans, MSG Interactive offers a strategic marketing asset that creates opportunities to market directly to our fans and cross-promote across our businesses.
 
The Company has a small number of licensing arrangements permitting third parties to use trademarks or other intellectual property of the Company for limited purposes. For example, we have a licensing arrangement with Cablevision permitting it to use “MSG Varsity” as the name of its high school sports programming service.
 
Our Venues
 
The Company operates a mix of iconic venues that continue to build on their historic prominence as destinations for unforgettable experiences and events. Individually, these venues are each premier showplaces, with a passionate and loyal following of fans, performers and events. Taken together, we believe they represent an outstanding collection of venues.
 
We operate five venues in New York City and Chicago, which are either owned or operated under long-term leases, and have a long-term booking agreement with the Wang Theatre in Boston. Our New York City venues include the Madison Square Garden complex (which includes both The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden), Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre, and our Chicago venue is the landmark Chicago Theatre.
 
Madison Square Garden Arena
 
Madison Square Garden has been a celebrated center of New York life since the first Garden opened its doors in 1879. Over its 130-year history, there have been four Garden buildings, each known for showcasing the best of the era’s live entertainment offerings. We believe that The Garden has come to epitomize the power and passion of live sports and entertainment to people around the world, with an appearance at The Garden often representing a pinnacle of an athlete’s or performer’s career. Known simply as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” The Garden has been the site of some of the most memorable events in sports and entertainment, and, along with The Theater at Madison Square Garden, currently plays host to approximately 400 events and approximately four million visitors each year. The Garden is the highest-grossing entertainment venue in the world, based on Billboard Magazine’s 2008 rankings.
 
The Garden is home to three professional sports teams, the New York Knicks, New York Rangers and New York Liberty, and is associated with countless “big events,” inspired performances and one-of-a-kind moments. The Garden’s thousands of highlights include “The Fight of the Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971 (considered among the greatest sporting events in history); the 1970 Knicks NBA Championship; the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup Championship; three Democratic National Conventions and one Republican National Convention; a landmark visit from Pope John Paul II; Marilyn Monroe’s famous birthday serenade to President John F. Kennedy; Frank Sinatra’s “Main Event” concert in 1974; Elton John’s record 60 performances; Billy Joel’s record-setting 12 consecutive sold-out shows; three prominent benefit concerts, which galvanized the public to respond to national or global crises, including the first of its kind, The Concert for Bangladesh in 1972, as well as The Concert for New York City, following the events of 9/11 and The Big Apple to the Big Easy, following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
 
The current Madison Square Garden complex, located between 31st and 33rd Streets and Seventh and Eighth Avenues on Manhattan’s West Side, opened on February 11, 1968, with a salute to the U.S.O., hosted by Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. From a structural standpoint, the construction of the current Garden was


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considered an engineering wonder for its time, including its famous circular shape and unique, cable-supported ceiling, which contributes to its intimate feel. It was the first large structure built over an active railroad track. The builder, R.E. McKee, had a national reputation and was later recognized as a “Master Builder” by the construction industry. Architect Joe Luckman had one of the largest firms in the country and designed such buildings as the Prudential Center in Boston and NASA’s flight center in Houston.
 
We own the Madison Square Garden building, the platform on which it is built and certain development rights (including air rights) associated with the lot. Madison Square Garden sits atop Pennsylvania Station, a major commuter hub in Manhattan, which is owned by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak). While the development rights we own would permit us to expand in the future, any such use of development rights would require various approvals from the City of New York. The Garden seats up to approximately 21,000 spectators for sporting and entertainment events and contains 985,600 square feet of floor space over 11 levels.
 
The Madison Square Garden Arena Renovation
 
The Garden has gone through four incarnations, with the current building occupying its position above Pennsylvania Station since 1968. We are in the pre-construction planning phase of our renovation of The Garden, which we believe will have multiple benefits, including:
 
  •  Providing a state-of-the-art venue that can attract concerts, as well as other large, high profile sports, entertainment and other special events which benefit our customers, as well as the New York economy
 
  •  Improving the experience of customers in all parts of the venue
 
  •  Increasing our attractiveness to free agents in basketball and hockey
 
  •  Supporting our efforts to retain and grow our season ticket bases for our teams
 
  •  Increasing the breadth of VIP offerings and venue-based opportunities available to marketing partners
 
  •  Augmenting revenue streams
 
  •  Providing a new point of origination for programming from our MSG Networks studios
 
The renovation is an example of our strategic commitment to invest in our core assets and continue to provide the kind of historic, unforgettable experiences that have long been a key component of our business. Focused on the total fan experience, the renovation will benefit everyone in attendance, from the first row to the last, whether they are first time visitors, season ticket subscribers, athletes or marketing partners. All of our customers will experience improved sight lines, entertainment and dining options, new concourses, hospitality areas, views of the city, new technology and a completely transformed interior. The current renovation plan, which is designed to ensure that attending an event at The Garden is unlike anywhere else, will be specifically highlighted by:
 
  •  A dramatically redesigned Seventh Avenue entrance
 
  •  New, more comfortable seats, with better sightlines that put patrons closer to the action
 
  •  New, wider and more spacious public concourses with spectacular views of the city
 
  •  Unique “bridges” suspended above each side of The Garden, providing seating for fans that doesn’t exist in any arena today
 
  •  State-of-the-art lighting, sound and LED video systems in HDTV
 
  •  New food, beverage and bar options
 
  •  A new suite configuration that includes:
 
  –  58 new lower-level suites that are 50 percent larger than our current suites and half the distance to events


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  –  20 new event level suites, which include the best seats in the house
 
  –  One super suite, which is the size of 10 traditional suites
 
  •  Improved dressing rooms, locker rooms, star dressing rooms and production offices for athletes and performers
 
  •  A new upper level with a party deck with bars and buffets
 
  •  Additional new restrooms
 
  •  Restoration of The Garden’s famous ceiling
 
We continue to review all aspects of this complex project with our consultants in order to improve the renovation plans, mitigate project risks and identify efficiencies in all aspects of costs, planning and project-phasing. We also continue to develop our cost and capital investment estimates to ensure that the planned renovation meets our overall expectations and objectives.
 
While the pre-construction planning and cost estimates of this renovation are not yet final, we currently expect that the project’s cost will be between $775 million and $850 million, of which approximately $60 million will have been incurred by December 31, 2009. We expect that the estimated costs associated with the project will be met from cash on hand, receipt of repayments of advances made to a subsidiary of Cablevision and cash flow from our operations. We have recently obtained commitments from a group of banks for a revolving credit facility. (See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Financing Agreements.”) To the extent that management determines that financing for this renovation is required or desirable, we would expect to draw on this facility.
 
In order to most efficiently and effectively complete the renovation, it will be a year-round project. Our goal is to minimize disruption to current operations and, to achieve this, The Garden will remain open for the New York Knicks’ and New York Rangers’ seasons in the years when the renovation takes place, while we sequence the construction to ensure that we maximize our construction efforts when we close the arena during summer months. Our current expectation is that the renovated lower bowl of The Garden will be open for the 2011-12 seasons, and that the renovated upper bowl will be open for the 2012-13 seasons.
 
Although the Company continues to pursue the arena renovation plan, there can be no assurance that a renovation will occur or what the ultimate cost, scope or timing of any renovation activity may be.
 
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
 
The current incarnation of The Theater at Madison Square Garden has approximately 5,600 seats. The theater opened as part of the fourth Madison Square Garden complex in 1968, with seven nights of performances by Judy Garland. Since then, some of the biggest names in the music world have played the theater, including Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Elton John, James Taylor, Melissa Etheridge, Neil Young, Radiohead, The Doors and Van Morrison. The theater has also hosted award shows such as The Daytime Emmys and the Essence Awards. We also host theatrical productions, family shows and other special events in the theater. Today, The Theater at Madison Square Garden is the third-highest grossing entertainment venue of its size in the world (based on Billboard Magazine’s 2008 rankings).
 
The Theater at Madison Square Garden is also home to Wintuk, the winter themed show we co-produce with Cirque du Soleil. See “Business — MSG Entertainment — Our Productions — Wintuk and Other Cirque du Soleil Productions.”
 
Radio City Music Hall
 
Radio City Music Hall has a rich history as a national theatrical and cultural mecca since it was first established by theatrical impresario S.L. “Roxy” Rothafel in 1932. Known as “The Showplace of the Nation” it was the first building in the Rockefeller Center complex and, at the time, the largest indoor theater in the world. Perhaps best known as home to the country’s #1 live holiday family show, the Radio City Christmas


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Spectacular, starring the world-famous Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall also hosts concerts, family shows and special events, such as the Tony Awards, the NFL Draft and Fashion Rocks. See “Business — MSG Entertainment — Our Productions — Radio City Christmas Spectacular.” Today, Radio City Music Hall is the highest-grossing entertainment venue of its size in the world, based on Billboard Magazine’s 2008 rankings.
 
First built for approximately $8 million in 1932, Radio City Music Hall was designated a New York City landmark in 1979 and a National Historic Landmark in 1987. We acquired the lease in 1997, and in 1999, in another example of our commitment to invest in our core assets to help drive our long-term business, we invested approximately $70 million on a complete restoration that returned the legendary theater to its original grandeur. Our acclaimed restoration included burnishing the ceilings of Radio City with 720,000 sheets of gold and aluminum leaf, replacing the existing stage curtain with a new 112-foot wide golden silk replacement, and replacing its approximately 6,000 seats. All furniture, wall fabric, carpeting, lighting fixtures and appointments were cleaned, repaired or remade, and the three-story tall mural “The Fountain of Youth,” by Ezra Winter, which looms above the grand staircase, was cleaned of decades of grime, varnish and polyurethane. State-of-the-art sound systems, lighting and HDTV capabilities were also installed, and the theater now houses one of the world’s largest LED screens, which is prominently featured in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
 
We lease Radio City Music Hall, located at Sixth Avenue and 50th Street in Manhattan, pursuant to a long-term lease. The lease on Radio City Music Hall expires in 2023. We have the option to renew the lease for an additional ten years by providing two years’ notice prior to the initial expiration date.
 
The Beacon Theatre
 
In November 2006, we entered into a long-term lease agreement to operate the legendary Beacon Theatre, which sits on the corner of Broadway and 74th Street in Manhattan. Designed by Chicago architect Walter Ahlschlager, and conceived of by Roxy Rothafel as the sister venue to Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre opened in 1929 as a forum for vaudeville acts, musical productions, drama, opera, and movies. In 1979, the Beacon was designated a New York landmark building by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission and a national landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Over its history, the Beacon has been a veritable rock & roll room for some of the greatest names in music. The Allman Brothers have held an annual rite of spring concert series at the Beacon Theatre known as “The Beacon Run,” performing over 175 shows at the Beacon over ten years. The Beacon has also staged operatic events, including Madame Butterfly in 1988, and has hosted numerous luminaries, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1999 and 2009, and President Bill Clinton in 2006, when the Rolling Stones played a private concert in honor of his 60th birthday.
 
In order to ensure that we could deliver a first-class experience to customers and performers, in August of 2008 we closed the Beacon for a seven-month restoration to return the theater to its original 1929 grandeur, at a cost of approximately $17 million. The comprehensive restoration of the Beacon focused on all historic, interior public spaces of the building, backstage and back-of-house areas, and was based on extensive historic research, as well as detailed, on-site examination of original, decorative painting techniques that had been covered by decades-old layers of paint. The widely acclaimed, comprehensive restoration was similar to our restoration of Radio City Music Hall, and reflects our commitment to New York City, which we believe should have the world’s most iconic venues that provide unforgettable experiences for millions of patrons every year.
 
Our lease on the approximately 2,800 seat Beacon Theatre expires in 2026.
 
The Chicago Theatre
 
In October 2007, to extend our presence outside of New York and provide us with an anchor for content and distribution in a key market in the Midwest, we purchased the legendary Chicago Theatre, a venue with approximately 3,600 seats. The Chicago Theatre, which features its famous six-story-high “C-H-I-C-A-G-O” marquee, was built in 1921 and designed in the French Baroque style by architects Cornelius W. Rapp and


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George L. Rapp. It is the oldest surviving example of this architectural style in Chicago today, and was designated a Chicago landmark building in 1983 by the Mayor of Chicago and the Chicago City Council.
 
Today, The Chicago Theatre is becoming a highly attractive destination for concerts, shows and events, including a wide range of entertainers, such as Bob Dylan, Chris Rock, Fall Out Boy, Kanye West, Kathy Griffin and Steely Dan. The theatre also has served host to Broadway tours, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Dreamgirls. While continuing to present first-class concert events, we also intend to diversify The Chicago Theatre’s entertainment offerings to include an increased number of theatrical and family shows, as well as special events. The Chicago Theatre is the fifth highest-grossing entertainment venue of its size in the world, based on Billboard Magazine’s 2008 rankings.
 
In connection with our acquisition of The Chicago Theatre, we assumed certain obligations of the previous owner contained in a redevelopment agreement between that owner and the City of Chicago, all of which obligations expire in 2014. Until the expiration of those obligations, we are required to obtain the approval of the City of Chicago in connection with any sale of The Chicago Theatre.
 
The Wang Theatre
 
In August 2008, we entered into a booking agreement with respect to the historic Wang Theatre in Boston. Under the booking agreement, we are utilizing our experience in event production and entertainment marketing to increase the quantity and diversity of performances staged at the Wang Theatre. These performances include theatrical productions and family shows, such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, concerts, such as a multi-night run by Steely Dan and a performance by poet and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, and a timely speaker series featuring today’s newsmakers. The Wang Theatre seats approximately 3,600.
 
Our booking agreement expires in 2019. We have the option to renew the agreement at that time for an additional ten years.
 
Investment in Front Line Management Group Inc.
 
In June 2008, we purchased a 10% ownership interest in Front Line Management Group Inc. (“Front Line”), a musical artist management company. A controlling interest in Front Line is owned by Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc. Front Line is one of the world’s leading artist management companies. Front Line manages musical artists and acts primarily in rock, classic rock, pop and country music, including the Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, Neil Diamond, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Nicks, Aerosmith, Steely Dan, Chicago and Journey. As of December 31, 2008, Front Line had almost 200 artists on its roster and approximately 80 managers providing services to artists. The investment is designed to more closely align Madison Square Garden with a strong collection of music artists. The Company is continuing to explore opportunities to attract Front Line’s artists to our portfolio of music related assets, including our historic venues, and to our media assets, including Fuse and MSG network.
 
Regulation
 
Regulation of Our Sports and Entertainment Businesses
 
Our sports and entertainment businesses are subject to legislation governing the sale and resale of tickets and consumer protection statutes generally.
 
In addition, many of the events produced or promoted by our sports and entertainment businesses are presented in our venues which are, similar to all public spaces, subject to building codes and fire regulations imposed by the state and local governments in the jurisdictions in which our venues are located. These venues are also subject to zoning and outdoor advertising regulations, which restrict us from making certain modifications to our facilities as of right or from operating certain types of businesses. These venues also require a number of licenses in order for us to operate, including occupancy permits, exhibition licenses, food and beverage permits, liquor licenses and other authorizations. In addition, our venues are subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires us to maintain certain accessibility features at each of our facilities.


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The professional sports leagues in which we operate, primarily the NBA and NHL, claim the right under certain circumstances to regulate important aspects of our sports business and our team-related interactive businesses. See “Business — MSG Sports — The Role of the Leagues in Our Operations.”
 
Regulation of Our Media Business
 
The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) imposes regulations on cable television operators and satellite operators that affect programming networks indirectly. In addition, cable television programming networks, such as our MSG Networks and Fuse, are also regulated by the FCC because they are affiliated with a cable television operator like Cablevision.
 
Closed Captioning and Advertising Restrictions on Children’s Programming.
 
Certain of our networks must provide closed-captioning of programming for the hearing impaired, and our programming and Internet websites intended primarily for children 12 years of age and under must comply with certain limits on advertising.
 
Indecency and Obscenity Restrictions.
 
Cable operators and other distributors are prohibited from transmitting obscene programming, and our affiliation agreements generally require us to refrain from including such programming on our networks.
 
Program Access.
 
The “program access” provisions of the Federal Cable Act generally require satellite-delivered video programming in which a cable operator holds an attributable interest, as that term is defined by the FCC, to be made available to all multichannel video programming providers, including satellite providers and telephone companies, on nondiscriminatory prices, terms and conditions, subject to certain exceptions specified in the statute and the FCC’s rules. For purposes of these rules, the common directors and five percent or greater voting shareholders of Cablevision and the Company will be deemed to be cable operators with attributable interests in Madison Square Garden after the Distribution. As long as we continue to have common directors and major shareholders with Cablevision, our satellite-delivered video programming services will remain subject to the program access provisions. Until October 2012, these rules also prohibit us from entering into exclusive contracts with cable operators for these services. This prohibition has been challenged in federal court.
 
The program-access rules do not currently cover terrestrially-delivered programming created by cable system-affiliated programmers such as the Company, but the FCC is considering revising its rules to compel the licensing of such programming in response to a complaint by a multichannel video programming distributor if the complainant can demonstrate that the lack of such programming significantly hinders or prevents it from providing video service. We cannot predict whether the FCC will adopt such changes or make other revisions to the program access rules. Verizon and AT&T have each filed a program access complaint at the FCC against Cablevision and us challenging their respective lack of access to our terrestrially-delivered high definition programming of our MSG Networks. Cablevision and the Company are vigorously contesting both complaints. We cannot predict whether or how action by the FCC to expand the scope of the program access rules will affect these complaints or our defense of them. Cablevision’s multichannel video competitors have also proposed that Congress change the law to expressly extend the program access requirements to terrestrially-delivered programming. We cannot predict whether or how Congress will act in response to these proposals.
 
The FCC is seeking comment on a proposal to allow a cable operator to seek repeal of the exclusivity ban prior to 2012 with respect to programming it owns, in markets where the cable operator faces competition from other video programming distributors; revisions to the program access complaint procedures; and whether it would be appropriate to extend the Commission’s program access rules, including the exclusive contract prohibition, to terrestrially delivered cable-affiliated programming and programming delivered in high definition format.


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Wholesale “A La Carte.”
 
The FCC is also seeking comment on whether to require programming networks to make each of their services available to video programming distributors on an “a la carte” basis.
 
Effect of “Must-Carry” Requirements.
 
The FCC’s implementation of the statutory “must-carry” obligations requires cable and satellite operators to give broadcasters preferential access to channel space. This may reduce the amount of channel space that is available for carriage of our networks by cable television systems and DBS operators.
 
Satellite Carriage.
 
All satellite carriers must under federal law offer their service to deliver Madison Square Garden’s and its competitor’s programming networks on a nondiscriminatory basis (including by means of a lottery). A satellite carrier cannot unreasonably discriminate against any customer in its charges or conditions of carriage.
 
Media Ownership Restrictions.
 
FCC rules set media ownership limits that restrict, among other things, the number of daily newspapers and radio and TV stations in which a single entity may hold an attributable interest as that term is defined by the FCC. The fact that the common directors and five percent or greater voting shareholders of Cablevision and the Company will hold attributable interests in each of the companies after the Distribution for purposes of these rules means that these cross ownership rules may have the effect of limiting the activities or strategic business alternatives available to us, at least for as long as we continue to have common directors and major shareholders with Cablevision.
 
Website Requirements.
 
Madison Square Garden maintains various websites that provide information and content regarding its businesses and offer merchandise for sale. The operation of these websites may be subject to a range of federal, state and local laws such as privacy and consumer protection regulations. The on-line operations relating to our sports teams may, in certain circumstances, be subject to certain agreements, rules, policies, regulations and directives of the leagues in which the respective team operates. See “Business — MSG Sports — The Role of the Leagues in Our Operations.”
 
Competition
 
Competition in Our Sports Business
 
Our sports business operates in a market in which numerous sports entertainment opportunities are available. In addition to the NBA, NHL and WNBA teams that we own and operate, the New York market is home to two Major League Baseball teams (the New York Yankees and the New York Mets), two National Football League teams (the New York Giants and the New York Jets), two additional NHL teams (the New York Islanders and the New Jersey Devils), a second NBA team (the New Jersey Nets) and a Major League Soccer franchise (the New York Red Bulls). In addition, there are a number of other amateur and professional teams that compete in other sports, including at the collegiate and minor league levels. New York is also home to the U.S. Open tennis event each summer, as well as many other non-sports related entertainment options.
 
As a result of the large number of options available, we face strong competition for the general New York sports fan. We must compete with these other sporting events in varying respects and degrees, including on the basis of the quality of the teams we field, their success in the leagues in which they compete, our ability to provide an entertaining environment at our games and the prices we charge for our tickets. In addition, for fans who prefer the unique experience of NHL hockey, we must compete with two other hockey teams located in the New York area as well as, in varying respects and degrees, with other NHL hockey teams and the NHL itself. Similarly, for those fans attracted to the equally unique experience of NBA basketball, we


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must compete, in varying respects and degrees, with another NBA team located in the New York area as well as other NBA teams and the NBA itself.
 
Competition in Our Entertainment Business
 
Our entertainment business competes, in certain respects and to varying degrees, with other live performances, sporting events, movies, home entertainment (including television, home video and gaming devices) and the large number of other entertainment options available to members of the public. Some of our businesses, such as our live productions and our sporting events, represent alternative uses for the public’s entertainment dollar. The primary geographic area in which we operate, New York City, is among the most competitive entertainment markets in the world, with the world’s largest live theater industry, eleven major professional sports teams, numerous museums, galleries and other attractions, and hundreds of movie screens available to the public. We compete with these other entertainment options on the basis of the quality of our productions, as well as on the price of our tickets and the quality and location of our venues.
 
We compete for bookings with a large number of other venues in the cities in which our venues are located and in alternative locations. Generally, we compete for bookings on the basis of the size, quality, expense and nature of the venue required for the booking.
 
In addition to competition for ticket sales and bookings, we also compete to varying degrees with other live productions for advertising and sponsorship dollars.
 
Competition in Our Media Business
 
Distribution of Programming Networks
 
The business of distributing programming networks to cable television systems and satellite, telephone and other multichannel video programming distributors (“Distributors”) is highly competitive. Our programming networks face competition from other programming networks for the right to be carried by a particular Distributor, and for the right to be carried on the service tier that will attract the most subscribers. Once our programming network is selected by a Distributor for carriage, that network competes for viewers not only with the other channels available through the Distributor, but also with television, pay-per-view channels and video-on-demand channels, as well as online services, mobile services, radio, print media, motion picture theaters, DVDs, and other sources of information, sporting events and entertainment. Important to our success in each area of competition MSG Media faces are the price we charge for our programming networks; the quantity, quality and variety of programming offered on our networks and the effectiveness of our networks’ marketing efforts.
 
Our ability to successfully compete with other programming networks for distribution may be hampered because the Distributors through which distribution is sought may be affiliated with other programming networks. In addition, because such affiliated Distributors may have a substantial number of subscribers, the ability of such programming networks to obtain distribution on affiliated Distributors may lead to increased subscriber and advertising revenue for such networks because of their increased penetration compared to our programming networks. Even if such affiliated Distributors carry our programming networks, there is no assurance that such Distributors would not place their affiliated programming network on a more desirable tier, thereby giving the affiliated programming network a competitive advantage over our own.
 
New or existing programming networks that are owned by or are affiliates of broadcasting networks like NBC, ABC, CBS or FOX may also have a competitive advantage over our networks in obtaining distribution through the “bundling” of agreements to carry those programming networks with the agreements giving the cable system or other Distributor the right to carry a station affiliated with the network.
 
Sources of Programming
 
We also compete with other programming networks to secure desired programming, although some of our programming is generated internally through our ownership of sports teams and our efforts in original


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programming. Competition for programming will increase as the number of programming networks increases. Other programming networks that are affiliated with programming sources such as movie or television studios, film libraries or sports teams may have a competitive advantage over us in this area.
 
Competition for Entertainment Programming Sources
 
With respect to the acquisition of music-related and entertainment programming, such as concerts, festivals, syndicated programs and movies, which are not produced by or specifically for programming networks, our competitors include national commercial broadcast television networks, local commercial broadcast television stations, the Public Broadcasting Service and local public television stations, pay-per-view programs, and other cable programming networks. Internet-based video content distributors may also emerge as competitors for the acquisition of content or the rights to distribute content.
 
Competition for Sports Programming Sources
 
Because the loyalty of the sports viewing audience to a sports programming network is primarily driven by loyalty to a particular team or teams, access to adequate sources of sports programming is particularly critical to our sports networks. We own the programming rights to the Knicks, the Rangers and the Liberty. We also have in place long-term rights agreements covering the New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres. The rights with respect to these professional teams may be limited in certain circumstances. See “Business — MSG Sports — The Role of the Leagues in Our Operations.” Our programming networks compete for telecast rights for other teams or events principally with national or regional cable networks that specialize in or carry sports programming; television “superstations” which distribute sports and other programming by satellite; local and national commercial broadcast television networks; and independent syndicators that acquire and resell such rights nationally, regionally and locally. Some of our competitors may own or control, or are owned or controlled by, sports teams, leagues or sports promoters, which gives them an advantage in obtaining telecast rights for such teams or sports. Distributors may also contract directly with the sports teams in their local service areas for the right to distribute games on their systems. Our programming networks may also compete with Internet-based distributors of sports programming.
 
The increasing amount of sports programming available on a national basis, including pursuant to national rights arrangements (e.g., NBA on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, and NHL on NBC and Versus), as part of league-controlled sports networks (e.g., NBA TV and NHL Network), and in out-of-market packages (e.g., NBA’s League Pass and NHL Center Ice), may have an adverse impact on our competitive position as our programming networks compete for distribution and for viewers.
 
Two professional sports teams located in New York have organized their own cable television networks featuring the games of their teams, which adversely affects the competitive position of MSG Networks by denying or limiting our access to those games for our own networks and subjecting our networks to competition from these team-owned networks. On the other hand, the competitive position of our programming networks is substantially enhanced by our ownership of the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers.
 
Competition for Advertising Revenue
 
The financial success of our programming businesses also depends in part upon unpredictable and volatile factors beyond our control, such as viewer preferences, the strength of the advertising market, the quality and appeal of the competing programming and the availability of other entertainment activities.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
In March 2008, a lawsuit was filed against MSG L.P. arising out of a January 23, 2007 automobile accident involving an individual who was allegedly drinking at several different establishments prior to the accident, allegedly including at an event at The Garden. The accident resulted in the death of one person and caused serious injuries to another. The plaintiffs filed suit against MSG L.P., the driver, and a New York City bar, asserting claims under the New York Dram Shop Act and seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive


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damages. The Company has insurance coverage for compensatory damages and legal expenses in this matter. Discovery in the case has been completed and MSG L.P. has filed a motion for summary judgment, which is pending before the court.
 
MSG L.P. filed a lawsuit in September 2007 against the NHL and certain related entities. This suit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleged violations of the United States Federal and New York State antitrust laws as a result of agreements providing the NHL with the exclusive right to control, for most commercial purposes, the individual clubs’ trademarks, licensing, advertising and distribution opportunities. The suit sought declaratory relief against these alleged anticompetitive activities and against the imposition by the NHL of any sanctions or penalties for the filing and prosecution of the lawsuit. The NHL filed counterclaims against MSG L.P. alleging that MSG L.P.’s prosecution of its lawsuit violated contractual obligations and seeking a judicial declaration that the NHL had the right to pursue disciplinary proceedings against MSG L.P. under the NHL constitution. In March 2009, the parties entered into a settlement agreement, and this action and the counterclaims have been dismissed.
 
In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that resolution of these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
Employees
 
As of October 1, 2009 we had 1,318 full-time union and non-union employees and 7,053 part-time union and non-union employees. Approximately 62% of our employees are represented by unions. Labor relations in general and in the sports and theater industry in particular can be volatile, and though our current relationships with our unions are positive, we have from time to time faced labor action or had to make contingency plans because of threatened or potential labor actions.
 
The NHL players and the NBA players are covered by collective bargaining agreements between the NHL Players’ Association and the NHL and between the National Basketball Players Association and the NBA, respectively. Both the NHL and the NBA have experienced labor difficulties in the past and may have labor issues in the future.
 
Properties
 
We own the Madison Square Garden complex (with a maximum capacity of approximately 21,000 seats in The Garden), including The Theater at Madison Square Garden (approximately 5,600 seats) in New York City, comprising approximately 985,600 square feet; a training center in Greenburgh, New York with approximately 105,000 square feet of space, and The Chicago Theatre (approximately 3,600 seats) in Chicago comprising approximately 72,600 square feet.
 
Significant properties that are leased in New York City include approximately 210,000 square feet housing Madison Square Garden’s executive offices, approximately 577,000 square feet comprising Radio City Music Hall (approximately 6,000 seats) and approximately 57,000 square feet comprising the Beacon Theatre (approximately 2,800 seats). We also lease approximately 13,000 square feet of warehouse space in Jersey City, New Jersey and storage space in various other locations. We have also entered into an agreement to lease approximately 120,000 square feet of office and studio space beginning in early 2010.
 
For more information on our venues, see “Business — Our Venues.”
 
Our Madison Square Garden complex is subject to and benefits from various easements, including the “breezeway” into Madison Square Garden from Seventh Avenue in New York City (which we share with other property owners). Our ability to continue to utilize this and other easements requires us to comply with certain conditions. Moreover, certain adjoining property owners have easements over our property, which we are required to maintain so long as those property owners meet certain conditions.


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DIVIDEND POLICY
 
We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.


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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2009 and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 are based on the historical combined financial statements of the Company. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements presented below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our combined annual and interim financial statements and corresponding notes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements reflect certain known impacts as a result of the proposed Distribution to separate the Company from Cablevision. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements have been prepared giving effect to the Distribution as if this transaction had occurred as of January 1, 2008 for the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 and for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and as of September 30, 2009 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet.
 
In connection with the proposed Distribution to separate the Company from Cablevision, Cablevision will contribute to Madison Square Garden, Inc. its subsidiaries that own directly or indirectly all of the interests in MSG L.P., the Cablevision subsidiary through which it conducts the business of the Company, which consists of its media, entertainment and sports businesses, as well as its venues. These transfers to us by Cablevision are treated as a contribution to our capital at Cablevision’s historical cost.
 
The unaudited pro forma combined financial information set forth below have been derived from the combined annual and interim financial statements of the Company including the unaudited condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2009 and the unaudited condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2008 included elsewhere within this information statement and reflect certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable given the information currently available. While such adjustments are subject to change based upon the finalization of the terms of the separation and the underlying separation agreements, in management’s opinion, the pro forma adjustments have been developed on a reasonable and rational basis.
 
The costs to operate our business as an independent public entity are expected to exceed the historical expenses, including corporate and administrative charges from Cablevision of approximately $19.3 million and $24.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2008, respectively reflected in the accompanying annual and interim combined financial statements presented elsewhere within this information statement and principally relate to areas that include, but are not limited to,
 
  •  additional personnel including finance, accounting, compliance, tax, treasury, internal audit and legal;
 
  •  additional professional fees associated with audits, tax, legal and other services;
 
  •  increased insurance premiums;
 
  •  costs relating to board of directors’ fees;
 
  •  stock market listing fees, investor relations costs and fees for preparing and distributing periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”); and
 
  •  other administrative costs and fees, including anticipated incremental executive compensation costs related to existing and new executive management and excluding future share-based compensation expense (see pro forma adjustment (4) below).
 
The preliminary estimates for these net incremental expenses in 2010 range between approximately $5 million and $8 million on an annual basis going forward and such incremental costs have not been reflected in the unaudited pro forma combined financial information presented below as many of the costs that comprise this increase are not objectively determinable. Actual expenses could vary from this range estimate and such variations could be material.


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These unaudited pro forma combined financial statements reflect all other adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the pro forma combined results of operations and combined financial position of the Company as of and for the periods indicated. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information is for illustrative and informational purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of what our financial condition or results of operations would have been had the Company operated historically as a company independent of Cablevision or if the Distribution had occurred on the dates indicated. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information also should not be considered representative of our future combined financial condition or combined results of operations.


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MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
September 30, 2009
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
          Pro Forma
       
    Historical     Adjustments     Pro Forma  
 
ASSETS
Current Assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 72,667     $ 2,700 (2)   $ 75,367  
Restricted cash
    13,769             13,769  
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts)
    95,925             95,925  
Net receivable due from Cablevision
    7,699             7,699  
Advances due from Cablevision
          190,000 (6)     190,000  
Prepaid expenses
    49,957             49,957  
Other current assets
    39,263             39,263  
                         
Total current assets
    279,280       192,700       471,980  
Advances due from Cablevision
    190,000       (190,000 )(6)      
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
    330,725             330,725  
Other assets
    141,662             141,662  
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
    152,624             152,624  
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
    158,096             158,096  
Goodwill
    742,492             742,492  
                         
    $ 1,994,879     $ 2,700     $ 1,997,579  
                         
 
LIABILITIES AND COMBINED GROUP EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
                       
Accounts payable
  $ 4,101     $     $ 4,101  
Accrued liabilities
    135,890       (4,700 )(3)     132,590  
              1,400 (4)        
Deferred revenue
    163,141             163,141  
                         
Total current liabilities
    303,132       (3,300 )     299,832  
Other liabilities
    134,279       2,100 (1)     132,379  
              3,300 (2)        
              (7,300 )(3)        
Deferred tax liability
    469,708       58,900 (5)     528,608  
                         
Total liabilities
    907,119       53,700       960,819  
Commitments and contingencies
                       
Combined group equity
    1,087,760       (2,100 )(1)     1,036,760  
              (600 )(2)        
              12,000 (3)        
              (1,400 )(4)        
              (58,900 )(5)        
                         
    $ 1,994,879     $ 2,700     $ 1,997,579  
                         


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MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
          Pro Forma
       
    Historical     Adjustments     Pro Forma  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 650,418     $ 20,200 (7)   $ 670,618  
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)
    401,149             401,149  
Selling, general and administrative
    202,245             202,245  
Depreciation and amortization
    45,973             45,973  
                         
      649,367             649,367  
                         
Operating income
    1,051       20,200       21,251  
                         
Other income (expense):
                       
Interest expense, net
    (931 )           (931 )
Miscellaneous
    2,000             2,000  
                         
      1,069             1,069  
                         
Income from operations before income taxes
    2,120       20,200       22,320  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    2,141       (8,900 )(8)     (6,759 )
                         
Net income
  $ 4,261     $ 11,300     $ 15,561  
                         
Pro forma basic and diluted income per share
                       
                         
Pro forma basic and diluted weighted average common shares (in thousands)
                    (9)
                         


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MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended December 31, 2008
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
          Pro Forma
       
    Historical     Adjustments     Pro Forma  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 1,042,958     $ 27,500 (7)   $ 1,070,458  
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)
    724,904             724,904  
Selling, general and administrative
    270,065             270,065  
Depreciation and amortization
    66,231             66,231  
                         
      1,061,200             1,061,200  
                         
Operating income (loss)
    (18,242 )     27,500       9,258  
                         
Other income (expense):
                       
Interest income
    5,193             5,193  
Interest expense
    (3,274 )           (3,274 )
                         
      1,919             1,919  
                         
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes
    (16,323 )     27,500       11,177  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    11,387       (11,600 )(8)     (213 )
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (4,936 )   $ 15,900     $ 10,964  
                         
Pro forma basic and diluted income per share
                       
                         
Pro forma basic and diluted weighted average common shares (in thousands)
                    (9)
                         


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The unaudited pro forma adjustments to the accompanying historical financial information as of September 30, 2009, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2008 are described below:
 
Balance Sheet
 
(1) Represents the establishment of a liability recorded in “Other liabilities” and a corresponding charge to “Combined group equity” for the unrecognized actuarial losses of approximately $2,100 associated with Company employees who participated in the Cablevision cash balance pension plan, a qualified plan, which will be transferred to the Company under a newly created Madison Square Garden, Inc. cash balance pension plan after the Distribution.
 
(2) Represents the combined effect at the time of the Distribution of (a) the transfer of cash, recorded in “Cash and cash equivalents” and the establishment of a liability, recorded in “Other liabilities” of approximately $2,700, resulting from the transfer to the Company from Cablevision of the Company’s employees’ participant accounts formerly in the Cablevision excess cash balance pension plan, to a newly created Madison Square Garden, Inc. excess cash balance pension plan and (b) the establishment of an additional liability of $600, recorded in “Other liabilities” and a corresponding charge to “Combined group equity” for unrecognized actuarial losses associated with these participant accounts. For our employees who participated in the Cablevision excess cash balance pension plan, since it is an unqualified plan, the cash expected to be received from Cablevision represents the reimbursement to the Company of its cash contributions (net of benefits paid) historically paid to Cablevision.
 
(3) Represents at the Distribution date, the elimination of certain accrued liabilities of approximately $12,000, ($4,700 of which was recorded in current “Accrued liabilities” and $7,300 of which was recorded in non-current “Other liabilities”), and the recording of an offsetting deemed capital contribution recorded in “Combined group equity,” resulting from the full assumption of this liability by Cablevision. This liability reflects costs historically allocated to the Company for certain Cablevision corporate employees’ participation in certain long-term incentive plans. Subsequent to the Distribution, Cablevision will be solely responsible for the settlement of such amounts.
 
(4) Represents the fair value of the obligation held by a subsidiary of Cablevision prior to the Distribution date (approximately $1,400) which will be assumed by and transferred to the Company relating to Company employees who have outstanding Cablevision stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and which will be recorded in “Accrued liabilities” with a corresponding charge to “Combined group equity”. Subsequent to the Distribution, the Company will be solely responsible for settling these obligations upon Company employee exercises of his/her SARs.
 
It is expected that the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors may grant stock based awards to directors, executive management and other personnel after the Distribution. However, it is not possible to estimate, at this time, how such stock based compensation expense will differ from those expenses included and disclosed in the Company’s historical annual and unaudited interim financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement.
 
(5) Prior to the Distribution, Cablevision will contribute to the Company its subsidiaries which own, directly and indirectly, all of the interests in MSG L.P. The pro forma adjustment recorded to “Deferred tax liability” would result from the Distribution of the Company to Cablevision’s shareholders. Deferred tax assets and liabilities presented have been measured using the applicable corporate tax rates historically used by Cablevision for the periods presented. Due to the Company’s significant presence in the City of New York, the estimated applicable corporate tax rates used to measure deferred taxes are expected to be higher on a stand-alone basis. The resulting change of approximately $33,400 relating to the increase in the applicable corporate tax rate used to measure the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities will be recorded as an adjustment in “Combined group equity” as of the Distribution date. In addition, presenting the income tax expense and deferred taxes on a separate return basis results in a difference between the net operating loss carry forward reflected in the deferred tax asset and the actual deferred tax asset for such carry forwards under the applicable tax laws because the operations of the Company were included in the consolidated federal income


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tax returns of Cablevision for all periods presented. Such inclusion results in utilization of tax losses each year to offset the taxable income of other members in the Cablevision federal consolidated group that are not reflected in these financial statements. As a result, the Company’s net operating loss carry forwards and associated deferred tax asset will be substantially lower at the Distribution date. This reduction of approximately $23,200 to the Company’s deferred tax asset recorded in “Deferred tax liability” will be reflected as an adjustment to “Combined group equity” as of the Distribution date. The Company will have an insignificant amount of tax net operating loss carry forwards immediately subsequent to the Distribution. Furthermore, the pro forma adjustment recorded as an increase to “Deferred tax liability” includes the deferred tax impact of approximately $2,300 relating to the pro forma adjustments discussed in (1) through (4) above. These three pro forma adjustments aggregate to the total $58,900 pro forma increase to “Deferred tax liability” and corresponding reduction to “Combined group equity” in the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet.
 
(6) The Company has outstanding non-interest bearing advances to a subsidiary of Cablevision. Prior to the Distribution date, the terms of these advances will be changed to provide for a maturity date of no later than June 30, 2010 (with prepayment at Cablevision’s option) and for the payment of cash interest at a fixed rate equal to the prime rate on the date the changes to the terms are made. The pro forma information does not include any adjustments for interest income on these advances.
 
Statements of Operations
 
(7) Represents the pro forma increase in revenue of approximately $20,200 and $27,500 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2008, respectively, resulting from a new affiliation agreement between MSG Networks and Cablevision which is effective as of January 1, 2010. This new affiliation agreement will provide for the carriage of the MSG and MSG Plus program services on Cablevision’s cable systems in the tri-state area. This agreement will have a term in excess of five years, obligates Cablevision to carry such program services on its cable systems and provides for the payment by Cablevision to the Company of a per subscriber license fee, which fee is increased each year during the term of the agreement. The Company determined the pro forma adjustment by multiplying the average number of subscribers for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2008, respectively, by the difference between the 2010 per subscriber license fee under the new affiliation agreement, and the per subscriber license fee anticipated to be in effect for 2010 if the new affiliation agreement had not been entered into.
 
(8) Represents the pro forma adjustments of approximately $8,900 and $11,600 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2008, respectively, to reflect (i) the income tax impact of the pro forma adjustments noted in (7) above and, (ii) the change in the applicable corporate income tax rates that are expected to be higher on a stand-alone basis due to the Company’s significant presence in the City of New York as compared with the applicable corporate tax rates historically used by Cablevision.
 
(9) The number of shares used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share is [          ], which is the number of shares of Madison Square Garden, Inc. common stock assumed to be outstanding on the Distribution date, based on a distribution ratio of one share of Madison Square Garden, Inc. common stock for every [          ] shares of Cablevision common stock outstanding. The actual number of our basic and diluted shares outstanding will not be known until the Distribution declaration date. For purposes of the pro forma earnings per share information, the Company used the outstanding Class A and Class B common shares of Cablevision at September 30, 2009, adjusted for the distribution ratio to compute basic and diluted earnings per share. There is no dilutive impact from common stock equivalents for periods prior to the Distribution, as the Company had no dilutive securities outstanding. The dilutive effect of the Company’s share-based awards that will be issued in connection with the conversion of Cablevision’s share-based payment awards upon the Distribution and for future Company grants will be included in the computation of diluted net income per share in periods subsequent to the Distribution.


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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The operating and balance sheet data included in the following selected financial data for each year in the five-year period ended December 31, 2008 have been derived from the annual combined financial statements of Madison Square Garden, Inc. and certain media, entertainment and sports businesses and assets (which we refer to collectively as the “Company”) that were historically owned and operated as part of Cablevision. The operating and balance sheet data for the nine months ended and as of September 30, 2009 and 2008 included in the following selected financial data have been derived from the interim condensed combined financial statements of the Company and, in the opinion of the management of the Company, reflect all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of such data for the respective interim periods. The financial information does not necessarily reflect what our results of operations and financial position would have been if we had operated as a separate publicly-traded entity during the periods presented. The results of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year. The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with the annual and interim financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information.”
 
                                                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,     Years Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
 
Operating Data:
                                                       
Revenues, net
  $ 650,418     $ 645,400     $ 1,042,958     $ 1,002,182     $ 905,196     $ 847,552     $ 810,730  
Operating expenses:
                                                       
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)
    401,149       418,434       724,904       635,108       637,090       543,279       579,129  
Selling, general and administrative
    202,245       202,258       270,065       243,196       222,962       198,198       170,825  
Gain on curtailment of pension
plans(1)
                      (15,873 )                  
Restructuring expense
                      221       143       367       4,146  
Other operating income(2)
                                        (95,840 )
Depreciation and amortization
    45,973       49,576       66,231       62,223       64,995       68,616       55,257  
                                                         
Operating income (loss)
    1,051       (24,868 )     (18,242 )     77,307       (19,994 )     37,092       97,213  
Other income (expense):
                                                       
Interest income (expense), net
    (931 )     2,051       1,919       11,607       6,212       1,582       (1,630 )
Miscellaneous
    2,000                   (1,000 )     (250 )     (1 )     30  
                                                         
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
    2,120       (22,817 )     (16,323 )     87,914       (14,032 )     38,673       95,613  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    2,141       6,624       11,387       (45,031 )     1,173       (6,900 )     (45,444 )
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of taxes
                            (238 )            
                                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,261     $ (16,193 )   $ (4,936 )   $ 42,883     $ (13,097 )   $ 31,773     $ 50,169  
                                                         
Balance Sheet Data:
                                                       
Advances due from Cablevision(3)
  $ 190,000     $ 190,000     $ 190,000     $ 130,000     $     $ 21,000     $  
Total assets
    1,994,879       1,956,130       2,000,341       1,969,321       1,891,282       1,933,938       1,922,529  
Capital lease obligations
    6,543       6,956       7,457       7,774       5,050       5,865       6,625  
Combined group equity
    1,087,760       1,066,654       1,072,623       1,072,316       999,076       990,811       1,058,574  


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(1) Gain on curtailment of pension plans relates to the amendment to freeze all benefits earned through December 31, 2007 and eliminate the ability of participants to earn benefits for future service under a certain Company-sponsored qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain non-union employees and Company-sponsored unfunded, non-qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees who participate in the underlying qualified plan.
 
(2) Other operating income represents a contractually obligated termination fee received by the Company and the reversal in 2004 of a purchase accounting liability related to the notice received from the New York Mets to terminate their telecast rights agreement with the Company.
 
(3) The Company has outstanding non-interest bearing advances to a subsidiary of Cablevision. Prior to the Distribution date, the terms of these advances will be changed to provide for a maturity date of no later than June 30, 2010 (with prepayment at Cablevision’s option) and for the payment of cash interest at a fixed rate equal to the prime rate on the date the changes to the terms are made.


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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, there are statements concerning our future operating and future financial performance, including our estimate of the costs and timing of the planned renovation of The Garden and the anticipated benefits of the renovation, the expected increases in affiliation agreement revenues during the remainder of 2009 in our MSG Media segment and the expected reduction in full-year litigation expenses in 2009 as compared with 2008. Words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “potential”, “continue”, “intends”, “plans”, and similar words and terms used in the discussion of future operating and future financial performance identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results or developments may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that may cause such differences to occur include, but are not limited to:
 
  •  the level of our revenues, which depends in part on the popularity and competitiveness of our sports teams and the level and popularity of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and other entertainment events which are presented in our venues;
 
  •  costs associated with player injuries, and waivers or terminations of players and other team personnel;
 
  •  changes in professional sports teams compensation, including the impact of signing of free agents, subject to league salary caps;
 
  •  the level of our capital expenditures, including the planned renovation of The Garden;
 
  •  the expected impact of the planned renovation of The Garden on our operations;
 
  •  the demand for our programming among cable television systems, satellite, telephone and other multichannel distributors (which we refer to in this discussion as “Distributors”), and our ability to renew affiliation agreements with them;
 
  •  general economic conditions especially in the New York metropolitan area where we conduct the majority of our operations;
 
  •  demand for advertising inventory;
 
  •  competition, for example, from other regional sports networks, other teams and other entertainment options;
 
  •  changes in laws, NBA or NHL rules, regulations, guidelines, bulletins, directives, policies and agreements (including the leagues’ respective collective bargaining agreements with their players’ associations, salary caps and NBA luxury tax thresholds) or other regulations under which we operate;
 
  •  our ability to maintain, obtain or produce content for our MSG Media segment, together with the cost of such content;
 
  •  the level of our expenses, including the anticipated expenditures related to the expected increase in our corporate expenses as a stand-alone publicly-traded company;
 
  •  future acquisitions and dispositions of assets;
 
  •  the costs associated with, and the outcome of, litigation and other proceedings to the extent uninsured, including the matters described under “Business — Legal Proceedings;”
 
  •  financial community and rating agency perceptions of our business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which we operate; and
 
  •  the factors described under “Risk Factors” in this information statement.


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We disclaim any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein, except as otherwise required by applicable federal securities laws.
 
All dollar amounts included in the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are presented in thousands, except as otherwise noted.
 
Introduction
 
Management’s discussion and analysis, or MD&A, of our results of operations and financial condition is provided as a supplement to the audited combined annual financial statements and unaudited interim condensed combined financial statements and footnotes thereto included elsewhere herein to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of our operations. The information included in MD&A should be read in conjunction with the annual and interim combined financial statements included in this information statement as well as the financial data set forth under “Selected Financial Data” and the pro forma combined financial information set forth under “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information.” Our MD&A is organized as follows:
 
Business Overview.  This section provides a general description of our business, as well as other matters that we believe are important in understanding our results of operations and financial condition and in anticipating future trends.
 
Combined Results of Operations.  This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. Our discussion is presented on both a combined and segment basis. Our segments are MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources.  This section provides a discussion of our financial condition as of September 30, 2009, as well as an analysis of our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 and the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The discussion of our financial condition and liquidity includes summaries of (i) our primary sources of liquidity and (ii) our contractual obligations and off balance sheet arrangements that existed at December 31, 2008.
 
Seasonality of Our Business.  This section discusses the seasonal performance of our MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment segments. Because of the seasonality of these segments, our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of full-year performance.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Critical Accounting Policies.  This section discusses accounting policies considered to be important to our financial condition and results of operations, and which require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application. In addition, all of our significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies, are discussed in the notes to our annual combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement.
 
Business Overview
 
Madison Square Garden is a fully-integrated media, entertainment and sports business comprised of dynamic and powerful brands. Madison Square Garden’s business grew from the legendary venue widely known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” and is organized into three strategically aligned segments: MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports. Our business capitalizes on the combination of our iconic venues, our popular sports franchises, the distribution of our programming networks and our exclusive sports and entertainment content. A description of our segments follows:
 
MSG Media
 
MSG Media, which represented 41% of our combined revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008, is a leader in production and content development for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from our venues. This business consists of programming networks and interactive offerings,


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including the MSG Networks (MSG network, MSG Plus, MSG HD and MSG Plus HD) and the Fuse Networks (Fuse and Fuse HD). MSG Networks are home to seven professional sports teams: the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres and New York Red Bulls, as well as to our critically acclaimed original and other programming. Programming on Fuse focuses on music-related programming, including coverage of premier artists, events and festivals, original content and high profile concerts.
 
MSG Media also includes our interactive businesses, which are comprised of a group of highly targeted websites (including msg.com, thegarden.com, radiocity.com, nyknicks.com, newyorkrangers.com and fuse.tv) and wireless, video on demand and digital platforms for all Madison Square Garden properties.
 
Revenue Sources
 
Our MSG Media segment earns revenues from two primary sources: affiliation fees and advertising. Affiliation fees, which are the fees we earn from Distributors that carry our programming, constitute the significant majority of our revenues. Fees paid by advertisers to show commercials during our programs make up a smaller portion of our overall revenues.
 
Affiliation Fees
 
We earn affiliation fees from certain Distributors that carry our programming services, including Cablevision. The fees we receive depend largely on the demand from subscribers for our programming. Our affiliation agreements generally require us to meet certain content criteria, such as minimum thresholds for professional event telecasts throughout the year. If we were to be unable to meet these thresholds, we could become subject to remedies available to the Distributors, which may include termination of these agreements in some cases. Affiliation fees from Cablevision accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s combined revenues in 2008 and 2007.
 
Advertising Revenues
 
In addition to affiliation fees, we earn a smaller amount of revenue through the sale of commercial time to advertisers during our programming or through the sale of program sponsorship rights. We typically sell advertising time through our in-house staff and, to a lesser extent, through agencies.
 
Expenses
 
The principal expenses of our MSG Media segment are rights fees, which we pay to sports teams in order to carry their games and others who hold rights to the programming content (such as movies, concerts and other programming) we telecast; production costs, which include the salaries of on-air personalities, producers and technicians; and the costs of studio, broadcast and transmission facilities. We also allocate a portion of our corporate expenses to the MSG Media segment.
 
Programming Acquisition Costs
 
MSG Networks obtains telecast rights for the sports teams whose games we televise, the cost of which we accrue evenly over the applicable contract year. We negotiate directly with the teams to determine the fee and other provisions of the rights arrangement. Rights fees for sports programming are influenced by, among other things, the size and demographics of the geographic area in which the programming is distributed, and the popularity and/or the on-court or on-ice competitiveness of a team. For purposes of reporting our segment information the rights fees we pay to our owned teams are recognized as an inter-segment charge to our MSG Media segment. These inter-segment charges are eliminated in the combined financial statements. In addition to the rights for our Knicks, Rangers and Liberty franchises, we have long-term rights agreements in place with the New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres.
 
In addition to rights fees for sports telecasts, we must also pay to acquire the right to carry other events or programming, such as movies, concerts or specials.


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Production Costs
 
We incur costs to pay the salaries of our on-air personalities, producers, directors, technicians, writers and other creative and technical staff, as well as expenses associated with maintaining studios and transmission facilities.
 
Marketing and Advertising Costs
 
We incur costs to market our media business and our programs through outdoor and newspaper advertisements, television and radio advertising and online marketing.
 
Factors Affecting Operating Results
 
The financial performance of our MSG Media segment is affected by the affiliation arrangements we are able to negotiate with Distributors and also by the advertising rates we can charge advertisers. These factors in turn depend on the popularity and/or on-court and on-ice competitiveness of the professional sports teams carried on MSG Networks and the attractiveness of the programming content generally on MSG Networks and Fuse.
 
Due largely to our long-term rights agreements and the generally recurring nature of our affiliation arrangements, the MSG Networks have consistently produced operating profits over a number of years. Advertising revenues are less predictable and can vary based upon a number of factors, including general economic conditions. Our MSG Media segment experienced decreases in advertising revenues in 2008 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, in each case as compared with the comparable period in the prior year.
 
In 2008, Fuse was in transition, implementing a strategy to rebrand the network and more closely integrate its content with our MSG Entertainment business and our venues. Fuse has incurred operating losses and they will likely continue. These losses are expected to decrease in future periods as we refine our strategy and incur expenses to acquire and produce compelling content and market the Fuse brand to effectively position it as a unique multi-platform music destination.
 
Our MSG Media segment’s future performance is also dependent on general economic conditions, in particular those affecting the New York metropolitan area, the impact of direct competition, and the relative strength of our current and future advertising customers. Continuation of the economic downturn and the global financial crisis may lead to lower demand for television advertising. We have already experienced some of these effects during this economic downturn and any continuation could adversely affect our future results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
 
MSG Entertainment
 
Our MSG Entertainment segment, which, net of inter-segment revenues, represented 30% of our combined revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008, is one of the country’s leaders in live entertainment. Our MSG Entertainment segment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Rockettes, which is the #1 live holiday family show in America and is seen by approximately two million people annually, and the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil’s Wintuk. MSG Entertainment also presents and hosts other live entertainment events, such as concerts, including shows by The Police, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake, Madonna and the Jonas Brothers; family shows, such as Dora the Explorer, Thomas the Tank Engine and Sesame Street Live; special events such as the premiere of Sex and the City: The Movie, Fashion Rocks, the Tony Awards and appearances by the Dalai Lama; and theatrical productions, such as The Wizard of Oz and Annie, in our diverse collection of venues. MSG Entertainment presents its live entertainment events to audiences both at our six venues in New York, Chicago and Boston and, with respect to our touring productions, at other arenas and theatrical venues.


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Revenue Sources
 
Our primary sources of revenue in our entertainment business are ticket sales to our live audiences for events that we promote or co-promote (“Promote”) and license fees for our venues paid by third-party promoters in connection with events that we do not Promote. We also derive smaller amounts of revenue from other sources, including from a portion of suite licensing fees at The Garden and from facility and ticketing fees, concessions, sponsorships, merchandising and tours of our venues. The levels of revenue and expense we record in our MSG Entertainment segment for a given event depends to a significant extent on whether we are Promoting the event or are licensing our venue to a third-party promoter.
 
Ticket Sales and Suite Licenses
 
For our productions and for entertainment events in our venues that we Promote, we recognize revenues from the sale of tickets to our audiences. We sell tickets to the public through our box office, on our websites and through ticket agencies. The amount of revenue we earn from ticket sales depends on the number of shows and the mix of events that we Promote, the seating capacity of the venue used, the extent to which we can sell our seating capacity and our average ticket prices.
 
The Garden has 89 club suites and ten other premium seating products that are licensed annually. Suite licenses at The Garden are generally sold to corporate customers pursuant to multi-year licenses. Under standard suite licenses, the licensees pay an annual license fee, which varies depending on the location of the suite. The license fee includes, for each seat in the suite, tickets for events at The Garden for which tickets are sold to the general public, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, suite holders pay for food and beverage service in their suite at The Garden. Revenues from the sale of suite licenses are shared between our MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports segments.
 
Venue License Fees
 
For entertainment events held at our venues that we do not produce or Promote, we earn venue license fees from the third-party promoter of the event. These events include theatrical productions and other events, such as concerts, award shows, family shows and trade shows. The amount of license fees we charge varies by venue and by the complexity of the production, among other factors. Our fees include both the cost of renting space in our venues and costs for providing production services, such as front-of-house and back-of-house staff, including stagehands, box office staff, ushers and security staff, staging, lighting and sound, and building services.
 
Whether we are Promoting an event or licensing our venues to a third-party promoter has a significant impact on the level of revenues and the costs that we record in our MSG Entertainment segment.
 
Facility and Ticketing Fees
 
For all entertainment events held in our venues, we also earn additional revenues on substantially all tickets sold, whether we Promote the event or license the venue to a third party. These revenues are earned in the form of certain fees and assessments including the facility fee we charge on each ticket sold, and varies by venue.
 
Concessions
 
We sell food and beverages during all entertainment events held at our venues. In addition to concession-style sales of food and beverages, which represent the majority of our concession revenues, we also provide catering for our suites at The Garden.
 
Merchandise
 
We earn revenues from the sale of merchandise relating to our proprietary productions and other live entertainment events that take place at our venues. The majority of our merchandise revenues are generated through on-site sales during performances of our productions and other live events. We also generate revenues


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from the sales of our Radio City Christmas Spectacular merchandise, such as DVDs, CDs, and books, through traditional retail channels. Typically, revenues from our merchandise sales at our non-proprietary events relate to sales of merchandise provided by the artist, the producer or promoter of the event.
 
Venue Signage and Sponsorship
 
We earn revenues through the sale of signage space at our venues and sponsorship rights in connection with our productions and other live entertainment events. Signage sales generally involve the sale of advertising space within The Garden during entertainment events and otherwise in our theaters.
 
Sponsorship rights may require us to use the name, logos and other trademarks of a sponsor in our advertising and in promotions for our venues, productions and other live entertainment events. Sponsorship arrangements may be exclusive within a particular sponsorship category or non-exclusive and generally permit a sponsor to use the name, logos and other trademarks of our productions and events in connection with their own advertising and in promotions in our venues or in the community.
 
Expenses
 
Our MSG Entertainment segment’s principal expenses are payments made to performers and co-promoters, staging costs and day-of-event costs associated with events, and advertising costs. We charge a portion of our actual expenses associated with the ownership, lease, maintenance and operation of our venues, along with a portion of our corporate expenses to our MSG Entertainment segment. However, the operating results of our MSG Entertainment segment benefit from the fact that no rent is imposed on our MSG Entertainment segment for events that it presents at our owned venues (The Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden and The Chicago Theatre). We do not allocate to our segments any of the depreciation and amortization charges related to The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
 
Performer Payments
 
Our productions are performed by talented actors, dancers, singers and entertainers. In order to attract and retain this talent, we are required to pay our performers an amount that is commensurate both with their ability and with demand for their services from other entertainment companies.
 
Our productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, typically feature ensemble casts (such as the Rockettes), where there is no single “headline” performer. As a result, most of our performers are paid based on a standard “scale,” pursuant to collective bargaining agreements we negotiate with the performers’ unions.
 
Staging Costs
 
Staging costs for our proprietary events as well as others that we Promote include the costs of sets, lighting, display technologies, special effects, sound and all of the other technical aspects involved in presenting a live entertainment event. These costs vary substantially depending on the nature of the particular show, but tend to be highest for large-scale theatrical productions, such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. For concerts we Promote, the performer usually provides a fully-produced show. As with performer salaries, the staging costs associated with a given production are an important factor in our determination of ticket prices.
 
Day-of-event Costs
 
For days on which MSG Entertainment stages its productions, Promotes an event or provides one of our venues to a third-party promoter under a license fee arrangement, it is charged the variable costs associated with such event, including box office personnel, stagehands, ticket takers, ushers, security, and other similar expenses. Where we are receiving a license fee from a third-party promoter, we will typically charge these variable costs to the promoter.


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Marketing and Advertising Costs
 
We incur significant costs promoting our productions and other events through outdoor and newspaper advertisements, television and radio advertising and online marketing. In light of the intense competition for entertainment events, especially in the New York metropolitan area, such expenditures are a necessity to drive interest in our productions and encourage members of the public to purchase tickets to our shows.
 
Touring Expenses
 
For productions that we take on the road, such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, we must pay the logistical costs associated with travel and equipment, as well as fees and expenses, including the costs of venue staff, for the use of third-party venues.
 
Factors Affecting Operating Results
 
The operating results of our MSG Entertainment segment are largely dependent on the continued success of our Radio City Christmas Spectacular as well as our ability to attract concerts, family shows and other events to our venues. Our MSG Entertainment segment had recorded operating profits in 2007 and 2006, but it recognized a small operating loss in 2008, reflecting the economic environment, particularly in the fourth quarter of the year when our Radio City Christmas Spectacular was presented.
 
The success of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and, to a lesser extent, Wintuk, has allowed us to invest in the development of the touring versions of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which did not contribute to operating income in 2008. However, we believe this investment will benefit our future periods’ operating results.
 
Our MSG Entertainment segment’s future performance is dependent on general economic conditions, and the effect of these conditions on our customers. Continuation of the economic downturn and the global financial crisis may lead to lower demand for suite licenses and tickets to our live productions, concerts, family shows and other events, which would also negatively affect merchandise and concession sales, as well as lower levels of sponsorship and venue signage. These conditions may also affect the level of concerts, family shows and other events that take place in the future. We have already experienced some of these effects during this economic downturn and any continuation could adversely affect our future results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
 
We are pursuing a strategy of opportunistically acquiring, building or obtaining control of theater venues in additional major markets. It is likely that any such new venues will not initially contribute to operating income, but will be expected to become operationally profitable over time.
 
We have previously announced our intent to pursue a major renovation of The Garden. In order to most efficiently and effectively complete the renovation, it will be a year-round project. Our goal is to minimize disruption to current operations and, to achieve this, The Garden will remain open for live entertainment events during the period coinciding with the Knicks’ and Rangers’ seasons in the years when the renovation takes place, while we sequence the construction to ensure that we maximize our construction efforts when we close the arena during summer months. An important objective for us to achieve in connection with the renovation will be to manage the project in a manner that minimizes the impact of the renovation on our ability to generate revenues from live entertainment events. Our current expectation is that the renovated lower bowl of The Garden will be open for the 2011-12 seasons, and that the renovated upper bowl will be open for the 2012-13 seasons.
 
MSG Sports
 
Our MSG Sports segment, which, net of inter-segment revenues, represented 29% of our combined revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008, owns and operates sports franchises, including the New York Knicks, a founding member of the NBA and the New York Rangers, one of the “original six” franchises of the NHL. MSG Sports also owns and operates the New York Liberty of the WNBA, one of the league’s founding franchises, and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, which is the primary player development team for the


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Rangers, and is competitive in its own right in the AHL. The Knicks, Rangers and Liberty play their home games at The Garden. Our sports business also features other sports properties, including the presentation of a wide variety of premier live sporting events including professional boxing, college basketball (The Big East Tournament, Jimmy V Classic, Post-season NIT Finals and, on occasion, Duke University games), track and field (The Millrose Games) and tennis (The BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup, which features the women winners of the previous year’s Grand Slam tennis events).
 
Revenue Sources
 
We earn revenue in our MSG Sports segment from several primary sources: ticket sales and a portion of our suite license fees at The Garden, our share of distributions from league-wide national and international television contracts and other league-wide revenue sources, in-venue signage and sponsorships, concessions and merchandising. We also earn venue license fees, primarily from the rental of The Garden to third-party promoters holding their sports events at our arena. The amount of revenue we earn is influenced by many factors, including the popularity and on-court or on-ice performance of our professional sports teams and general economic conditions. Our MSG Sports segment also earns substantial fees from our MSG Media segment for the right to telecast the games of our professional sports teams. These inter-segment revenues are eliminated in our combined financial statements.
 
Ticket Sales, Suite Licenses, Venue Licenses, Facility Fees and Charges
 
Ticket sales constitute the largest single source of revenue for our MSG Sports segment. We sell tickets to our sports teams’ home games through season tickets, which are typically held by long-term season subscribers, and through single-game tickets, which are purchased by fans either individually or in multi-game packages. The prices of our tickets vary, depending on the sports team and the location of the seats. We review and set the price of our tickets before the start of each teams’ season. We also earn revenue from the sale of tickets to live sporting events that we promote other than Knicks, Rangers and Liberty games.
 
The Garden has 89 club suites and ten other premium seating products that are licensed annually. Suite licenses at The Garden are generally sold to corporate customers pursuant to multi-year licenses. Under standard suite licenses, the licensees pay an annual license fee, which varies depending on the location of the suite. The license fee includes, for each seat in the suite, tickets for events at The Garden for which tickets are sold to the general public, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, suite holders pay for food and beverage service in their suite at The Garden. Revenues from the sale of suite licenses are shared between our MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports segments.
 
In addition to Knicks, Rangers and Liberty home games, we also present at our venues other live sporting events, such as boxing matches, tennis, college basketball and track and field meets. When we act as the Promoter of such events, we earn revenues from ticket sales and incur expenses associated with the event. When these events are promoted by third-party promoters, we earn revenues from the venue license fee we charge to such promoter for use of our venues. When licensing our venues, the amount recorded as revenue also includes the event’s variable costs such as the costs of front-of-house and back-of-house staffs, including union laborers, box office staff, ushers, security and building services, which we pass along to the promoter. The mix of live sporting events, including whether we are the promoter of an event or license our venues to a third-party promoter, has a significant effect on the level of revenues and event related costs that we report in our MSG Sports segment.
 
Our MSG Sports segment revenues also include proceeds from certain fees and assessments added to ticket prices for events held at our venues, regardless of whether we act as Promoter for such events. This currently includes a facility fee on tickets to all events at our facilities, except for team season tickets and certain other limited exceptions.


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Telecast Rights
 
We earn revenue from the sale of telecast rights for our sports teams’ home and away games and also through the receipt of our share of fees paid for league-wide telecast rights, which are awarded under contracts negotiated and administered by each league.
 
Telecast rights for the Knicks and Rangers are held by MSG Networks, pursuant to inter-segment arrangements between our MSG Sports and MSG Media segments. The financial success of our MSG Sports segment is largely dependent on the rights fees we receive from our MSG Media segment in connection with the telecast of our Knicks and Rangers games. These inter-segment fees are eliminated in our combined financial statements.
 
National and international telecast arrangements differ by league. Fees paid by telecasters under these arrangements are pooled by each league and then generally shared equally among all teams.
 
Venue Signage and Sponsorships
 
We earn revenues through the sale of signage space at The Garden and sponsorship rights in connection with our sports teams and certain other sporting events. Signage sales generally involve the sale of advertising space within The Garden during our teams’ home games and includes the sale of signage on the ice and on the boards of the hockey rink during Rangers games, courtside during Knicks and Liberty games, or on the various scoreboards and display panels at The Garden. We offer both television camera-visible and non-camera-visible signage space.
 
Sponsorship rights generally require us to use the name, logos and other trademarks of a sponsor in our advertising and in promotions for our sports teams and during our sports events. Sponsorship arrangements may be exclusive within a particular sponsorship category or non-exclusive and generally permit a sponsor to use the name, logos and other trademarks of our sports teams in connection with their own advertising and in promotions on-court, on-ice or in the community.
 
Concessions
 
We sell food and beverages during all sporting events held at our venues. In addition to concession-style sales of food and beverages, which represent the majority of our concession revenues, we also provide higher-end dining at our full service restaurants and catering for suites at The Garden.
 
Merchandise
 
We earn revenues from the sale of our sports teams’ merchandise both through the in-venue (and in some cases, on-line) sale of items bearing the logos or other marks of our sports teams and through our share of league distributions of royalty and other revenues from the league’s licensing of team and league trademarks, which revenues are generally shared equally among the teams in the leagues. By agreement among the teams, each of the leagues in which we operate act as agent for the teams to license their logos and other marks, as well as the marks of the leagues, subject to certain rights retained by the teams to license these marks within their arenas and the geographic areas in which they operate.
 
Expenses
 
The most significant expenses in our MSG Sports segment are player and team personnel salaries and charges for transactions relating to players for career-ending and season-ending injuries and waivers and termination costs of players and other team personnel, although we also incur costs for travel, player insurance, league assessments (including a 6% NBA assessment on regular season ticket sales), NHL revenue sharing, and NBA luxury tax. We charge a portion of our actual expenses associated with the ownership, lease, maintenance and operation of our venues, along with a portion of our corporate expenses to our MSG Sports segment. However, the operating results of our teams and our MSG Sports segment benefit from the fact that no rent charge is allocated to the teams or to our MSG Sports segment for games or other sporting events that


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it presents at The Garden. We do not allocate to our segments any of the depreciation and amortization charges of The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
 
Player Salaries and League Payments
 
The amount we pay an individual player is determined by negotiation between the player (typically represented by an agent) and us, and is generally influenced by the player’s individual playing statistics, by the amounts paid to players with comparable playing statistics by other sports teams and by restrictions in the collective bargaining agreements (“CBA”), including the salary caps. Each league is party to a CBA with the respective players association that contains restrictions on when players may move between league clubs following expiration of their contracts and what rights their current and former clubs have. Our most significant player expenses generally come from signing unrestricted free agents, because players are generally able to negotiate the highest salary when they become unrestricted free agents.
 
The NBA CBA was last negotiated in 2005 and expires in 2011, with the NBA having a one-year extension option. The NBA CBA contains a “soft” salary cap (i.e., a cap on each team’s aggregate salaries but with certain exceptions that enable teams to pay more, sometimes substantially more than the cap). The NBA CBA also provides that players receive a designated percentage of league-wide revenues (generally between 57% and 58% depending on the level of league-wide revenues and other factors), and the teams retain the remainder. This provision does not apply on a team-by-team basis and accordingly we may pay our players a higher or lower portion of our revenues than other NBA teams.
 
Throughout each season, NBA teams withhold a portion of each player’s salary and contribute the withheld amounts to an escrow account. If the league’s aggregate player compensation exceeds the designated percentage of league-wide revenues, some or all of such escrowed amounts are distributed equally to all NBA teams. The NBA CBA also provides for a luxury tax that is applicable to all teams with aggregate player salaries exceeding a threshold that is set prior to each season based upon league-wide revenues (as defined under the CBA). The luxury tax is generally equal to the amount by which a team’s aggregate player salaries exceed such threshold. The aggregate luxury tax payments collected by the league are distributed in equal one-thirtieth shares to non-taxpaying teams. The NBA also has a revenue assistance program, by which a pool of revenues (up to a maximum of $49,000 per season) are collected from a combination of the undistributed luxury tax discussed above and contributions from teams (a portion of which is based on revenues) and are then distributed to lower revenue teams that meet certain operating requirements. We record our combined luxury tax and revenue assistance expense net of the amount we expect to receive from the escrow. Our net provision for these items for the year ended December 31, 2008, including luxury tax provisions related to team personnel transactions, was approximately $20,900. Whether or not we will be a net NBA luxury tax payer for the 2009-10 season will be dependent on the Knicks’ rostered salaries subject to the tax at the end of the season.
 
The NBA also imposes on each team a 6% assessment on regular season ticket revenue and an assessment of between 45% and 55% on playoff ticket revenue, depending on the number of home games played.
 
The current NHL CBA was last negotiated in 2005 and expires in 2011, with the players association having a one-year extension option. The NHL CBA contains a “hard” salary cap (i.e., teams may not exceed a stated maximum that is adjusted each season based upon league-wide revenues). The NHL CBA provides that players receive a designated percentage of league-wide revenues (between 54% and 57% depending on the level of league-wide revenues), and the teams retain the remainder. This provision does not apply on a team-by-team basis and accordingly we may pay our players a higher or lower portion of our revenues than other NHL teams.
 
Throughout each season, NHL teams withhold a portion of each player’s salary and contribute the withheld amounts to an escrow account. If the league’s aggregate player compensation exceeds the designated percentage of league-wide revenues, some or all of the escrowed amounts are retained by the league and distributed as follows: first, to fund a portion of the revenue sharing pool as described below, then disproportionately to certain lower-payroll teams, and then to all teams in equal shares.


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The NHL CBA also provides for a revenue sharing plan that generally requires the distribution of a pool of approximately 4.5% of league-wide revenues to certain qualifying lower-revenue teams. This pool is funded from a combination of the escrow amounts discussed above, league-wide revenues, payments by teams participating in the playoffs and disproportionate contributions by the top ten revenue earning teams (based on preseason and regular season revenues). The Rangers are consistently among the top ten revenue teams and, accordingly, contribute to this pool on a disproportionate basis. We record our revenue sharing expense net of the amount we expect to receive from the escrow. Our net provision for these items for the year ended December 31, 2008 was approximately $8,500 (including $3,800 related to playoffs).
 
Other Expenses
 
Our sports teams also pay expenses associated with day-to-day operations, including for travel, equipment maintenance and selling, general and administrative expenses. Direct variable day-of-event costs incurred at The Garden, such as the costs of front-of-house and back-of-house staff, including union laborers, box office staff, ushers, security, and event production are charged to our MSG Sports segment. We charge a portion of our actual expenses associated with the ownership, lease, maintenance and operation of our venues, along with a portion of our corporate expenses to our MSG Sports segment. However, the operating results of our teams and our MSG Sports segment benefit from the fact that no rent is imposed on the teams or to the segment for use of The Garden. We do not allocate to our segments any of the depreciation and amortization charges relating to The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Operating costs of the Company’s training facility in Greenburgh, New York and the operating and maintenance costs of the aircraft that the Company owns are also charged to our MSG Sports segment. The operation of our Hartford Wolf Pack is also a net Ranger player development expense for our MSG Sports segment.
 
Factors Affecting Our Operating Results
 
The operating results of our MSG Sports segment are largely dependent on the continued popularity and/or on-ice or on-court competitiveness of our Knicks and Rangers teams, which has a direct effect on ticket sales for the teams’ home games, which is each teams’ largest single source of revenue.
 
Our MSG Sports segment has incurred substantial operating losses in each of the last three years and in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. These losses primarily reflect the impact of high costs for player salaries (including NBA luxury tax) and salaries of non-player team personnel. In addition, we incurred significant charges in each of those years for career-ending and season-ending injuries of players and for waivers and terminations of players and other team personnel, including team executives. Waiver and termination costs reflect our efforts to improve the competitiveness of our teams. These transactions can result in significant charges as the Company recognizes the estimated ultimate costs of these events in the periods in which they occur, although amounts due are generally paid over the remaining contract terms. For example, the expense for these items was approximately $60,200, $6,800, $24,900 and $23,500 in 2006, 2007, 2008 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. These expenses add to the volatility of the results of our MSG Sports segment. We expect to continue to pursue opportunities to improve the overall quality of our teams and our efforts may result in continued significant expenses and charges. Such expenses and charges may result in future operating losses for our MSG Sports segment although it is not possible to predict the timing or amount of such expenses and charges.
 
In addition to our MSG Sports segment’s future performance dependence on the continued popularity and/or on-ice or on-court competitiveness of our Knicks and Rangers teams, it is also dependent on the general economic conditions, in particular those in the New York metropolitan area and the effect of these conditions on our customers. Continuation of the economic downturn and the global financial crisis may lead to lower demand for suite licenses and tickets to the games of our sports teams, which would also negatively affect merchandise and concession sales, as well as lower levels of sponsorship and venue signage. These conditions may also affect the number of other live sporting events that this segment is able to present. We have already experienced some of these effects during this economic downturn and any continuation could adversely affect our future results of operations, cash flows and financial position.


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We have previously announced our intent to pursue a major renovation of The Garden. In order to most efficiently and effectively complete the renovation, it will be a year-round project. Our goal is to minimize disruption to current operations and, to achieve this, The Garden will remain open during the Knicks’ and Rangers’ seasons in the years when the renovation takes place, while we sequence the construction to ensure that we maximize our construction efforts when we close the arena during summer months. An important objective for us to achieve in connection with the renovation will be to manage the project in a manner that does not impair our ability to generate revenues from Knicks and Rangers home games. Our current expectation is that the renovated lower bowl of The Garden will be open for the 2011-12 seasons, and that the renovated upper bowl will be open for the 2012-13 seasons.
 
 
The Company’s historical results of operations reflected in our combined financial statements include an allocation for certain corporate functions historically provided by Cablevision. These allocations were based on what the Company and Cablevision considered to be reasonable reflections of the historical utilization levels of these services required in support of our business. As a stand-alone company, we will need to expand our financial, administrative and other staff to support these new requirements. In addition, we will need to add staff and systems to replace many of the functions previously provided by Cablevision. As a result, our corporate operating costs as a separate company, including those associated with being a publicly-traded company, are expected to be higher subsequent to the Distribution.
 
Impact of Current Economic Conditions
 
Our future performance is dependent, to a large extent, on general economic conditions, including capital market conditions, the impact of direct competition, our ability to manage our businesses effectively and our relative strength and leverage in the marketplace, both with suppliers and customers.
 
Continuation of the economic downturn and the global financial crisis may lead to lower demand for suite licenses and tickets to the games of our sports teams and to our live productions, as well as lower levels of sponsorship, venue signage and television advertising. We have already experienced some of these effects during this economic downturn, including a reduction in the renewal of certain of our suite licenses and a lower level of arena event bookings, and any continuation could adversely affect our future results of operations, cash flows and financial position.


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Combined Results of Operations
 
The following tables below set forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues, net. All dollar amounts included in the following combined results of operations are presented in thousands, except as otherwise noted.
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
 
                                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase
 
    2009     2008     (Decrease)
 
          % of Net
          % of Net
    in Net
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Income  
    (Unaudited)  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 650,418       100 %   $ 645,400       100 %   $ 5,018  
Operating expenses:
                                       
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)
    401,149       62       418,434       65       17,285  
Selling, general and administrative
    202,245       31       202,258       31       13  
Depreciation and amortization
    45,973       7       49,576       8       3,603  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    1,051             (24,868 )     (4 )     25,919  
Other income (expense):
                                       
Interest income (expense), net
    (931 )           2,051             (2,982 )
Miscellaneous
    2,000                         2,000  
                                         
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes
    2,120             (22,817 )     (4 )     24,937  
Income tax benefit
    2,141             6,624       1       (4,483 )
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,261       1 %   $ (16,193 )     (3 )%   $ 20,454  
                                         
 
                                         
    Years Ended December 31,     (Increase)
 
    2008     2007     Decrease
 
          % of Net
          % of Net
    in Net
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Loss  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 1,042,958       100 %   $ 1,002,182       100 %   $ 40,776  
Operating expenses:
                                       
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)
    724,904       70       635,108       63       (89,796 )
Selling, general and administrative
    270,065       26       243,196       24       (26,869 )
Gain on curtailment of pension plans
                (15,873 )     2       (15,873 )
Restructuring expense
                221             221  
Depreciation and amortization
    66,231       6       62,223       6       (4,008 )
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    (18,242 )     (2 )     77,307       8       (95,549 )
Other income (expense):
                                       
Interest income, net
    1,919             11,607       1       (9,688 )
Miscellaneous
                (1,000 )           1,000  
                                         
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes
    (16,323 )     (2 )     87,914       9       (104,237 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    11,387       1       (45,031 )     (4 )     56,418  
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (4,936 )     %   $ 42,883       4 %   $ (47,819 )
                                         
 


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    Years Ended December 31,     Increase
 
    2007     2006     (Decrease)
 
          % of Net
          % of Net
    in Net
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Income  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 1,002,182       100 %   $ 905,196       100 %   $ 96,986  
Operating expenses:
                                       
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below)
    635,108       63       637,090       70       1,982  
Selling, general and administrative
    243,196       24       222,962       25       (20,234 )
Gain on curtailment of pension plans
    (15,873 )     2                   15,873  
Restructuring expense
    221             143             (78 )
Depreciation and amortization
    62,223       6       64,995       7       2,772  
                                         
Operating income (loss)
    77,307       8       (19,994 )     (2 )     97,301  
Other income (expense):
                                       
Interest income, net
    11,607       1       6,212       1       5,395  
Miscellaneous
    (1,000 )           (250 )           (750 )
                                         
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes
    87,914       9       (14,032 )     (2 )     101,946  
Income tax benefit (expense)
    (45,031 )     (4 )     1,173             (46,204 )
                                         
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
    42,883       4       (12,859 )     (1 )     55,742  
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of taxes
                (238 )           238  
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 42,883       4 %   $ (13,097 )     (1 )%   $ 55,980  
                                         
 
In the following discussion of the combined results of operations of the Company, the segment financial information, including the discussion related to individual line items, does not reflect inter-segment eliminations unless specifically indicated. See “Business Segment Results” within the discussion of each of the comparative financial periods for a more detailed discussion relating to the operating results of our segments.
 
Comparison of Combined Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
 
Combined Results
 
Revenues, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 increased $5,018 (1%) as compared to revenues, net for the same period in 2008. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in MSG Media segment revenues, net
  $ 28,571  
Decrease in MSG Entertainment segment revenues, net
    (20,698 )
Decrease in MSG Sports segment revenues, net
    (742 )
Inter-segment eliminations
    (2,113 )
         
    $ 5,018  
         
 
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) include primarily:
 
  •  contractual compensation expense pursuant to employment agreements with the personnel of our professional sports teams;
 
  •  cost of team personnel transactions for career- and season-ending player injuries, net of anticipated insurance recoveries, and waivers and termination costs of players and other team personnel;

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  •  payments we make to obtain the contractual rights to carry certain live sporting events on our networks;
 
  •  other programming and production costs of our networks;
 
  •  event costs related to the presentation and production of our entertainment and live sporting events;
 
  •  venue lease, maintenance and operating expenses; and
 
  •  the cost of food and beverage and merchandise sold.
 
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $17,285 (4%) as compared to the same period in 2008. The net decrease is attributable to the following:
 
         
Decrease in MSG Media segment expenses
  $ (8,791 )
Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses
    1,127  
Decrease in MSG Sports segment expenses
    (7,184 )
Decrease in other expenses
    (331 )
Inter-segment eliminations
    (2,106 )
         
    $ (17,285 )
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses decreased 3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consist of administrative costs, including compensation, severance and professional fees, and sales, marketing and non-event related advertising expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $13 (-%) as compared to the same period in 2008. The net decrease is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in MSG Media segment expenses
  $ 1,547  
Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses
    5,444  
Increase in MSG Sports segment expenses
    18,165  
Decrease in litigation expense not allocated to segments
    (22,833 )
Decrease in other expenses
    (2,336 )
         
    $ (13 )
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses remained flat for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.
 
Depreciation and amortization for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $3,603 (7%) as compared to the same period in 2008 resulting primarily from lower amortization of intangible assets mainly due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized.
 
Interest income (expense), net for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $2,982 (145%) as compared to 2008. The net decrease reflects lower interest income of $2,143 and was primarily attributable to lower levels of invested cash, reflecting in part our use of cash to make a non-interest bearing advance in the amount of $60,000 to a subsidiary of Cablevision in 2008 and due to lower interest rates. As of September 30, 2009, the total amount of advances outstanding to a subsidiary of Cablevision was $190,000.
 
Income taxes
 
The Company operated as a partnership during the periods presented. However, the income tax expense or benefit and deferred tax liability presented are determined as if Madison Square Garden, Inc. had owned all of the partnership interests in MSG L.P. for all periods presented notwithstanding that the contribution of such interests in MSG L.P. had not yet occurred. The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on current period income and changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities.


81


 

Income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 of $2,141 and $6,624, respectively, differs from the income tax benefit derived from applying the federal statutory rate to the pretax income or loss due principally to state income taxes, tax benefit of $3,229 recorded in the third quarter of 2009 resulting from a change in the rate used to measure deferred taxes, tax benefit resulting from nontaxable disability insurance proceeds of $741 in the 2009 period, tax expense of $594 resulting from nondeductible disability insurance premiums in the 2008 period and tax expense resulting from nondeductible expenses of $1,312 and $1,728 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Upon Distribution, certain adjustments to the deferred tax liability will be recorded as an adjustment to equity. These adjustments primarily relate to: (i) the difference in the deferred tax asset for tax net operating loss carry forwards based upon the separate return method as compared to the amount determined under applicable federal tax law and (ii) a difference resulting from using an estimated applicable corporate tax rate to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the state income tax apportionment factors of the Company as compared to the historical estimated applicable corporate tax rates used by Cablevision. The Company will have an insignificant amount of tax net operating loss carry forwards immediately subsequent to the Distribution.
 
Business Segment Results
 
MSG Media
 
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues, net, for the Company’s MSG Media segment.
 
                                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase
 
    2009     2008     (Decrease) in
 
          % of Net
          % of Net
    Operating
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Income  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 345,638       100 %   $ 317,067       100 %   $ 28,571  
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    156,652       45       165,443       52       8,791  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    69,380       20       67,833       21       (1,547 )
Depreciation and amortization
    15,158       4       16,792       5       1,634  
                                         
Operating income
  $ 104,448       30 %   $ 66,999       21 %   $ 37,449  
                                         
 
The following is a reconciliation of operating income to adjusted operating cash flow (“AOCF”):
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended
       
    September 30,     Increase
 
    2009     2008     (Decrease) in
 
    Amount     Amount     AOCF  
 
Operating income
  $ 104,448     $ 66,999     $ 37,449  
Share-based compensation
    4,394       3,484       910  
Depreciation and amortization
    15,158       16,792       (1,634 )
                         
Adjusted operating cash flow
  $ 124,000     $ 87,275     $ 36,725  
                         


82


 

Revenues, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 increased $28,571 (9%) as compared to revenues, net for the same period in 2008. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in affiliation fee revenue, primarily at MSG Networks (see discussion below)
  $ 29,469  
Decrease in advertising revenue (see discussion below)
    (1,875 )
Other net increases
    977  
         
    $ 28,571  
         
 
The increase in affiliation fee revenue discussed above was primarily attributable to increases in contractual affiliation rates and higher subscriber counts. Most of MSG Media’s affiliation agreements provide for rate increases effective January 1 of each year. These increases are expected to result in similar affiliation fee revenue increases during the remainder of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.
 
It is currently expected that effective January 1, 2010, there will be a new long-term affiliation agreement between Cablevision and the MSG Networks that will result in increased revenues provided to MSG Media of approximately $30,000 for 2010 and other additional consideration.
 
The decrease in advertising revenue discussed above reflects lower advertising revenues at MSG Networks due primarily to lower per game advertising revenues for the sports teams which were partially offset by higher advertising revenues at Fuse due primarily to higher ratings.
 
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $8,791 (5%) as compared to the same period in 2008. The net decrease is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in rights fees
  $ 2,985  
Decrease due to lower levels of other production costs
    (11,776 )
         
    $ (8,791 )
         
 
We currently anticipate that network production costs will also be lower for the full year 2009 as compared to 2008.
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses decreased 7% during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 increased $1,547 (2%) as compared to the same period in 2008. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase due to higher employee salaries and related benefits
  $ 8,348  
Decrease due to lower marketing costs, primarily at Fuse (see discussion below)
    (6,861 )
Other net increases
    60  
         
    $ 1,547  
         
 
Marketing costs at Fuse for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were lower as compared to the same period in 2008, which reflected marketing initiatives taken in 2008 to rebrand Fuse as a national network primarily dedicated to music, along with providing marketing support for Fuse’s 2008 programming initiatives.
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 1% during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.
 
Depreciation and amortization for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $1,634 (10%) as compared to the same period in 2008 resulting primarily from lower amortization of intangible assets of $2,402 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized.


83


 

Adjusted operating cash flow increased $36,725 (42%) in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008. The increase, as discussed above, was due primarily to an increase in affiliation fee revenue and a net decrease in operating costs.
 
MSG Entertainment
 
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues, net for the Company’s MSG Entertainment segment.
 
                                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,        
    2009     2008     Increase in
 
          % of Net
          % of Net
    Operating
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Loss  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 109,589       100%     $ 130,287       100%     $ (20,698 )
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    107,853       98       106,726       82       (1,127 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    45,707       42       40,263       31       (5,444 )
Depreciation and amortization
    7,623       7       7,093       5       (530 )
                                         
Operating loss
  $ (51,594 )     (47 )%   $ (23,795 )     (18 )%   $ (27,799 )
                                         
 
The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to adjusted operating cash flow:
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase
 
    2009     2008     (Decrease) in
 
    Amount     Amount     AOCF  
 
Operating loss
  $ (51,594 )   $ (23,795 )   $ (27,799 )
Share-based compensation
    4,073       3,062       1,011  
Depreciation and amortization
    7,623       7,093       530  
                         
Adjusted operating cash flow
  $ (39,898 )   $ (13,640 )   $ (26,258 )
                         
 
Revenues, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $20,698 (16%) as compared to revenues, net for the same period in 2008. The net decrease is attributable to the following:
 
         
Decrease in revenues at the Madison Square Garden arena (“The Garden”)
  $ (25,933 )
Decrease in revenues from the winter themed production, Wintuk, due primarily to fewer shows in January 2009 than in January 2008
    (1,698 )
Increase in revenues at the Beacon Theatre which was shut down the last five months of 2008 for its restoration
    8,150  
Increase in revenues from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (see discussion below)
    2,085  
Other net decreases
    (3,302 )
         
    $ (20,698 )
         
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, revenues at The Garden have decreased as compared to the same period in 2008 primarily due to a lower level of event bookings reflecting the current economic environment. MSG Entertainment is dependent on the number of events presented in our venues by the Company and by third parties.
 
The increase in revenues from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular discussed above primarily reflects revenues from performances in January 2009 of a new arena-sized Radio City Christmas Spectacular touring show which was launched during the 2008 holiday season (including January 2009).


84


 

Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 increased $1,127 (1%) as compared to the same period in 2008. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in event expenses for the Beacon Theatre which was shut down the last five months of 2008 for its restoration
  $ 5,433  
Increase in venue operating costs including the impact of a new venue booking agreement for the Wang Theatre
    5,428  
Net increase in expenses from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular discussed above
    1,728  
Net decrease in event expenses for The Garden
    (13,849 )
Decrease in show costs related to the winter themed production, Wintuk
    (995 )
Other net increases
    3,382  
         
    $ 1,127  
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses increased 16% during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 increased $5,444 (14%) as compared to the same period in 2008. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in employee salaries and related benefits
  $ 4,996  
Other net increases
    448  
         
    $ 5,444  
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 11% during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.
 
Adjusted operating cash flow decreased $26,258 (193%) in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008. The decrease, as discussed above, was due primarily to lower revenues from live entertainment events, other than the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and events at the Beacon Theatre, and a net increase in operating costs.
 
MSG Sports
 
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues, net for the Company’s MSG Sports segment.
 
                                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,     (Increase)
 
    2009     2008     Decrease in
 
          % of Net
          % of Net
    Operating
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Loss  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 244,927       100 %   $ 245,669       100 %   $ (742 )
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    186,035       76       193,219       79       7,184  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    81,877       33       63,712       26       (18,165 )
Depreciation and amortization
    8,306       3       8,139       3       (167 )
                                         
Operating loss
  $ (31,291 )     (13 )%   $ (19,401 )     (8 )%   $ (11,890 )
                                         


85


 

The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to adjusted operating cash flow:
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,     Increase
 
    2009     2008     (Decrease) in
 
    Amount     Amount     AOCF  
 
Operating loss
  $ (31,291 )   $ (19,401 )   $ (11,890 )
Share-based compensation
    2,251       4,010       (1,759 )
Depreciation and amortization
    8,306       8,139       167  
                         
Adjusted operating cash flow
  $ (20,734 )   $ (7,252 )   $ (13,482 )
                         
 
Revenues, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $742 (-%) as compared to revenues, net for the same period in 2008. The net decrease is attributable to the following:
 
         
Decrease in sports team playoff related revenues
  $ (3,859 )
Decrease in revenues from other live sporting events (see discussion below)
    (3,103 )
Increase in sports team regular season ticket related revenue due primarily to higher average ticket prices
    3,226  
Increase in rights fees charged to MSG Media
    2,107  
Increase in NBA and NHL distributions
    1,969  
Other net decreases
    (1,082 )
         
    $ (742 )
         
 
The decrease in revenues from other live sporting events discussed above was primarily due to lower boxing ticket sales mostly attributable to the absence of a large scale boxing event such as one Promoted in 2008.
 
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 decreased $7,184 (4%) as compared to the same period in 2008. The net decrease is attributable to the following:
 
         
Decrease in expenses associated with other live sporting events (see discussion below)
  $ (7,015 )
Decrease due to lower net provision for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions described below) of $3,016 and lower net provision for NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) of $3,277 (see discussion below)
    (6,293 )
Decrease in net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax) (see discussion below)
    (1,207 )
Decrease in sports team playoff related expenses, including playoff related NHL revenue sharing
    (1,438 )
Increase in team personnel compensation, net of insurance recovery (see discussion below)
    5,371  
Increase in venue operating costs
    1,336  
Other net increases
    2,062  
         
    $ (7,184 )
         
 
The lower expenses associated with other live sporting events primarily reflects the absence of costs associated with a large scale boxing event such as one Promoted in 2008.


86


 

Net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions), NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) and certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax) were as follows:
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,        
    2009     2008        
    Amount     Amount     Decreases  
 
Net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions described below) and NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs)
  $ 3,076     $ 9,369     $ (6,293 )
Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions, including the impact of NBA luxury tax
    7,969       9,176       (1,207 )
 
The change in the net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions described below) and NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008, as reflected in the table above, reflects a lower net provision for NBA luxury tax, based primarily on the Knicks’ season-ending team salaries subject to the tax and a lower net provision for NHL revenue sharing expense, based primarily on the Rangers’ and league-wide season-ending revenues. See “ — MSG Sports — Expenses — Player Salaries and League Payments.”
 
Team personnel transactions discussed above for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 primarily reflect provisions recorded for player waivers and the costs associated with a player trade of $5,109 and $3,286, respectively. Team personnel transactions for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily reflect provisions recorded for season-ending player injuries of $5,667, which is net of anticipated insurance recoveries of $2,314, and a player waiver of $2,760. The cost of these transactions are recorded when the transaction occurs, but payments owed are generally paid over the remaining contract terms.
 
The increase in team personnel compensation during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, is net of $4,838 in insurance recoveries related to a non season-ending player injury in 2009.
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses decreased 3% during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 increased $18,165 (29%) as compared to the same period in 2008. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in severance, employee salaries and related benefits (see discussion below)
  $ 18,922  
Other net decreases
    (757 )
         
    $ 18,165  
         
 
Higher severance, employee salaries and related benefits in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008 primarily reflects higher severance costs attributable to a separation agreement with a team executive entered into in 2009.
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 7% during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008.
 
Adjusted operating cash flow decreased $13,482 (186%) in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008. The decrease was due primarily to the higher severance costs discussed above.


87


 

Comparison of Combined Year Ended December 31, 2008 Versus Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
Combined Results
 
Revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $40,776 (4%) as compared to revenues, net for the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in MSG Media segment revenues, net
  $ 38,482  
Decrease in MSG Entertainment segment revenues, net
    (8,476 )
Increase in MSG Sports segment revenues, net
    13,535  
Inter-segment eliminations
    (2,765 )
         
    $ 40,776  
         
 
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $89,796 (14%) as compared to 2007. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in MSG Media segment expenses
  $ 26,495  
Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses
    22,402  
Increase in MSG Sports segment expenses
    43,016  
Increase in other expenses
    639  
Inter-segment eliminations
    (2,756 )
         
    $ 89,796  
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses increased 7% in 2008 as compared to 2007.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $26,869 (11%) as compared to 2007. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in MSG Media segment expenses
  $ 9,435  
Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses
    7,238  
Increase in MSG Sports segment expenses
    6,962  
Increase in litigation expense and settlements not allocated to segments
    7,911  
Decrease in other expenses
    (4,677 )
         
    $ 26,869  
         
 
The decrease in other expenses discussed above primarily reflects lower other professional fees.
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 2% in 2008 as compared to 2007.
 
Gain on curtailment of pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2007 amounted to $15,873. As of December 31, 2007, a Company-sponsored qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain non-union employees and a Company-sponsored, non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees who participate in the underlying qualified plan were amended to freeze all benefits earned through December 31, 2007 and eliminate the ability of participants to earn benefits for future service under these plans.
 
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $4,008 (6%) as compared to 2007. The net increase resulted from higher depreciation of $5,137, which was primarily attributable to the acceleration of depreciation of certain components of The Garden due to its planned renovation, partially offset by lower amortization of intangible assets of $1,129 due primarily to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized.


88


 

Interest income, net for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $9,688 (83%) as compared to 2007. The net decrease was primarily attributable to lower levels of interest income caused primarily by our use of cash to make non-interest bearing advances to a subsidiary of Cablevision of $130,000 in 2007 and an additional $60,000 in 2008.
 
Income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2008 of $11,387 differs from the income tax benefit derived from applying the federal statutory tax rate to the pretax loss due principally to state income taxes, tax benefit of $1,555 resulting from nontaxable disability insurance proceeds offset by tax expense of $2,464 relating to nondeductible expenses, and tax benefit of $5,769 resulting from a change in the estimated applicable corporate tax rate used to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities.
 
Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 of $45,031 differs from the income tax expense derived from applying the federal statutory tax rate to pretax income due principally to state income taxes, tax expense of $2,362 resulting from nondeductible disability insurance premiums, tax expense of $1,212 relating to nondeductible expenses, and tax expense of $4,385 resulting from a change in the estimated applicable corporate tax rate used to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities.
 
Business Segment Results
 
MSG Media
 
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues, net for the Company’s MSG Media segment.
 
                                         
    Years Ended December 31,     Increase
 
    2008     2007     (Decrease) in
 
          % of Net
          % of Net
    Operating
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Income  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 430,004       100 %   $ 391,522       100 %   $ 38,482  
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    227,607       53       201,112       51       (26,495 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    96,004       22       86,569       22       (9,435 )
Restructuring expense
                221             221  
Depreciation and amortization
    22,451       5       21,067       5       (1,384 )
                                         
Operating income
  $ 83,942       20 %   $ 82,553       21 %   $ 1,389  
                                         
 
The following is a reconciliation of operating income to adjusted operating cash flow:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,     Increase
 
    2008     2007     (Decrease) in
 
    Amount     Amount     AOCF  
 
Operating income
  $ 83,942     $ 82,553     $ 1,389  
Share-based compensation
    4,202       4,567       (365 )
Restructuring expense
          221       (221 )
Depreciation and amortization
    22,451       21,067       1,384  
                         
Adjusted operating cash flow
  $ 110,595     $ 108,408     $ 2,187  
                         


89


 

Revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $38,482 (10%) as compared to revenues, net for the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in affiliation fee revenue (see discussion below)
  $ 43,667  
Decrease in advertising revenue (see discussion below)
    (7,471 )
Other net increases
    2,286  
         
    $ 38,482  
         
 
The increase in affiliation fee revenue was primarily attributable to increases in contractual affiliation rates and higher subscriber counts. Most of MSG Media’s affiliation agreements provide for rate increases effective January 1 of each year.
 
Advertising revenues at MSG Networks were lower in 2008 as compared to 2007 due primarily to lower per game advertising revenues in the fourth quarter of 2008 for the sports teams. This variance reflected the period’s economic environment. Advertising revenues at Fuse in 2008 as compared to 2007 were also lower primarily as a result of lower program ratings.
 
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $26,495 (13%) as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in level of MSG Media rights fee expense due primarily to MSG Networks’ annual sports rights increases
  $ 10,901  
Increase in levels of other production costs due primarily to Fuse (see discussion below)
    15,594  
         
    $ 26,495  
         
 
Fuse’s programming and other production costs in 2008 were higher than 2007 as a result of initiatives taken to develop programming in support of our effort to reposition the network as a national multi-platform music network.
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses increased 2% during the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the prior year.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $9,435 (11%) as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in marketing costs, primarily at Fuse (see discussion below)
  $ 10,960  
Other net decreases
    (1,525 )
         
    $ 9,435  
         
 
Marketing costs at Fuse in 2008 were higher than 2007 reflecting marketing initiatives taken to rebrand Fuse as a network primarily dedicated to music, as well as marketing support for the programming initiatives set forth above.
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses remained flat during the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the prior year.
 
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $1,384 (7%) as compared to the prior year resulting primarily from higher depreciation expense of $1,401 primarily due to fixed asset additions.
 
Adjusted operating cash flow increased $2,187 (2%) for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 2007. The increase, as discussed above, was due primarily to an increase in affiliation fee revenue, substantially offset by higher operating costs.


90


 

MSG Entertainment
 
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues, net for the Company’s MSG Entertainment segment.
 
                                         
    Years Ended December 31,        
    2008     2007     Increase in
 
          % of Net
          % of Net
    Operating
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Loss  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 307,816       100 %   $ 316,292       100 %   $ (8,476 )
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    243,820       79       221,418       70       (22,402 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    55,389       18       48,151       15       (7,238 )
Depreciation and amortization
    9,407       3       8,718       3       (689 )
                                         
Operating income (loss)
  $ (800 )     %   $ 38,005       12 %   $ (38,805 )
                                         
 
The following is a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to adjusted operating cash flow:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,     Increase
 
    2008     2007     (Decrease) in
 
    Amount     Amount     AOCF  
 
Operating income (loss)
  $ (800 )   $ 38,005     $ (38,805 )
Share-based compensation
    3,692       3,094       598  
Depreciation and amortization
    9,407       8,718       689  
                         
Adjusted operating cash flow
  $ 12,299     $ 49,817     $ (37,518 )
                         
 
Revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2008 decreased $8,476 (3%) as compared to revenues, net for the prior year. The net decrease is attributable to the following:
 
         
Decrease in revenues from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (see discussion below)
  $ (8,023 )
Net decrease in revenues for the Beacon Theatre, primarily due to a five month shutdown in 2008 for its restoration
    (7,805 )
Decrease in revenues from the winter themed production, Wintuk, due primarily to lower attendance
    (7,414 )
Increase due to impact of new venues, primarily The Chicago Theatre acquired in the fourth quarter of 2007
    8,126  
Net increase in revenues from the presentation of other live entertainment events (see discussion below)
    3,494  
Other net increases
    3,146  
         
    $ (8,476 )
         
 
Net lower revenues from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular discussed above reflect lower revenues at the show’s presentation at Radio City Music Hall, due primarily to lower attendance. This reduction was offset in part by a net increase in revenues from the show’s touring productions. The increase in revenues from the show’s touring productions was due to the impact of the launch of a new arena-sized touring show for the 2008 holiday season offset in part by lower revenue for the touring show’s theater presentations which was primarily the result of fewer scheduled performances and lower attendance.
 
The net higher revenues from the presentation of other live entertainment events discussed above were primarily due to additional entertainment events and the change in the mix of events.


91


 

Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $22,402 (10%) as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Net increase in expenses from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (see discussion below)
  $ 16,258  
Increase in venue operating costs including the impact of a new venue booking agreement for the Wang Theatre
    4,623  
Increase in expenses for entertainment events at The Chicago Theatre, which was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2007
    4,538  
Net increase in expenses associated with the higher revenues from other live entertainment events discussed above
    689  
Net decrease in show costs related to the winter themed production, Wintuk
    (3,162 )
Net decrease in event expenses for the Beacon Theatre, primarily due to a five-month shutdown in 2008 for its restoration
    (3,015 )
Other net increases
    2,471  
         
    $ 22,402  
         
 
The net increase in expenses from the presentation of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular shows primarily represents the increased costs associated with the launch of the new arena-sized touring show partly offset by the lower cost associated with the theater touring version of the show, due primarily to fewer scheduled performances.
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses increased 9% during the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the prior year.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $7,238 (15%) as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Net increase in legal and other professional fees
  $ 2,758  
Increase in employee salaries and related benefits
    2,159  
Other net increases
    2,321  
         
    $ 7,238  
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 3% during the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the prior year.
 
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $689 (8%) as compared to the prior year resulting primarily from higher depreciation expense due to fixed asset additions.
 
Adjusted operating cash flow decreased $37,518 (75%) for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 2007. The decrease, as discussed above, was due primarily to a net decrease in revenues and a net increase in operating costs.


92


 

MSG Sports
 
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues, net for the Company’s MSG Sports segment.
 
                                         
    Years Ended December 31,        
    2008     2007     (Increase)
 
          % of Net
          % of Net
    Decrease in
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Operating Loss  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 369,333       100 %   $ 355,798       100 %   $ 13,535  
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    316,583       86       273,567       77       (43,016 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    86,389       23       79,427       22       (6,962 )
Depreciation and amortization
    10,706       3       11,783       3       1,077  
                                         
Operating loss
  $ (44,345 )     (12 )%   $ (8,979 )     (3 )%   $ (35,366 )
                                         
 
The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to adjusted operating cash flow:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,     Increase
 
    2008     2007     (Decrease) in
 
    Amount     Amount     AOCF  
 
Operating loss
  $ (44,345 )   $ (8,979 )   $ (35,366 )
Share-based compensation
    4,838       4,054       784  
Depreciation and amortization
    10,706       11,783       (1,077 )
                         
Adjusted operating cash flow
  $ (28,801 )   $ 6,858     $ (35,659 )
                         
 
Revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $13,535 (4%) as compared to revenues, net for the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in revenues from other live sporting events (see discussion below)
  $ 8,842  
Increase in primarily non-recurring NBA and NHL distributions
    6,461  
Increase in sports teams’ regular season ticket related revenue due primarily to higher average ticket prices
    5,843  
Decrease due to termination of the operating agreements for two Connecticut venues effective July 1, 2007
    (6,925 )
Other net decreases
    (686 )
         
    $ 13,535  
         
 
The increase in revenues from other live sporting events discussed above was primarily due to higher ticket sales mostly attributable to a large scale boxing match we Promoted in 2008 and an increase in the number of events that were Promoted.


93


 

Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $43,016 (16%) as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in team personnel compensation
  $ 13,214  
Increase in expenses associated with other live sporting events (see discussion below)
    12,769  
Increase in net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax) (see discussion below)
    18,090  
Increase due to higher net provision for NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) of $1,307 partly offset by lower net provision for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions described above) of $213 (see discussion below)
    1,094  
Increase in other team operating expenses
    2,047  
Decrease due to termination of the operating agreements for two Connecticut venues effective July 1, 2007
    (6,263 )
Other net increases
    2,065  
         
    $ 43,016  
         
 
Net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions), NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) and certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax) were as follows:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,        
    2008     2007        
    Amount     Amount     Increases  
 
Net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions described below) and NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs)
  $ 14,948     $ 13,854     $ 1,094  
Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions, including the impact of NBA luxury tax
    24,927       6,837       18,090  
 
The change in the net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions described below) and NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the prior year, as reflected in the table above, reflects a lower net provision for NBA luxury tax, based primarily on the Knicks’ estimated season-ending team salaries subject to the tax and a higher net provision for NHL revenue sharing expense, based primarily on estimates of the Rangers’ and league-wide season-ending revenues. See “ — MSG Sports — Expenses — Player Salaries and League Payments.”
 
Team personnel transactions discussed above for the year ended December 31, 2008 primarily reflect provisions recorded for career-ending and season-ending player injuries of $20,952, which is net of anticipated insurance recoveries of $11,935, as well as player waivers of $3,226. Team personnel transactions for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily reflect provisions recorded for player waivers and a season-ending player injury of $4,254 and $2,502, respectively. The cost of these transactions are recorded when the transaction occurs, but payments owed are generally paid over the remaining contract terms.
 
The higher expenses associated with other live sporting events primarily reflects the costs associated with a large scale boxing event we Promoted in 2008.
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses increased 9% during the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the prior year.


94


 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $6,962 (9%) as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in employee salaries and related benefits
  $ 6,298  
Increase in legal and other professional fees
    775  
Decrease due to termination of the operating agreements for two Connecticut venues effective July 1, 2007
    (2,723 )
Other net increases
    2,612  
         
    $ 6,962  
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 1% during the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the prior year.
 
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the prior year decreased $1,077 (9%), due primarily to lower amortization expense of intangible assets due primarily to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized.
 
Adjusted operating cash flow decreased $35,659 (520%) for the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to 2007. The decrease, as discussed above, was due primarily to higher operating costs offset in part by an increase in revenues.
 
Comparison of Combined Year Ended December 31, 2007 Versus Year Ended December 31, 2006
 
Combined Results
 
Revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $96,986 (11%) as compared to revenues, net for the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in MSG Media segment revenues, net
  $ 21,201  
Increase in MSG Entertainment segment revenues, net
    63,327  
Increase in MSG Sports segment revenues, net
    12,455  
Inter-segment eliminations
    3  
         
    $ 96,986  
         
 
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased $1,982 (-%) as compared to 2006. The net decrease is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in MSG Media segment expenses
  $ 5,514  
Increase in MSG Entertainment segment expenses
    53,101  
Decrease in MSG Sports segment expenses
    (60,608 )
Inter-segment eliminations
    11  
         
    $ (1,982 )
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses decreased 7% in 2007 as compared to 2006.


95


 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $20,234 (9%) as compared to 2006. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in expenses of the MSG Media segment
  $ 6,909  
Increase in expenses of the MSG Entertainment segment
    5,394  
Decrease in expenses of the MSG Sports segment
    (2,158 )
Increase in litigation expense and settlements not allocated to segments
    8,115  
Increase in other expenses
    1,974  
         
    $ 20,234  
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 1% in 2007 as compared to 2006.
 
Gain on curtailment of pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2007 amounted to $15,873. As of December 31, 2007, a Company sponsored qualified defined benefit pension plan covering certain non-union employees and a Company sponsored non-qualified unfunded defined benefit pension plan covering certain employees who participate in the underlying qualified plan were amended to freeze all benefits earned through December 31, 2007 and eliminate the ability of participants to earn benefits for future service under these plans.
 
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased $2,772 (4%) as compared to 2006, as a result of lower depreciation primarily caused by certain assets becoming fully depreciated.
 
Interest income, net for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $5,395 (87%) as compared to 2006. The net increase was primarily attributable to higher levels of interest income caused primarily by higher levels of cash and cash equivalents and higher interest rates. At December 31, 2007, the Company had a non-interest bearing advance outstanding to a subsidiary of Cablevision of $130,000.
 
Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2007 of $45,031 differs from the income tax expense derived from applying the federal statutory tax rate to pretax income due principally to state income taxes, tax expense of $2,362 resulting from nondeductible disability insurance premiums, tax expense of $1,212 relating to nondeductible expenses, and tax expense of $4,385 resulting from a change in the estimated applicable corporate tax rates used to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities.
 
Income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2006 of $1,173 differs from the income tax benefit expected from applying the federal statutory tax rate to the pretax loss due principally to state income taxes, tax expense of $2,310 resulting from nondeductible disability insurance premiums, tax expense of $859 relating to nondeductible expenses and tax expense of $869 resulting from a change in the estimated applicable corporate tax rates used to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities.


96


 

Business Segment Results
 
MSG Media
 
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues, net for the Company’s MSG Media segment.
 
                                         
    Years Ended December 31,        
    2007     2006     Increase
 
          % of Net
          % of Net
    (Decrease) in
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Operating Income  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 391,522       100 %   $ 370,321       100 %   $ 21,201  
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    201,112       51       195,598       53       (5,514 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    86,569       22       79,660       22       (6,909 )
Restructuring expense
    221             143             (78 )
Depreciation and amortization
    21,067       5       22,220       6       1,153  
                                         
Operating income
  $ 82,553       21 %   $ 72,700       20 %   $ 9,853  
                                         
 
The following is a reconciliation of operating income to adjusted operating cash flow:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,     Increase
 
    2007     2006     (Decrease) in
 
    Amount     Amount     AOCF  
 
Operating income
  $ 82,553     $ 72,700     $ 9,853  
Share-based compensation
    4,567       6,282       (1,715 )
Restructuring expense
    221       143       78  
Depreciation and amortization
    21,067       22,220       (1,153 )
                         
Adjusted operating cash flow
  $ 108,408     $ 101,345     $ 7,063  
                         
 
Revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $21,201 (6%) as compared to revenues, net for the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in affiliation fee revenue, primarily at MSG Networks
  $ 26,220  
Decrease in advertising revenue, primarily at MSG Networks
    (3,396 )
Other net decreases
    (1,623 )
         
    $ 21,201  
         
 
The increase in affiliation fee revenue was primarily attributable to increases in contractual affiliation rates and higher subscriber counts. Most of MSG Media’s affiliation agreements provide for rate increases effective January 1 of each year.
 
Lower advertising revenues at MSG Networks was due primarily to lower per game advertising revenue for the sports teams presented. Lower advertising revenues at Fuse was due primarily to lower ratings.


97


 

Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $5,514 (3%) as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in production costs at MSG Networks, primarily related to expanding original programming
  $ 5,551  
Increase in rights expense at MSG Networks due primarily to annual sports rights rate increases
    2,730  
Decrease in levels of licensed programming costs and other production costs at Fuse
    (2,767 )
         
    $ 5,514  
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses decreased 2% during the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the prior year.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $6,909 (9%) as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in marketing costs
  $ 2,848  
Increase in employee salaries and related benefits
    1,249  
Other net increases
    2,812  
         
    $ 6,909  
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses remained flat during the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the prior year.
 
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased $1,153 (5%) as compared to the prior year resulting primarily from certain fixed assets becoming fully depreciated.
 
Adjusted operating cash flow increased $7,063 (7%) for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to 2006. The increase, as discussed above, was due primarily to an increase in affiliation fee revenue, offset in part by higher operating costs.
 
MSG Entertainment
 
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues, net for the Company’s MSG Entertainment segment.
 
                                         
    Years Ended December 31,        
    2007     2006     Increase
 
          % of Net
          % of Net
    (Decrease) in
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Operating Income  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 316,292       100 %   $ 252,965       100 %   $ 63,327  
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    221,418       70       168,317       67       (53,101 )
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    48,151       15       42,757       17       (5,394 )
Depreciation and amortization
    8,718       3       6,322       2       (2,396 )
                                         
Operating income
  $ 38,005       12 %   $ 35,569       14 %   $ 2,436  
                                         


98


 

The following is a reconciliation of operating income to adjusted operating cash flow:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,     Increase
 
    2007     2006     (Decrease) in
 
    Amount     Amount     AOCF  
 
Operating income
  $ 38,005     $ 35,569     $ 2,436  
Share-based compensation
    3,094       4,127       (1,033 )
Depreciation and amortization
    8,718       6,322       2,396  
                         
Adjusted operating cash flow
  $ 49,817     $ 46,018     $ 3,799  
                         
 
Revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $63,327 (25%) as compared to revenues, net for the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in revenues from a new winter themed production, Wintuk, first presented in 2007
  $ 36,668  
Increase in revenues from the Beacon Theatre (which the Company began operating in 2007) and The Chicago Theatre (which the Company acquired in the fourth quarter of 2007)
    15,291  
Increase in revenues from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, primarily due to increased attendance at the Radio City Music Hall presentation
    13,681  
Net decrease in revenues from the presentation of other live entertainment events (see discussion below)
    (6,539 )
Other net increases
    4,226  
         
    $ 63,327  
         
 
The decrease in revenues from other live entertainment events was primarily due to the presentation of Annie in 2006 (which was replaced by Wintuk) offset in part by higher revenue from other live entertainment events.
 
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $53,101 (32%) as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in event related costs associated with the new winter themed production, Wintuk, first presented in 2007
  $ 29,224  
Increase in venue operating costs primarily associated with the Beacon Theatre (which the Company began operating in 2007) and The Chicago Theatre (which the Company acquired in the fourth quarter of 2007)
    11,629  
Net increase in event related costs associated with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular
    9,917  
Net increase in event related expenses associated with the new venues
    6,734  
Decrease in event related costs associated with the decrease in revenues from the other live entertainment events discussed above
    (6,766 )
Other net increases
    2,363  
         
    $ 53,101  
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses increased 3% during the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the prior year.


99


 

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $5,394 (13%) as compared to the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increase in employee salaries and related benefits
  $ 3,602  
Other net increases
    1,792  
         
    $ 5,394  
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 2% during the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the prior year.
 
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the prior year increased $2,396 (38%), primarily due to higher depreciation expense of $2,229, caused mainly by fixed asset additions.
 
Adjusted operating cash flow increased $3,799 (8%) for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to 2006. The increase, as discussed above, was due primarily to a net increase in revenues, which was substantially offset in part by higher operating costs.
 
MSG Sports
 
The table below sets forth, for the periods presented, certain historical financial information and the percentage that those items bear to revenues, net for the Company’s MSG Sports segment.
 
                                         
    Years Ended December 31,        
    2007     2006        
          % of Net
          % of Net
    Decrease in
 
    Amount     Revenues     Amount     Revenues     Operating Loss  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 355,798       100 %   $ 343,343       100 %   $ 12,455  
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    273,567       77       334,175       97       60,608  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    79,427       22       81,585       24       2,158  
Depreciation and amortization
    11,783       3       12,013       3       230  
                                         
Operating loss
  $ (8,979 )     (3 )%   $ (84,430 )     (25 )%   $ 75,451  
                                         
 
The following is a reconciliation of operating loss to adjusted operating cash flow:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,     Increase
 
    2007     2006     (Decrease) in
 
    Amount     Amount     AOCF  
 
Operating loss
  $ (8,979 )   $ (84,430 )   $ 75,451  
Share-based compensation
    4,054       5,408       (1,354 )
Depreciation and amortization
    11,783       12,013       (230 )
                         
Adjusted operating cash flow
  $ 6,858     $ (67,009 )   $ 73,867  
                         


100


 

Revenues, net for the year ended December 31, 2007 increased $12,455 (4%) as compared to revenues, net for the prior year. The net increase is attributable to the following:
 
         
Increases in sports team playoff related revenues
  $ 8,202  
Increases in sports teams’ regular season ticket related revenue due primarily to higher average ticket prices
    6,597  
Increase in revenues from other live sporting events (see discussion below)
    7,403  
Decrease due to the termination of the operating agreements for two Connecticut venues effective July 1, 2007
    (8,291 )
Other net decreases
    (1,456 )
         
    $ 12,455  
         
 
The higher level of revenues from other live sporting events was primarily due to an increased number of promoted events and higher ticket sales.
 
Technical and operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization) for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased $60,608 (18%) as compared to the prior year. The net decrease is attributable to the following:
 
         
Decrease in net provisions for certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax) (see discussion below)
  $ (53,335 )
Decrease due to lower net provision for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions referred to above) of $9,799 and lower net provision for NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) of $449 (see discussion below)
    (10,248 )
Decrease in team personnel compensation
    (7,074 )
Decrease due to termination of the operating agreements for two Connecticut venues effective July 1, 2007
    (4,172 )
Increase in benefit from amortization of team related purchase accounting liabilities (see discussion below)
    6,263  
Increase in expenses associated with other live sporting events
    4,756  
Increase in sports team playoff related expenses, including playoff related NHL revenue sharing
    4,231  
Other net decreases
    (1,029 )
         
    $ (60,608 )
         
 
Net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions), NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) and certain team personnel transactions (including the impact of NBA luxury tax) were as follows:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,        
    2007
    2006
       
    Amount     Amount     Decreases  
 
Net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions described below) and NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs)
  $ 13,854     $ 24,102     $ (10,248 )
Net provisions for certain team personnel transactions, including the impact of NBA luxury tax
    6,837       60,172       (53,335 )
 
The change in the net provisions for NBA luxury tax (excluding the impact of certain team personnel transactions described below) and NHL revenue sharing (excluding playoffs) for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the prior year, as reflected in the table above, reflects a lower net provision for NBA luxury tax, based primarily on the Knicks’ estimated season-ending team salaries subject to the tax and a lower net provision for NHL revenue sharing expense, based primarily on estimates of the Rangers’ and


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league-wide season-ending revenues. See “ — MSG Sports — Expenses — Player Salaries and League Payments.”
 
Team personnel transactions discussed above for the year ended December 31, 2007 primarily reflect provisions recorded for player waivers and a season-ending player injury of $4,254 and $2,502, respectively. Team personnel transactions for the year ended December 31, 2006 reflect provisions recorded for player waivers and the costs of a termination related to other team personnel of $41,404 and $18,768, respectively. The cost of these transactions are recorded when the transaction occurs, but payments owed related to the player waivers and the season-ending injury are generally paid over the remaining contract terms. The cost of the 2006 termination of other team personnel was paid at the time of the termination.
 
The purchase accounting liabilities were established in April 2005 through push down accounting as a result of Cablevision’s acquisition of the 40% minority interest in a subsidiary of Cablevision, which wholly-owned the Company. Following this transaction, amortization of these purchase accounting liabilities began over the period of the respective player contracts. During 2006 and 2005, the majority of these players were waived or traded and the unamortized purchase accounting liabilities associated with these players were written off.
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, technical and operating expenses decreased 20% during the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the prior year.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2007 decreased $2,158 (3%) as compared to the prior year. The net decrease is attributable to the following:
 
         
Decrease in legal and other professional fees
  $ (3,082 )
Decrease in marketing costs
    (1,663 )
Increase in employee salaries and related benefits
    2,469  
Other net increases
    118  
         
    $ (2,158 )
         
 
As a percentage of revenues, net, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 2% during the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to the prior year.
 
Adjusted operating cash flow increased $73,867 (110%) for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared to 2006. The increase, as discussed above, was due primarily to a net decrease in the segment’s operating costs along with a net increase in its net revenues.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Overview
 
Sources of cash primarily include cash flow from the operations of our businesses. Our principal uses of cash include capital spending and investments that we may fund from time to time. We currently expect that our net funding and investment requirements for the next twelve months will be met by our cash on hand and cash generated by our operating activities. The decision of the Company as to the use of cash on hand and cash generated from operating activities will be based upon an ongoing review of the funding needs of the business, the optimal allocation of cash resources, and the timing of cash flow generation.
 
We previously announced our intent to pursue a major renovation of The Garden. We continue to review all aspects of this complex project with our consultants in order to improve the renovation plans, mitigate project risks and identify efficiencies in all aspects of costs, planning and project-phasing. We also continue to develop our cost and capital investment estimates to ensure that the planned renovation meets our overall expectations and objectives.
 
While the pre-construction planning and cost estimates of this renovation are not yet final, we currently expect that the project’s cost will be between $775,000 and $850,000, of which approximately $60,000 will have been incurred by December 31, 2009. We expect that the estimated costs associated with the project will be met from cash on hand, receipt of repayments of advances made to a subsidiary of Cablevision and cash flow from our operations. We have recently obtained commitments from a group of banks for a revolving


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credit facility. (See “ — Financing Agreements” below.) To the extent that management determines that financing for this renovation is required or desirable, we would expect to draw on this facility.
 
In order to most efficiently and effectively complete the renovation, it will be a year-round project. Our goal is to minimize disruption to current operations and to achieve this, The Garden will remain open for the New York Knicks’ and New York Rangers’ seasons in the years the renovation takes place, while we sequence the construction to ensure that we maximize our construction efforts when we close the arena during summer months. Our current expectation is that the renovated lower bowl of The Garden will be open for the 2011-12 seasons, and that the renovated upper bowl will be open for the 2012-13 seasons.
 
Although the Company continues to pursue the arena renovation plan, there can be no assurance that a renovation will occur or what the ultimate cost, scope or timing of any renovation activity may be.
 
We have assessed the implications of the recent distress in the capital and credit markets on our ability to meet our net funding and investing requirements over the next twelve months and we believe that a combination of cash-on-hand and cash generated from operating activities should provide us with sufficient liquidity. However, continued market disruptions could cause broader economic downturns, which may lead to lower demand for our services, such as lower levels of attendance or advertising. These events would adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position. We continue to evaluate options to manage our liquidity and capital structure.
 
The Company will have an insignificant amount of tax net operating losses immediately subsequent to the Distribution.
 
Financing Agreements
 
The Company currently does not have any outstanding credit facilities or indentures. However, MSG L.P., our wholly owned subsidiary, has obtained commitments from a group of banks for a new $375,000, five-year senior secured revolving credit facility. The facility will be undrawn at the time it becomes available. We may use this facility to fund certain of our working capital needs and capital expenditures, and for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to the renovation of The Garden. Entry into any such facility is conditioned on negotiation of a definitive credit agreement with the lending banks. In addition to any such facility, we expect to fund our liquidity requirements through cash on hand, cash flow from operations and the repayment of intercompany advances to a subsidiary of Cablevision.
 
Following the Distribution, our intercompany advances to a subsidiary of Cablevision (in an aggregate amount of $190,000 as of September 30, 2009) will remain outstanding. Prior to the Distribution date, the terms of these advances will be changed to provide for a maturity date of no later than June 30, 2010 (with prepayment at Cablevision’s option) and for the payment of cash interest at a fixed rate equal to the prime rate on the date the changes to the terms are made. The proceeds of the repayment of these intercompany advances will be used to meet our net funding and investment requirements.
 
Under the terms of our Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Cablevision, in order to preserve the tax-free treatment to Cablevision of the Distribution, we are subject to certain restrictions during the two-year period following the Distribution that might affect our ability to raise cash. In particular, we may not issue equity securities if any such issuances would, in the aggregate, constitute 50% or more of the voting power or value of our capital stock, which might limit our financing options. This restriction will be more pronounced if the market price of our stock declines significantly below the value of our stock on the Distribution date, since the restrictions in the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement apply to the number of shares issued, rather than the proceeds we receive upon issuance. In addition, we are restricted from selling certain of our assets during the two-year period, which might also impede our ability to raise cash through asset sales.


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Cash Flow Discussion
 
Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $39,947 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $42,965 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The September 30, 2009 cash provided by operating activities resulted from $50,234 of income before depreciation and amortization and $9,817 of non-cash items. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in cash resulting from a $20,104 decrease in other assets and liabilities. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities of $3,018 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008 resulted from a decrease of $20,877 resulting from changes in other assets and liabilities, primarily working capital, including the timing of payments among other items, partially offset by an increase in income before depreciation and amortization and other non-cash items of $17,859.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $69,446 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $102,822 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The 2008 cash provided by operating activities resulted from $61,295 of income before depreciation and amortization, $9,272 of non-cash items and a $58,163 increase in accrued and other liabilities. Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in cash resulting from a $17,207 decrease in current and other assets, a $17,973 decrease in deferred revenue, a $12,717 decrease in accounts payable and a decrease in the deferred tax liability of $11,387. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities of $33,376 in 2008 as compared to 2007 resulted from a decrease in income before depreciation and amortization and other non-cash items of $30,809 and a net decrease of $2,567 resulting from changes in working capital, including the timing of payments among other items.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $102,822 for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $36,151 for the year ended December 31, 2006. The 2007 cash provided by operating activities resulted from $105,106 of income before depreciation and amortization, a $43,468 increase in the deferred tax liability, a $18,609 increase in deferred revenue and a $7,479 increase in accounts payable. Partially offsetting these increases were decreases in cash resulting from a $18,999 decrease in current and other assets, a $49,111 decrease in accrued and other liabilities and a $3,730 decrease in non-cash items. The increase in cash provided by operating activities of $66,671 in 2007 as compared to 2006 resulted from an increase in income before depreciation and amortization and other non-cash items of $41,942 and a net increase of $24,729 resulting from changes in working capital, including the timing of payments among other items.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities is generally higher than operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization expense due to provisions made in 2008 and 2007 for career-ending player injuries, net of anticipated insurance recoveries, and waivers, as well as costs of terminations related to other team personnel. The cost of these transactions are recorded when the transaction occurs, but payments owed are generally paid over the remaining contract terms.
 
Investing Activities
 
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $37,240 compared to $63,639 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The nine months ended September 30, 2009 investing activities consisted of $37,240 of capital expenditures. The nine months ended September 30, 2008 investing activities consisted of $26,007 of capital expenditures and a $37,632 payment relating to the acquisition of an interest in a company, accounted for as a cost method investment.
 
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $92,824 compared to $44,521 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The 2008 investing activities consisted of $55,192 of capital expenditures and $37,632 of payment relating to the acquisition of an interest in a company, accounted for as a cost method investment.
 
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $44,521 compared to net cash used in investing activities of $21,590 for the year ended December 31, 2006. The 2007 investing activities consisted primarily of $30,107 of capital expenditures and $14,425 of payments relating to the


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purchase of The Chicago Theatre. The 2006 investing activities consisted primarily of $23,762 of capital expenditures.
 
Financing Activities
 
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $766 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $60,994 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company’s financing activities consisted primarily of an advance of $60,000 to a subsidiary of Cablevision.
 
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $61,277 for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $120,945 for the year ended December 31, 2007. In 2008, the Company’s financing activities consisted primarily of an advance of $60,000 to a subsidiary of Cablevision.
 
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $120,945 for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $32,198 for the year ended December 31, 2006. In 2007, the Company’s financing activities consisted primarily of a $130,000 advance made to a subsidiary of Cablevision, partially offset by a capital contribution from Cablevision of $9,961. In 2006, the Company’s financing activities consisted primarily of a $21,000 advance repayment from Cablevision.
 
Contractual Obligations and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
The Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods, are summarized in the following table:
 
                                         
    Payments Due by Period  
          Year
    Years
    Years
    More Than
 
    Total     1     2-3     4-5     5 Years  
 
Off balance sheet arrangements:
                                       
Contractual obligations(1)
  $ 1,477,594     $ 210,645     $ 285,014     $ 152,768     $ 829,167  
Operating lease obligations(2)
    395,320       29,437       58,972       59,008       247,903  
Letters of credit(3)
    2,400       2,400                    
                                         
      1,875,314       242,482       343,986       211,776       1,077,070  
                                         
Contractual obligations reflected on the balance sheet:
                                       
Capital lease obligations(4)
    10,631       1,822       3,644       1,244       3,921  
Contractual obligations(5)
    63,942       29,496       10,159       5,888       18,399  
                                         
      74,573       31,318       13,803       7,132       22,320  
                                         
Total
  $ 1,949,887     $ 273,800     $ 357,789     $ 218,908     $ 1,099,390  
                                         
 
 
(1) Contractual obligation amounts not reflected on the balance sheet consist primarily of (i) long-term rights agreements which provide the Company with exclusive broadcast rights to certain live sporting events in exchange for minimum contractual payments in the MSG Media segment, (ii) payments under employment agreements that we have with our professional sports teams’ personnel in the MSG Sports segment that are generally guaranteed regardless of employee injury or termination, and (iii) minimum purchase requirements incurred in the normal course of the Company’s operations.
 
(2) Operating lease obligations primarily represent future minimum rental payments on various long-term, noncancelable leases for office and storage space, and lease commitments for Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre.
 
(3) Consists primarily of a letter of credit obtained by the Company under a certain lease agreement.
 
(4) Reflects the face amount of capital lease obligations, including related interest.
 
(5) Consists principally of amounts earned under employment agreements that we have with certain of our professional sports teams’ personnel in the MSG Sports segment.


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The future cash payments reflected above do not include the impact of potential insurance recoveries or amounts which may be due to the NBA for luxury tax payments or the NHL for revenue sharing.
 
Seasonality of Our Business
 
The dependence of the MSG Sports segment on revenues from its NBA and NHL sports teams generally means it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues in the first and fourth quarter of each year. The dependence of the MSG Entertainment segment on revenues from its Christmas shows generally means it earns a disproportionate share of its revenues and operating income in the fourth quarter of each year.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Critical Accounting Policies
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
 
To be Adopted in the Fourth Quarter of 2009
 
In December 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 715-20, which requires more detailed disclosures about employers’ plan assets, including employers’ investment strategies, major categories of plan assets, concentrations of risk within plan assets, and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets.
 
In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-05, Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value, which provides clarification that in circumstances where a quoted market price in an active market for an identical liability is not available, a reporting entity must measure fair value of the liability using one of the following techniques: (a) the quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset; (b) quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets; or (c) another valuation technique, such as a present value technique or the amount that the reporting entity would pay to transfer the identical liability or would receive to enter into the identical liability that is consistent with the provisions of ASC Topic 820.
 
In September 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-12, Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent), which provides guidance on how to determine the fair value of an alternative investment when fair value is not readily determinable and an investor is provided only with a net asset value per share (or its equivalent) by the investee that has been calculated in a manner consistent with GAAP for investment companies (ASC Topic 946). ASU No. 2009-12 requires an investor to disclose (a) by major category of investment the attributes of each investment it holds that meet the criteria of ASU No. 2009-12 and (b) the investment strategies of the investees.
 
To be Adopted by the First Quarter of 2011
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements, which provides amendments that (a) update the criteria for separating consideration in multiple-deliverable arrangements, (b) establish a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, and (c) replace the term “fair value” in the revenue allocation guidance with the term “selling price” to clarify that the allocation of revenue is based on entity-specific assumptions. ASU No. 2009-13 eliminates the residual method of allocating arrangement consideration to deliverables, requires the use of the relative selling price method and requires that a vendor determine its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell the deliverable on a standalone basis. ASU No. 2009-13 requires a vendor to significantly expand the disclosures related to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements with the objective to provide information about the significant judgments made and changes to those judgments and how the application of the relative selling-price method affects the timing or amount of revenue recognition. ASU No. 2009-13 is required to be adopted on a prospective basis to revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010.


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Critical Accounting Policies
 
In preparing its combined financial statements, the Company is required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that it believes are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the combined financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. The significant accounting policies which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:
 
Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets
 
The Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets at September 30, 2009 include goodwill of $742,492, other intangible assets, net of $310,720 ($158,096 of which are identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles), and $330,725 of property and equipment, net. These assets accounted for approximately 69% of the Company’s combined total assets as of September 30, 2009.
 
For long-lived assets, including intangible assets subject to amortization, the Company evaluates assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets, the fair value of the asset group is determined and the carrying value of the asset group is written down to fair value.
 
Goodwill and identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, which represent the Company’s various trademarks and sports franchise intangibles, are tested annually for impairment during the first quarter and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances.
 
The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of sports franchises included in the MSG Sports segment of $96,215 and the Radio City and The Chicago Theatre related trademarks of $53,881, and $8,000, respectively, included in the MSG Entertainment segment.
 
The impairment test for goodwill is a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be recognized in a business combination. For the purpose of evaluating goodwill impairment, the Company has three reporting units, all of which recognized goodwill. These reporting units are MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports. The goodwill balance by reporting unit is as follows:
 
         
    Goodwill Balance
 
    as of
 
Reporting Unit
  September 30, 2009  
 
MSG Media
  $ 465,326  
MSG Entertainment
    58,979  
MSG Sports
    218,187  
         
    $ 742,492  
         
 
In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s goodwill and other long-lived assets, the Company must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment


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charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. Estimates of fair value are primarily determined using discounted cash flows and comparable market transactions. These valuations are based on estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, discount rate, and determination of appropriate market comparables and determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. In addition, for MSG Entertainment, these valuations include assumptions for number of shows and events at the Company’s venues and number of shows related to the Company’s proprietary content on tour. For MSG Sports, these valuations include assumptions for ticket sales, which include suite income, local and national television broadcasting rights, sponsorship income, concessions, player and personnel compensation, and luxury tax or revenue sharing assumptions for comparable market transactions. For MSG Media, these valuations also include assumptions for projected average rates per viewing subscribers and growth in fixed price contractual arrangements used to determine affiliation fee revenue, access to sports programming and programming rights and the cost of such sports programming and programming rights, amount of programming time that is advertiser supported, number of advertising spots available and the sell through rates for those spots, average fee per advertising spot, and operating margins, among other assumptions.
 
Based on the Company’s annual impairment test during the first quarter of 2009, the Company’s reporting units had significant safety margins, representing the excess of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit less its respective carrying value (including goodwill allocated to each respective reporting unit). In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the estimated fair value calculations of the Company’s reporting units on the annual impairment calculation for goodwill, the Company applied a hypothetical 30% decrease to the estimated fair values of each reporting unit. This hypothetical decrease of 30% would have no impact on the goodwill impairment analysis for any of the Company’s reporting units.
 
The Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets relate to trademarks and sports franchises. The Company’s indefinite-lived trademark intangible assets relate to the Company’s Radio City related trademarks which include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and The Rockettes and The Chicago Theatre related trademarks, which were all valued using a relief-from-royalty method in which the expected benefits are valued by discounting royalty revenue over projected revenues covered by the trademarks. The Company’s indefinite-lived sports franchises intangibles representing the Company’s NBA and NHL sports franchises are valued using a direct valuation method based on market comparables. Both the Radio City related trademarks and the sports franchises were recorded in April 2005 when Cablevision acquired the remaining 40% interest in a subsidiary of Cablevision, which wholly-owned the Company. Significant judgments inherent in a valuation include the selection of appropriate discount rates, estimating the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and identification of appropriate continuing growth rate assumptions. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible assets.
 
Based on the Company’s annual impairment test during the first quarter of 2009, the Company’s Radio City related trademarks and sports franchise identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets had significant safety margins, representing the excess of the identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets estimated fair value unit of accounting less their respective carrying values. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations of all the Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles, the Company applied hypothetical 10%, 20% and 30% decreases to the estimated fair value of each of the Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles. These hypothetical 10%, 20% and 30% decreases in estimated fair value would not have resulted in an impairment of any of our identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles other than The Chicago Theatre related trademarks, which have a carrying value of $8,000. The hypothetical fair value decline would have resulted in impairment charges of approximately $800, $1,600 and $2,400 at 10%, 20% and 30%, respectively.


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Useful Lives of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
 
The Company has recognized intangible assets for affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships, broadcast rights, season ticket holder relationships, suite holder relationships, and other intangibles as a result of purchase accounting. The Company has determined that certain of such intangible assets have finite lives. The estimated useful lives and net carrying values of these intangibles at September 30, 2009 are as follows:
 
             
    Net Carrying Value at
  Estimated
    September 30, 2009   Useful Lives
 
Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships
  $ 80,707     4 to 24 years
Season ticket holder relationships
    49,991     10 to 15 years
Suite holder relationships
    9,099     11 years
Broadcast rights
    4,408     10 years
Other amortizable intangibles
    8,419     5 to 15 years
 
All of the primary finite-lived intangible assets were recorded in April 2005 when Cablevision acquired the remaining 40% interest in a subsidiary of Cablevision, which wholly owned the Company. The useful lives for the affiliation agreements, affiliate relationships, season ticket holder relationships and suite holder relationships were determined based upon an analysis of the weighted average remaining terms of existing agreements the Company had in place with its major customers at the time that purchase accounting was applied, plus an estimate for renewals of such agreements. The Company has been successful in renewing its major affiliation agreements and maintaining customer relationships in the past and believes it will be able to renew its major affiliation agreements and maintain those customer relationships in the future. Furthermore, the Company has been successful in maintaining its relationships with its season ticket holders and suite holders in the past and believes it will be able to significantly renew its season ticket and suite holder relationships and maintain those relationships in the future. However, it is possible that the Company will not successfully renew such agreements as they expire or that if it does, the net revenue earned may not equal or exceed the net revenue currently being earned, which could have a significant adverse impact on our business. In light of these facts and circumstances, the Company has determined that its estimated useful lives is appropriate.
 
There have been periods when an existing affiliation agreement has expired and the parties have not finalized negotiations of either a renewal of that agreement or a new agreement for certain periods of time. In substantially all these instances, the affiliates continued to carry and pay for the service under oral or written interim agreements until execution of definitive replacement agreements or renewal.
 
If an affiliate were to cease carrying the service on an other than temporary basis, the Company would record an impairment charge for the then remaining carrying value of that affiliation agreement and affiliate relationship intangible asset. If the Company were to renew an affiliation agreement at rates that produced materially less net revenue compared to the net revenue produced under the previous agreement, the Company would evaluate the impact on its cash flows and, if necessary, would further evaluate such indication of potential impairment by following the policy described above under “Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets” for the asset group containing that intangible asset. The Company also would evaluate whether the remaining useful life of the affiliation agreement and affiliate relationship remained appropriate. Based on December 31, 2008 carrying values, if the estimated life of all affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships were shortened by 10%, the effect on amortization for the year ended December 31, 2008 would be to increase our annual amortization expense by approximately $1,334.
 
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
The Company utilizes actuarial methods to calculate pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and the related net periodic benefit cost using numerous actuarial assumptions. Two key assumptions, the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, are important elements of the plans’ expense and liability measurement and we evaluate these key assumptions annually. Other assumptions include demographic factors, such as mortality, retirement age and turnover. The actuarial assumptions used by the Company may differ materially from actual results due to various factors, including, but not limited to,


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changing economic and market conditions. Differences between actual and expected occurrences could significantly impact the actual amount of net periodic benefit cost and the benefit obligation recorded by the Company. Material changes in the costs of the plans may occur in the future due to changes in these assumptions, changes in the number of the plan participants, changes in the level of benefits provided, changes in asset levels and changes in legislation. Our assumptions reflect our historical experience and our best judgment regarding future expectations.
 
Accumulated and projected benefit obligations reflect the present value of future cash payments for benefits. The rate we use to discount these payments was determined (based on the expected duration of the benefit payments for the plans) by referring to applicable bond yields (such as Moody’s Aaa Corporate Bonds) and the Buck Consultants’ Discount Rate Model (which is developed by examining the yields on selected highly rated corporate bonds), to select a rate at which we believe the plans’ benefits could be effectively settled. Lower discount rates increase the present value of benefit obligations and the subsequent year’s net periodic benefit cost. The weighted-average discount rates used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31, 2008 for the Company’s pension and postretirement plans were 5.81% and 5.80%, respectively. A 25 basis point decrease in these assumed discount rates would increase the projected benefit obligations for the Company’s pension and postretirement plans at December 31, 2008 by $4,050 and $180, respectively. The weighted-average discount rates used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2008 for the Company’s pension and postretirement plans were 6.15% and 6.05%, respectively. A 25 basis point decrease in these assumed discount rates would increase the total net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s pension and postretirement plans for the year ended December 31, 2008 by $39 and $12, respectively.
 
The expected long-term return on plan assets is based on a periodic review and modeling of the plan’s asset allocation structure over a long-term horizon. Expectations of returns for each asset class are the most important of the assumptions used in the review and modeling and are based on comprehensive reviews of historical data and economic/financial market theory. The expected long-term rate of return was selected from within the reasonable range of rates determined by (a) historical real returns, net of inflation, for the asset classes covered by the investment policy, and (b) projections of inflation over the long-term period during which benefits are payable to plan participants. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the Company’s funded pension plans was 7.41% for the year ended December 31, 2008. Performance of the capital markets affects the value of assets that are held in trust to satisfy future obligations under the Company’s funded plans. Adverse market performance in the future could result in lower rates of return for these assets than projected by the Company which could increase the Company’s funding requirements related to these plans, as well as negatively affect the Company’s operating results by increasing the net periodic benefit cost. A 25 basis point decrease in the long-term return on pension plan assets assumption would increase net periodic pension benefit cost by $171 for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
Another important assumption for our postretirement plan is healthcare cost trend rates. We developed our estimate of the healthcare cost trend rates through examination of the Company’s claims experience and the results of recent healthcare trend surveys.
 
Assumptions for healthcare cost trend rates used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost for our postretirement plan as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 are as follows:
 
                 
    Net Periodic
   
    Benefit
  Benefit
    Cost   Obligation
 
Healthcare trend rate assumed for next year
    10.00 %     9.00 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
    5.00 %     5.00 %
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
    2014       2014  


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A one-percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects on the benefit obligation for our postretirement plan and net periodic postretirement benefit cost as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008:
 
                 
    Increase
       
    (Decrease) on
       
    Net Periodic
    Increase
 
    Postretirement
    (Decrease) on
 
    Benefit
    Benefit
 
    Cost     Obligation  
 
One percentage point increase
  $ 80     $ 742  
One percentage point decrease
  $ (71 )   $ (642 )
 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles include mechanisms that serve to limit the volatility in our earnings which otherwise would result from recording changes in the value of plan assets and benefit obligations in our combined financial statements in the periods in which those changes occur. For example, while the expected long-term rate of return on the plans’ assets should, over time, approximate the actual long-term returns, differences between the expected and actual returns could occur in any given year. These differences contribute to the deferred actuarial gains or losses, which are then amortized over time.
 
See Note 11 to the Combined Financial Statements as of December 31, 2008 for more information on our pension and other postretirement benefit plans.


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
 
Corporate Governance
 
We have applied to list our Class A Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol “MSG.”
 
General
 
Our Class A Common Stock will be listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. As a result, we are generally subject to The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC corporate governance listing standards.
 
A listed company that meets The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC definition of “controlled company” may elect not to comply with certain of these requirements. Holders of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock who are members of the Dolan family and certain related family entities entered into a Stockholders Agreement relating, among other things, to the voting of their shares of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock and filed a Schedule 13D with the SEC as a “group” under the rules of the SEC. We have been informed that prior to the Distribution, these parties will enter into a similar stockholders agreement with respect to the voting of their shares of the Class B Common Stock that will be issued in the Distribution. As a result, following the Distribution, we will be a “controlled company.” As a controlled company, we will have the right to elect not to comply with the corporate governance rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC requiring: (i) a majority of independent directors on our Board and (ii) an independent corporate governance and nominating committee. We expect our Board of Directors to elect to be treated as a “controlled company” under The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC corporate governance rules and to elect not to comply with The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC requirement for a majority independent board of directors and for a corporate governance and nominating committee because of our status as a controlled company.
 
In connection with the consideration of the Distribution by the board of directors of Cablevision, a committee of the Cablevision board, comprising two independent Class A directors, recommended to the full Cablevision board of directors the principal elements of our governance structure, including the replication in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Cablevision common stock voting structure, which the Cablevision board adopted as part of its approval of the filing with the SEC of the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part. Cablevision’s Class A directors also approved this filing.
 
Corporate Governance Guidelines
 
Our Board of Directors has adopted our Corporate Governance Guidelines. These guidelines set forth our practices and policies with respect to Board composition and selection, Board meetings, executive sessions of the Board, Board committees, the expectations we have of our directors, selection of the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer, management succession, Board and executive compensation, and Board self-evaluation. The full text of our Corporate Governance Guidelines may be viewed at our corporate website at          . A copy may be obtained by writing to Madison Square Garden, Inc., Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121; Attention:          .
 
Executive Sessions of Non-Management and Independent Board Members
 
Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our directors who are not also officers of our Company or any of its affiliates (‘‘Non-management directors”) are to meet at least quarterly in executive sessions. If the Non-management directors include any directors who are not independent under The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC rules, then those directors who are independent directors are to meet in executive sessions at least twice a year. The Non-management directors will rotate as the presiding director at these executive sessions.
 
Communicating with Our Directors
 
Our Board has adopted policies designed to allow shareholders and other interested parties to communicate with our directors. Any interested party that wishes to communicate directly with the Board or


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any director or the Non-management directors as a group should send communications in writing to Chairman of the Audit Committee, Madison Square Garden, Inc., Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121. Any person, whether or not an employee, who has a concern with respect to our accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing issues, may, in a confidential or anonymous manner, communicate those concerns to our Audit Committee by contacting          , which has been designated to act as a confidential contact organization for this purpose, at          .
 
Code of Conduct and Ethics
 
Our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics for our directors, officers and employees. A portion of this Code of Conduct and Ethics also serves as a code of conduct and ethics for our senior financial officers and principal accounting officers or controller. Among other things, our Code of Conduct and Ethics covers conflicts of interest, disclosure responsibilities, legal compliance, reporting and compliance under the Code, confidentiality, corporate opportunities, fair dealing, protection and proper use of assets, and equal employment opportunity and harassment. The full text of the code is available on our website at          . In addition, a copy may be obtained by writing to Madison Square Garden, Inc., Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121; Attention:          .
 
Our Directors
 
The following individuals are expected to serve as directors of the Company commencing on or prior to the time of the Distribution.
 
Directors Elected by Class A Common Stockholders
 
RICHARD D. PARSONS, 61. Mr. Parsons is Senior Advisor for Providence Equity Partners LLC since October 2009. Chairman of Citigroup Inc. since January 2009. Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner from 2002 to 2007; Chairman of Time Warner from 2003 to 2008; Co-Chief Operating Officer of AOL Time Warner from 2001 to 2002; and President of Time Warner from 1995 to 2000. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dime Bancorp from 1990 to 1995; President and Chief Operating Officer of the Dime from 1988 to 1990. Partner of Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler law firm from 1979 to 1988. Mr. Parsons is a director of Estee Lauder Companies and Citigroup Inc. He is a trustee of Howard University, the Museum of Modern Art and the American Museum of Natural History. Mr. Parsons is chairman of the Apollo Theater Foundation and the Jazz Foundation of America.
 
ALAN D. SCHWARTZ, 59. Mr. Schwartz is Executive Chairman of Guggenheim Partners, LLC since 2009. Consultant for Rothschild Inc. from 2008 to 2009. President of Bear Stearns Companies Inc. from 2007 to 2008. Chief Executive Officer of Bear Stearns Companies Inc. January 2008 to March 2008. Co-President of Bear Stearns Companies Inc. from 2001 to 2007. President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Bear Stearns & Co from 2001 to 2008. Mr. Schwartz is a director of Marvin & Palmer Associates, Inc. He is a trustee of Duke University, Chairman of the Board of the Robin Hood Foundation and a member of the boards of Mentor, St. Vincent’s Services for Children and NYU Medical Center.
 
VINCENT TESE, 66. Mr. Tese served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the New York State Urban Development Corporation from 1985 to 1987 and as Director of Economic Development for New York State from 1987 to December 1994. Mr. Tese is Chairman of Wireless Cable International, Inc. and is a director of Cablevision, Bowne & Company, Inc., Cabrini Mission Society, Mack-Cali Realty Corp., IntercontinentalExchange, Inc., Municipal Art Society, NRDC Acquisition Corp. and a trustee of New York Presbyterian Hospital and New York University School of Law.
 
Directors Elected by Class B Stockholders
 
CHARLES F. DOLAN, 83, Director of the Company since July 29, 2009. Chairman of Cablevision since 1985. Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision from 1985 to October 1995. Founded and acted as the General Partner of Cablevision ’s predecessor from 1973 to 1985. Established Manhattan Cable Television in 1961 and Home Box Office in 1971. Mr. Dolan serves as a director of Cablevision. Charles F. Dolan is the father of


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James L. Dolan, Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney, Marianne Dolan Weber and Thomas C. Dolan and father-in-law of Brad Dorsogna, Brian G. Sweeney and Kristin A. Dolan.
 
JAMES L. DOLAN, 54, Director of the Company since July 29, 2009. Executive Chairman of the Company since July 29, 2009. Chairman of Madison Square Garden since 1999. President of Cablevision since June 1998. Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision since October 1995. Chief Executive Officer of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Cablevision, from September 1992 to October 1995. Vice President of Cablevision from 1987 to September 1992. Mr. Dolan will continue in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision following the Distribution. Mr. Dolan serves as a director of Cablevision. James L. Dolan is the son of Charles F. Dolan, the spouse of Kristin A. Dolan, the brother of Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney, Marianne Dolan Weber and Thomas C. Dolan and the brother-in-law of Brad Dorsogna and Brian G. Sweeney.
 
DEBORAH A. DOLAN-SWEENEY, 46, Director of Dolan Family Foundation since 1986. Director of Dolan Children’s Foundation since 1997. Ms. Dolan-Sweeney serves as a director of Cablevision. Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney is the daughter of Charles F. Dolan, the spouse of Brian G. Sweeney, the sister of James L. Dolan, Marianne Dolan Weber and Thomas C. Dolan and the sister-in-law of Brad Dorsogna and Kristin A. Dolan.
 
MARIANNE DOLAN WEBER, 52, President of Dolan Family Foundation from 1986 to September 1999. Chairman of Dolan Family Foundation since September 1999. President of Dolan Children’s Foundation from 1997 to September 1999. Chairman of Dolan Children’s Foundation since September 1999. Manager of Dolan Family Office, LLC since 1997. Ms. Dolan Weber serves as a director of Cablevision. Marianne Dolan Weber is the daughter of Charles F. Dolan, the sister of James L. Dolan, Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney and Thomas C. Dolan and the sister-in-law of Brad Dorsogna, Brian G. Sweeney and Kristin A. Dolan.
 
THOMAS C. DOLAN, 57, Executive Vice President-Strategy and Development, Office of the Chairman of Cablevision since September 2008. Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Cablevision from October 2001 until April 2005. Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Cablevision from February 1996 to October 2001. Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Cablevision from July 1994 to February 1996. General Manager of Cablevision’s East End Long Island cable system from November 1991 to July 1994. System Manager of Cablevision’s East End Long Island cable system from August 1987 to October 1991. Mr. Dolan serves as a director of Cablevision. Thomas C. Dolan is the son of Charles F. Dolan, the brother of James L. Dolan, Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney, and Marianne Dolan Weber and the brother-in-law of Brad Dorsogna, Brian G. Sweeney and Kristin A. Dolan.
 
BRIAN G. SWEENEY, 45, Senior Vice President — eMedia of Cablevision since January 2000. Mr. Sweeney serves as a director of Cablevision. Brian G. Sweeney is the son-in-law of Charles F. Dolan, the brother-in-law of James L. Dolan, Marianne Dolan Weber, Thomas C. Dolan, Brad Dorsogna and Kristin A. Dolan and the spouse of Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney.
 
BRAD DORSOGNA, 55, Owner and Executive Producer of Artistree Productions since 1997. Mr. Dorsogna serves as a director of Cablevision. Mr. Dorsogna is the son-in-law of Charles F. Dolan, and the brother-in-law of James L. Dolan, Thomas C. Dolan, Marianne Dolan Weber, Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney, Brian G. Sweeney and Kristin A. Dolan.
 
KRISTIN A. DOLAN, 43, Senior Vice President of Cablevision since June 2003. Kristin A. Dolan is the spouse of James L. Dolan, the daughter-in-law of Charles F. Dolan and the sister-in-law of Thomas C. Dolan, Marianne Dolan Weber, Brad Dorgosna, Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney and Brian G. Sweeney.
 
The term of office of our directors will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders in 2010 and at each succeeding annual meeting after that. The business address for each director is c/o Madison Square Garden, Inc., Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121 and each director is a citizen of the United States. We will encourage our directors to attend annual meetings of stockholders and believe that attendance at annual meetings is just as important as attendance at meetings of the Board.
 
Because we were not organized in 2009, our Board did not hold any meetings during that year.


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Director Compensation
 
A director who is a Company employee will receive no extra compensation for serving as a director. Each non-employee director will receive a base fee of $50,000 per year; $2,000 per Board, committee and non-management director meeting attended in person; and $500 per Board, committee and non-management director meeting attended by telephone. Non-employee directors will also receive $5,000 annually per committee membership and $10,000 annually per committee chairmanship.
 
We will also pay our non-employee directors compensation in restricted stock units. Each year, each non-employee director will receive a number of restricted stock units for the number of shares of common stock equal to $110,000 divided by the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock. The restricted stock units the non-employee directors will receive will be fully vested on the date of grant. Such compensation will be made pursuant to our Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Please see “Executive Compensation — Our Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors” for information concerning our Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
 
Board Committees
 
The board will have two permanent committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee.
 
Audit Committee.
 
At the time of the Distribution, our Audit Committee will consist of three members. The primary purposes and responsibilities of our Audit Committee are: (a) to assist the Board of Directors (i) in its oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, (ii) in its oversight of our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (iii) in assessing our independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence, and (iv) in assessing the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm; (b) to decide whether to appoint, retain or terminate the Company’s independent auditors and to pre-approve, or to adopt appropriate procedures to pre-approve, all audit, audit-related and other services, if any, to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm; (c) to review the appointment and replacement of the head of our internal audit department; (d) to establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and for the confidential, anonymous submission by Company employees or any provider of accounting related services of concerns regarding questionable accounting and auditing matters and review of submissions and treatment of any such complaints; (e) to conduct and review with the Board an annual performance review of the Audit Committee; and (f) to prepare any report of the Audit Committee required by the rules and regulations of the SEC for inclusion in our annual proxy statement. The text of our Audit Committee charter is available on our website at          . A copy may be obtained by writing to Madison Square Garden, Inc., Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121; Attention:          .
 
We expect our Board of Directors to determine that each member of our Audit Committee is “independent” within the meaning of the rules of both The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC and the SEC, has not participated in the preparation of the financial statements of the Company or any current subsidiary of the Company at any time during the past three years and is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements. All directors we add to the Audit Committee in the future will also meet these standards. We expect our Board to also determine that at least one member of our Audit Committee is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the rules of the SEC.
 
Our Board has established a procedure whereby complaints or concerns with respect to accounting, internal controls and auditing matters may be submitted to the Audit Committee. This procedure is described under “Communicating with Our Directors” above.
 
Our Audit Committee did not exist in 2009.


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Compensation Committee.
 
At the time of the Distribution, our Compensation Committee will consist of three members. We expect our Board of Directors to determine that each member of our Compensation Committee is “independent” under the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. The primary purposes of our Compensation Committee are to: (a) establish our general compensation philosophy and, in consultation with management, oversee the development and implementation of compensation programs; (b) review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our executive officers other than the President and Chief Executive Officer who are required to file reports with the SEC under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (together with the President and Chief Executive Officer, the “Senior Employees”), evaluate their performance in light of these goals and objectives and determine and approve their compensation based upon that evaluation; (c) approve any new equity compensation plan or material changes to an existing plan; (d) oversee the activities of the committee or committees administering our retirement plans; (e) in consultation with management, oversee regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters; (f) determine and approve any severance or similar termination payments to be made to Senior Employees (current or former); (g) review at least once every three years the components and amount of Board compensation in relation to other similarly situated companies; (h) prepare any reports of the Compensation Committee to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement; and (i) conduct and review with the Board an annual performance review of the Compensation Committee. The text of our Compensation Committee charter is available on our website at          . A copy may be obtained by writing to Madison Square Garden, Inc., Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121; Attention:          .
 
Our Compensation Committee did not exist in 2009.
 
Absence of Nominating Committee
 
We will not have a nominating committee. We believe that it is appropriate not to have a nominating committee because of our stockholder voting structure. Under the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the holders of our Class B Common Stock currently have the right to elect 75% of the members of our Board. We believe that creating a committee consisting solely of independent directors charged with responsibility for recommending nominees for election as directors would be inconsistent with the vested rights of the holders of Class B Common Stock under our certificate of incorporation. Instead, our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide a mechanism for the selection of nominees for election as directors by the holders of our Class A Common Stock (“Class A Directors”) and by the holders of our Class B Common Stock (“Class B Directors”). The holders of our Class A Common Stock are currently entitled to elect 25% of the members of our Board. Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, nominees for election as Class A Directors shall be recommended to the Board by the Class A Directors then in office who were elected by the holders of our Class A Common Stock. Nominees for election as Class B Directors shall be recommended to our Board by the Class B Directors then in office who were elected by the holders of the Class B Common Stock.
 
Our directors have not set specific, minimum qualifications that nominees must meet in order for them to be nominated for election to the Board, but rather believe that each nominee should be evaluated based on his or her individual merits, taking into account, among other matters, the factors set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines under “Board Composition” and “Selection of Directors.” Those factors include:
 
  •  The desire to have a Board that encompasses a broad range of skills, expertise, industry knowledge, diversity of viewpoints, opinions, background and experience, and contacts relevant to our business;
 
  •  Personal qualities and characteristics, accomplishments and reputation in the business community;
 
  •  Ability and willingness to commit adequate time to Board and committee matters; and
 
  •  The fit of the individual’s skills and personality with those of other directors and potential directors in building a Board that is effective, collegial and responsive to the needs of our Company.
 
The Class A Directors will evaluate possible candidates to recommend to the Board for nomination as Class A Directors and suggest individuals for the Board to explore in more depth. The Board will consider nominees for Class A Directors recommended by our stockholders. Nominees recommended by stockholders will be given appropriate consideration in the same manner as other nominees. Stockholders who wish to


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submit nominees for consideration by the Board for election at our annual meeting of stockholders may do so by submitting in writing such nominees’ names, in compliance with the procedures and along with the other information required by our By-laws. Any such nominee must be submitted to the Corporate Secretary of the Company, at Madison Square Garden, Inc., Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121 not less than 60 or more than 90 days prior to the date of our annual meeting of stockholders, provided that if the date of the meeting is publicly announced or disclosed less than 70 days prior to the date of the meeting, such notice must be given not more than ten days after such date is first announced or disclosed.
 
The Class B Directors will consult from time to time with one or more of the holders of Class B Common Stock to assure that all Class B Director nominees recommended to the Board are individuals who will make a meaningful contribution as Board members and will be individuals likely to receive the approving vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B Common Stock. The Class B Directors do not intend to consider unsolicited suggestions of nominees by holders of our Class A Common Stock. We believe that this is appropriate in light of the voting provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation which vest exclusively in the holders of our Class B Common Stock the right to elect our Class B Directors.
 
Other Committees
 
In addition to standing committees, the Company has adopted a policy whereby a committee of our Board of Directors consisting entirely of independent directors (an “Independent Committee”) will review and approve or take such other action as it may deem appropriate with respect to transactions involving the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and in which any director, officer, greater than 5% stockholder of the Company or any other “related person” as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K of the SEC (“Item 404”) has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. This approval requirement covers any transaction that meets the related party disclosure requirements of the SEC as set forth in Item 404, which currently apply to any transaction (or any series of similar transactions) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000. The policy does not cover decisions on compensation or benefits or the hiring or retention of any person. The hiring or retention of executive officers is determined by our full Board of Directors. Compensation of executive officers is subject to the approval of our Compensation Committee. This policy also does not cover any pro rata distributions to all Company stockholders, including a pro rata distribution of our Class A Common Stock to holders of our Class A Common Stock and our Class B Common Stock to holders of our Class B Common Stock. No director on an Independent Committee will participate in the consideration of a related party transaction with that director or any related person of that director.
 
Our Executive Officers
 
The following individuals are expected to serve as our executive officers at the time of the Distribution. Additional executive officers are expected to be appointed.
 
     
James L. Dolan(1)
  Executive Chairman
Hank J. Ratner
  President and Chief Executive Officer
Robert M. Pollichino
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Lawrence J. Burian
  Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
 
 
(1) The biography for James L. Dolan is on page 114 of this information statement.
 
HANK J. RATNER, 50, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since July 29, 2009. Vice Chairman of Madison Square Garden since November 2003. Vice Chairman of Cablevision since December 2002. Vice Chairman of Rainbow Media Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of Cablevision, since June 2002. Director of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc. from April 1997 to September 2003. Chief Operating Officer of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc. from October 1999 to June 2002. Chief Operating Officer and Secretary of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc. from October 1998 to October 1999. Executive Vice President & Secretary of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Cablevision, from October 1997 to October 1998. Executive


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Vice President Legal & Business Affairs and Secretary of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc. from July 1993 to October 1997. Mr. Ratner will continue as Vice Chairman of Cablevision following the Distribution.
 
ROBERT M. POLLICHINO, 55, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since July 29, 2009. Executive Vice President, Finance of Madison Square Garden since July 1998. Senior Vice President of Rainbow Sports, a subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc., from November 1993 to June 1998. Vice President and General Manager of SportsChannel Associates from June 1988 to October 1993. Vice President, Finance and Administration of Cablevision Program Enterprises, the predecessor of Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc. from January 1980 to May 1988. Director, Finance of Cablevision Systems Corporation from March 1977 to December 1980. All of the foregoing companies are indirect subsidiaries of Cablevision.
 
LAWRENCE J. BURIAN, 40, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since          , 2010. Senior Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Business Affairs of Cablevision since January 2005. Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Cablevision from February 2002 to December 2005. Assistant General Counsel of Cablevision from February 2000 to January 2002. Associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP from August 1995 to February 2000 and September 1994 to January 1995. Law Clerk to Justice Aharon Barak, Deputy President (later President) of the Supreme Court of Israel from January 1995 to June 1995.


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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Introduction
 
This section presents information concerning compensation arrangements for our executive officers. We present historical information concerning the compensation of Messrs. James L. Dolan, Hank J. Ratner and Robert M. Pollichino, each of whom was or has been an executive of Madison Square Garden. Messrs. Dolan and Ratner are also named executive officers of Cablevision. The historical compensation information, including in particular the information set forth below under “Historical Compensation Information,” is not directly relevant to the compensation that these officers will receive from the Company. With respect to future compensation, we have presented information below under “Key Elements of 2010 Expected Compensation from the Company” concerning the compensation that Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino will receive from the Company under employment agreements with the Company which each officer has entered into, or is expected to enter into, with the Company and which become effective on the Distribution date. We have presented similar information for Lawrence J. Burian who will be an executive officer of the Company but was not, prior to the Distribution, a named executive officer of Cablevision or an officer of Madison Square Garden. Mr. Burian is also party to an employment agreement with the Company which will become effective on the Distribution date. Information concerning the Company’s employment agreements with these executive officers is set forth below under “Employment Agreements.”
 
Each of Messrs. Dolan, Ratner, Pollichino and Burian hold various cash and equity based long-term incentive awards that were granted by Cablevision. Treatment of these in the Distribution is described under “Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards.”
 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
 
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the specific arrangements that the Company has in place for its named executive officers as well as a discussion of Cablevision’s compensation philosophy for its named executive officers for 2008. Cablevision’s compensation philosophy may be relevant to the Company because it is anticipated that the elements of our compensation will be similar to the elements of Cablevision’s compensation. However, our Compensation Committee will review the impact of the separation and will review all aspects of compensation and make appropriate adjustments.
 
For purposes of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Company’s named executive officers are James L. Dolan, Hank J. Ratner, Robert M. Pollichino and Lawrence J. Burian. These individuals are referred to collectively as Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”). We have not identified other executive officers although we expect one or more additional executive officers will be appointed. Messrs. Dolan and Ratner are also named executive officers of Cablevision and each of them will continue as an officer of Cablevision following the Distribution. We have entered, or will enter, into an employment agreement with each of our NEOs. See “Employment Agreements.” Messrs. Dolan and Ratner have also entered into, or will enter into, new employment agreements with Cablevision.
 
Compensation Consultant
 
In accordance with their charters, Cablevision’s compensation committee has and our Compensation Committee will have the authority to engage outside consultants to assist in the performance of duties and responsibilities. Cablevision’s compensation committee uses a compensation consultant to assist the Cablevision compensation committee in determining whether the elements of Cablevision’s executive compensation program are reasonable and consistent with Cablevision’s objectives. The compensation consultant advises Cablevision’s compensation committee on designing Cablevision’s executive compensation program and the reasonableness of individual compensation awards. The compensation consultant reports directly to Cablevision’s compensation committee, although the compensation consultant meets with members of Cablevision’s management from time to time for purposes of gathering information on management proposals and recommendations to be presented to Cablevision’s compensation committee.


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As part of its ongoing engagement, the compensation consultant, Executive Compensation Advisors, a Korn/Ferry company (“ECA”), conducted a review of Cablevision’s 2008 executive compensation to assist Cablevision’s compensation committee in determining compensation programs and decisions for 2009. The lead individual who performed these services on behalf of ECA formed ClearBridge Compensation Group (“ClearBridge”) in September 2009. The Cablevision compensation committee has retained ClearBridge to assist in designing and establishing the Company’s executive compensation program. Our Compensation Committee is also expected to engage a compensation consultant to assist our Compensation Committee in making compensation decisions in the future.
 
Cablevision Compensation Overview and Philosophy
 
Cablevision’s executive compensation program is designed to meet the following key objectives:
 
  •  The majority of compensation for Cablevision’s executive officers should be at risk and based on the performance of Cablevision, so that actual compensation levels depend upon the Cablevision’s actual performance as determined by its compensation committee.
 
  •  Over time, incentive compensation of Cablevision’s executive officers should focus more heavily on long-term rather than short-term accomplishments and results.
 
  •  Equity-based compensation should be used to align Cablevision’s executive officers with the stockholders’ interests.
 
  •  The overall executive compensation program should be competitive, equitable and structured so as to ensure Cablevision’s ability to attract, retain, motivate and reward the talented executives who are essential to Cablevision’s continuing success. Total direct compensation, rather than individual compensation elements, is the focus in providing competitive compensation opportunities.
 
Cablevision Elements of In-Service Compensation
 
Cablevision’s compensation committee seeks to fulfill the objectives described above by maintaining appropriate balances between (1) short-term and long-term compensation, (2) cash and equity compensation, and (3) performance-based and non-performance-based compensation. We expect to use a similar mix of these compensation elements.
 
The Cablevision executive compensation program consists of three principal elements: base salary, annual cash incentives and long-term incentives. In addition, each executive officer is also eligible to receive certain benefits, which are generally provided to all other eligible employees, and certain perquisites described below.
 
A significant percentage of total direct compensation is allocated to incentive compensation in accordance with the philosophy of Cablevision’s compensation committee as described above. Cablevision’s compensation committee reviews historical Cablevision compensation and other information provided by its compensation consultant and other factors such as experience, performance and length of service to determine the level and mix of compensation for its executive officers, by position and grade level, that the Cablevision compensation committee has deemed appropriate.
 
Base Salaries
 
The Cablevision compensation committee was responsible for setting the base salaries of Messrs. Dolan and Ratner in 2008. Base salaries for Cablevision’s named executive officers have been set at levels that are intended to reflect the competitive marketplace in attracting and retaining quality executives. The Cablevision employment agreements of Messrs. Dolan and Ratner contain a minimum base salary level. See “— Cablevision Employment Agreements” below. Cablevision’s compensation committee reviews the salaries of its named executive officers no less frequently than on an annual basis. Cablevision’s compensation committee evaluates each of its executive’s performance, experience and grade level and may increase its executive salaries. Based on their performance and in accordance with the terms of the Cablevision employment agreements, the Cablevision compensation committee, in its discretion, has increased base salaries for certain of its executive officers over time. Based on evaluation of performance, experience, grade level, and the competitive marketplace, Cablevision’s compensation committee


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reviewed the base salaries of Messrs. Dolan and Ratner in 2008. They did not increase the base salary of Mr. Dolan in 2008 and his salary remained at $1,800,000. Cablevision’s compensation committee increased the base salary of Mr. Ratner in 2008 by $75,000, from $1,500,000 in 2007 to $1,575,000 in 2008.
 
Robert M. Pollichino was not an executive officer of Cablevision in 2008. As an employee of Madison Square Garden, Mr. Pollichino’s 2008 base salary was reviewed by the Company’s executive management, working within guidelines and procedures established by Cablevision’s compensation committee. Mr. Pollichino’s base salary for 2008 was increased by $30,000, from $530,000 in 2007 to $560,000 in 2008.
 
Pursuant to their employment agreements with the Company, the Company’s NEO’s will receive the following base salaries from the Company for 2010: Mr. Dolan — $500,000, Mr. Ratner — $1,200,000, Mr. Pollichino — $700,000 and Mr. Burian — $600,000. As Mr. Dolan and Mr. Ratner will remain as officers and employees of Cablevision following the Distribution, they will also receive annual base salaries from Cablevision.
 
Annual Incentives
 
Under Cablevision’s executive compensation program, annual incentive awards, or bonuses, are made to its executive officers and other members of Cablevision management. For the Cablevision individuals that the compensation committee determines may be covered by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, 2008 bonuses were granted under Cablevision’s 2006 Cash Incentive Plan (“Cablevision CIP”), a stockholder approved plan. For all other members of management, bonuses were granted under a management performance incentive program (“Cablevision MPIP”) administered by the compensation committee.
 
Cablevision’s annual incentive awards are designed to link directly executive compensation to performance and provide incentives and rewards for excellent business performance during the year. Each bonus-eligible employee is assigned a target bonus of a percentage of that employee’s annual base salary. The target bonuses are determined based upon the applicable employee’s position, grade level, responsibilities, and historical and expected future contributions to Cablevision. In addition, the Cablevision employment agreements of Messrs. Dolan and Ratner contain a minimum target bonus level. See “— Employment Agreements” below. Cablevision’s compensation committee currently reviews the target bonus levels of its named executive officers no less frequently than on an annual basis. Cablevision’s compensation committee evaluates each of its executive’s performance, experience and grade level and may adjust executive target bonus levels accordingly. Based on their performance and in accordance with the terms of the Cablevision employment agreements, Cablevision’s compensation committee, in its discretion, has increased target bonus levels for Messrs. Dolan and Ratner over time. Similarly, Mr. Pollichino’s target bonus level has also been increased by the Company’s executive management over time. Target bonuses for 2008 were as follows (expressed as a percentage of base salary): Mr. Dolan — 200%, Mr. Ratner — 200%, and Mr. Pollichino — 60%. In 2008, bonuses paid to Mr. Dolan and Mr. Ratner were pursuant to the Cablevision CIP and bonuses paid to Mr. Pollichino were pursuant to the Cablevision MPIP.
 
The payment of annual incentive awards depends on the extent to which Cablevision achieves performance objectives established by Cablevision’s compensation committee (subject to the discretion of Cablevision’s compensation committee to reduce the incentive award).
 
Pursuant to their employment agreements with the Company, the Company’s named executive officers have the following target bonus levels for 2010 bonuses, if any, that may be paid by the Company (expressed as a percentage of base salary): Mr. Dolan — 200%; Mr. Ratner — 200%; Mr. Pollichino — 60% and Mr. Burian — 60%. As Mr. Dolan and Mr. Ratner will remain as officers and employees of Cablevision following the Distribution, they are also eligible to receive annual bonuses from Cablevision.
 
Long-Term Incentives
 
Cablevision’s executive compensation program is designed to achieve the objectives described above. Its core long-term incentive program in 2008 consisted of two elements: restricted stock and cash performance awards. These long-term incentives were awarded to members of management based upon each individual’s


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grade level. Cablevision believed restricted stock would provide its executive officers with an incentive to improve Cablevision’s stock price performance and a direct alignment with stockholders’ interests, as well as a continuing stake in the long-term success of Cablevision. The cash performance awards also would provide strong incentives for the executives to help Cablevision achieve specific long-term financial objectives. In addition, because these equity and cash awards would vest over time, Cablevision believes these awards would provide strong incentives for the executives to remain with Cablevision. In 2008, Messrs. Dolan and Ratner received approximately 40% of the value of their total long-term incentive award in restricted stock and approximately 60% of the value of their total long-term incentive award as cash performance awards. In 2009, Cablevision changed the long-term incentive program for its most senior executives, including Messrs. Dolan and Ratner, and added stock options as a third long-term incentive element for those executives, while maintaining the same target long-term incentive compensation value based upon each individual’s grade level. Cablevision believes adding stock options for those executives reinforces alignment with stockholders’ interests. As a result of the change in the long-term incentive program, in 2009, Messrs. Dolan and Ratner received approximately 40% of the value of their total long-term incentive awards in stock options, approximately 30% in restricted stock and approximately 30% of the value of their long-term incentive awards as cash performance awards. Mr. Pollichino does not receive stock options under the current Cablevision program. In 2008, Mr. Pollichino received approximately 50% of the value of his total long-term incentive award in restricted stock and approximately 50% of the value of his total long-term incentive award as a cash performance award.
 
Grants of long-term incentives are made under Cablevision’s stockholder-approved plans. Prior to 2006, restricted stock, stock options and stock appreciation rights awards were granted under Cablevision’s 1996 Amended and Restated Employee Stock Plan, which expired by its terms in February 2006. This plan was replaced by Cablevision’s 2006 Employee Stock Plan, which was approved by stockholders at Cablevision’s annual meeting in May 2006. Cash awards have been made under Cablevision’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, which was replaced by the Cablevision CIP in May 2006.
 
As discussed below under “Employment Agreements,” the employment agreements of Messrs. Dolan and Ratner provide for long-term incentive awards with a targeted value for 2010 of $1,750,000 and $5,400,000, respectively. The employment agreements of Messrs. Pollichino and Burian reflect the Company’s expectation that they will receive long-term incentive awards with a targeted value for 2010 of $950,000 and $650,000 respectively. The actual amount of these awards and their form or forms will be as determined by our Compensation Committee. In addition, under his employment agreement, Mr. Ratner will receive no later than March 31, 2010, a one-time equity or equity-based award, in such form or forms as determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee having a value of $4,750,000, which will be subject to forfeiture restrictions expiring on the third anniversary of the grant and, if other than stock options and SARs, will be subject to the satisfaction of performance objectives set forth in his employment agreement .
 
Restricted Stock
 
Under Cablevision’s executive compensation program, annual grants of restricted stock are made to its executive officers and other members of Cablevision’s management. An award of restricted stock provides the recipient with a specified number of shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock as long as the recipient remains employed by Cablevision through the date that the restrictions lapse. Under the current executive compensation program, restricted stock awards will vest in their entirety on the third anniversary of the date of grant as long as the recipient is continuously employed in order to conform the vesting periods of each type of long-term incentive being granted under the Cablevision executive compensation program. Grants by Cablevision of restricted stock made prior to 2006 generally vest at the end of a four-year period, subject to certain limited exceptions. Information regarding restricted stock awards for Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino in 2008 is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table below. More information regarding other restricted stock grants for the NEOs appears in the Outstanding Cablevision Equity Awards at 2008 Fiscal Year-End Table below. See “— Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on Cablevision restricted stock.


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Performance Awards
 
The current Cablevision executive compensation program contemplates annual grants of three-year performance awards to its executive officers and other members of Cablevision’s management to be earned on the basis of long-term performance relative to pre-established financial goals. Cablevision’s compensation committee sets the performance objectives for each award in the first quarter of the year of grant. Each recipient will be eligible to receive a specified dollar amount, depending on the employee’s grade level, to the extent that the performance objectives are achieved.
 
The performance awards granted in 2008 will be payable in 2011 if Cablevision achieves specified targets of net revenues or adjusted operating cash flow in the year ending December 31, 2010. The target levels of net revenues and adjusted operating cash flow were derived from Cablevision’s five-year plan for its operating business units presented to the Cablevision board of directors in connection with Cablevision’s 2008 annual budget. These targets were intended to measure ongoing operating performance of Cablevision and are subject to various adjustments such as for acquisitions and dispositions and investments in new business initiatives and exclude all charges for long-term performance based compensation. In determining achievement of the 2008 performance awards, each performance measure is weighted equally. The awards provide for a potential payout on a sliding scale such that the actual payment may range from zero (if both incremental operating business unit net revenues and incremental operating business unit adjusted operating cash flow fail to reach at least 60% of the targets) to 200% (if, for example, both incremental operating business unit net revenues and operating business unit adjusted operating cash flow equal or exceed 120% of the targets). If Cablevision does not achieve threshold levels of performance, the award does not provide for any payment. If Cablevision exceeds threshold levels but does not achieve the targeted rates, or if Cablevision achieves one target but not both, the award provides for partial payments. In addition, if results exceed the desired targets, recipients will be rewarded for the exceptional performance. Based on the experience and grade level of Messrs. Dolan and Ratner in 2008, Cablevision’s compensation committee granted Messrs. Dolan and Ratner performance awards with targeted amounts of $4,470,000 and $3,990,000, respectively. Mr. Pollichino’s performance award in 2008 was based on his grade level with a targeted amount of $250,000. Cablevision performance awards for Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino granted in 2008 are set forth in the Grants of Cablevision Plan-Based Awards Table below.
 
Because the targets for all performance awards have been derived from Cablevision’s confidential five-year strategic plans, which are not disclosed publicly for competitive reasons, Cablevision does not believe it is appropriate to disclose specific numerical targets. Disclosure of these targets could provide information that could lead to competitive harm to Cablevision. Cablevision believes that its five-year plans, and consequently the targets set for the performance awards, are ambitious and reflect desired above-market performance. In determining the threshold levels of performance, Cablevision’s compensation committee considered, among other factors, Cablevision’s five-year plan and the degree of difficulty in achieving the targets, including a comparison of the five-year plan with analysts’ published projections of our growth as well as of some of our competitors. The 2008 performance award includes a sliding scale of payouts based upon the levels of incremental net revenues and adjusted operating cash flow. Cablevision’s compensation committee believes that the lowest levels on the sliding scale should be achieved, although there can be no assurance this will occur. As the payout scale increases, the likelihood of achievement decreases and the payouts increase. Cablevision’s compensation committee has the authority to amend or waive the performance targets under these awards and to make interpretations and adjustments thereto.
 
See “— Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on Cablevision performance awards.
 
Stock Options
 
Under Cablevision’s 2009 executive compensation program, Cablevision issued stock options to its most senior executives, including Messrs. Dolan and Ratner, in addition to restricted stock and cash performance awards. Cablevision’s executive compensation program for other executive officers and members of management continues to consist of two types of long-term incentives: restricted stock and cash performance awards. Each stock option granted in 2009 was granted with an exercise price no less than the closing price of


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Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Stock options will have value only if, and to the extent that, the price of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock on the date the stock option is exercised exceeds this exercise price.
 
Under Cablevision’s executive compensation program, prior to 2007, annual grants of stock options were made to Messrs. Dolan and Ratner. Each stock option was required to be granted with an exercise price no less than the closing price of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Stock options will have value only if, and to the extent that, the price of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock on the date the stock option is exercised exceeds this exercise price.
 
Generally, the stock options vest over three years in 331/3% annual increments and expire 10 years from the grant date; however, stock options granted to Messrs. Dolan and Ratner in 2009 had a 51/2 year term. More information regarding other stock option grants to Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino appears in the Outstanding Cablevision Equity Awards at 2008 Fiscal Year-End Table below. See “— Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on Cablevision stock options.
 
Other Types of Awards in Prior Years
 
In the past, Cablevision has issued other types of long-term incentives to its executive officers and other members of Cablevision management, such as performance-based stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance retention awards and deferred compensation awards.
 
Under Cablevision’s former executive compensation program, grants of stock appreciation rights were made to its executive officers and other members of Cablevision management. Stock appreciation rights are the right to receive the appreciation in the value of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock over a specified period of time. Upon exercise of a stock appreciation right, the award recipient will receive an amount of cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock equal to the amount of the appreciation. Historically, Cablevision granted stock appreciation rights in tandem with options. Each stock appreciation right was required to be granted with an exercise price no less than the closing price of a share of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock on the date of grant; for a tandem stock appreciation right, the exercise price is equal to the exercise price per share of the related option. Generally the stock appreciation rights vest over three years in 331/3% annual increments and expire 10 years from the grant date. More information regarding Cablevision stock appreciation right grants for Messrs. Dolan and Ratner appears in the Outstanding Cablevision Equity Awards at 2008 Fiscal Year-End Table below. See “— Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on Cablevision stock appreciation rights.
 
Cablevision’s former executive compensation program also included special retention incentives called deferred compensation awards. Although Cablevision referred to these awards as “deferred compensation awards,” it does not believe that they constitute “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. These awards were generally made to its executive officers and other members of Cablevision management. The purpose of these deferred compensation awards was to attract and retain senior executives. Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino received these awards in October 2004.
 
The Cablevision deferred compensation awards contemplated an initial award amount for each recipient of $500,000. Each year, on the anniversary date of the award, the award amount grows by an additional amount equal to the lesser of 20% of the individual’s annual base salary in effect at that time and $150,000. In addition, the award amount is increased by quarterly interest, at an annual interest rate equal to the average of the one-year LIBOR fixed-rate equivalent for the ten business days immediately preceding October 1st of each year. The deferred compensation award is paid in installments: 50% of the then current award amount was paid on the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the award (October 2009 for Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino), and the balance of the then current award amount is payable on the seventh anniversary of the effective date (October 2011 for Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino), so long as the recipient continues to be employed. Information regarding the Cablevision deferred compensation awards of Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table below. See “— Treatment of Outstanding


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Options, Rights, Restricted Stock and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on Cablevision deferred compensation awards.
 
Benefits
 
Cablevision offers benefits to its executive officers generally to provide for retirement income and serve as a safety net against hardships that can arise from illness, disability or death.
 
Cablevision’s executive officers are eligible to participate in the same health and welfare benefit plans made available to the other benefits-eligible employees of Cablevision, including, for example, medical, dental, vision, life insurance and disability coverage.
 
For a description of Cablevision’s defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans, please see “— Pension Plans,” “— Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan,” “Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Plan,” “— Cablevision 401(k) Plan” and “— Cablevision Excess Savings Plan” below.
 
As an employee of Madison Square Garden, Mr. Pollichino has also accrued benefits under the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Retirement Plan and the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan. For a description of these plans, please see “— Pension Benefits — Madison Square Garden, L.P. Retirement Plan,” and “— Pension Benefits — Madison Square Garden, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan” below.
 
In addition to the above employee benefit plans, Mr. Pollichino is also eligible for benefits under the Madison Square Garden Retiree Medical Program, which provides continued medical coverage to employees who (i) were hired prior to January 1, 2002, (ii) retire after age 55 with at least 10 years of service, (iii) commence payments under the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Retirement Plan and (iv) are eligible for the Company’s active medical plan on the day before the retirement date. The program is self-funded and participants pay 25% of the cost of pre-65 coverage and 100% of post-65 coverage.
 
Following the Distribution, we expect to offer health and welfare benefits and retirement plans that are substantially similar to the existing benefits and plans. See “— Our Retirement Benefits.”
 
In addition to the standard life insurance available to all Cablevision employees (based on a multiple of base salary, up to a $4,000,000 cap on the total amount of life insurance), Cablevision purchased whole life insurance policies for certain current and former senior executives of Cablevision, including Messrs. Dolan and Ratner. The policies originally provided coverage (before the application of any dividends to purchase increased insurance) in the amount of the greater of three times the individual’s annual base salary as in effect in 1996 or the death benefit provided under previous policies. As of each respective policy’s 2008 anniversary date, the policies provided death benefits for these executives in the following amounts: Mr. Dolan — $1,819,276; and Mr. Ratner — $946,093. Based on current projections, Cablevision believes the policies for Mr. Dolan are fully funded and Cablevision does not anticipate the need to make any additional premium payments. The expected death benefits are expected to grow over time to the extent that the dividends payable on the policy values exceed the premiums required to fund the death benefit. Information regarding premiums paid by Cablevision with respect to Messrs. Dolan and Ratner is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table below. This program will not become a responsibility of the Company.
 
Perquisites
 
Cablevision provides certain perquisites to its executive officers as described below. The aggregate value of Cablevision perquisites received by Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino in 2008 is set forth in the Summary Compensation Table below. Following the Distribution, we expect to provide certain perquisites to our eligible employees and executive officers as described below.
 
Telecommunications Services
 
Cablevision perquisites include access to telecommunications services (cable television, high-speed data and voice) at no monthly cost to its employees, including its executive officers, living in Cablevision’s service area. Certain Cablevision employees living outside the service area are eligible for reimbursement of certain


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costs in purchasing similar services. The services provided vary depending on the grade level of the Cablevision employee. Cablevision also provides access to purchase tickets to events at Company venues.
 
It is currently expected that for a period of two months following the Distribution, as Company employees, our executive officers will continue to have access to the telecommunications benefit they received from Cablevision immediately prior to the Distribution. Following the Distribution, and for such time as they are employed by Cablevision, Mr. Dolan and Mr. Ratner are expected to continue to receive telecommunications benefits as Cablevision employees.
 
Executive Security
 
In order to address the security concerns of Cablevision, Cablevision has established an executive security program for the protection of certain of its executive officers, including Messrs. Dolan and Ratner. Recommendations of a third-party security expert have been implemented for office, home and travel, at Cablevision’s cost, to the extent approved by the compensation committee. Because certain of these costs can be viewed as conveying personal benefits to Cablevision’s executive officers, they are reported as perquisites.
 
Following the Distribution, the Company may provide executive security services to certain of its executive officers. Such services are expected (at least initially) to be obtained from Cablevision pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement, and the Company will pay an allocation of the costs for such services.
 
Car and Driver
 
In connection with Cablevision’s executive security program, Mr. Dolan has a Cablevision car and driver assigned to him on a full-time basis, which he is permitted to use for his personal use in addition to business purposes. In addition, certain Cablevision executive officers and members of management have used Cablevision cars and drivers on a limited basis for personal use.
 
To the extent Cablevision employees use a Cablevision car and driver for personal use, those employees are imputed compensation for tax purposes. For compensation reporting purposes, the benefit attributable to the personal use of Company cars is valued at a portion of the cost of the driver and car plus car maintenance, fuel and other related costs, based on an estimated percentage of use.
 
Following the Distribution, the Company may provide car and driver services to certain of its executive officers. Under Mr. Ratner’s employment agreement with the Company, he is to be provided with a car and driver appropriate to his status and responsibilities. Such services are expected (at least initially) to be obtained from Cablevision pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement, and the Company will pay an allocation of the costs for such services.
 
Aircraft
 
Cablevision owns and operates passenger helicopters and leases and operates a jet to facilitate business travel of senior executives. In connection with its executive security program, it is recommended that certain of Cablevision’s executive officers, including Messrs. Dolan and Ratner, use the aircrafts for all travel whenever practical.
 
Generally, Mr. Dolan is permitted to use the helicopters and jet for personal travel. In addition, certain other Cablevision executive officers and other members of its management are permitted to use the helicopters and jet for personal travel upon the approval of Cablevision’s Chief Executive Officer or his designee. Mr. Ratner is permitted to use the Cablevision jet for up to 35 flight hours annually for personal travel, subject to reimbursement of the Company as described below. Personal use of the helicopters by Cablevision’s executives has primarily been for purposes of commutation.
 
To the extent any employee uses any of the aircraft for personal travel without reimbursement, they are imputed compensation for tax purposes. This personal use is valued at the Standard Industry Fare Level rates that are published biannually by the IRS. For compensation reporting purposes, Cablevision valued the incremental cost of the personal use of the aircraft based on the variable costs incurred by Cablevision net of reimbursements received by executives. The incremental cost of the use of the aircraft does not include any


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costs that would have been incurred by Cablevision whether or not the personal trip was taken, such as lease and insurance payments, pilot salaries and other overhead costs.
 
In connection with any personal travel on the Cablevision jet, Mr. Dolan reimburses Cablevision for the actual expenses of each specific flight at the maximum amount Cablevision may legally charge under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
 
In connection with any personal travel on the Cablevision jet, Mr. Ratner reimburses Cablevision for the actual expenses of each specific flight at a rate no greater than the maximum amount Cablevision may legally charge under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
 
Following the Distribution, it is anticipated that certain of the Company’s executive officers will be permitted to use Cablevision’s helicopters for personal use, primarily for commuting purposes. The Company will reimburse Cablevision for such use.
 
Other
 
Generally, certain of the Cablevision executive officers have, from time to time, used Cablevision’s travel department to make their personal travel arrangements. For compensation reporting purposes, Cablevision valued the incremental cost of personal use of the travel department as a portion of the cost of the travel department employees and related overhead, based on the time spent making the arrangements.
 
From time to time, senior executives have access to tickets to sporting events and other entertainment at Cablevision venues, at no cost.
 
Following the Distribution, we may provide similar and additional perquisites to certain of our executive officers or senior executives as determined by our Compensation Committee.
 
Post-Termination Compensation
 
Cablevision believes that its post-termination benefits described below are integral to Cablevision’s ability to attract and retain qualified executives. Following the Distribution, we expect to provide post-termination benefits for our executives See “— Employment Agreements” for a description of the severance arrangements we have agreed to provide to each of our NEOs.
 
Under certain circumstances, payments or other benefits may be provided by Cablevision to employees upon the termination of their employment with Cablevision. The amount and type of any payment or benefit will depend upon the circumstances of the termination of employment. These may include termination by Cablevision without cause, termination by the employee for good reason, other voluntary termination by the employee, retirement, death, disability, or termination following a change in control of Cablevision or following a going-private transaction. The definitions of “cause” and “good reason” vary among the different Cablevision employment agreements with executive officers and the Cablevision award agreements. The Distribution is not a change in control under the Cablevision employment agreements for Messrs. Dolan and Ratner.
 
The Cablevision award agreements regarding the various long-term incentives also address employment termination events, including the circumstances upon which vesting, payment and/or forfeiture of all or a portion of the long-term incentives may be accelerated. If an executive’s employment agreement with Cablevision refers to the treatment of any award upon a triggering event, the particular award agreement does not supersede the terms of the employment agreement unless otherwise provided in the award agreement.
 
The Cablevision CHOICE Severance Pay Plan provides for the discretionary payment of severance benefits under certain circumstances. Under the severance plan, Cablevision has discretion to determine (1) under what conditions severance benefits will be made available to any employee, (2) the type and amount of severance benefits to be paid or provided and for what period of time, (3) the manner and form in which severance benefits will be paid or provided to any employee and (4) any other terms and conditions for receiving severance benefits. All severance benefits payable under this severance plan would be conditioned on the employee executing a severance agreement with Cablevision, including any terms and conditions that Cablevision may require.


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Tax Deductibility of Compensation
 
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, establishes a $1 million limit on the amount that a publicly held corporation may deduct for compensation paid to the chief executive officer and the next three most highly paid named executive officers in a taxable year. This limitation does not apply to any compensation that is “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m), which is defined as compensation paid only if the individual’s performance meets pre-established objective goals based on performance criteria established under a plan approved by stockholders. Our short-term and long-term incentive compensation plans are expected to be generally designed to qualify for this exemption from the deduction limitations of Section 162(m) and to be consistent with providing appropriate compensation to executives.
 
From time to time, to the extent it deems appropriate, Cablevision’s compensation committee may make awards (or modifications to awards) that would not qualify for an exemption from Section 162(m). For example, Cablevision’s deferred compensation awards to Cablevision’s executive officers and certain other members of Cablevision’s management were not designed to be deductible under Section 162(m). These Cablevision awards were specifically designed to encourage executive retention over a seven-year period and do not contain performance objectives. In addition, restricted stock that vests over time is not considered “performance-based” compensation under Section 162(m), so compensation realized upon the vesting of restricted stock awarded to Cablevision’s individual executive officers covered by Section 162(m) will not be deductible by Cablevision. In this regard, we expect that, for 2008, the amount of base salary in excess of $1 million for Cablevision’s chief executive officer and the next three most highly paid named executive officers, plus any other annual compensation paid or imputed to Cablevision’s chief executive officer and the next three most highly paid named executive officers covered by Section 162(m) that causes his non-performance-based compensation to exceed the $1 million limit, will not be deductible by Cablevision for federal income tax purposes. Our compensation committee may also make awards (or modifications to awards) that would not qualify for an exemption from Section 162(m).
 
Although it is the Company’s intent generally to qualify compensation for the exemption from the deduction limitations, we believe that it is in the best interests of the Company’s stockholders to allow our Compensation Committee the flexibility and discretion to design an appropriate executive compensation program so that the Company can attract, retain and motivate our executives, notwithstanding Section 162(m).
 
Employment Agreements
 
Each of our executive officers has entered into an employment agreement with the Company that becomes effective on the date of the Distribution. Messrs. Dolan and Ratner have also entered into new employment agreements with Cablevision that will become effective at the date of the Distribution. Set forth below is a description of the employment agreements between the Company and each of our executive officers. All of these employment agreements were negotiated by the Cablevision compensation committee prior to the Distribution with the assistance of its compensation consultant.
 
James L. Dolan
 
The new agreement provides for Mr. Dolan’s employment as Executive Chairman of the Company through December 31, 2014 at a minimum annual base salary of $500,000 (subject to annual review and potential increase in the discretion of the Compensation Committee) and an annual target bonus equal to 200% of his annual base salary (and a possible range of 0% to 400%) in the discretion of the Compensation Committee. It is also expected that Mr. Dolan will continue to be nominated for election as a director of the Company during the period he serves as Executive Chairman. Under the agreement, Mr. Dolan continues to be eligible to participate in all the Company’s employee benefits and retirement plans at the level available to other members of senior management of the Company subject to meeting the relevant eligibility requirements and the terms of the plans. In light of Mr. Dolan’s dual role at the Company and Cablevision, he may not meet the eligibility requirements of certain qualified and other plans. In the event Mr. Dolan does not meet the requirements for the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Salary Continuation Plan (short-term disability), any amount that otherwise would have been payable to Mr. Dolan under that plan in the event of a short-term disability will be payable by the Company in the amount and for the duration set forth in the plan. In addition,


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to the extent that Mr. Dolan does not participate in the Madison Square Garden, L.P. 401(k) Savings Plan and/or the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Cash Balance Pension Plan, his full MSG base salary will be used to determine his applicable benefits under the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Excess Savings Plan and/or the Madison Square Garden, L.P. Excess Cash Balance Plan. Any life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance provided by the Company will continue to be based on Mr. Dolan’s base salary.
 
Mr. Dolan will also be eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term cash or equity programs and arrangements at the level determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion consistent with the role and responsibilities of Executive Chairman. For example, in calendar year 2010, Mr. Dolan will be entitled to receive one or more long-term cash and/or equity awards with an aggregate target value of $1,750,000, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. Although not guaranteed, it is currently expected that long-term cash or equity awards of similar target values will be made to him annually.
 
If, prior to December 31, 2014 (the “Scheduled Expiration Date”), Mr. Dolan’s employment with the Company is terminated (i) for any reason by him during the thirteenth calendar month following a Change in Control of the Company, (ii) by the Company or (iii) by him for Good Reason, and at the time of any such termination Cause does not exist, then, subject to his execution of the Company’s then standard separation agreement (modified to reflect terms of the agreement) which separation agreement will include, without limitation, general releases by him as well as non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, confidentiality and other provisions substantially similar to those set forth in the agreement (a “Separation Agreement”), with us, we will provide him with the following benefits and rights:
 
(a) A severance payment in an amount determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, but in no event less than two times the sum of his annual base salary and annual target bonus and will be made on the 90th day after the termination of his employment;
 
(b) Each of the Company’s outstanding long-term cash performance awards granted under the plans of the Company will immediately vest in full and will be paid to the same extent that other members of senior management receive payment for such awards as determined by the Compensation Committee (subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives);
 
(c) Each of his outstanding long-term cash awards (including any deferred compensation awards under the long-term cash award program) that are not subject to performance criteria granted under the plans of the Company will immediately vest in full and will be made on the 90th day after the termination of his employment;
 
(d) (i) All of the time based restrictions on each of his outstanding restricted stock or restricted stock units granted to him under the plans of the Company will immediately be eliminated, (ii) payment and deliveries with respect to his restricted stock that are not subject to performance criteria will be made to him on the 90th day after the termination of his employment, (iii) the performance based restrictions with respect to his restricted stock and restricted stock units that are subject to performance criteria will lapse when and to the same extent that such restrictions lapse on such awards held by other executive officers as determined by the Compensation Committee (subject to satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives) and (iv) payments or deliveries with respect to restricted stock units that are subject to performance criteria will be made only if, when and to the same extent that payment or deliveries are made to other executive officers who hold such restricted stock units and in accordance with the terms of the award;
 
(e) Each of his outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards under the plans of the Company will immediately vest and become exercisable and he will have the right to exercise each of those options and stock appreciation awards for the remainder of the term of the option or award; and
 
(f) A prorated annual bonus for the year in which such termination occurred only if, when and to the same extent that other executive officers receive payment of bonuses for such year as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives).


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If Mr. Dolan ceases to be an employee of the Company or any of its affiliates (other than Cablevision and its subsidiaries) prior to the Scheduled Expiration Date as a result of his death or physical or mental disability, Mr. Dolan (or his estate or beneficiary) will be provided with the benefits and rights set forth in (b) through (f) of the preceding paragraph, and, in the event of his death, such longer period to exercise his then outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards as may otherwise be permitted under the applicable plan and award letter.
 
If, after the Scheduled Expiration Date, Mr. Dolan’s employment with the Company is terminated (i) for any reason by him during the thirteenth calendar month following a Change in Control of the Company, (ii) by the Company, (iii) by him for Good Reason, or (iv) as a result of his death or disability, and at the time of any such termination, Cause does not exist, then, subject to (except in the case of his death) his execution of a Separation Agreement, he or his estate or beneficiary, as the case may be, will be provided with the benefits and rights set forth above in (b) through (f) of the next preceding paragraph.
 
If, prior to or after the Scheduled Expiration Date, Mr. Dolan ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason other than his being terminated for Cause, he will have three years to exercise outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards, unless he is afforded a longer period for exercise pursuant to his employment agreement or any applicable award letter. In no event, however, will stock options or stock appreciation rights remain exercisable beyond their regularly scheduled term (except as may otherwise be permitted under the applicable award in the case of death).
 
Upon the termination of Mr. Dolan’s employment with the Company, except as otherwise specifically provided in the employment agreement, his rights to benefits and payments under the Company’s pension and welfare plans (other than severance benefits) and any outstanding long-term cash or equity awards will be determined in accordance with the then current terms and provisions of such plans, agreements and awards under which such benefits and payments (including such long-term cash or equity awards) were granted.
 
In the employment agreement, the Company acknowledges that, in addition to Mr. Dolan’s services pursuant to the agreement, he will simultaneously serve, and is expected to devote most of his business time and attention to serving, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision. The Company recognizes and agrees that his responsibilities to Cablevision will preclude him from devoting a substantial portion of his time and attention to the Company’s affairs. The agreement states the Company’s recognition that there may be certain potential conflicts of interest and fiduciary duty issues associated with Mr. Dolan’s dual roles at the Company and Cablevision and that none of (i) his dual responsibilities at the Company and Cablevision, (ii) his inability to devote a substantial portion of his time and attention to the Company’s affairs, (iii) the actual or potential conflicts of interest and fiduciary duty issues that are waived in the Company’s certificate of incorporation, or (iv) any actions taken, or omitted to be taken, by him in good faith to comply with his duties and responsibilities to the Company in light of his dual responsibilities to the Company and Cablevision, will be deemed to be a breach by him of his obligations under the employment agreement nor will any of the foregoing constitute Cause as such term is defined in the employment agreement.
 
The employment agreement contains certain covenants by Mr. Dolan including a noncompetition agreement that restricts Mr. Dolan’s ability to engage in competitive activities until the first anniversary of the termination of his employment with the Company.
 
For purposes of the foregoing description, the following definitions apply:
 
“Cause” is defined as (1) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the company or an affiliate thereof, or (2) commission of any act or omission that results in, or may reasonably be expected to result in, a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.
 
“Change in Control” of the Company means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).


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Termination for “Good Reason” means that (1) without Mr. Dolan’s consent, (A) Mr. Dolan’s base salary or bonus target is reduced, (B) the Company requires that Mr. Dolan’s principal office be located outside of Nassau County or Manhattan, (C) the Company materially breaches its obligations to Mr. Dolan under his employment agreement, (D) Mr. Dolan is no longer the Executive Chairman of the Company, (E) Mr. Dolan no longer reports directly to the Board of Directors of the Company, or (F) Mr. Dolan’s responsibilities are materially diminished, (2) Mr. Dolan has given the Company written notice, referring specifically to this definition, that he does not consent to such action, (3) the Company has not corrected such action within 15 days of receiving such notice, and (4) Mr. Dolan voluntarily terminates his employment within 90 days following the happening of the action described in subsection (1) of this definition.
 
Hank J. Ratner
 
Mr. Ratner’s new employment agreement with the Company provides for his employment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company through December 31, 2014 at a minimum annual base salary of $1,200,000 (subject to annual review and potential increase in the discretion of the Compensation Committee) and an annual target bonus equal to 200% of his annual base salary (and a possible range of 0% to 400%) in the discretion of the Compensation Committee. He will be entitled to participate in all the Company’s employee benefits and retirement plans at the level available to other members of senior management (subject to meeting the relevant eligibility requirements and terms of the plans). Mr. Ratner will also be eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term cash or equity programs. For example, in calendar year 2010, Mr. Ratner will be entitled to receive one or more long-term cash and/or equity awards with an aggregate target value of $5,400,000, as determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion. Although not guaranteed, it is currently expected that long-term cash or equity awards of similar target values will be made to him annually. Neither the scheduled expiration of the agreement nor Mr. Ratner’s rights in connection with the expiration will have any effect on any determination by the Compensation Committee with respect to the amount, terms or form of any long-term incentive awards granted to him in the future.
 
In addition to Mr. Ratner’s eligibility for the grant of equity and/or cash long-term incentives in 2010, he will also receive a one-time special award in stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and/or restricted stock units, in such form or forms as determined by the Compensation Committee, with an aggregate target value of $4,750,000, all as to be determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion (the “Special Equity Award”). The Special Equity Award will be made no later than March 31, 2010. The Special Equity Award will be subject to terms substantially similar to the terms contained in the agreements historically used by Cablevision for similar equity awards for its senior executives, except that the forfeiture restrictions for the equity awards will expire on the third anniversary of the grant, and that any portion of the Special Equity Award in the form of restricted stock or restricted stock units will also be subject to the performance objectives set forth in the employment agreement.
 
If, prior to December 31, 2014 (the “Scheduled Expiration Date”), Mr. Ratner’s employment with the Company is terminated (i) for any reason by him during the thirteenth calendar month following a Change in Control of the Company, (ii) by the Company, (iii) by him for Good Reason, or (iv) by Mutual Consent, and at the time of any such termination Cause does not exist, then, subject to his execution of a Separation Agreement with the Company), the Company will provide him with the following benefits and rights:
 
(a) A severance payment in an amount determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, but in no event less than two times the sum of his annual base salary and annual target bonus;
 
(b) Each of the Company’s outstanding long-term cash performance awards granted under the plans of the Company will immediately vest in full and will be paid only if, when and to the same extent that other similarly situated executives receive payment for such awards as determined by the Compensation Committee (subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives);
 
(c) Each of his outstanding long-term cash awards (including any deferred compensation awards under the long-term cash award program) that are not subject to performance criteria granted under the plans of the Company will immediately vest in full and will be made on the 90th day after the termination of his employment;


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(d) (i) All of the time based restrictions on each of his outstanding restricted stock or restricted stock units granted to him under the plans of the Company will immediately be eliminated, (ii) deliveries with respect to his restricted stock that are not subject to performance criteria shall be made immediately after the effective date of the Separation Agreement, (iii) payment and deliveries with respect to his restricted stock units that are not subject to performance criteria shall be made on the 90th day after the termination of his employment, and (iv) payments or deliveries with respect to his restricted stock and restricted stock units that are subject to performance criteria shall be made only if, when and to the same extent that other similarly situated executives receive payment or deliveries for such awards as determined by the Compensation Committee (subject to satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives);
 
(e) Each of his outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards under the plans of the Company will immediately vest and become exercisable and he will have the right to exercise each of those options and stock appreciation awards for the remainder of the term of the option or award; and
 
(f) A prorated annual bonus for the year in which such termination occurred only if, when and to the same extent that other similarly situated executives receive payment of bonuses for such year (without adjustment for Mr. Ratner’s individual performance) as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives) and, if not previously paid, his annual bonus for the preceding year, if, when and to the same extent that other similarly situated executives receive payment of bonuses for such year (without adjustment for his individual performance) as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion (and subject to the satisfaction of any applicable performance objectives).
 
If Mr. Ratner ceases to be an employee of the Company or any of its affiliates (other than Cablevision and its subsidiaries) prior to the Scheduled Expiration Date as a result of his death or physical or mental disability, Mr. Ratner (or his estate or beneficiary) will be provided with the benefits and rights set forth in (b) through (f) of the preceding paragraph, and, in the event of his death, such longer period to exercise his then outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards as may otherwise be permitted under the applicable plan and award letter.
 
If, after the Scheduled Expiration Date, Mr. Ratner’s employment with the Company is terminated (i) for any reason by him during the thirteenth calendar month following a Change in Control of the Company, (ii) by the Company, (iii) by him for Good Reason, (iv) by him without Good Reason but only if he had provided the Company with at least six months advance written notice of his intent to so terminate his employment, or (v) as a result of his death or disability, and at the time of any such termination, Cause does not exist, then, subject to (except in the case of his death) his execution of a Separation Agreement, he or his estate or beneficiary, as the case may be, will be provided with the benefits and rights set forth above in (b) through (f) of the next preceding paragraph.
 
If, prior to or after the Scheduled Expiration Date, Mr. Ratner ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason other than his being terminated for Cause, he will have three years to exercise outstanding stock options and stock appreciation awards unless he is afforded a longer period for exercise pursuant to his employment agreement or any applicable award letter. In no event, however, will stock options or stock appreciation rights remain exercisable beyond their regularly scheduled term (except as may otherwise be permitted under the applicable award in the case of death).
 
Upon the termination of Mr. Ratner’s employment with the Company, except as otherwise specifically provided in the employment agreement, his rights to benefits and payments under the Company’s pension and welfare plans (other than severance benefits) and any outstanding long-term cash or equity awards shall be determined in accordance with the then current terms and provisions of such plans, agreements and awards under which such benefits and payments (including such long-term cash or equity awards) were granted.
 
The agreement provides that the Company will provide Mr. Ratner with the use of a driver and a car appropriate to his status and responsibilities.
 
In the agreement, the Company acknowledges that, in addition to Mr. Ratner’s services pursuant to the agreement, he will simultaneously serve, and is expected to devote a portion of his business time and attention


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to serving, as Vice Chairman of Cablevision. The Company recognizes and agrees that his responsibilities to Cablevision will preclude him from devoting all of his time and attention to the Company’s affairs. The agreement states the Company’s recognition that there may be certain potential conflicts of interest and fiduciary duty issues associated with Mr. Ratner’s dual roles at the Company and Cablevision and that none of (i) his dual responsibilities at the Company and Cablevision, (ii) his inability to devote all of his time and attention to the Company’s affairs, (iii) the actual or potential conflicts of interest and fiduciary duty issues that are waived in the Company’s certificate of incorporation, or (iv) any actions taken, or omitted to be taken, by him in good faith to comply with his duties and responsibilities to the Company in light of his dual responsibilities to the Company and Cablevision, shall be deemed to be a breach by him of his obligations under the employment agreement nor shall any of the foregoing constitute Cause as such term is defined in the employment agreement.
 
The employment agreement contains certain covenants by Mr. Ratner including a noncompetition agreement that restricts Mr. Ratner’s ability to engage in competitive activities until the first anniversary of the termination of his employment with the Company.
 
For purposes of the foregoing description, the following definitions apply:
 
“Cause” is defined as (1) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or an affiliate thereof, or (2) commission of any act or omission that results in, or may reasonably be expected to result in, a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.
 
“Change in Control” of the Company means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of them) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, of the power to direct the management of the Company or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).
 
“Mutual Consent” means Mr. Ratner and the Company have mutually agreed in writing to terminate his employment with the Company and that such termination of employment shall not constitute a termination by the Company with or without Cause or by Mr. Ratner with or without Good Reason.
 
Termination for “Good Reason” means that (1) without Mr. Ratner’s consent, (A) his base salary or bonus target as an employee is reduced, (B) the Company requires that his principal office be located outside of Nassau County or Manhattan, (C) the Company materially breaches its obligations to Mr. Ratner under the employment agreement, (D) Mr. Ratner is no longer the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, (E) Mr. Ratner reports directly to someone other than the Chairman (or the Executive Chairman), or (F) Mr. Ratner’s responsibilities are materially diminished, (2) Mr. Ratner has given the Company written notice, referring specifically to this definition, that he does not consent to such action, (3) the Company has not corrected such action within 15 days of receiving such notice, and (4) Mr. Ratner voluntarily terminates his employment within 90 days following the happening of the action described in subsection (1) of this definition.
 
Robert M. Pollichino
 
On December 22, 2009, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Robert M. Pollichino. The agreement provides for Mr. Pollichino’s employment as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company through the third anniversary of the Distribution at a minimum annual base salary of $700,000 (subject to annual review and increase in the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee) and an annual target bonus opportunity equal to 60% of his annual base salary in the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee. He will be eligible for our standard benefits programs and to participate in our long-term incentive programs, in each case on the same basis as similarly situated executives at the Company.


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Mr. Pollichino’s employment agreement provides severance benefits if Mr. Pollichino’s employment is terminated prior to the third anniversary of the Distribution by (1) the Company, or (2) by Mr. Pollichino for Good Reason, if at the time of such termination under clause (1) or (2), Cause does not exist. These benefits consist of (1) the payment of an amount in cash equal to not less than 2.00 times the sum of Mr. Pollichino’s annual base salary and his annual target bonus as in effect at that time; (2) a prorated bonus based on the portion of the year he worked for the Company, provided that such bonus will be payable if and when such bonuses are generally paid to similarly situated employees and will be based on his then current annual target bonus as well as Company and his business unit performance as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, but without adjustment for his individual performance; (3) any vested stock options or stock appreciation rights that he has outstanding as of the time of such termination will remain exercisable until the earlier of the three-year anniversary of the termination date and the end of the original term of the applicable award and (4) the Compensation Committee will consider, in good faith, approving the vesting of his then outstanding equity and cash incentive awards on a pro rata basis, provided that, to the extent any such awards are subject to any performance criteria, any such pro rata vested portion as may be approved by the Compensation Committee shall be payable only if when and to the same extent as paid to other employees generally holding such awards subject to the satisfaction of the performance criteria. All payments would be conditioned on Mr. Pollichino executing a separation agreement.
 
For purposes of Mr. Pollichino’s employment agreement the following definitions apply:
 
“Cause” is defined as (1) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or one of its affiliates or (2) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.
 
Termination for “Good Reason” means: (1) without Mr. Pollichino’s consent, (A) his base salary or annual target bonus is reduced or (B) he is no longer the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company; (2) he gives written notice to the Company that he does not consent to such action; (3) the Company does not correct such action within 30 days of receiving his notice; and (4) he voluntarily terminates his employment within 90 days of such action.
 
Lawrence J. Burian
 
On December 21, 2009, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Lawrence J. Burian. The agreement provides for Mr. Burian’s employment as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company through the third anniversary of the Distribution at a minimum annual base salary of $600,000 (subject to annual review and increase in the discretion of our Compensation Committee) and an annual target bonus opportunity equal to 60% of his annual base salary in the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee. He will be eligible for our standard benefits programs and to participate in our long-term incentive programs, in each case on the same basis as similarly situated executives at the Company.
 
Mr. Burian’s employment agreement provides severance benefits if Mr. Burian’s employment is terminated prior to the third anniversary of the Distribution by (1) the Company, or (2) by Mr. Burian for Good Reason, if at the time of such termination under clause (1) or (2), Cause does not exist. These benefits consist of (1) the payment of an amount in cash equal to not less than 2.00 times the sum of Mr. Burian’s annual base salary and his annual target bonus as in effect at that time; (2) a prorated bonus based on the portion of the year he worked for the Company, provided that such bonus will be payable if and when such bonuses are generally paid to similarly situated employees and will be based on his then current annual target bonus as well as Company and his business unit performance as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, but without adjustment for his individual performance; (3) any vested stock options or stock appreciation rights that he has outstanding as of the time of such termination will remain exercisable until the earlier of the three-year anniversary of the termination date and the end of the original term of the applicable award; and (4) the Compensation Committee will consider, in good faith, approving the vesting of his then outstanding equity and cash incentive awards on a pro rata basis, provided that, to the extent any such awards are subject to any performance criteria, any such pro rata vested portion as may be approved by the


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Compensation Committee shall be payable only if when and to the same extent as paid to other employees generally holding such awards subject to the satisfaction of the performance criteria. All payments would be conditioned on Mr. Burian executing a separation agreement.
 
For purposes of Mr. Burian’s employment agreement the following definitions apply:
 
“Cause” is defined as (1) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against the Company or an affiliate thereof or (2) commission of any act or omission that results in a conviction, plea of no contest, plea of nolo contendere or imposition of unadjudicated probation for any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony.
 
Termination for “Good Reason” means: (1) without Mr. Burian’s consent, (A) his base salary or annual target bonus is reduced, (B) his title is reduced from Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company or (C) he is no longer the Company’s most senior legal officer; (2) he gives written notice to the Company that he does not consent to such action (3) the Company does not correct such action within 30 days of receiving his notice; and (4) he voluntarily terminates his employment within 90 days of such action.
 
Key Elements of 2010 Expected Compensation from the Company
 
As a newly-formed entity, we did not have any executive officers or pay any compensation during 2008 or 2009. The following summarizes the principal components of the compensation we expect to provide in 2010 to each of our executive officers based upon our employment agreements with them. Except as noted, we have not yet determined the form of any long-term incentives.
 
     
James L. Dolan:
   
Base Salary
  $500,000     
Target Bonus
  200% of base salary
Target 2010 Long-Term Incentives
  $1,750,000     
Hank J. Ratner:
   
Base Salary
  $1,200,000
Target Bonus
  200% of base salary
Target 2010 Long-Term Incentives
  $5,400,000
Special Equity or Equity-Based Stock Award
  $4,750,000
Robert M. Pollichino:
   
Base Salary
  $700,000
Target Bonus
  60% of base salary
Target 2010 Long-Term Incentives
  $950,000
Lawrence Burian:
   
Base Salary
  $600,000
Target Bonus
  60% of base salary
Target 2010 Long-Term Incentives
  $600,000
 
In addition these executive officers are expected to receive other benefits and perquisites as discussed above.
 
Historical Compensation Information
 
All of the information set forth in the following table reflects compensation earned during 2008 based upon services rendered to Cablevision by our Executive Chairman and our President and Chief Executive Officer, and is based upon services rendered to Madison Square Garden by our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The services rendered by these executives in 2008 were, in some instances, in capacities not equivalent to the positions in which they will serve the Company or our subsidiaries. The information below is therefore not necessarily indicative of the compensation these individuals will receive as executive officers of the Company. For information on the compensation of these individuals, and of Mr. Burian, as executive officers of the Company in 2010, see “Key Elements of 2010 Expected


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Compensation from the Company” and for a description of their employment agreements with the Company, see “Employment Agreements.”
 
Summary Compensation Table
 
                                                                         
                                        Change in
             
                                        Pension
             
                                        Value and
             
                                  Non-Equity
    Nonqualified
             
                                  Incentive
    Deferred
             
                      Stock
    Option
    Plan
    Compensation
    All Other
       
          Salary
    Bonus
    Awards
    Awards
    Compensation
    Earnings
    Compensation
    Total
 
Name and Principal Position
  Year     ($)(1)     ($)(2)     ($)(3)     ($)(4)     ($)(5)     ($)(6)     ($)(7)     ($)  
 
James L. Dolan
    2008       1,800,000       0       3,006,031       1,235,658       6,567,600       114,364       1,214,476       13,938,129  
President and Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision
                                                                       
 
 
Hank J. Ratner
    2008       1,575,000       0       2,611,273       1,029,714       5,297,389       73,489       888,656       11,475,521  
Vice Chairman of Cablevision
                                                                       
 
 
Robert M. Pollichino
    2008       560,000       0       196,120       10,073       2,161,400       141,882       219,197       3,288,672  
Executive Vice President,
                                                                       
Finance of Madison Square Garden, L.P.
                                                                       
 
 
 
 
(1) For 2008, salaries paid to the NEOs accounted for the following percentages of their total compensation: Mr. Dolan — 13%; Mr. Ratner — 14%; and Mr. Pollichino — 17%.
 
(2) The annual incentive awards for 2008 were performance-based and are disclosed in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column.
 
(3) This column reflects the dollar amount of expense recognized by Cablevision for financial statement reporting purposes in 2008 for restricted stock awards granted to the NEOs in that year and prior years, as calculated under ASC Topic 718, without any reduction for risk of forfeiture. ASC Topic 718 requires Cablevision to record share-based compensation expense for awards granted in 2008 as well as awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006.
 
(4) This column reflects the dollar amount of expense recognized by Cablevision for financial statement reporting purposes in 2008 for stock options and stock appreciation rights awards granted to the NEOs in that year and prior years, as calculated under ASC Topic 718, without any reduction for risk of forfeiture. ASC Topic 718 requires Cablevision to record share-based compensation expense for awards granted in 2008 as well as awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006. Cablevision calculates the fair value of each option award on the date of grant and for each stock appreciation right on the date of grant and at the end of each reporting period using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For unvested share-based awards as of January 1, 2006, granted prior to 2006, Cablevision’s computation of expected life was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the share-based awards and vesting schedules. In addition, for stock appreciation rights, expected term was also determined based on historical experience of similar awards as of December 31, 2008. For options granted in 2006, Cablevision’s computation of expected life was based on the simplified method (the average of the vesting period and option term) as prescribed in SAB No. 107, Share Based Payments. The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the share-based award is based on interest yields for U.S. Treasury instruments in effect at the time of grant and as of December 31, 2008, for stock appreciation rights. Cablevision’s computation of expected volatility is based on historical volatility of its common stock. The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of stock appreciation rights outstanding as of December 31, 2008:
 


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    December 31, 2008
 
Range of risk-free interest rates
  0.10%-0.94%
Weighted average expected life (in years)
  1.25
Dividend Yield
  1.77%
Weighted average volatility
  36.24%
 
(5) For Mr. Dolan and Mr. Ratner, this information reflects their annual incentive awards for performance in 2008, and performance awards granted in 2006, earned at the end of 2008, as follows: Mr. Dolan, $4,431,600 and $2,136,000, respectively, and Mr. Ratner, $3,873,389, and $1,424,000, respectively.
 
For Mr. Pollichino, this information reflects: his annual incentive award for performance in 2008 ($341,000), performance awards granted in 2006, earned at the end of 2008 ($320,400) and the performance retention award granted in 2001 and paid in June 2008 ($1,500,000).
 
(6) This column represents, for each individual, the sum of the increase in the present value of his accumulated cash balance plan account and accumulated excess cash balance account. There were no above-market earnings on nonqualified deferred compensation. For more information regarding the named executive officers’ pension benefits, please see the Pension Benefits Table below.
 
(7) The table below shows the components of this column:
 
                                                                 
                Excess
                               
          401(k)
    Savings
          Deferred
                   
          Plan
    Plan
    Life Insurance
    Compensation
                   
Name
  Year     Match(a)     Match(a)     Premiums(b)     Awards(c)     Dividends(d)     Perquisites(e)     Total  
 
James L. Dolan
    2008     $ 2,460     $ 51,540     $ 37,705     $ 202,252     $ 612,000     $ 308,519     $ 1,214,476  
Hank J. Ratner
    2008     $ 6,900     $ 40,298     $ 9,248     $ 202,252     $ 550,090     $ 79,868     $ 888,656  
Robert M. Pollichino
    2008     $ 4,838     $ 11,787           $ 194,714             *     $ 219,197  
      2007     $ 4,768     $ 11,619           $ 190,458             *     $ 213,988  
      2006     $ 5,461     $ 9,906           $ 176,918             *     $ 197,964  
 
 
(a) These columns represent, for each individual, a matching contribution by Cablevision on behalf of such individual under Cablevision’s 401(k) Plan or Excess Savings Plan, as applicable.
 
(b) This column represents amounts paid for premiums on whole life insurance policies purchased by Cablevision for Messrs. Dolan and Ratner.
 
(c) This column represents, for each individual other than Mr. Pollichino, the following amounts allocated under his respective deferred compensation award: a notional contribution of $150,000 and notional interest of $52,252 in 2008. This column represents, for Mr. Pollichino, the following amounts allocated under his respective deferred compensation award: a notional contribution of $150,000 and notional interest of $44,714 in 2008. For more information regarding these deferred compensation awards, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Cablevision Elements of In-Service Compensation — Long-Term Incentives — Other Types of Awards in Prior Years.”
 
(d) As a result of the special cash dividend declared by Cablevision in April 2006, and cash dividends declared by Cablevision in August 2008 and November 2008, holders of stock options and stock appreciation rights that had vested prior to December 31, 2004 receive a cash dividend upon exercise. Restricted shareholders are entitled to receive a cash amount equal to the dividends when the restricted shares vest. This column represents dividend payments made upon stock option and stock appreciation right exercises and restricted stock vesting in the respective periods.
 
(e) This column represents, for each individual, the following aggregate perquisites, as described in the table below. For more information regarding the calculation of these perquisites, please see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Cablevision Elements of In-Service Compensation — Perquisites.”
 

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Name
  Year     Car and Driver     Aircraft(I)     Other(II)     Total  
 
James L. Dolan
    2008     $ 220,173     $ 52,532     $ 35,814     $ 308,519  
Hank J. Ratner
    2008       *     $ 63,844     $ 12,149     $ 79,868  
Robert M. Pollichino
    2008       N/A       N/A       *       7,858  
 
 
* Represents less than $10,000.
 
(I) As discussed under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Cablevision Elements of In-Service Compensation — Executive Security — Aircraft,” Mr. Dolan and Mr. Ratner reimburse Cablevision for the actual expenses associated with personal use of Cablevision’s corporate airplanes. The amounts in the table exclude personal use of aircraft for which the executive provides reimbursement. The amounts in the table reflect the incremental cost of personal use of Cablevision’s helicopters and for personal guests accompanying the executive when the executive is traveling on business. Incremental cost is determined as the variable costs incurred by Cablevision net of reimbursements received by executives and does not include any costs that would have been incurred by Cablevision whether or not the personal trip was taken, such as lease and insurance payments, pilot salaries and other overhead costs. In November 2006, Cablevision entered into a time sharing agreement with Mr. Dolan pursuant to which he was permitted to lease two specified aircraft from Cablevision for his personal use. The agreement provided for reimbursement to Cablevision for such usage at the maximum amount Cablevision legally may charge under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (the “FAA Maximum Rate”). In 2008, Mr. Dolan paid Cablevision $118,953 for the use of the two aircraft under the agreement. In June 2007, Cablevision entered into time sharing agreements with Mr. Ratner pursuant to which he was permitted to lease two specified aircraft from Cablevision for his personal use. The agreements provide for reimbursement to Cablevision for such usage at a rate no greater than the FAA Maximum Rate. In 2008, Mr. Ratner paid Cablevision $106,595 for the use of the two aircraft under the agreements.
 
(II) This column includes the following components: (A) free cable television service, high-speed data and voice service; (B) executive home security; and (C) use of Cablevision’s travel department to arrange for personal travel.
 
Grants of Cablevision Plan-Based Awards
 
The table below presents information regarding awards granted in 2008 to each named executive officer under Cablevision’s plans, including estimated possible and future payouts under non-equity incentive plan awards and other restricted stock and stock option awards. There were no performance-based equity awards granted in 2008. See “— Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on certain of the awards discussed in the following table.
 
                                                                         
                                  All
                   
                                  Other
                   
                                  Stock
                   
                                  Awards:
    All Other
    Exercise
    Grant Date
 
                                  Number of
    Option
    or Base
    Fair Value
 
                                  Shares of
    Awards:
    Price of
    of Stock
 
                Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-
    Stock
    Securities
    Option
    and Option
 
          Grant
    Equity Incentive Plan Awards     or
    Underlying
    Awards
    Awards
 
Name
  Year     Date     Threshold($)     Target($)     Maximum($)     Units(#)     Options(#)     ($/Sh)     ($) (1)  
 
James L. Dolan
    2008       3/3/08 (2)             3,600,000       7,200,000                                  
      2008       3/3/08 (3)     2,235,000       4,470,000       8,940,000                                  
      2008       3/3/08 (4)                             113,200                       2,887,732  
 
 
Hank J. Ratner
    2008       3/3/08 (2)             3,146,538       6,293,076                                  
      2008       3/3/08 (3)     1,995,000       3,990,000       7,980,000                                  
      2008       3/3/08 (4)                             101,100                       2,579,061  
 
 
Robert M. Pollichino
    2008       3/3/08 (2)             336,000       672,000                                  
      2008       3/3/08 (3)     125,000       250,000       500,000                                  
      2008       3/3/08 (4)                             9,500                       242,345  
 
 

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(1) This column reflects the full grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards granted to each NEO in 2008, as calculated under ASC Topic 718 on the date of grant. The assumptions used by Cablevision in calculating these amounts are described in note (4) to the Summary Compensation Table above.
 
(2) This row reflects the possible payouts with respect to grants of annual incentive awards under Cablevision’s CIP for performance in 2008. Each NEO is assigned a target bonus percentage and amount; there is no threshold amount for annual incentive awards. Under the terms of the awards, each named executive officer is eligible to receive payment of an annual incentive award equal to the lesser of $10 million or two times his bonus target, subject to the Cablevision compensation committee’s discretion to reduce the award. The amounts of annual incentive awards actually paid for performance in 2008 are disclosed in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table above. For more information regarding the terms of these annual incentive awards, please see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Cablevision Elements of In-Service Compensation — Annual Incentives.”
 
(3) This row reflects the future payouts with respect to performance awards that were granted under Cablevision’s Long-Term Incentive Plan in 2008. Each performance award was granted with a target amount, subject to actual payment based on a sliding scale ranging from zero to two times the target amount. These performance awards will be payable in the first quarter of 2011 if Cablevision achieves specified performance targets in the year ending December 31, 2010. For more information regarding the terms of these performance awards, please see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis — Cablevision Elements of In-Service Compensation — Long-Term Incentives — Performance Awards.”
 
(4) This row shows the number of shares of restricted stock awarded in 2008. These grants of restricted stock, which were made under Cablevision’s 2006 Employee Stock Plan, are scheduled to vest in their entirety on March 3, 2011.
 
Outstanding Cablevision Equity Awards at 2008 Fiscal Year-End
 
The table below shows (i) each grant of stock options and stock appreciation rights of Cablevision that are still unexercised and outstanding and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of unvested restricted stock of Cablevision outstanding for each NEO, in each case as of December 31, 2008. See “— Treatment of


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Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on certain of the awards discussed in the following table.
 
                                                                         
    Option Awards     Stock Awards  
                                                    Equity
 
                                                    Incentive
 
                                                    Plan
 
                                              Equity
    Awards:
 
                                              Incentive
    Market or
 
                Equity
                            Plan
    Payout
 
                Incentive
                            Awards:
    Value of
 
                Plan
                            Number of
    Unearned
 
                Awards:
                      Market
    Unearned
    Shares,
 
    Number of
    Number of
    Number of
                Number of
    Value of
    Shares,
    Units or
 
    Securities
    Securities
    Securities
                Shares or
    Shares or
    Units or
    Other
 
    Underlying
    Underlying
    Underlying
                Units of
    Units of
    Other
    Rights
 
    Unexercised
    Unexercised
    Unexercised
    Option
    Option
    Stock That
    Stock That
    Rights That
    That
 
    Options(#)
    Options(#)
    Unearned
    Exercise
    Expiration
    Have Not
    Have Not
    Have Not
    Have Not
 
Name
  Exercisable     Unexercisable     Options(#)     Price($)     Date     Vested(#)     Vested($) (1)     Vested(#)     Vested($)  
 
James L. Dolan
                                            362,700 (2)     6,107,868                  
      166,666                       10.78 (3)     6/25/2013                                  
      74,400                       15.51 (3)     10/1/2014                                  
      120,000                       10.46 (3)     10/1/2014                                  
      120,000                       15.51 (3)     11/8/2015                                  
      60,000                       15.51 (3)     11/8/2015                                  
      176,000       88,000 (5)             20.51       6/5/2016                                  
Hank J. Ratner
                                            315,000 (7)     5,304,600                  
      53,591 (8)                     17.96 (3)(4)(8)     8/2/2009                                  
      47,636 (8)(9)                     16.06 (3)(4)(8)     5/31/2010                                  
      62,000                       15.51 (3)     10/1/2014                                  
      33,333                       10.46 (3)     10/1/2014                                  
      66,666                       15.51 (3)     11/8/2015                                  
      50,000                       15.51 (3)     11/8/2015                                  
      146,667       73,333 (5)             20.51       6/5/2016                                  
Robert M. Pollichino
                                            24,700 (6)     415,948                  
      7,500                       10.46 (3)     10/1/2014                                  
      8,000                       15.51 (3)     11/8/2015                                  
 
 
(1) Calculated using the closing price of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 31, 2008 of $16.84 per share.
 
(2) This reflects (i) a grant of 60,000 shares of restricted stock made on November 8, 2005 that vested on November 8, 2009; (ii) a grant of 88,000 shares of restricted stock made on June 5, 2006 that vested on June 5, 2009, (iii) a grant of 101,500 shares of restricted stock made on March 2, 2007 that is scheduled to vest on March 2, 2010; and (iv) a grant of 113,200 shares of restricted stock made on March 3, 2008 that is scheduled to vest on March 3, 2011.
 
(3) As a result of the special dividend declared by Cablevision in April 2006, stock options that had not vested by December 31, 2004 were adjusted to reduce their per share exercise price by the $10.00 amount of the special dividend. The per share exercise price of stock options that had vested by December 31, 2004 was not adjusted and the holders will receive the special dividend amount upon exercise. The table does not reflect any impact of the payment of the special dividend on those options that had vested by December 31, 2004.
 
(4) In addition, stock options and stock appreciation rights that had vested by December 31, 2004 will receive upon exercise an amount equal to any dividends declared during the life of the option and stock appreciation right. The table does not reflect any impact of payment of these dividends.
 
(5) These stock options, which were granted on June 5, 2006, were scheduled to fully vest on June 5, 2009.
 
(6) This reflects (i) a grant of 6,600 shares of restricted stock made on June 5, 2006 that were scheduled to vest on June 5, 2009; (ii) a grant of 8,600 shares of restricted stock made on March 2, 2007 that is


140


 

scheduled to vest on March 2, 2010; and (iii) a grant of 9,500 shares of restricted stock made on March 3, 2008 that is scheduled to vest on March 3, 2011.
 
(7) This reflects (i) a grant of 50,000 shares of restricted stock made on November 8, 2005 that were scheduled to vest on November 8, 2009; (ii) a grant of 73,300 shares of restricted stock made on June 5, 2006 that were scheduled to vest on June 5, 2009; (iii) a grant of 90,600 shares of restricted stock made on March 2, 2007 that are scheduled to vest on March 2, 2010; and (iv) a grant of 101,100 shares of restricted stock made on March 3, 2008 that are scheduled to vest on March 3, 2011.
 
(8) These grants reflect decreases in the exercise price and increases in the number of shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock to be purchased upon exercise as a result of the issuance of the Rainbow Media Group tracking stock in March 2001 and its conversion back into shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock in August 2002. The exercise price also reflects an adjustment based on a settlement of certain stock option litigation in June 2008.
 
(9) This grant includes stock options to purchase 23,818 shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and 23,818 stock appreciation rights.
 
Cablevision Option Exercises and Stock Vested
 
The table below shows exercises of Cablevision stock options during 2008 and awards of Cablevision restricted stock that vested during 2008. See “— Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards” for a discussion of the impact of the Distribution on certain of the awards discussed in the following table.
 
                                 
    Option Exercises     Restricted Stock  
    Number of Shares
    Value Realized on
    Number of Shares
    Value Realized
 
Name
  Acquired on Exercise     Exercise ($) (1)     Acquired on Vesting     on Vesting ($)  
 
James L. Dolan
                60,000       1,490,400 (2)(3)
 
 
Hank J. Ratner
    2,024       39,321 (4)     50,000       1,242,000 (2)(3)
      1,985       38,563 (4)            
 
 
Robert M. Pollichino
                       
 
 
 
 
(1) Calculated using the closing price (per share) of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of exercise less the option price per share multiplied by the number of options exercised.
 
(2) Calculated using the average of the high and low (per share) of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on October 1, 2008 less the $0.01 par value paid by the executive officer multiplied by the number of shares vesting.
 
(3) A $10.00 per share special dividend declared on the Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock in April 2006 and $0.10 per share dividends declared on the Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock in August and November 2008, respectively, were associated with this vesting in addition to the value realized and reflected in the table.
 
(4) A $10.00 per share special dividend paid by Cablevision was associated with this exercise in addition to the value realized and reflected in the table.
 
Pension Benefits
 
The table below shows the present value of accumulated benefits payable to each of our NEOs, including the number of years of service credited to each NEO, under the defined benefit pension plans as of December 31, 2008.
 


141


 

                             
        Number of Years
  Present Value of
  Payments During
        Credited Service
  Accumulated Benefit
  2008
Name
 
Plan Name
  (#)(1)   ($)(2)   ($)
 
James L. Dolan
  Cablevision Cash Balance                        
    Pension Plan     11       120,880        
    Cablevision Excess                        
    Cash Balance Plan     8       754,802        
 
 
Hank J. Ratner
  Cablevision Cash Balance                        
    Pension Plan     11       100,829        
    Cablevision Excess                        
    Cash Balance Plan     8       416,752        
 
 
Robert M. Pollichino
  Cablevision Cash Balance     1       18,462        
    Cablevision Excess Cash
Balance Plan
    1       19,631        
    Madison Square Garden, L.P.                        
    Retirement Plan     9       220,617        
    Madison Square Garden, L.P.                        
    Excess Retirement Plan     9       697,507        
 
 
 
 
(1) Years of service are calculated based on elapsed time measured from date of plan participation. Actual elapsed time for each individual as an employee of Cablevision are as follows: Mr. Dolan, 30 years; Mr. Ratner, 22 years; and Mr. Pollichino, 31 years.
 
(2) Assumes that each individual will take a lump sum payment of benefits at retirement. The lump sum payment is based on an assumed retirement age of 65 for all individuals. The lump sum payable under the cash balance plans was determined by crediting the account balances with an assumed interest-crediting rate of 4.15% until age 65. The present value of the accumulated benefits under the Cablevision Cash Balance Plan and the Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Plan were calculated using a discount rate of 5.55%. Also assumes that Mr. Pollichino elects a life annuity form of payment at retirement for the Madison Square Garden Retirement Plans. The present value of the benefits was calculated using a discount rate of 5.80% and the RP2000 Mortality Table projected seven years beyond the valuation date (2009).
 
Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan
 
The Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan is a tax-qualified defined benefit plan that generally covers regular full-time and part-time nonunion employees of Cablevision and certain of its affiliates who have completed one year of service. A notional account is maintained for each participant under the plan, including the NEOs, which consists of (i) annual allocations made by Cablevision as of the end of each year on behalf of each participant who has completed 800 hours of service during the year that range from 3% to 9% of the participant’s compensation, based on the participant’s age, and (ii) monthly interest credits based on the average of the annual rate of interest on the 30-year U.S. Treasury Bonds for the months of September, October and November of the prior year. Compensation includes all direct cash compensation received while a participant as part of the participant’s primary compensation structure (excluding bonuses, fringe benefits, and other compensation that is not received on a regular basis), and before deductions for elective deferrals (in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code limits, the maximum compensation taken into account in determining benefits was limited to $230,000 in 2008).
 
A participant’s interest in the cash balance account is subject to vesting limitations for the first three years of employment. A participant’s account will vest in full upon his or her termination due to death, disability or retirement after attaining age 65. Upon retirement or other termination of employment with Cablevision, the participant may elect a distribution of the vested portion of the cash balance account. Any amounts remaining in the plan will continue to be credited with interest until the account is paid. The normal form of benefit payment for an unmarried participant is a single life annuity and the normal form of benefit

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payment for a married participant is a 50% joint and survivor annuity. The participant, with spousal consent if applicable, can waive the normal form and elect a single life annuity or a lump sum.
 
Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Plan
 
Cablevision’s Excess Cash Balance Plan is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that is intended to provide eligible participants, including each NEO, with the portion of their benefit that cannot be paid to them under the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan due to Internal Revenue Code limits on the amount of compensation (as defined in the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan) that can be taken into account in determining benefits under tax-qualified plans ($230,000 in 2008). Cablevision maintains a notional excess cash balance account for each eligible participant, and for each calendar year, credits these accounts with the portion of the allocation that could not be made on his behalf under the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan due to the compensation limitation. In addition, Cablevision credits each notional excess cash balance account monthly with interest at the same rate used under the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan. A participant vests in the excess cash balance account according to the same schedule in the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan. The excess cash balance account, to the extent vested, is paid in a lump sum to the participant as soon as practicable following his or her retirement or other termination of employment with Cablevision.
 
Madison Square Garden, L.P. Retirement Plan
 
The Madison Square Garden, L.P. Retirement Plan (“MSG Retirement Plan”) is a tax-qualified defined benefit plan covering substantially all of our non-union full-time and eligible part-time employees, including Mr. Pollichino. Effective as of January 1, 2001, membership in the plan was frozen and benefit accruals under the plan continued only for employees who were already active participants in the plan as of December 31, 2000. Effective January 1, 2008, all future benefit accruals under the plan ceased and no participants accrue any benefits under the plan on and after January 1, 2008.
 
The plan provides a benefit at retirement equal to (i) 2% of a participant’s final average pay multiplied by years of benefit service up to 20 years; plus (ii) 1% of the participant’s final average pay multiplied by years of service in excess of 20 years; minus (iii) 1.25% of the participant’s Social Security benefit multiplied by total benefit service up to 40 years. Final average pay is based on the highest average compensation paid during 60 consecutive months out of the last 120 months of benefit service. Compensation means the basic cash remuneration paid to the participant, including annual bonus, commissions and overtime pay, and before deductions for elective deferrals (up to applicable Internal Revenue Code limits, which in 2008 was $230,000).
 
As a result of plan participants’ benefits under the plan being frozen, any pay earned and service completed after that date will not be taken into account when determining the amount of a participant’s benefit under the plan. Participants will continue to earn eligibility towards early retirement as long as they remain our employees. Normal retirement under the plan is age 65; however, participants who have attained age 55 and completed at least 10 years of vesting service may retire prior to age 65 and receive a reduced benefit. Based upon his age and years of benefit service, Mr. Pollichino’s monthly accrued benefit payable at age 65 under the plan is $2,997.
 
The normal form of benefit is a single life annuity for an unmarried participant and a 50% joint and survivor annuity for a married participant. The participant, with the spouse’s consent if married, may waive the normal form and elect an optional form of payment, including a single life annuity, a 50%, 75% or 100% joint and survivor annuity, a 10-year certain and life annuity, a level income option that integrates with Social Security benefits, and a lump sum payment if the actuarial present value of the benefit does not exceed $10,000.
 
Madison Square Garden, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan
 
The Madison Square Garden, L.P. Excess Retirement Plan (“MSG Excess Retirement Plan”) is a non-qualified defined contribution plan that provides eligible participants, including Mr. Pollichino, with the portion of their benefit that cannot be paid to them under the MSG Retirement Plan due to Internal Revenue


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Code limits on the amount of compensation that can be taken into account in determining benefits under tax-qualified plans ($230,000 in 2008). Future benefit accruals under the MSG Excess Retirement Plan ceased as of January 1, 2008 in conjunction with the cessation of future accruals under the MSG Retirement Plan.
 
Benefits are payable under the MSG Excess Retirement Plan upon the participant’s termination of employment. The normal form of payment under the MSG Excess Retirement Plan is a life annuity for all participants. Instead of the normal form of payment, participants may instead elect a 50%, 75% or 100% joint & survivor annuity option or a 10-year certain and life annuity option. Based upon his age and years of benefit service, Mr. Pollichino’s monthly accrued benefit payable at age 65 under the plan is $9,500.
 
Cablevision Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
 
The table below shows (i) the contributions made by each NEO and Cablevision in 2008, (ii) aggregate earnings on each named executive officer’s account balance in 2008 and (iii) the account balance of each of our NEOs under the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan as of December 31, 2008.
 
                                             
        Executive
  Registrant
  Aggregate
       
        Contributions
  Contributions
  Earnings
  Aggregate
  Aggregate
        in 2008 FY(1)
  in 2008 FY(2)
  in 2008 FY(3)
  Withdrawals/
  Balance at
Name
 
Plan Name
  ($)    ($)    ($)   Distributions ($)   2008 FY ($)
 
James L. Dolan
  Cablevision Excess Savings Plan     104,280       51,540       21,223             613,856  
Hank J. Ratner
  Cablevision Excess Savings Plan     80,596       40,298       29,185             797,308  
Robert M. Pollichino
  Cablevision Excess Savings Plan     24,554       11,787       10,472             315,323  
 
 
(1) These amounts represent a portion of the executives’ salaries, which are included in the numbers reported in the “Salary” column of the Summary Compensation Table that the executives contributed to the respective plans.
 
(2) These amounts are reported in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.
 
(3) These amounts are not reported in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.
 
Cablevision 401(k) Plan
 
Under the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Cablevision 401(k) Plan”), a tax-qualified retirement savings plan, participating employees, including executive officers, may contribute into their plan accounts a percentage of their eligible pay on a before-tax basis as well as a percentage of their eligible pay on an after-tax basis. Cablevision will match 50% of the first 6% of eligible pay contributed by participating employees. The Cablevision matching contributions will be subject to vesting limitations for the first three years of employment.
 
Cablevision Excess Savings Plan
 
The Cablevision Excess Savings Plan is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that operates in conjunction with the Cablevision 401(k) Plan. An employee is eligible to participate in the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan for a calendar year if his compensation (as defined in the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan described above) in the preceding year exceeded (or would have exceeded, if the employee had been employed for the entire year) the IRS limit on the amount of compensation that can be taken into account in determining contributions under tax-qualified retirement plans ($230,000 in 2008) and he makes an election to participate prior to the beginning of the year. An eligible employee whose contributions to the Cablevision 401(k) Plan are limited as a result of this compensation limit or as a result of reaching the maximum 401(k) deferral limit ($15,500 or $20,500 if 50 or over, for 2008) can continue to make pre-tax contributions under the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan of up to 6% of his eligible pay. In addition, Cablevision will make matching contributions of up to 50% of the first 6% of eligible pay contributed by the employee. A participant is always fully vested in his own contributions and vests in Cablevision matching contributions over three years (subject to full vesting upon death, disability or retirement after attaining age 65). Account balances under the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan are credited monthly with the rate of return earned by the Stable


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Value Fund offered as an investment alternative under the Cablevision 401(k) Plan. Distributions are made in a lump sum as soon as practicable after the participant’s termination of employment with Cablevision.
 
Our Retirement Benefits
 
After the Distribution, liabilities for benefits under the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan, the Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Plan, the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan and the Cablevision 401(k) Plan, in which our employees participate, will be assumed by us together with the actuarially determined associated assets, to the extent such assets and benefits are not already our assets or liabilities. The actuarial present values of the accumulated pension benefits of our NEOs who have participated in the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan, the Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Plan, the MSG Retirement Plan and the MSG Excess Retirement Plan as of the end of 2008 are reported in the Pension Benefits Table herein. Information concerning the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan as of the end of 2008 is reported in the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table herein.
 
Following the Distribution, we expect to offer retirement plans that are substantially similar to the Cablevision Cash Balance Pension Plan, the Cablevision Excess Cash Balance Plan, the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan and the Cablevision 401(k) Plan, which are described above.
 
Termination and Severance
 
This section describes the payments that would be received by executive officers upon various termination of employment scenarios. The information under “Separation from the Company” is based upon the provisions of each executive officer’s employment agreement with the Company and assumes that the executive officer was employed by the Company under that agreement at December 31, 2009. The information under “Separation from Cablevision” for Messrs. Dolan and Ratner is based upon their employment arrangements as named executive officers of Cablevision and for Mr. Pollichino is based upon his employment arrangements as an executive of Madison Square Garden, in each case as in effect as of December 31, 2008. This information is presented to illustrate the payments such executives would have received from Cablevision under the various termination scenarios. The consummation of the Distribution is not a termination of employment with Cablevision for these purposes. The Company will have no liability for the payment of any amounts to Messrs. Dolan and Ratner with respect to the amounts shown as the payments they would receive from Cablevision.
 
Separation from the Company
 
Payments may be made to employees upon the termination of their employment with the Company depending upon the circumstances of their termination, which include termination by the Company without cause, termination by the employee for good reason, other voluntary termination by the employee, retirement, death, disability, or termination following a change in control of the Company or following a going-private transaction. Certain of these circumstances are addressed in employment agreements between the Company and the executives. For a description of termination provisions in the employment agreements, see “— Employment Agreements” above. In addition, future award agreements for any long-term incentives will also address some of these circumstances.


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The following table sets forth the estimated cash severance benefits payable by the Company to each of its executive officers as of December 31, 2009 in connection with their applicable employment agreements with the Company.
 
                                         
              Voluntary
                 
      Termination without
      Termination by the
              Termination in
 
      Cause by the
      Executive or
              Connection with a
 
      Company or with
      Termination due to
              Company Change in
 
      Good Reason by the
      Retirement, Death
      Termination for Cause
      Control or Going
 
Executive     Executive       or Disability       by the Company       Private Transaction  
James L. Dolan
    $ 3,000,000                       $ 3,000,000  
Hank J. Ratner
    $ 7,200,000                       $ 7,200,000  
Robert M. Pollichino
    $ 2,240,000                       $ 2,240,000  
Lawrence J. Burian
    $ 1,920,000                       $ 1,920,000  
                                         
 
The amounts set forth above, if any, represent severance equal to two times the sum of the executive’s base salary and target bonus as provided in their applicable employment agreement with the Company. The amounts do not reflect amounts the executives would remain eligible to receive as a 2009 annual bonus given that, in the case of Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Burian, such bonuses are the responsibility of Cablevision (and not the Company) and, in the case of Mr. Pollichino, such bonus is discretionary and has not yet been determined.
 
In addition, the above table does not include any amounts with respect to accelerated vesting or payment of any Company long-term cash or equity incentives, given that the Company will not have granted any such awards as of December 31, 2009. The above table similarly does not reflect any amounts with respect to accelerated vesting or payment of outstanding Cablevision long-term cash or equity incentives given that, in the case of Messrs. Dolan and Ratner, such awards will be the responsibility of Cablevision (and not the Company) and in the case of Messrs. Pollichino and Burian, any pro rata accelerated vesting of such awards in connection with certain employment termination events will be discretionary on the part of our Compensation Committee in accordance with the applicable employment agreements. The outstanding Cablevision long-term cash and equity incentive awards held by Messrs. Dolan and Ratner may, however, be subject to accelerated vesting and/or payment by Cablevision (not by the Company) under certain types of termination of their employment with Cablevision and, in the case of Messrs. Dolan, Ratner, Pollichino and Burian, may be subject to accelerated vesting and/or payment in connection with certain types of Cablevision change in control or Cablevision going private transactions.
 
We expect that, over time, our executive officers will receive long-term awards from the Company, and, as a result, actual aggregate potential termination payments in the future will be materially higher in certain of the termination scenarios.
 
Separation from Cablevision
 
This section presents historical information concerning payments that would have been made to Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino upon termination of their employment at December 31, 2008. The amount of these payments would have depended upon the circumstances of their termination, which include termination without cause, termination by the executive for good reason, other voluntary termination by the executive, retirement, death, disability, or termination following a change in control or following a going-private transaction. Payments in such circumstances would have also been affected by the terms of employment agreements between Cablevision and Messrs. Dolan and Ratner that were in effect at such time as well as by the terms of applicable award agreements. Mr. Pollichino did not have an employment agreement in effect as of December 31, 2008. In 2009, in contemplation of the Distribution, Messrs. Dolan and Ratner entered into new employment agreements with Cablevision that will be effective as of the Distribution.


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Cablevision Award Agreements
 
Under the applicable Cablevision award agreements, vesting of restricted stock, stock options and stock appreciation rights granted to employees, including the Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino, may be affected upon a “change of control” of Cablevision or a going private transaction (as defined in Rule 13e-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). A “change of control” is defined in the Cablevision award agreements as the acquisition by any person or group, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of his immediate family (or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by Cablevision, of (1) the power to direct the management of substantially all of the cable television systems then owned by Cablevision in the New York City metropolitan area, or (2) after any fiscal year of Cablevision in which Cablevision’s cable television systems in the New York City metropolitan area contributed in the aggregate less than a majority of the net revenues of Cablevision and its consolidated subsidiaries, the power to direct the management of Cablevision or substantially all of its assets. Upon a change in control, as defined, the restricted stock, stock options and stock appreciation rights may be converted into either a right to receive an amount of cash based upon the highest price per share of Cablevision’s Class A common stock paid in the transaction resulting in the change of control, or, as long as the surviving entity is a public company, into a corresponding award with equivalent profit potential in the surviving entity, at the election of the Compensation Committee. Upon a going private transaction, the restricted stock, stock options and stock appreciation rights would be converted into a right to receive an amount of cash based upon the highest price per share of Cablevision’s Class A common stock paid in the transaction. Following the change of control or going private transaction, the award of restricted stock, stock options or stock appreciation rights will become payable on the earlier to occur of (1) the date on which the award was originally scheduled to vest or (2) the date on which the recipient’s employment with Cablevision or the surviving entity is terminated (A) by Cablevision or the surviving entity other than for cause or (B) by the recipient for good reason, if such termination occurs within three years after the change of control or going private transaction, or by the recipient for any reason if such termination occurs at least six months, but not more than nine months, after completion of the change of control or going private transaction. In addition, the amount payable under the award agreement will include interest from the date of the change of control or going private transaction.
 
Under the Cablevision applicable award agreements, vesting of restricted stock, stock options and stock appreciation rights granted to employees, including Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino, may be accelerated in certain other circumstances. Under stock option or stock appreciation rights award agreements, upon termination for cause, the entire award is forfeited. Upon termination by Cablevision without cause, termination by the employee, death, disability or retirement, the unvested portion of the award is forfeited; provided, however, that only with respect to stock options granted in 2006, upon death, the entire award is immediately vested. Depending on the type of termination and specific option grant, the time to exercise the vested portion varies from 90 days to three years. With respect to stock options granted in March 2009, depending on the type of termination, the time to exercise the vested option varies from 90 days to the remainder of the term. In no event is this period later than the expiration date, except in the case of death, in which the time to exercise may be extended for one year after the expiration date. Under restricted stock award agreements, upon any termination for any reason prior to the third anniversary of the grant date other than death or change of control or going private transaction, the entire award is forfeited; upon death, the entire award is immediately vested. Under the applicable award agreements for performance awards, upon termination for cause, the entire award is forfeited. Under the applicable award agreements for all performance awards, upon a change in control, the entire award vests and is immediately payable, regardless of the performance objectives. Under subsequent performance award agreements, upon any termination for any reason prior to the payment date other than death, the entire award is forfeited. Upon death before the end of the performance period, a pro rata portion of the award will vest and be immediately payable; upon death after the end of the performance period but prior to the payment date, the entire award will be payable upon the payment date. In the event of a going private transaction, the entire award vests and is immediately payable, regardless of the performance objectives.
 
Under the applicable Cablevision award agreements for deferred compensation awards, upon termination for cause, the entire award is forfeited. Upon death or disability, the then-current award amount outstanding on


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that date is immediately payable. Upon termination without cause, termination by the employee or retirement prior to the second anniversary of the grant date, the entire award is forfeited. Upon termination without cause, termination by the employee or retirement after the second anniversary of the grant date, the then-current award amount outstanding on the date of termination vests on a pro rata basis and the pro rata portion is payable (adjusted, if applicable, for any amount that may have been paid out on the fifth anniversary of the date of grant). Upon a change in control, the entire award vests and is immediately payable. The award agreements for deferred compensation do not provide for any special benefits in the event of a going private transaction.
 
Under the applicable Cablevision award agreements for the performance retention award, upon termination for cause, the entire award is forfeited. Upon death, the entire award vests and is immediately payable, regardless of the performance objective. Upon disability, the award will continue to vest during the term of the disability. Upon termination without cause, termination by the employee or retirement prior to the fourth anniversary of the grant date, the entire award is forfeited. Upon termination without cause, termination by the employee or retirement after the fourth anniversary of the grant date, the award vests on a pro rata basis and the pro rata portion will be payable (subject to the Compensation Committee’s discretion) if the performance objective is achieved. Upon a change in control, the entire award vests and is immediately payable. The award agreements for performance retention awards do not provide for any special benefits in the event of a going private transaction.
 
Quantification of Termination and Severance payable by Cablevision
 
The following tables set forth a quantification of estimated severance and other benefits payable to Messrs. Dolan, Ratner and Pollichino under various circumstances regarding the termination of their employment. In calculating these severance and other payments, we have taken into consideration or otherwise assumed the following:
 
  •  Termination of employment occurred after the close of business on December 31, 2008.
 
  •  We have valued equity awards using the closing market price of Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 31, 2008, the last trading day of the year, of $16.84.
 
  •  We have valued stock options at their intrinsic value, equal to the difference between $16.84 and the per share exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares underlying the stock options.
 
  •  Where applicable, we have included in the calculation of the value of equity awards the payment of the special dividend of $10 per share and the value of other dividends declared through December 31, 2008.
 
  •  In the event of termination of employment, the payment of certain long-term incentive awards and other amounts may be delayed, depending upon the terms of each specific award agreement, the provisions of the applicable named executive officer’s employment agreement and the applicability of Section 409A. In quantifying aggregate termination payments, we have not taken into account the timing of the payments and we have not discounted the value of payments that would be made over time, except where otherwise disclosed.
 
  •  We have assumed that all performance metrics for performance-based awards are achieved (but not exceeded).


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Benefits Payable As a Result of Voluntary Termination of Employment by Employee*
 
                         
Elements
  James L. Dolan   Hank J. Ratner   Robert M. Pollichino
 
Severance
                 
Most recent bonus
        $ 3,873,389        
Unvested restricted stock
                 
Unvested stock options
                 
Unvested performance options
                 
Performance awards
  $ 2,400,000 (1)   $ 1,600,000 (1)      
Performance retention award
                 
Deferred compensation award
  $ 759,335 (2)   $ 759,335 (2)   $ 639,765 (2)
Consulting arrangements
                 
Health insurance benefits
                 
Executive life insurance premiums
                 
 
 
The amounts in this table do not include any payments or awards which were vested at December 31, 2008 or any pension or other vested retirement benefits.
 
(1) Represents the full value of his 2006 three-year performance award; his other performance awards would be forfeited.
 
(2) Represents a pro rata share of the then-current award amount of his deferred compensation award at December 31, 2008.
 
Benefits Payable As a Result of Termination of Employment Due to Retirement*
 
                         
Elements
  James L. Dolan   Hank J. Ratner   Robert M. Pollichino
 
Severance
                 
Most recent bonus
        $ 3,873,389        
Unvested restricted stock
                 
Unvested stock options
                 
Unvested performance options
                 
Performance awards
  $ 2,400,000 (1)   $ 1,600,000 (1)      
Performance retention award
                 
Deferred compensation award
  $ 759,335 (2)   $ 759,335 (2)   $ 639,765 (2)
Consulting arrangements
                 
Health insurance benefits
                 
Executive life insurance premiums
                 
 
 
The amounts in this table do not include any payments or awards which were vested at December 31, 2008 or any pension or other vested retirement benefits.
 
(1) Represents the full value of his 2006 three-year performance award; his other performance awards would be forfeited.
 
(2) Represents a pro rata share of the then-current award amount of his deferred compensation award at December 31, 2008.
 
Benefits Payable As a Result of Termination of Employment by Cablevision for Cause
 
In the event of termination by Cablevision for cause, no executive officer is entitled to any payments.


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Benefits Payable As a Result of Termination of Employment by Cablevision Without Cause*
 
                         
Elements
  James L. Dolan   Hank J. Ratner   Robert M. Pollichino
 
Severance
  $ 16,240,000 (1)   $ 14,127,750 (6)      
Most recent bonus
        $ 3,873,389        
Unvested restricted stock
  $ 6,780,408     $ 5,867,600        
Unvested stock options
                 
Unvested performance options
                 
Performance awards
  $ 11,340,000 (2)   $ 9,580,000 (2)      
Performance retention award
                 
Deferred compensation award
  $ 1,250,669 (3)   $ 1,250,669 (3)   $ 639,765 (4)
Consulting arrangements
  $ 3,629,895 (5)   $ 1,665,055 (7)      
Health insurance benefits
                 
Executive life insurance premiums
        $ 38,770 (8)      
 
 
The amounts in this table do not include any payments or awards which were vested at December 31, 2008 or any pension or other vested retirement benefits
 
(1) Represents severance equal to $40,000 plus three times the sum of his salary and target bonus.
 
(2) Represents the full value of his 2006, 2007 and 2008 performance awards.
 
(3) Represents the full value of the then current deferred compensation award at December 31, 2008.
 
(4) Represents a pro rata share of the then-current award amount of his deferred compensation award at December 31, 2008.
 
(5) Represents the present value, based on a 4% discount rate, of a four-year consulting agreement with Cablevision that provides for the payment of at least $1 million each year.
 
(6) Represents severance equal to 2.99 times the sum of his salary and target bonus.
 
(7) Represents the present value, based on a 4% discount rate, of a three-year consulting agreement with Cablevision that provides for the payment of at least $600,000 each year.
 
(8) This amount represents the cumulative expected future premiums until such point which policies are expected to be fully funded and there would no longer be a need to make any additional premium payments.
 
Benefits Payable As a Result of Termination of Employment by Employee For Good Reason*
 
                         
Elements
  James L. Dolan   Hank J. Ratner   Robert M. Pollichino
 
Severance
  $ 16,240,000 (1)   $ 14,127,750 (6)      
Most recent bonus
        $ 3,873,389        
Unvested restricted stock
  $ 6,780,408     $ 5,867,600        
Unvested stock options
                 
Unvested performance options
                 
Performance awards
  $ 11,340,000 (2)   $ 9,580,000 (2)      
Performance retention award
                 
Deferred compensation award
  $ 1,250,669 (3)   $ 1,250,669 (3)   $ 639,765 (4)
Consulting arrangements
  $ 3,629,895 (5)   $ 1,665,055 (7)      
Health insurance benefits
                 
Executive life insurance premiums
        $ 38,700 (8)      
 
 
The amounts in this table do not include any payments or awards which were vested at December 31, 2008 or any pension or other vested retirement benefits.
 
(1) Represents severance equal to $40,000 plus three times the sum of his salary and target bonus.


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(2) Represents the full value of his 2006, 2007 and 2008 performance awards.
 
(3) Represents the full value of the then current deferred compensation award amount as of December 31, 2008.
 
(4) Represents a pro rata share of the then-current award amount of his deferred compensation award at December 31, 2008.
 
(5) Represents the present value, based on a 4% discount rate, of a four-year consulting agreement with Cablevision that provides for the payment of at least $1 million each year.
 
(6) Represents severance equal to 2.99 times the sum of his salary and target bonus.
 
(7) Represents the present value, based on a 4% discount rate, of a three-year consulting agreement with Cablevision that provides for the payment of at least $600,000 each year.
 
(8) This amount represents the cumulative expected future premiums until such point which policies are expected to be fully funded and there would no longer be a need to make any additional premium payments.
 
Benefits Payable As a Result of Termination of Employment Due to Death*
 
                         
Elements
  James L. Dolan   Hank J. Ratner   Robert M. Pollichino
 
Severance
                 
Most recent bonus
        $ 3,873,389        
Unvested restricted stock
  $ 6,780,408     $ 5,867,600     $ 420,888  
Unvested stock options
                 
Unvested performance options
                 
Performance awards
  $ 11,340,000     $ 9,580,000     $ 840,000  
Performance retention award
                 
Deferred compensation award
  $ 1,250,669     $ 1,250,669     $ 1,053,730  
Consulting arrangements
                 
Health insurance benefits
                 
Executive life insurance premiums
                 
 
 
The amounts in this table do not include any payments or awards which were vested at December 31, 2008 or any pension or other vested retirement benefits.
 
Benefits Payable As a Result of Termination of Employment Due to Disability*
 
                         
Elements
  James L. Dolan   Hank J. Ratner   Robert M. Pollichino
 
Severance
                 
Most recent bonus
        $ 3,873,389        
Unvested restricted stock
  $ 6,780,408     $ 5,867,600        
Unvested stock options
                 
Unvested performance options
                 
Performance awards
  $ 11,340,000     $ 9,580,000     $ 360,000  
Performance retention award
                 
Deferred compensation award
  $ 1,250,669     $ 1,250,669     $ 1,053,730  
Consulting arrangements
                 
Health insurance benefits
                 
Executive life insurance premiums
                 
 
 
The amounts in this table do not include any payments or awards which were vested at December 31, 2008 or any pension or other vested retirement benefits.


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Benefits Payable As a Result of Termination of Employment In Connection with a Change in Control or Going Private Transaction(1)*
 
                         
Elements
  James L. Dolan(2)   Hank J. Ratner(3)   Robert M. Pollichino
 
Severance
  $ 16,240,000 (4)   $ 14,127,750 (6)      
Most recent bonus
        $ 3,873,389        
Unvested restricted stock
  $ 6,780,408     $ 5,867,600     $ 420,888  
Unvested stock options
                 
Unvested performance options
                 
Performance awards
  $ 11,340,000     $ 9,580,000     $ 840,000  
Performance retention award
                 
Deferred compensation award
  $ 1,250,669     $ 1,250,669     $ 1,053,730  
Consulting arrangements
  $ 3,629,895 (5)   $ 1,665,055 (7)      
Health insurance benefits
                 
Executive life insurance premiums
        $ 38,700 (8)      
 
 
The amounts in this table do not include any payments or awards which were vested at December 31, 2008 or any pension or other vested retirement benefits.
 
(1) The numbers presented in this table reflect amounts payable as a result of termination of employment by the executive or Cablevision following a change in control. The amounts payable as a result of termination of employment by the executive or Cablevision following a going private transaction are generally equal to or less than the amounts payable as a result of termination of employment by the executive or Cablevision following a change in control. For specific information about payments for a termination following a going private transaction, see Notes (2) to (6) below.
 
(2) If a change in control of Cablevision were to occur but Mr. James L. Dolan’s employment was not terminated, he would nevertheless be entitled to receive the following upon consummation of the change in control (in addition to all previously vested amounts): (i) the full amount of his 2006 performance award of $2,400,000; and (ii) the full amount of the then-current award amount of his deferred compensation award at December 31, 2008 equal to $1,250,669. If Mr. James L. Dolan’s employment were terminated by Cablevision, or by him, following a going private transaction, it would be treated as a termination by Cablevision without cause. He would be entitled to receive payments in the same amounts that are set forth in this table above. If a going private transaction were to occur but Mr. James L. Dolan’s employment was not terminated, he would nevertheless be entitled to receive the full amount of his 2006 performance award of $2,400,000.
 
(3) If a change in control of Cablevision were to occur but Mr. Ratner’s employment was not terminated, he would nevertheless be entitled to receive the following upon consummation of the change in control: (i) the full amount of his 2006 performance award of $1,600,000; and (ii) the full amount of the then-current award amount of his deferred compensation award at December 31, 2008 equal to $1,250,669. If Mr. Ratner’s employment were terminated by Cablevision or by him following a going private transaction, it would be treated as a termination by Cablevision without cause. He would be entitled to receive payments in the same amounts that are set forth in this table above. If a going private transaction were to occur but Mr. Ratner’s employment was not terminated, he would nevertheless be entitled to receive the full amount of his 2006 performance award of $1,600,000.
 
(4) Represents severance equal to three times the sum of his salary and target bonus plus $40,000.
 
(5) Represents the present value, based on a 4% discount rate, of a four-year consulting agreement with Cablevision that provides for the payment of at least $1 million each year.
 
(6) Represents severance equal to 2.99 times the sum of his salary and target bonus.
 
(7) Represents the present value, based on a 4% discount rate, of a three-year consulting agreement with Cablevision that provides for the payment of at least $600,000 each year.
 
(8) This amount represents the cumulative expected future premiums until such point which policies are expected to be fully funded and there would no longer be a need to make any additional premium payments.


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Our Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
We plan to adopt an Employee Stock Plan and a Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors both of which are discussed below.
 
Our Employee Stock Plan
 
Prior to the Distribution, we will adopt an Employee Stock Plan (the “Employee Stock Plan”), subject to the approval of Cablevision as our sole shareholder at such time.
 
A form of the Employee Stock Plan is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part that we have filed with the SEC, and the following description of the Employee Stock Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Employee Stock Plan.
 
Overview
 
The purpose of the Employee Stock Plan is to compensate employees of the Company and its affiliates who are responsible for the management and growth of the business of the Company and its affiliates and to advance the interest of the Company by encouraging and enabling the acquisition of a personal proprietary interest in the Company by employees upon whose judgment and keen interest the Company and its affiliates are largely dependent for the successful conduct of their operations. It is anticipated that the acquisition of such a proprietary interest in the Company will stimulate the efforts of these employees on behalf of the Company and its affiliates, and strengthen their desire to remain with the Company and its affiliates. It is also expected that the opportunity to acquire such a proprietary interest will enable the Company and its affiliates to attract and retain desirable personnel. The Employee Stock Plan provides for grants of incentive stock options (as defined in Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code), non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units and other equity-based awards (collectively, “Awards”). The Employee Stock Plan will terminate, and no more Awards will be granted after ten years from the effective date of the plan (unless sooner terminated by our Board of Directors or our Compensation Committee). The termination of the Employee Stock Plan will not affect previously granted Awards.
 
Shares Subject to the Employee Stock Plan; Other Limitations
 
The Employee Stock Plan will be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee. Awards may be granted under the Employee Stock Plan to such employees of the Company and its affiliates as the Compensation Committee may determine. An “affiliate” is defined in the Employee Stock Plan to mean any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company or any other affiliate and also includes any entity in which the Company owns at least five percent of the outstanding equity interests. The total number of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards under the Employee Stock Plan may not exceed an aggregate of          , which may be either treasury shares or authorized and unissued shares. To the extent that (i) an Award is paid, settled or exchanged or expires, lapses, terminates or is cancelled for any reason without the issuance of shares, (ii) any shares under an Award are not issued because of payment or withholding obligations or (iii) restricted shares revert back to the Company prior to the lapse of the restrictions or are applied by the Company for purposes of tax withholding obligations, then the Compensation Committee may also grant Awards with respect to such shares or restricted shares. Awards payable only in cash or property other than shares do not reduce the aggregate remaining number of shares with respect to which Awards may be made under the Employee Stock Plan and shares relating to any other Awards that are settled in cash or property other than shares, when settled, will be added back to the aggregate remaining number of shares with respect to which Awards may be made under the Employee Stock Plan. Any shares underlying Awards that the Company becomes obligated to make through the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired entity shall not count against the shares available to be delivered pursuant to Awards under the Employee Stock Plan. No single employee may be issued Awards during any one calendar year for, or that relate to, a number of shares exceeding           . In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, forward or reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, share exchange, liquidation, dissolution or other


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similar corporate transaction or event affects shares such that the failure to make an adjustment to an Award would not fairly protect the rights represented by the Award in accordance with the essential intent and principles thereof (each such event, an “Adjustment Event”), then the Compensation Committee will, in such manner as it may determine to be equitable in its sole discretion, adjust any or all of the terms of an outstanding Award (including, without limitation, the number of shares covered by such outstanding Award, the type of property to which the Award is subject and the exercise price of such Award).
 
As a result of the Distribution, options with respect to          shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock and stock appreciation rights with respect to          shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock will be issued to employees under the Employee Stock Plan. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale — Employee Stock Awards.”
 
Awards
 
All employees of the Company and its affiliates will be eligible to receive Awards under the Employee Stock Plan. Under the Employee Stock Plan, the Company may grant options and stock appreciation rights, which will be exercisable at a price determined by the Compensation Committee on the date of the Award grant, which price will be no less than the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock on the date the option or stock appreciation right is granted. Other than in the case of the death of a participant, such options and stock appreciation rights may be exercised for a term fixed by the Compensation Committee but no longer than ten years from the date of grant. An award agreement may provide that, in the event the participant dies while the option or stock appreciation right is outstanding, the option or stock appreciation right will remain outstanding until the first anniversary of the participant’s death, whether or not such first anniversary occurs after such ten-year period. Upon its exercise, a stock appreciation right will be settled (and an option may be settled, in the Compensation Committee’s discretion) for an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the stock appreciation right (or option).
 
The Company may also grant restricted shares and restricted stock units. A restricted share is a share of Class A Common Stock that is registered in the participant’s name, but that is subject to certain transfer and/or forfeiture restrictions for a period of time as specified in the participant’s award agreements. The recipient of a restricted share will have the rights of a shareholder, subject to any restrictions and conditions specified by the Compensation Committee in the recipient’s award agreement. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise, all ordinary cash dividends paid upon any restricted share prior to its vesting will be retained by the Company for the account of the relevant participant and upon vesting will be paid to the relevant participant.
 
A restricted stock unit is an unfunded, unsecured right to receive a share of Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) at a future date upon the satisfaction of the conditions specified by the Compensation Committee in the award agreement. Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, a restricted stock unit will also carry a dividend equivalent right representing an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay to the relevant participant, upon the vesting of the restricted stock unit, an amount equal to the ordinary cash dividends that would have been paid upon any share underlying a restricted stock unit had such shares been issued.
 
The Compensation Committee may grant other equity-based or equity-related awards to participants subject to terms and conditions it may specify. These awards may entail the transfer of shares or payment in cash based on the value of shares.
 
Under the Employee Stock Plan, the Compensation Committee will have the authority, in its discretion, to add performance criteria as a condition to any employee’s exercise of a stock option or stock appreciation right, or the vesting or payment of any restricted shares or restricted stock units, granted under the Employee Stock Plan. Additionally, the Employee Stock Plan specifies certain performance criteria that may, in the case of certain executive officers of the Company, be conditions precedent to the vesting of bonus award shares or restricted shares granted to such executives under the Employee Stock Plan. The performance criteria may be determined by reference to the performance of the Company, an affiliate or a business unit, product, team, venue, production, event, network or service thereof or any combination of the foregoing. Such criteria may


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also be measured on a per customer, subscriber, sponsor, viewer (or available viewer), basic or diluted share basis or any combination of the foregoing and may reflect absolute performance, incremental performance or comparative performance to other companies (or their products or services) determined on a gross, net, GAAP or non-GAAP basis, with respect to one or more of the following: (i) net or operating income or other measures of profit; (ii) measures of revenue; (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); (iv) cash flow, free cash flow, adjusted operating cash flow and similar measures; (v) return on equity, investment, assets or capital; (vi) gross or operating margins or savings; (vii) performance relative to budget, forecast or market expectations; (viii) market share or penetration, subscriber or customer acquisition or retention, ratings, viewership, facilities utilization or attendance; (ix) sports team performance; (x) operating metrics relating to sales, subscriptions, sponsorships or customer service or satisfaction; (xi) capital spending management, network upgrades, facility maintenance, construction or renovation or product or service deployments; (xii) achievement of strategic business objectives such as acquisitions, dispositions or investments; (xiii) a specified increase in the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock; (xiv) a specified increase in the private market value of the Company; (xv) the price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock; (xvi) earnings per share; and/or (xvii) total shareholder return.
 
Amendment; Termination
 
The Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee may discontinue the Employee Stock Plan at any time and from time to time may amend or revise the terms of the Employee Stock Plan or any award agreement, as permitted by applicable law, except that it may not (a) make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to a participant (other than if immaterial), without the consent of the participant or (b) make any amendment or revision without the approval of the stockholders of the Company if such approval is required by the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. Consent of the participant will not be required solely pursuant to the previous sentence in respect of any adjustment made in light of an Adjustment Event, except to the extent the terms of an award agreement expressly refer to an Adjustment Event, in which case such terms will not be amended in a manner unfavorable to a participant (other than if immaterial) without such participant’s consent.
 
U.S. Federal Tax Implications of Certain Awards under the Plan
 
The following summary generally describes the principal Federal (but not state and local) income tax consequences of certain awards under the Plan. It is general in nature and is not intended to cover all tax consequences that may apply to a particular participant or the Company. The provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder relating to these matters are complex and their impact in any one case may depend upon the particular circumstances.
 
Incentive Stock Options.
 
An employee will not be subject to tax upon the grant of an incentive stock option (an “ISO”) or upon the exercise of an ISO. However, the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price paid will be included in the employee’s alternative minimum taxable income. Whether the employee is subject to the alternative minimum tax will depend on his or her particular circumstances. The employee’s basis in the shares received will be equal to the exercise price paid, and the holding period in such shares will begin on the day following the date of exercise. If an employee disposes of the shares on or after (i) the second anniversary of the date of grant of the ISO and (ii) the first anniversary of the date of exercise of the ISO (the “statutory holding period”), the employee will recognize a capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on such disposition and his or her basis in the shares.
 
Nonstatutory Stock Options.
 
For the grant of an option that is not intended to be (or does not qualify as) an ISO, an employee will not be subject to tax upon the grant of such an option (a “nonstatutory stock option”). Upon exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price paid is taxable to an employee as ordinary income, and such amount is generally deductible


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by the Company. This amount of income will be subject to income tax withholding and employment taxes. An employee’s basis in the shares received will equal the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise, and an employee’s holding period in such shares will begin on the day following the date of exercise.
 
Restricted Stock.
 
An employee will not be subject to tax upon receipt of an award of shares subject to forfeiture conditions and transfer restrictions (the “restrictions”) under the Plan unless the employee makes the election referred to below. Upon lapse of the restrictions, an employee will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of lapse (less any amount the employee may have paid for the shares), and such income will be subject to income tax withholding and employment taxes. An employee’s basis in the shares received will be equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date the restrictions lapse, and an employee’s holding period in such shares begins on the day after the restrictions lapse. If any dividends are paid on such shares prior to the lapse of the restrictions they will be includible in an employee’s income during the restricted period as additional compensation (and not as dividend income) and will be subject to income tax withholding and employment taxes.
 
If permitted by the applicable award agreement, an employee may elect, within thirty days after the date of the grant of the restricted stock, to recognize immediately (as ordinary income) the fair market value of the shares awarded (less any amount an employee may have paid for the shares), determined on the date of grant (without regard to the restrictions). Such income will be subject to income tax withholding and employment taxes at such time. This election is made pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code and the regulations thereunder. If an employee makes this election, the employee’s holding period will begin the day after the date of grant, dividends paid on the shares will be subject to the normal rules regarding distributions on stock, and no additional income will be recognized by the employee upon the lapse of the restrictions. However, if the employee forfeits the restricted shares before the restrictions lapse, no deduction or capital loss will be available to the employee (even though the employee previously recognized income with respect to such forfeited shares).
 
In the taxable year in which an employee recognizes ordinary income on account of shares awarded to the employee, the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of income recognized by the employee. In the event that the restricted shares are forfeited by an employee after having made the Section 83(b) election referred to above, the Company generally will include in our income the amount of our original deduction.
 
Stock Appreciation Rights.
 
An employee will not be subject to tax upon the grant of a stock appreciation right. Upon exercise of a stock appreciation right, an amount equal to the cash and/or the fair market value (measured on the date of exercise) of shares receivable by the employee in respect of a stock appreciation right will be taxable to the employee as ordinary income, and such amount generally will be deductible by the Company. This amount of income will be subject to income tax withholding and employment taxes. An employee’s basis in any shares received will be equal to the fair market value of such shares on the date of exercise, and an employee’s holding period in such shares will begin on the day following the date of exercise.
 
Restricted Stock Units.
 
An employee will not be subject to tax upon the grant of a restricted stock unit. Upon vesting of a restricted stock unit, the fair market value of the shares covered by the award on the vesting date will be subject to employment taxes. Upon distribution of the cash and/or shares underlying a restricted stock unit, an employee will recognize as ordinary income an amount equal to the cash and/or fair market value (measured on the Distribution date) of the shares received, and such amount will generally be deductible by the Company. This amount of income will generally be subject to income tax withholding on the date of distribution. An employee’s basis in any shares received will be equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of distribution, and an employee’s holding period in such shares will begin on the date of distribution. If any dividend equivalent amounts are paid to an employee, they will be includible in the employee’s income as additional compensation (and not as dividend income) and will be subject to income and employment tax withholding.


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Disposition of Shares.
 
Unless stated otherwise above, upon the subsequent disposition of shares acquired under any of the preceding awards, an employee will recognize capital gain or loss based upon the difference between the amount realized on such disposition and the employee’s basis in the shares, and such amount will be long-term capital gain or loss if such shares were held for more than 12 months. Currently, capital gain is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15% if the property is held more than one year.
 
The Company generally will be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the amount recognized as ordinary income by the employee in connection with the exercise of an option. The Company generally is not entitled to a tax deduction with respect to any amount that represents compensation in excess of $1 million paid to “covered employees” that is not “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. To the extent possible, the Company intends to utilize the benefits of certain transition rules under Section 162(m) to insure the deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million.
 
Our Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors
 
Prior to the Distribution, we will adopt a Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “Director Stock Plan”), subject to the approval of Cablevision as our sole shareholder at such time.
 
A form of the Director Stock Plan is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part that we have filed with the SEC, and the following description of the Director Stock Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Director Stock Plan.
 
Overview
 
We believe that the Company’s ability to attract and retain capable persons as non-employee directors will be enhanced if it can provide its non-employee directors with equity-based awards and that the Company will benefit from encouraging a sense of proprietorship of such persons stimulating the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Company. The Director Stock Plan provides for potential grants of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units and other equity-based awards (collectively, “Director Awards”). The Director Stock Plan will terminate, and no more Director Awards will be granted, after ten years from the effective date of the plan (unless sooner terminated by our Board of Directors or our Compensation Committee). The termination of the Director Stock Plan will not affect previously granted Director Awards.
 
Shares Subject to the Director Stock Plan; Other Limitations
 
The Director Stock Plan will be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee. Director Awards may be granted under the Director Stock Plan to members of the Board of Directors who are not current employees of the Company or its subsidiaries as the Compensation Committee may determine. After the Distribution, there will be           non-employee directors who will be eligible to participate in the Director Stock Plan. Non-employee directors of Cablevision will receive grants under the Director Stock Plan in connection with the Distribution in respect of their outstanding awards issued by Cablevision. The total number of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Director Awards under the Director Stock Plan may not exceed an aggregate of          , which may be either treasury shares or authorized and unissued shares. To the extent that (i) a Director Award is paid, settled or exchanged or expires, lapses, terminates or is cancelled for any reason without the issuance of shares or (ii) any shares under a Director Award are not issued because of payment or withholding obligations, then the Compensation Committee may also grant Director Awards with respect to such shares. Director Awards payable only in cash or property other than shares do not reduce the aggregate remaining number of shares with respect to which Director Awards may be made under the Director Stock Plan and shares relating to any other Director Awards that are settled in cash or property other than shares, when settled, will be added back to the aggregate remaining number of shares with respect to which Director Awards may be made under the Director Stock Plan. Any shares underlying Awards that the Company becomes obligated to make through the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an acquired entity shall not count against the


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shares available to be delivered pursuant to Awards under the Director Stock Plan. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, forward or reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, share exchange, liquidation, dissolution or other similar corporate transaction or event affects shares such that the failure to make an adjustment to a Director Award would not fairly protect the rights represented by the Director Award in accordance with the essential intent and principles thereof (each such event, a “Director Stock Plan Adjustment Event”), then the Compensation Committee will, in such manner as it may determine to be equitable in its sole discretion, adjust any or all of the terms of an outstanding Director Award (including, without limitation, the number of shares covered by such outstanding Director Award, the type of property to which the Director Award is subject and the exercise price of such Director Award).
 
As a result of the Distribution, options with respect to           shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock will be issued to directors under the Director Stock Plan. See “Shares Eligible for Future Sale — Non-Employee Director Stock Awards.”
 
Director Awards
 
Under the Director Stock Plan, the Company may grant options to participants. The options will be exercisable at a price determined by the Compensation Committee on the date of the Director Award grant, which price will be no less than the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock on the date the option is granted, and will otherwise be subject to such terms and conditions as specified by the Compensation Committee, provided that, unless determined otherwise by the Compensation Committee, such options will be fully vested and exercisable on the date of grant. Each option granted pursuant to the Director Stock Plan will terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) the expiration of ten years following the date upon which the option is granted and (ii) a period fixed by the Compensation Committee in the award agreement, however, an award agreement may provide that in the event that a participant dies while an option is exercisable, the option will remain exercisable by the participant’s estate or beneficiary only until the first anniversary of the participant’s date of death and whether or not such first anniversary occurs prior to or following the expiration of the relevant period referred to above. Upon its exercise, an option may be settled, in the Compensation Committee’s discretion, for an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of a share of Class A Common Stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the option.
 
The Company may also grant restricted stock units to participants. A restricted stock unit is an unfunded, unsecured right to receive a share of Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) at a future date upon the satisfaction of the conditions specified by the Compensation Committee in the award agreement. Unless otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee, such restricted stock units will be fully vested on the date of grant and will also carry a dividend equivalent right representing an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay to the relevant participant an amount equal to the ordinary cash dividends that would have been paid upon any share underlying a restricted stock unit had such shares been issued. If a restricted stock unit is not fully vested at the date of grant, the dividend equivalent right will not apply until such restricted stock unit is vested.
 
The Compensation Committee may grant other equity-based or equity-related awards to non-employee directors subject to terms and conditions it may specify. These awards may entail the transfer of shares or payment in cash based on the value of shares.
 
Amendment; Termination
 
The Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee may discontinue the Director Stock Plan at any time and from time to time may amend or revise the terms of the Director Stock Plan or any award agreement, as permitted by applicable law, except that it may not (a) make any amendment or revision in a manner unfavorable to a participant (other than if immaterial), without the consent of the participant or (b) make any amendment or revision without the approval of the stockholders of the Company if such approval is required by the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC. Consent of the participant will not be required solely pursuant to the previous sentence in respect of any adjustment made in light of a Director Stock Plan Adjustment Event, except to the extent the terms of an award agreement expressly refer to a


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Director Stock Plan Adjustment Event, in which case such terms will not be amended in a manner unfavorable to a participant (other than if immaterial) without such participant’s consent.
 
U.S. Federal Tax Implications of Options and Restricted Stock Units Under the Director Stock Plan
 
The following summary generally describes the principal Federal (but not state and local) income tax consequences of the issuance and exercise of options and restricted stock units under the Director Stock Plan. It is general in nature and is not intended to cover all tax consequences that may apply to a particular participant or the Company. The provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder relating to these matters are complex and subject to change and their impact in any one case may depend upon the particular circumstances.
 
A non-employee director will not realize any income, and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction, at the time that a stock option is granted under the Director Stock Plan. Upon exercising an option, a non-employee director will realize ordinary income (not as capital gain), and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, in an amount equal to the fair market value on the exercise date of the shares subject to the option over the exercise price of the option. The non-employee director will have a basis in the shares received as a result of the exercise, for purposes of computing capital gain or loss, equal to the fair market value of those shares on the exercise date and the non-employee director’s holding period in the shares received will commence on the day after the date of exercise. If an option is settled by the Company in cash, shares or a combination thereof, the non-employee directors will recognize ordinary income at the time of settlement equal to the fair market value of such cash, shares or combination thereof, and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction.
 
A non-employee director will not realize any income, and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction, at the time that a restricted stock unit is granted under the Director Stock Plan. Upon payment or settlement of a restricted stock unit award in Class A Common Stock or cash, the non-employee director will recognize ordinary income, and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, equal to the fair market value of any Class A Common Stock or cash received.
 
Our Cash Incentive Plan
 
Prior to the Distribution, we will adopt a Cash Incentive Plan (the “CIP”), subject to the approval of Cablevision as our sole shareholder at such time.
 
A form of the CIP is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part that we have filed with the SEC, and the following description of the CIP is qualified in its entirety by reference to the CIP.
 
Overview
 
The purposes of the CIP are (i) to advance the interest of the Company and its shareholders by providing a means to motivate the employees of the Company and its affiliates, upon whose judgment, initiative and efforts the continued success, growth and development of the Company is dependent; (ii) to link the rewards of the employees of the Company and its affiliates to the achievement of specific performance objectives and goals when so desired; (iii) to assist the Company and its affiliates in maintaining a competitive total compensation program that serves to attract and retain the most highly qualified individuals; and (iv) to permit the grant and payment of awards that are deductible to the Company pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code when so desired. The CIP provides cash awards.
 
CIP Awards
 
The Plan will be administered by the Company’s Compensation Committee. Awards may be granted under the CIP to such employees of the Company or an affiliate of the Company, as the Compensation Committee may determine. An “affiliate” is defined in the CIP to mean any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Company or any other affiliate and also includes any entity in which the Company owns at least five percent of the outstanding equity interests. The CIP provides for two types of cash


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awards: Long-Term Incentive Awards and Annual Incentive Awards. Long-Term Incentive Awards may be subject to such terms and conditions (including the performance criteria described below) as the Compensation Committee determines; however, no Long-Term Incentive Award will cover a period of more than ten years. In no event may any covered employee be granted Long-Term Incentive Awards that are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) in any fiscal year of the Company exceeding in the aggregate $10 million. Annual Incentive Awards may also be subject to such terms and conditions (including the performance criteria described below) as the Compensation Committee determines. In no event may any covered employee be granted Annual Incentive Awards that are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) in any fiscal year of the Company exceeding in the aggregate $10 million.
 
The Compensation Committee may establish one or more conditions which must be satisfied in order for an employee to be entitled to an award under the CIP. The CIP specifies that, to the extent that an award under the CIP is intended to qualify for deductibility under Section 162(m), the payment of the award will be conditioned on the satisfaction of one or more of the performance criteria listed below over a period or periods selected by the Compensation Committee. The performance criteria may be determined by reference to the performance of the Company, an affiliate or a business unit, product, team, venue, production, event, network or service thereof or any combination of the foregoing. Such criteria may also be measured on a per customer, subscriber, sponsor, viewer (or available viewer), basic or diluted share basis or any combination of the foregoing and may reflect absolute performance, incremental performance or comparative performance to other companies (or their products or services) determined on a gross, net, GAAP or non-GAAP basis, with respect to one or more of the following: (i) net or operating income or other measures of profit; (ii) measures of revenue; (iii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); (iv) cash flow, free cash flow, adjusted operating cash flow and similar measures; (v) return on equity, investment, assets or capital; (vi) gross or operating margins or savings; (vii) performance relative to budget, forecast or market expectations; (viii) market share or penetration, subscriber or customer acquisition or retention, ratings, viewership, facilities utilization or attendance; (ix) sports team performance; (x) operating metrics relating to sales, subscriptions, sponsorships or customer service or satisfaction; (xi) capital spending management, network upgrades, facility maintenance, construction or renovation or product or service deployments; (xii) achievement of strategic business objectives such as acquisitions, dispositions or investments; (xiii) a specified increase in the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock; (xiv) a specified increase in the private market value of the Company; (xv) the price of the Company’s Class A Common Stock; (xvi) earnings per share; and/or (xvii) total shareholder return.
 
If the Compensation Committee establishes conditions to the entitlement of a Long-Term Incentive Award or Annual Incentive Award for a covered employee relating to the achievement of performance criteria, the Compensation Committee must determine whether the performance criteria have been met with respect to the employee and, if they have, so certify and ascertain the amount of the applicable Long-Term Incentive Award or Annual Incentive Award. No Long-Term Incentive Award or Annual Incentive Award (if contingent on such performance criteria) will be paid until such certification is made by the Compensation Committee.
 
Amendment; Termination
 
The Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee may discontinue the CIP at any time and from time to time may amend or revise the terms of the CIP, as permitted by applicable law, except that it may not amend or revise, in any manner unfavorable to a recipient (other than if immaterial), any Long-Term Incentive Award, without the consent of the recipient of that Long-Term Incentive Award.
 
Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards
 
Cablevision has issued options to purchase, and stock appreciation rights in respect of, its Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock. In connection with the Distribution, each Cablevision option will become two options: one will be an option to acquire Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and one an option to acquire our Class A Common Stock. Similarly, each right will become a right with respect to Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and a right with respect to our Class A Common Stock. The options and the rights with respect to our Class A Common Stock will be issued under our Employee Stock Plan. The existing exercise price will be allocated between the existing Cablevision options/rights and our new


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options/rights based upon the ten-day weighted average prices of the Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and our Class A Common Stock immediately following the Distribution, and the underlying share amount will take into account the distribution ratio (i.e., the number of shares of Cablevision common stock in respect of which one share of our common stock will be issued). The Cablevision options/rights and our new options/rights will not be exercisable during a period beginning on a date prior to the Distribution determined by Cablevision in its sole discretion, and continuing until the exercise prices of the Cablevision options/rights and our new options/rights are determined after the Distribution, or such longer period as Cablevision or we determine is necessary with respect to our and Cablevision’s respective awards. Other than the split of the Cablevision options and rights and the allocation of the existing exercise price, upon issuance of our new options and rights there will be no additional adjustment to the existing Cablevision options and rights in connection with the Distribution and the terms of each employee’s applicable Cablevision award agreement will continue to govern the Cablevision options and rights. The options and rights that we issue in respect of outstanding Cablevision stock options and rights will be affected by a change in control or going private transaction of the Company or Cablevision, as set forth in the terms of the award agreement.
 
Cablevision has issued restricted stock to its employees which vests according to a vesting schedule that was established when the shares were issued. In connection with the Distribution each holder of Cablevision restricted share will receive one share of our Class A Common Stock in respect of each           Cablevision restricted share. Our shares will be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as the Cablevision restricted shares in respect of which they are issued. Following the Distribution, if a holder of Cablevision restricted stock forfeits such restricted stock and therefore forfeits our accompanying shares, Cablevision has agreed our restricted shares will be returned to us.
 
Cablevision has issued restricted stock units to its non-employee directors which represent unfunded, unsecured rights to receive shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) at a future date upon the satisfaction of the conditions specified by the Compensation Committee in the award agreement. Such restricted stock units were fully vested on the date of grant. In connection with the Distribution, each holder of a restricted stock unit will receive one share of our Class A Common Stock in respect of each          Cablevision restricted stock unit owned on the record date upon the Distribution and continue to be entitled to a share of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock (or cash or other property) in accordance with the award agreement. Such shares of Class A Common Stock will be issued under our Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Cablevision has issued to its non-employee directors options to purchase its Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock, and such options are fully vested. In connection with the Distribution, each Cablevision option will become two options: one will be an option to acquire Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and one an option to acquire our Class A Common Stock. The allocation of exercise price between the existing non-employee director Cablevision options and our new non-employee director options and the number of shares subject to those new options will be determined in the same manner as described above for our options/rights to be issued under our Employee Stock Plan at the time of the Distribution.
 
As a result of the Distribution, there will be outstanding options to acquire approximately      million of our shares of Class A Common Stock, most of which will be held by employees of Cablevision and its affiliates other than us. In addition, approximately     million of our shares of our Class A Common Stock will be distributed by Cablevision in respect of outstanding Cablevision restricted shares, most of which will be to employees of Cablevision and its affiliates other than us.
 
In 2007, 2008 and 2009, Cablevision granted three-year performance awards to executives and certain other members of management of the Company under Cablevision’s 2006 CIP. The performance objectives in each employee’s applicable award agreement are required to be adjusted to reflect the exclusion of our business from the business of Cablevision.
 
Deferred compensation awards granted by Cablevision pursuant to Cablevision’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (which was superseded by Cablevision’s Cash Incentive Plan in 2006) will be unaffected by the Distribution.


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With respect to outstanding long-term cash and equity awards, the Company and Cablevision 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 Cablevision awards (and our options and stock appreciation rights issued in connection with such awards) holders of such awards will continue to vest in them so long as they remain employed by the Company, Cablevision or affiliates of either entity, provided that an employee who moves between the Company or one of its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Cablevision or one of its subsidiaries, on the other hand, at a time when the two entities are no longer affiliates will not continue to vest in our awards and such change will constitute a termination of employment for purposes of the award agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. Dolan and Mr. Ratner will continue to vest in their outstanding Cablevision awards based solely on their continued service with Cablevision and not in respect of their continued service with the Company and its subsidiaries.
 
We will not be responsible for any payments associated with any annual, long-term cash or deferred compensation award granted by Cablevision to Mr. Dolan or Mr. Ratner that is outstanding as of the Distribution. Payment of such awards will be the sole responsibility of Cablevision. Payments of any awards granted to Mr. Pollichino will continue to be the responsibility of the Company. The Company will assume any annual, long-term cash or deferred compensation award granted by Cablevision to Mr. Burian that are outstanding as of the Distribution; however, Cablevision will make a payment to the Company of the amounts accrued prior to the Distribution in respect of such awards.
 
The performance awards, deferred compensation awards and stock appreciation rights applicable to our employees will be assigned by Cablevision to us and will be assumed by us.


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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Relationship Between Cablevision and Us After The Distribution
 
Following the Distribution, we will be a public company and Cablevision will have no continuing common stock ownership interest in us. As described under “The Distribution — Results of the Distribution,” both Cablevision and we will be under the control of Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and certain related family entities immediately following the Distribution. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information” and Note 13 of “Notes to Combined Financial Statements” for information concerning historical intercompany payments between us and Cablevision.
 
For purposes of governing the ongoing relationships between Cablevision and us after the Distribution and to provide for an orderly transition, Cablevision and we will enter into the agreements described in this section prior to the Distribution.
 
Certain of the agreements summarized in this section are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part that we have filed with the SEC, and the following summaries of those agreements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the agreements as so filed.
 
Distribution Agreement
 
We will enter into the Distribution Agreement with Cablevision as part of a series of transactions pursuant to which we have acquired or will acquire prior to the Distribution the subsidiaries of Cablevision that own, directly or indirectly, all of the partnership interests in MSG, L.P.
 
Under the Distribution Agreement, Cablevision will distribute our common stock to its common stockholders.
 
Cablevision will provide us with indemnities with respect to liabilities, damages, costs and expenses arising out of any of (i) Cablevision’s businesses (other than businesses of ours), (ii) certain identified claims or proceedings and (iii) indemnification obligations we may have to the NBA or NHL that result from acts or omissions of Cablevision. We will provide Cablevision with indemnities with respect to liabilities, damages, costs and expenses arising out of any of our businesses. For purposes of these indemnities, Fuse is treated as a business of Cablevision prior to its transfer to Madison Square Garden and as a business of ours thereafter.
 
In the Distribution Agreement we will release Cablevision from any claims we might have arising out of:
 
  •  the management of the businesses and affairs of Madison Square Garden on or prior to the Distribution;
 
  •  the terms of the Distribution, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our by-laws and the other agreements entered into in connection with the Distribution; and
 
  •  any decisions that have been made, or actions taken, relating to Madison Square Garden or the Distribution.
 
The Distribution Agreement will also provide that Cablevision 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 satisfaction of conditions to the consummation of the Distribution.
 
The Distribution Agreement will also provide for access to records and information, cooperation in defending litigation, as well as methods of resolution for certain disputes.
 
Transition Services Agreement
 
We will enter into a Transition Services Agreement with Cablevision under which, in exchange for the fees specified in such agreement, Cablevision will agree to provide transition services with regard to such areas as tax, information technology, insurance and employee recruiting, compensation and benefits. We will agree to provide transition services to Cablevision with regard to those information technology systems that


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we and Cablevision may share. The Company and Cablevision, as parties receiving services under the agreement, will agree to 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 will agree 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. We believe that the terms and conditions of the Transition Services Agreement are as favorable to us as those available from unrelated parties for a comparable arrangement.
 
Tax Disaffiliation Agreement
 
On or before the Distribution date, we will enter into a Tax Disaffiliation Agreement with Cablevision that governs Cablevision’s and our 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” mean taxes as well as any interest, penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts in respect of such taxes.
 
We and our eligible subsidiaries currently join with Cablevision in the filing of a consolidated return for U.S. federal income tax purposes and also join with Cablevision 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, we generally will not join with Cablevision in the filing of any federal, state, local or other applicable consolidated, combined or unitary tax returns.
 
Under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, except for certain New York City income taxes, Cablevision will be responsible for all of our 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. We will be responsible for all other taxes (including certain New York City income taxes) for all taxable periods ending on or before the Distribution date, and all taxes that are attributable to us or one of our subsidiaries after the Distribution date.
 
Notwithstanding the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, under U.S. Treasury Regulations, each member of a consolidated group is severally liable for the U.S. federal income tax liability of each other member of the consolidated group. Accordingly, with respect to periods in which we have been included in Cablevision’s consolidated group, we could be liable to the U.S. government for any U.S. federal income tax liability incurred, but not discharged, by any other member of such consolidated group. However, if any such liability were imposed, we would generally be entitled to be indemnified by Cablevision for tax liabilities allocated to Cablevision under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement.
 
We will be responsible for filing all tax returns for any period ending after the Distribution date that include us or one of our subsidiaries other than any consolidated, combined or unitary income tax return for periods after such date (if any) that includes us or one of our subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Cablevision or one of its subsidiaries (other than us or any of our subsidiaries), on the other hand. We also will be responsible for filing, for all periods, all returns related to certain New York City income taxes that include us or one of our subsidiaries. Where possible, we have waived the right to carry back any losses, credits, or similar items to periods ending prior to or on the Distribution date, however, if we cannot waive the right, we would be entitled to receive the resulting refund or credit, net of any taxes incurred by Cablevision with respect to the refund or credit.
 
Generally, we will have the authority to conduct all tax proceedings, including tax audits, relating to taxes or any adjustment to taxes for which we are responsible for filing a return under the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement, and Cablevision will have the authority to conduct all tax proceedings, including tax audits, relating to taxes or any adjustment to taxes for which Cablevision 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


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Agreement further provides for cooperation between Cablevision and the Company 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.
 
Finally, the Tax Disaffiliation Agreement requires that neither we nor any of our 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 Cablevision and to and its stockholders under Section 355 of the Code, or would otherwise cause holders of Cablevision stock receiving our 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, we may not engage in certain activities that may jeopardize the tax-free treatment of the Distribution to Cablevision and its stockholders, unless we receive Cablevision’s consent or otherwise obtain a ruling from the IRS or a legal opinion, in either case reasonably satisfactory to Cablevision, that the activity will not alter the tax-free status of the Distribution to Cablevision and its stockholders. Such restricted activities include:
 
  •  entering into any transaction pursuant to which 50% or more of our shares or assets would be acquired, whether by merger or otherwise, unless certain tests are met;
 
  •  issuing equity securities, if any such issuances would, in the aggregate, constitute 50% or more of the voting power or value of our capital stock;
 
  •  certain repurchases of our common shares;
 
  •  ceasing to actively conduct our business;
 
  •  certain changes affecting the relative voting rights of our stock or converting one class of our stock to another;
 
  •  liquidating or partially liquidating; and
 
  •  taking any other action that prevents the Distribution and related transactions from being tax-free.
 
Moreover, we must indemnify Cablevision and its subsidiaries, officers and directors 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
 
Upon completion of the Distribution, we will have in place an Employee Matters Agreement with Cablevision that will allocate assets, liabilities and responsibilities with respect to certain employee compensation and benefit plans and programs and certain other related matters. In general, our employees currently participate in various Cablevision retirement, health and welfare, and other employee benefit plans. After the Distribution, it is anticipated that our employees will generally participate in similar plans and arrangements established and maintained by the Company; however, we shall continue to be a participating company in certain Cablevision employee benefit plans during a transition period. Effective as of the Distribution date, we and Cablevision will each hold responsibility for our respective employees and compensation plans.
 
For a description of the impact of the Distribution on holders of Cablevision options, restricted stock and other awards, see “Executive Compensation — Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Other Awards.”
 
Aircraft Arrangements
 
In connection with the Distribution, the Company has entered into a Time Sharing Agreement with CSC Transport, Inc. (“CSC Transport”), a subsidiary of Cablevision, pursuant to which CSC Transport will lease to the Company on a “time-sharing” basis any aircraft owned or operated by Cablevision (currently a Gulfstream Aerospace G-V aircraft (the “G-V”) and four helicopters). The Company will pay CSC Transport an amount equal to the actual non-fuel expenses of each flight it elects to utilize and 200% of the actual fuel


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usage for such flights, but not to exceed the maximum amount payable under Federal Aviation Administration rules. In calculating the amounts payable under the agreement, the Company and CSC Transport will allocate in good faith the treatment of any flight that is for the benefit of the Company and Cablevision.
 
The Company and CSC Transport have also entered into an Aircraft Management Agreement, pursuant to which CSC Transport has agreed to manage the Company’s Boeing 737-400 for the 2010 to 2015 period. The agreement provides for an annual management fee of $210,000 (with an annual CPI based increase) in addition to reimbursement of certain expenses.
 
Affiliation Agreement
 
As of January 1, 2010, there will be in effect a new affiliation agreement between the Company and Cablevision with respect to the carriage of the MSG and MSG Plus program services on Cablevision’s cable systems in the tri-state area. This agreement will have a term in excess of five years, obligates Cablevision to carry such program services on its cable systems and provides for the payment by Cablevision to the Company of a per subscriber license fee, which fee is increased each year during the term of the agreement. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information” for information on the increased revenues that the Company expects to derive from this new arrangement.
 
Other
 
The Company will also enter into a number of commercial and technical arrangements and agreements with Cablevision and its subsidiaries, none of which will be material to the Company. These will include arrangements for the Company’s use of equipment, offices and other premises, lease of transponders, provision of technical and transport services and vendor services, lease of titles in film and other libraries, access to technology and for Cablevision’s sponsorship of the Company and its professional sports teams.
 
Dolan Family Arrangements
 
The Company will enter into a Time Sharing Agreement with Dolan Family Office, LLC (“DFO LLC”), a company controlled by Charles F. Dolan, a director of the Company. Under this agreement, DFO LLC has agreed to sublease to the Company on a “time sharing” basis, a Gulfstream Aerospace GIV-SP aircraft. The Company will pay DFO LLC an amount equal to the actual non-fuel expenses of each flight it elects to utilize and 200% of the actual fuel usage for such flights, but not to exceed the maximum amount payable under Federal Aviation Administration rules. In addition, from time-to-time, certain other services of the Company may be made available to members of the Dolan family and to entities owned by them. It is the policy of the Company to receive reimbursement for the costs of these services. There were no reimbursements in 2008.
 
Certain Relationships and Potential Conflicts of Interest
 
Following the Distribution, our Executive Chairman, James L. Dolan, will also continue to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cablevision and our President and Chief Executive Officer, Hank J. Ratner, will continue to serve as Vice Chairman of Cablevision. In addition, immediately following the Distribution, eight of the members of our Board of Directors will also serve as directors of Cablevision, and several of our directors will continue to serve as employees of Cablevision concurrently with their service on our Board of Directors. Therefore, these officers and directors 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 we or Cablevision look at certain acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for both companies. Also, conflicts may arise if there are issues or disputes under the commercial arrangements that will exist between Cablevision and us. See “Description of Capital Stock — Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts.” In addition, after the Distribution, certain of our officers and directors will continue to own Cablevision stock and options to purchase Cablevision stock, as well as cash performance awards with any payout based on Cablevision’s performance, which they acquired or were granted prior to the Distribution. 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 the


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Company and Cablevision. See “Related Party Transaction Approval Policy” below for a discussion of certain procedures we will institute to help ameliorate any such potential conflicts that may arise. Under the Employee Matters Agreement, executives that are employed by both the Company and Cablevision will be considered Cablevision employees with respect to all amounts and awards outstanding as of the Distribution date, and we will not be responsible for any costs associated with any cash or equity incentive award outstanding as of the Distribution date with respect to any such executive.
 
The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will acknowledge that the Company may have overlapping directors and officers with Cablevision and its subsidiaries and that the Company may engage in material business transactions with such entities. The Company will renounce its rights to certain business opportunities and the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that in certain circumstances our directors and officers will not have liability to the Company or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that any such individual directs a corporate opportunity to Cablevision or any of its subsidiaries instead of the Company, or does not refer or communicate information regarding such corporate opportunity to the Company. These provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will also expressly validate certain contracts, agreements, arrangements and transactions (and amendments, modifications or terminations thereof) between the Company and Cablevision and/or any of its subsidiaries and will provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the actions of the overlapping directors and officers in connection therewith are not breaches of fiduciary duties owed to the Company or its stockholders. See “Description of Capital Stock — Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts.”
 
Prior to the Distribution, the members of the Dolan family group will enter into an agreement with the Company in which they will agree that during the 12-month period beginning on the Distribution date, the Dolan family group must obtain the prior approval of a majority of the Company’s Independent Directors prior to acquiring common stock of the Company through a tender offer that results in members of the Dolan family group owning more than 50% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. For purposes of this agreement, the term “Independent Directors” means the directors of the Company who have been determined by our Board of Directors to be independent directors for purposes of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC corporate governance standards.
 
Related Party Transaction Approval Policy
 
We will adopt a written policy whereby a committee of our Board of Directors consisting entirely of independent directors (an “Independent Committee”) will review and approve or take such other action as it may deem appropriate with respect to transactions involving the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and in which any director, officer, greater than 5% stockholder of the Company or any other “related person” as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K of the SEC (“Item 404”) has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. This approval requirement covers any transaction that meets the related party disclosure requirements of the SEC as set forth in Item 404, which currently apply to transactions (or any series of similar transactions) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000. To simplify the administration of the approval process under this policy, an Independent Committee may, where appropriate, establish guidelines for certain of those transactions. The policy does not cover decisions on compensation or benefits or the hiring or retention of any person. The hiring or retention of executive officers is determined by our full Board of Directors. Compensation of executive officers is subject to the approval of our Compensation Committee. This policy also does not cover any pro rata distributions to all Company stockholders, including a pro rata distribution of our Class A Common Stock to holders of our Class A Common Stock and our Class B Common Stock to holders of our Class B Common Stock. No director on an Independent Committee will participate in the consideration of a related party transaction with that director or any related person of that director.
 
Following the Distribution, our Board of Directors will also adopt a special approval policy for transactions with Cablevision and its subsidiaries whether or not such transactions qualify as “related party” transactions described above. Under this policy, an Independent Committee will oversee approval of all transactions and arrangements between the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Cablevision and its subsidiaries, on the other hand in which the amount exceeds the dollar threshold set forth in Item 404 (currently $120,000). To simplify the administration of the approval process under this policy, an Independent


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Committee may, where appropriate, establish guidelines for certain of these transactions. The approval requirement will not apply to the implementation and administration of these intercompany arrangements but will cover any amendments, modifications, terminations or extensions, other than ministerial, nonsubstantive amendments or modifications, as well as the handling and resolution of any disputes. Our executive officers and directors who are also senior executives or directors of Cablevision may participate in the negotiation, execution, implementation, amendment, modification, or termination of these intercompany arrangements as well as in any resolution of disputes thereunder, on behalf of either or both of the Company and Cablevision, in each case under the direction of an Independent Committee or the comparable committee of the board of directors of Cablevision.
 
Our related party transaction approval policy cannot be amended or terminated without the prior approval of a majority of the independent directors and by a majority of the directors elected by our Class B Common Stockholders. For purposes of this policy, “independent directors” means those directors who have been determined by our Board to be independent directors for purposes of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC corporate governance standards.


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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
Beneficial Ownership Of Stock
 
This table shows the number and percentage of shares of our Class A Common Stock and our Class B Common Stock that will be owned of record and beneficially at the time of the Distribution by each director and executive officer of the Company named in the summary compensation table. The table also shows the name, address and the number and percentage of shares owned by persons beneficially owning more than five (5%) percent of any class at the time of distribution. All information in the table is based upon information available to Cablevision as of          , 2010 as to the ownership of Cablevision common stock and is presented as if the Distribution has occurred prior to the dates of ownership information used in the table.
 
                             
                    Combined Voting
 
                    Power of All
 
                    Classes of Stock
 
    Title of
  Beneficial
    Percent
    Beneficially
 
Name and Address
  Stock Class(1)   Ownership(1)(2)     of Class     Owned(1)(2)  
 
Dolan Family Group(3)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
340 Crossways Park Drive
  Class B Common Stock             %        
Woodbury, NY 11797
                           
Charles F. Dolan(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
1111 Stewart Avenue
  Class B Common Stock             %        
Bethpage, NY 11714
                           
Helen A. Dolan(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
1111 Stewart Avenue
  Class B Common Stock             %        
Bethpage, NY 11714
                           
Charles F. Dolan 2008 Grantor Retained
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
Annuity Trust #2(3)(5)
  Class B Common Stock             %        
Charles F. Dolan 2009 Grantor Retained
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
Annuity Trust #1(3)(6)
  Class B Common Stock             %        
Charles F. Dolan 2009 Grantor Retained
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
Annuity Trust #2(3)(7)
  Class B Common Stock             %        
Helen A. Dolan 2009 Grantor Retained
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
Annuity Trust #1(3)(9)
  Class B Common Stock             %        
James L. Dolan(3)(10)(11)(19)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
Hank J. Ratner(10)(12)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
Robert M. Pollichino(10)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
Lawrence J. Burian(10)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
Richard D. Parsons
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
Vincent Tese(13)(14)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
Alan D. Schwartz
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney(3)(10)(14)(16)(18)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
Marianne Dolan Weber(3)(13)(14)(15)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        


169


 

                             
                    Combined Voting
 
                    Power of All
 
                    Classes of Stock
 
    Title of
  Beneficial
    Percent
    Beneficially
 
Name and Address
  Stock Class(1)   Ownership(1)(2)     of Class     Owned(1)(2)  
 
Thomas C. Dolan(3)(10)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
Brian G. Sweeney(3)(10)(16)(18)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
Brad Dorsogna(3)(14)(17)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
Kristin A. Dolan(3)(19)
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
All executive officers and directors as a group
  Class A Common Stock             %     %
    Class B Common Stock             %        
 
[Other 5% Stockholders to Come]
 
 
* Less than 1%
 
(1) Beneficial ownership of a security consists of sole or shared voting power (including the power to vote or direct the vote) and/or sole or shared investment power (including the power to dispose or direct the disposition) with respect to the security through any contract, arrangement, understanding, and relationship or otherwise. Unless indicated, beneficial ownership disclosed consists of sole voting and investment power. Beneficial ownership of Class A Common Stock is exclusive of the shares of Class A Common Stock that are issuable upon conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock.
 
(2) Shares of Class B Common Stock are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock at the option of the holder on a share for share basis. The holder of one share of Class A Common Stock has one vote per share at a meeting of our stockholders and the holder of one share of Class B Common Stock has 10 votes per share at a meeting of our stockholders, except in the separate elections of directors. Holders of Class A Common Stock have the right to elect 25% of our Board of Directors rounded up to the nearest whole director and the holders of Class B Common Stock have the right to elect the remaining members of our Board of Directors.
 
(3) Members of the Dolan family have formed a “group” for purposes of Section 13D of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. The members of this group (the “Group Members”) are: Charles F. Dolan, individually and as Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2008 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust #2 (the “2008 GRAT #2”), the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust #1 (the “2009 GRAT #1”); and the Charles F. Dolan 2009 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust #2 (the “2009 GRAT #2”); Helen A. Dolan, individually and as Trustee of the Helen A. Dolan 2009 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust #1 (the “HAD 2009 GRAT #1”); James L. Dolan; Thomas C. Dolan; Patrick F. Dolan; Kathleen M. Dolan, individually and as a Trustee of the Dolan Descendants Trust, the Dolan Grandchildren Trust, the Dolan Spouse Trust, and the Dolan Progeny Trust (collectively, the “Family Trusts”), the DC James Trust, the DC Thomas Trust, the DC Patrick Trust, the DC Kathleen Trust, the DC Deborah Trust, the DC Marianne Trust, the CFD Trust No. 1, the CFD Trust No. 2, the CFD Trust No. 3, the CFD Trust No. 4, the CFD Trust No. 5 and the CFD Trust No. 6 and as the sole Trustee of the Charles Dolan 1989 Trust (for the benefit of Charles P. Dolan), the Ryan Dolan 1989 Trust and the Tara Dolan 1989 Trust; Marianne Dolan Weber; Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney; Lawrence J. Dolan, as a Trustee of the Charles F. Dolan 2001 Family Trust (the “2001 Trust”); David M. Dolan, as a Trustee of the 2001 Trust; Paul J. Dolan, as a Trustee of each of the Family Trusts, the DC Kathleen Trust, the DC James Trust, the CFD Trust No. 1 and the CFD Trust No. 6; Matthew J. Dolan, as a Trustee of the DC Marianne Trust, the DC Thomas Trust, the CFD Trust No. 3 and the CFD Trust No. 5; and Mary S. Dolan, as a Trustee of the DC Deborah Trust, the DC Patrick Trust, the CFD Trust No. 2 and the CFD Trust No. 4. The Group

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Members may be deemed to beneficially own an aggregate of           shares of Class A Common Stock as a result of their beneficial ownership of (i)           shares of Class A Common Stock (including           shares of restricted stock and           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options, which on          , were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) and (ii)           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock. See footnotes (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9) and (11).
 
(4) Charles F. Dolan may be deemed to have the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of           shares of Class A Common Stock (including           shares of restricted stock and          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on          , 2009 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days),          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned personally,          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2008 GRAT #2,          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2009 GRAT #1,            shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2009 GRAT #2, and the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of                       shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned personally by his spouse, Helen A. Dolan,            shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the HAD 2009 GRAT #2, and            shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Dolan Family Foundations. He disclaims beneficial ownership of the           shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Dolan Family Foundations,           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned personally by his spouse, Helen A. Dolan, and           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the HAD 2009 GRAT #1. See footnotes (5), (6), (7) (8), (9) and (10).
 
(5) Includes           shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2008 GRAT #2. The 2008 GRAT #2 was established on December 16, 2008 by Charles F. Dolan for estate planning purposes. Charles F. Dolan, as Trustee of the 2008 GRAT #2, has the sole power to vote and dispose of such shares. For two years, the 2008 #2 GRAT will pay to Charles F. Dolan, and in the event of his death, to his estate, a certain percentage of the fair market value of the property initially contributed to the 2008 GRAT #2. If Mr. Dolan is living at the expiration of the term of the 2008 GRAT #2, the remainder will pass into another trust for the benefit of the descendants of Charles F. Dolan. If Mr. Dolan is not living at the expiration of the term of the 2008 GRAT #2, the then principal of the 2008 GRAT #2 will pass to his estate.
 
(6) Includes           shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2009 GRAT #1. The 2009 GRAT #1 was established on February 11, 2009 by Charles F. Dolan for estate planning purposes. Charles F. Dolan, as Trustee of the 2009 GRAT #1, has the sole power to vote and dispose of such shares. For two years, the 2009 GRAT #1 will pay to Charles F. Dolan, and in the event of his death, to his estate, a certain percentage of the fair market value of the property initially contributed to the 2009 GRAT #1. If Mr. Dolan is living at the expiration of the term of the 2009 GRAT #1, the remainder will pass into another trust for the benefit of the descendants of Charles F. Dolan. If Mr. Dolan is not living at the expiration of the term of the 2009 GRAT #1, the then principal of the 2009 GRAT #1 will pass to his estate.
 
(7) Includes           shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2009 GRAT #2. The 2009 GRAT #2 was established on June 30, 2009 by Charles F. Dolan for estate planning purposes. Charles F. Dolan, as Trustee of the 2009 GRAT #2 has the sole power to vote and dispose of such shares. For two years, the 2009 GRAT #2 will pay to Charles F. Dolan, and in the event of his death, to his estate, a certain percentage of the fair market value of the property initially contributed to the 2009 GRAT #2. If Mr. Dolan is living at the expiration of the term of the 2009 GRAT #2, the remainder will pass into another trust for the benefit of the descendants of Charles F. Dolan. If Mr. Dolan is not living at the


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expiration of the term of the 2009 GRAT #2, the then principal of the 2009 GRAT #2 will pass to his estate.
 
(8) Helen A. Dolan may be deemed to have the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned personally,           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the HAD 2009 GRAT #1 and the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of           shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Dolan Family Foundations,          shares of Class A Common Stock (including           shares of restricted stock and          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on          , 2009 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) and           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned personally by her spouse, Charles F. Dolan,          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2008 GRAT #2,           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2009 GRAT #1 and           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2009 GRAT #2. She disclaims beneficial ownership of the          shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the Dolan Family Foundations,          shares of Class A Common Stock (including          shares of restricted stock and           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on          , 2009 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days),          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned personally by her spouse,          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2008 GRAT #2,           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2009 GRAT #1 and           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the 2009 GRAT #2. See footnotes (4), (5), (6), (7), (9) and (10).
 
(9) Includes           shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the HAD 2009 GRAT #2. The HAD 2009 GRAT #2 was established on April 23, 2009 by Helen A. Dolan for estate planning purposes. Helen A. Dolan, as Trustee of the HAD 2009 GRAT #2, has the sole power to vote and dispose of such shares. For two years, the 2009 GRAT #2 will pay to Helen A. Dolan, and in the event of her death, to her estate, a certain percentage of the fair market value of the property initially contributed to the HAD 2009 GRAT #2. If Mrs. Dolan is living at the expiration of the term of the HAD 2009 GRAT #2, the remainder will pass into another trust for the benefit of her descendants. If Mrs. Dolan is not living at the expiration of the term of the HAD 2009 GRAT #2, the then principal of the HAD 2009 GRAT #2 will pass to her estate.
 
(10) Includes shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options granted in respect of stock options that were issued pursuant to the Cablevision 2006 Employee Stock Plan and predecessor plans, which on          , 2009, were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days. These amounts include the following number of shares of Class A Common Stock for the following individuals: Charles F. Dolan          ; James L. Dolan           (does not include           options held by James L. Dolan’s spouse); Mr. Ratner          ; Mr. Pollichino          ; and Mr. Burian          ; all executive officers and directors as a group          .
 
(11) James L. Dolan may be deemed to have the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of           shares of Class A Common Stock (including           shares of restricted stock and           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on          , 2009 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days), the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of           shares of Class A Common Stock (including           shares of restricted stock and           shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on          , 2009 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days owned by his spouse, Kristin A. Dolan, and           shares of Class A Common Stock owned jointly with his spouse) and an aggregate of           shares of Class A


172


 

Common Stock held by his children. He disclaims beneficial ownership of the           shares of Class A Common Stock owned by his children and the           shares of Class A Common Stock (including           shares of restricted stock and          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on          , 2009 were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) owned by his spouse. See footnote (10).
 
(12) Includes an aggregate of           shares of Class A Common Stock owned by his children. Mr. Ratner disclaims beneficial ownership of the           shares of Class A Common Stock owned by his children. See footnote (10).
 
(13) Includes shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options granted in respect of stock options that were issued pursuant to the Cablevision 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors and predecessor plans. These amounts include the following number of shares of Class A Common Stock for the following individuals: Mr. Tese           , and Ms. Dolan Weber          .
 
(14) Does not include restricted stock units granted under the Cablevision 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors and predecessor plans. These amounts include the following number of restricted stock units for the following individuals: Mr. Tese          , and Ms. Dolan Weber          .
 
(15) Marianne Dolan Weber may be deemed to have the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of          shares of Class A Common Stock owned personally, the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of          shares of Class A Common Stock owned by her spouse and          shares of Class A Common Stock owned by her child. She disclaims beneficial ownership of the          shares of Class A Common Stock owned by her spouse and the          shares of Class A Common Stock owned by her child.
 
(16) Brian G. Sweeney may be deemed to have the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and dispose or direct the disposition of          shares of Class A Common Stock (including          shares of Class A Common Stock,          shares of restricted stock and          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on           were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) owned personally, the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of          shares of Class A Common Stock directly owned by his spouse, Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney, and an aggregate of           shares Class A Common Stock held in trust for his children for which he serves as co-trustee. He disclaims beneficial ownership of the          shares of Class A Common Stock owned directly by his spouse and the          shares of Class A Common Stock held in trusts for his children for which he serves as co-trustee.
 
(17) Brad Dorsogna may be deemed to have the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and dispose or direct the disposition of          shares of Class A Common Stock owned jointly with his spouse,          shares of Class A Common Stock owned directly by his spouse, an aggregate of          shares Class A Common Stock owned by his children, an aggregate of          shares Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the Charles Dolan 1989 Trust (for the benefit of Charles P. Dolan), the Ryan Dolan 1989 Trust and the Tara Dolan 1989 Trust, an aggregate of          shares Class A Common Stock owned by the CFD Trusts Nos. 1-6 and an aggregate of          shares Class A Common Stock owned by issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the Family Trusts, the DC James Trust, the DC Thomas Trust, the DC Patrick Trust, the DC Kathleen Trust, the DC Marianne Trust, the DC Deborah Trust and the CFD Trusts Nos. 1-6 of which his spouse is a Trustee. He disclaims beneficial ownership of an aggregate of          shares of Class A Common Stock owned by the CFD Trusts Nos. 1-6, an aggregate of          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of an equal number of shares of Class B Common Stock owned by the Family Trusts, the DC James Trust, the DC Thomas Trust, the DC Patrick Trust, the DC Kathleen Trust, the DC Marianne Trust, the DC Deborah Trust, the CFD Trusts Nos. 1-6, the Charles Dolan 1989 Trust (for the benefit of Charles P. Dolan), the Ryan Dolan 1989 Trust and the Tara Dolan 1989 Trust of which his spouse is a Trustee, the          shares of Class A Common Stock owned by his spouse and the          shares of Class A Common Stock owned by his children.


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(18) Deborah A. Dolan-Sweeney may be deemed to have the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of          shares of Class A Common Stock owned personally, the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of          shares of Class A Common Stock (including          shares of Class A Common Stock,          shares of restricted stock and          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on          were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) owned by her spouse, Brian G. Sweeney, and an aggregate of          shares of Class A Common Stock held in trust for her children. She disclaims beneficial ownership of the          shares of Class A Common Stock (including          shares of stock, the          shares of restricted stock and the          shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon exercise of options which on          were unexercised but were exercisable within a period of 60 days) owned by her spouse and the          shares of Class A Common Stock held in trust for her children.
 
(19) Kristin A. Dolan may be deemed to have [the sole power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or to direct the disposition of           shares of Class A Common Stock owned personally, the shared power to vote or direct the vote of and to dispose of or direct the disposition of           shares of Class A Common Stock owned jointly with her spouse, James L. Dolan, and           shares of Class A Common Stock owned solely by her spouse. She disclaims beneficial ownership of the           shares of Class A Common Stock owned solely by her spouse.
 
 
Charles F. Dolan, members of his family and related family entities, by virtue of their ownership of Class B Common Stock, are able collectively to control stockholder decisions on matters in which holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock vote together as a class, and to elect up to 75% of the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, Charles F. Dolan, members of the Dolan family and related family entities will, prior to the Distribution, enter into a Class B Stockholders Agreement which has the effect of causing the voting power of these Class B stockholders to be cast as a block on all matters on which the holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to vote. A purpose of this agreement is to consolidate the Dolan family control of the Company.


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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
Sales or the availability for sale of substantial amounts of our Class A Common Stock in the public market could adversely affect the prevailing market price for such stock. Upon completion of the Distribution, we will have outstanding an aggregate of           shares of our Class A Common Stock and           shares of our Class B Common Stock based upon the shares of Cablevision common stock outstanding as of          , 2010, excluding treasury stock and assuming no exercise of outstanding options. All of the shares of Class A Common Stock will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act unless the shares are owned by our “affiliates” as that term is defined in the rules under the Securities Act. Shares held by “affiliates” may be sold in the public market only if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration or in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act which is summarized below. Further, as described below, we plan to file a registration statement to cover the shares issued under our Employee Stock Plan.
 
Rule 144
 
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, an affiliate would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares of Class A Common Stock that does not exceed the greater of:
 
  •  one percent of the number of shares of our Class A Common Stock then outstanding; or
 
  •  the average weekly trading volume of our Class A Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice of Form 144 with respect to such sale.
 
Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain holding period requirements, manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.
 
Employee Stock Awards
 
As described under “Executive Compensation — Treatment of Outstanding Options, Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units and Other Awards,” in connection with the Distribution we will issue under our Employee Stock Plan options covering approximately      million shares of our Class A Common Stock and stock appreciation rights in respect of approximately      million of our shares of Class A Common Stock, all in respect of previously outstanding awards by Cablevision. In addition, we anticipate granting stock options, stock appreciation rights and making other equity based awards to our employees in the future. We currently expect to file a registration statement under the Securities Act to register shares to be issued under our Employee Stock Plan, including the options and stock appreciation rights that were granted in connection with the Distribution. Shares covered by such registration statement, other than shares issued to affiliates, generally will be freely tradable without further registration under the Securities Act.
 
Non-Employee Director Stock Awards
 
We also currently expect to file a registration statement under the Securities Act to register shares to be issued under our Director Stock Plan, including the options with respect to          shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock that will be granted in respect of previously outstanding Cablevision stock options and           shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock in connection with Cablevision’s restricted stock units, in each case held by Cablevision directors. These options and shares will be granted, issued and fully vested as of the Distribution date. Shares covered by such registration statement, other than shares issued to affiliates, generally will be freely tradable without further registration under the Securities Act.


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Registration Rights Agreements
 
Charles F. Dolan, certain Dolan family interests and the Dolan Family Foundations have the right under certain registration rights agreements with Cablevision to require Cablevision to register shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock held by them. In addition, Cablevision has granted such parties “piggyback” rights pursuant to which they may require Cablevision to register their holdings of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock in connection with certain offerings by Cablevision or its security holders. These demand and “piggyback” registration rights referred to above are subject to certain limitations. We expect the Company to enter into registration rights agreements with these parties prior to the Distribution.


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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
We are currently authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock. Prior to the Distribution we will amend our certificate of incorporation to provide authorization for us to issue           shares of capital stock, of which           shares will be Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share,          shares will be Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and           shares will be Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share. The amended certificate of incorporation will provide that our common stock and preferred stock will have the rights described below.
 
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
 
All shares of our common stock currently outstanding are fully paid and non-assessable, not subject to redemption and without preemptive or other rights to subscribe for or purchase any proportionate part of any new or additional issues of stock of any class or of securities convertible into stock of any class.
 
Voting
 
Holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. Holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten votes per share. All actions submitted to a vote of stockholders are voted on by holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock voting together as a single class, except for the election of directors and as otherwise set forth below. With respect to the election of directors, holders of Class A Common Stock will vote together as a separate class and be entitled to elect 25% of the total number of directors constituting the whole Board of Directors and, if such 25% is not a whole number, then the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, will be entitled to elect the nearest higher whole number of directors that is at least 25% of the total number of directors. Holders of Class B Common Stock, voting together as a separate class, will be entitled to elect the remaining directors.
 
If, however, on the record date for any stockholders meeting at which directors are to be elected, the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock is less than 10% of the total number of outstanding shares of both classes of common stock, the holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will vote together as a single class with respect to the election of directors and the holders of Class A Common Stock will not have the right to elect 25% of the total number of directors but will have one vote per share for all directors and the holders of Class B Common Stock will have ten votes per share for all directors. (On the date of the Distribution, we anticipate that the number of outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock will represent approximately 75% of the total number of outstanding shares of both classes of common stock.)
 
If, on the record date for any stockholders meeting at which directors are to be elected, the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock is less than 121/2% of the total number of outstanding shares of both classes of common stock, then the holders of Class A Common Stock, voting as a separate class, would continue to elect a number of directors equal to 25% of the total number of directors constituting the whole Board of Directors and, in addition, would vote together with the holders of Class B Common Stock, as a single class, to elect the remaining directors to be elected at such meeting, with the holders of Class A Common Stock entitled to one vote per share and the holders of Class B Common Stock entitled to ten votes per share.
 
In addition, the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 662/3% of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, voting separately as a class, is required for the authorization or issuance of any additional shares of Class B Common Stock and for any amendment, alteration or repeal of any provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation which would affect adversely the powers, preferences or rights of the Class B Common Stock. The number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of the majority of the common stock. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting.
 
Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals
 
Our amended and restated by-laws will establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and nomination of candidates for election as directors other than nominations made by or at the


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direction of our Board of Directors. In particular, stockholders must notify our corporate secretary in writing prior to the meeting at which the matters are to be acted upon or directors are to be elected. The notice must contain the information specified in our amended and restated by-laws. To be timely, the notice must be received by our corporate secretary not less than 60 or more than 90 days prior to the date of the stockholders’ meeting, provided that if the date of the meeting is publicly announced or disclosed less than 70 days prior to the date of the meeting, the notice must be given not more than 10 days after such date is first announced or disclosed.
 
No Stockholder Action by Written Consent
 
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, except as otherwise provided as to any series of preferred stock in the terms of that series, no action of stockholders required or permitted to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting of stockholders, without prior notice and without a vote, and the power of the stockholders to consent in writing to the taking of any action without a meeting is specifically denied.
 
Conversions
 
The Class A Common Stock has no conversion rights. The Class B Common Stock is convertible into Class A Common Stock in whole or in part at any time and from time to time on the basis of one share of Class A Common Stock for each share of Class B Common Stock. In certain circumstances certain holders of our Class B Common Stock will be required to convert their Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock prior to transferring such stock.
 
Dividends
 
Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends equally on a per share basis if and when such dividends are declared by the Board of Directors from funds legally available therefor. No dividend may be declared or paid in cash or property or shares of either Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock unless the same dividend is paid simultaneously on each share of the other class of common stock. In the case of any stock dividend, holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to receive the same dividend on a percentage basis (payable in shares of or securities convertible to shares of Class A Common Stock and other securities of us or any other person) as holders of Class B Common Stock receive (payable in shares of or securities convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock, shares of or securities convertible into shares of Class B Common Stock and other securities of us or any other person). The distribution of shares or other securities of the Company or any other person to common stockholders is permitted to differ to the extent that the common stock differs as to voting rights and rights in connection to certain dividends.
 
Liquidation
 
Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock share with each other on a ratable basis as a single class in the net assets available for distribution in respect of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock in the event of a liquidation.
 
Other Terms
 
Neither the Class A Common Stock nor the Class B Common Stock may be subdivided, consolidated, reclassified or otherwise changed, except as expressly provided in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, unless the other class of common stock is subdivided, consolidated, reclassified or otherwise changed at the same time, in the same proportion and in the same manner.
 
In any merger, consolidation or business combination the consideration to be received per share by holders of either Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock must be identical to that received by holders of the other class of common stock, except that in any such transaction in which shares of capital stock are distributed, such shares may differ as to voting rights only to the extent that voting rights now differ between Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.


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Transfer Agent
 
The transfer agent and registrar for the Class A Common Stock is Wells Fargo Shareowner Services.
 
Transfer Restrictions
 
The Company is the indirect owner of professional sports franchises in the NBA and the NHL. As a result, ownership and transfers of our Common Stock are subject to certain restrictions under the constituent documents of the NBA and the NHL as well as under consent agreements entered into by the Company with the NBA and the NHL in connection with their approval of the Distribution.
 
Under the NBA arrangements, transfers and ownership of 5% or more of our Common Stock require the prior approval of the NBA. So long as the Company is controlled by the Dolan family, “Institutional Investors” are permitted to acquire and own up to 15% of our Class A Common Stock without obtaining prior approval of the NBA. For this purpose, an “Institutional Investor” is a person or entity that falls within one or more of the categories of persons listed in Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”):
 
  •  A broker or dealer registered under Section 15 of the Exchange Act;
 
  •  A bank as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Exchange Act;
 
  •  An insurance company as defined in Section 3(a)(19) of the Exchange Act;
 
  •  An investment company registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940;
 
  •  Any person registered as an investment adviser under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 or under the laws of any state;
 
  •  An employee benefit plan as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended 29 U.S.C. 1001 et. seq. (“ERISA”) that is subject to the provisions of ERISA, or any such plan that is not subject to ERISA that is maintained primarily for the benefit of the employees of a state or local government or instrumentality, or an endowment fund; and
 
  •  A non-U.S. institution that is the functional equivalent of any of the institutions listed above (or a person described in the immediately following bullet), so long as the non-U.S. institution is subject to a regulatory scheme that is (A) substantially comparable to the regulatory scheme applicable to the equivalent U.S. institution and (B) imposed under the laws of Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Japan, China or any country in Europe that is part of the “G-20” group of nations.
 
However, each of the foregoing institutions will only qualify as an Institutional Investor if the sum of its total assets owned and under management exceeds $500 million ($100 million in the case of a registered investment company). An institution that meets these standards is referred to as an “Institutional Investor.”
 
In addition, an “Affiliate” of an Institutional Investor will also be deemed to be an Institutional Investor; provided, that no such Affiliate that is not an Institutional Investor in its own right can own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock and no Institutional Investor, together with its Affiliates, can own more than 15% of our outstanding Class A Common Stock. For purposes of these transfer restrictions, an “Affiliate” means a person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the institution/investor.
 
Transfers of our Class B Common Stock are also subject to restrictions under the NBA rules, subject to certain exceptions involving transfers of such shares among Dolan family interests. Prior to any transaction that results in the Dolan family no longer controlling the Company, we will likely need to negotiate a new consent agreement with the NBA.
 
Under the NHL arrangements, transfers and ownership of our Class A Common Stock are subject to NHL approval only if they constitute a “controlling interest” in the New York Rangers. The NHL has agreed that so long as the Dolan family has the right to elect a majority of our board of directors, there are no restrictions on transactions in, or ownership of, our Class A Common Stock. Transfers of our Class B Common Stock are subject to restrictions under the NHL arrangements, subject to certain exceptions involving transfers of such


179


 

shares among Dolan family interests. Prior to any transaction that results in the Dolan family no longer controlling the Company, we will likely need to negotiate a new consent agreement with the NHL.
 
In order to protect the Company and its NBA and NHL franchises from sanctions that might be imposed by the NBA or the NHL as a result of violations of these restrictions, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that if at any time the Company owns, directly or indirectly, an interest in a professional sports franchise, the ownership and transfer of shares of our Common Stock will be subject to any applicable restrictions on transfer imposed by the league or other governing body with respect to such franchise (the “League”). If a transfer of shares of our Common Stock to a person or the ownership of shares of our Common Stock by a person requires approval or other action by a League and such approval or other action was not obtained or taken as required, the Company shall have the right by written notice to the holder to require the holder to dispose of the shares of Common Stock which triggered the need for such approval (the “excess shares”) within 10 days of delivery of such notice (a “required divestiture”). If a holder has failed to provide documentation satisfactory to the Company of the holder’s compliance with a required divestiture by the fifth business day following the end of the 10 day period, then, in addition to any other remedies the Company may have for such failure to comply with a required divestiture, the Company may redeem the excess shares by providing written notice of such required divestiture to the holder (a “redemption notice”) and mailing a check payable to the holder in an amount equal to 85% of the fair market value of the excess shares. The fair market value of a share of our Common Stock, for this purpose, will be equal to the average of the closing bid and ask prices of our Class A Common Stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC over the 10 trading day period ending on the second trading day preceding the redemption notice, or such other amount as determined in good faith by the Company’s board of directors. The certificates representing our common stock will contain a legend with respect to the foregoing provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.
 
Preferred Stock
 
Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our Board of Directors is authorized, without further stockholder action to provide for the issuance of up to           shares of preferred stock in one or more series. The powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights, voting rights, conversion rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, of the preferred stock of each series will be fixed or designated by the Board of Directors pursuant to a certificate of designations. There will be no shares of our preferred stock outstanding at the time of the Distribution. Any issuance of preferred stock may adversely affect the rights of holders of our common stock and may render more difficult certain unsolicited or hostile attempts to take over the Company.
 
Certain Corporate Opportunities and Conflicts
 
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will recognize that certain directors and officers of the Company (the “Overlap Persons”) may serve as directors, officers, employees, consultants and agents of Cablevision and its subsidiaries and successors (each of the foregoing is an “Other Entity”) and will provide that if a director or officer of the Company who is an Overlap Person is presented or offered, or otherwise acquires knowledge of, a potential transaction or matter that may constitute or present a business opportunity for the Company or any of its subsidiaries, in which the Company could have an interest or expectancy (any such transaction or matter, and any such actual or potential business opportunity, a “Potential Business Opportunity”), (i) such director or officer will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have no duty or obligation to refrain from referring such Potential Business Opportunity to any Other Entity and, if such director or officer refers such Potential Business Opportunity to an Other Entity, such director or officer shall have no duty or obligation to refer such Potential Business Opportunity to the Company or to give any notice to the Company regarding such Potential Business Opportunity (or any matter related thereto), (ii) if such director or officer refers such Potential Business Opportunity to an Other Entity, such director or officer will not be liable to the Company, as a director, officer, stockholder or otherwise, for any failure to refer such Potential Business Opportunity to the Company, or for referring such Potential Business Opportunity to any


180


 

Other Entity, or for any failure to give any notice to the Company regarding such Potential Business Opportunity or any matter relating thereto, (iii) any Other Entity may engage or invest in any such Potential Business Opportunity notwithstanding that such Potential Business Opportunity may have been referred to such Other Entity by an Overlap Person, and (iv) if a director or officer who is an Overlap Person refers a Potential Business Opportunity to an Other Entity, then, as between the Company and such Other Entity, the Company shall not have any interest, expectancy or right in or to such Potential Business Opportunity or to receive any income or proceeds derived therefrom solely as a result of such director or officer having been presented or offered, or otherwise acquiring knowledge of such Potential Business Opportunity unless all of the following conditions are satisfied: (A) such Potential Business Opportunity was expressly presented or offered to the director or officer of the Company solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company; (B) the director or officer believed that the Company possessed, or would reasonably be expected to be able to possess, the resources necessary to exploit such Potential Business Opportunity; and (C) such opportunity relates exclusively to (x) the business of owning and operating a regional professional sports programming service that features the live carriage of games of teams that compete in the National Hockey League, the National Basketball Association 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, (y) the business of owning and operating a programming service that is primarily devoted to music programming and that is made available nationally to multichannel video programming distributors, or (z) a theatrical or arena venue with a seating capacity of greater than 1,000; provided that in the cases of each of clauses (x), (y) and (z), the Company or any of its subsidiaries is directly engaged in such business at the time the Potential Business Opportunity is presented or offered to the director or officer.
 
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that no contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction (or any amendment, modification or termination thereof) entered into between the Company and/or any of its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and an Other Entity, on the other hand, before the Company ceased to be an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision shall be void or voidable or be considered unfair to the Company or any of its subsidiaries because Cablevision or any of its subsidiaries is a party thereto, or because any directors, officers or employees of Cablevision or a subsidiary of Cablevision were present at or participated in any meeting of the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, of the Company or of any subsidiary of the Company, that authorized the contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction (or any amendment, modification or termination thereof), or because his, her or their votes were counted for such purpose. The Company may from time to time enter into and perform, and cause or permit any of its subsidiaries to enter into and perform, one or more contracts, agreements, arrangements or transactions (or amendments, modifications or supplements thereto) with an Other Entity. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction (nor any such amendments, modifications or supplements), nor the performance thereof by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or an Other Entity, shall be considered contrary to any fiduciary duty owed to the Company (or to any subsidiary of the Company, or to any stockholder of the Company or any of its subsidiaries) by any director or officer of the Company (or by any director or officer of any subsidiary of the Company) who is an Overlap Person. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no director or officer of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company who is an Overlap Person thereof shall have or be under any fiduciary duty to the Company (or to any subsidiary of the Company, or to any stockholder of the Company or any of its subsidiaries) to refrain from acting on behalf of the Company or Cablevision, or any of their respective subsidiaries, in respect of any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction or performing any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction in accordance with its terms and each such director or officer of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company who is an Overlap Person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and shall be deemed not to have breached his or her duties of loyalty to the Company (or to any subsidiary of the Company, or to any stockholders of the Company or any of its subsidiaries) and not to have derived an improper personal benefit therefrom.
 
No amendment, repeal or adoption of any provision inconsistent with the foregoing provisions will have any effect upon (a) any agreement between the Company or a subsidiary thereof and any Other Entity, that was entered into before the time of such amendment or repeal or adoption of any such inconsistent provision


181


 

(the “Amendment Time”), or any transaction entered into in connection with the performance of any such agreement, whether such transaction is entered into before or after the Amendment Time, (b) any transaction entered into between the Company or a subsidiary thereof and any Other Entity, before the Amendment Time, (c) the allocation of any business opportunity between the Company or any subsidiary thereof and any Other Entity before the Amendment Time, or (d) any duty or obligation owed by any director or officer of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company (or the absence of any such duty or obligation) with respect to any Potential Business Opportunity which such director or officer was offered, or of which such director or officer otherwise became aware, before the Amendment Time (regardless of whether any proceeding relating to any of the above is commenced before or after the Amendment Time).
 
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
 
Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware prohibits certain transactions between a Delaware corporation and an “interested stockholder.” An “interested stockholder” for this purpose is a stockholder who is directly or indirectly a beneficial owner of 15% or more of the aggregate voting power of a Delaware corporation. This provision prohibits certain business combinations between an interested stockholder and a corporation for a period of three years after the date on which the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless: (1) prior to the time that a stockholder became an interested stockholder, either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, (2) the interested stockholder acquired at least 85% of the aggregate voting power of the Company in the transaction in which the stockholder became an interested stockholder, or (3) the business combination is approved by a majority of the Board of Directors and the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the aggregate voting power not owned by the interested stockholder at or subsequent to the time that the stockholder became an interested stockholder. These restrictions do not apply if, among other things, the Company’s certificate of incorporation contains a provision expressly electing not to be governed by Section 203. Our certificate of incorporation will not contain such an election. However, we expect our Board of Directors to exercise its right under Section 203 to approve the acquisition of our common stock in the Distribution by members of the Dolan family group. This will have the effect of making Section 203 inapplicable to transactions between the Company and members of the Dolan family group.
 
Limitation on Personal Liability
 
We have provided, consistent with the Delaware General Corporation Law, in our certificate of incorporation that a director of the Company shall not be personally liable to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for:
 
  •  any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;
 
  •  acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
 
  •  payments of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions; or
 
  •  any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
Neither the amendment nor repeal of such provision will eliminate or reduce the effect of such provision in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for such provision, would accrue or arise prior to such amendment or repeal.


182


 

 
INDEMNIFICATION
OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a corporation may indemnify any current or former director, officer or employee or other individual against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with civil, criminal, administrative or investigative actions or proceedings, other than a derivative action by or in the right of the corporation, if the director, officer, employee or other individual acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification only extends to expenses incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such actions, and the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation’s by-laws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement or otherwise.
 
Our certificate of incorporation, will provide that each person who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person, or a person of whom such person is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of us or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, will be indemnified and held harmless by us to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended. Such rights are not exclusive of any other right which any person may have or thereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the certificate of incorporation, by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. Our certificate of incorporation will also specifically authorize us to maintain insurance and to grant similar indemnification rights to our employees or agents.
 
The Distribution Agreement between us and Cablevision provides for indemnification by us of Cablevision and its directors, officers and employees and by Cablevision of us and our directors, officers and employees for some liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The amount of these indemnity obligations is unlimited.


183


 

 
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act with respect to the shares of our Class A Common Stock being distributed to Cablevision stockholders in the Distribution. This information statement does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules, to which reference is made hereby. Statements in this information statement as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are qualified in all respects by reference to such contract, agreement or document. If we have filed any of those contracts, agreements or other documents as an exhibit to the registration statement, you should read the full text of such contract, agreement or document for a more complete understanding of the document or matter involved. For further information with respect to us and our Class A Common Stock, we refer you to the registration statement, including the exhibits and the schedules filed as a part of it.
 
We intend to furnish the holders of our Class A Common Stock with annual reports and proxy statements containing financial statements audited by an independent public accounting firm and file with the SEC quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each fiscal year containing interim unaudited financial information. We also intend to furnish other reports as we may determine or as required by law.
 
The registration statement of which this information statement forms a part and its exhibits and schedules, and other documents which we file with the SEC can be inspected and copied at, and copies can be obtained from, the SEC’s public reference room. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. In addition, our SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. You can also obtain reports, proxy statements and other information about us at NASDAQ’s web site at http://www.nasdaq.com.
 
Information that we file with the SEC after the date of this information statement may supersede the information in this information statement. You may read these reports, proxy statements and other information and obtain copies of such documents and information as described above.
 
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this information statement, and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized. Neither the delivery of this information statement nor any distribution of securities made hereunder shall imply that there has been no change in the information set forth or in our affairs since the date hereof.


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MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
         
    Page
 
Combined Financial Statements as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
       
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
    F-2  
Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007
    F-3  
Combined Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
    F-4  
Combined Statements of Group Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
    F-5  
Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
    F-6  
Notes to Combined Financial Statements
    F-7  
Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
    F-44  
       
Condensed Combined Financial Statements as of September 30, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)
       
Condensed Combined Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2009 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2008
    F-45  
Condensed Combined Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)
    F-46  
Condensed Combined Statement of Group Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (Unaudited)
    F-47  
Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (Unaudited)
    F-48  
Notes to Condensed Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited)
    F-49  


F-1


 

WHEN THE TRANSACTION REFERRED TO IN NOTE 1 OF THE NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS HAS BEEN CONSUMMATED, WE WILL BE IN A POSITION TO RENDER THE FOLLOWING REPORT.
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors of
Madison Square Garden, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Madison Square Garden, Inc. (a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related combined statements of operations, combined group equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. In connection with our audits of the combined financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule (as listed in the index to Item 15). These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of Madison Square Garden, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the combined results of its operations and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic combined financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
New York, New York
          , 2010


F-2


 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
ASSETS
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 70,726     $ 155,381  
Restricted cash
    5,845       5,576  
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,320 and $3,164)
    133,632       139,004  
Net receivable due from Cablevision
    8,115       11,022  
Prepaid expenses
    36,088       35,120  
Other current assets
    22,423       12,028  
                 
Total current assets
    276,829       358,131  
Advances due from Cablevision
    190,000       130,000  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $344,778 and $304,996
    324,506       312,155  
Other assets
    140,842       89,416  
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $106,009 and $88,110
    167,576       187,031  
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
    158,096       150,096  
Goodwill
    742,492       742,492  
                 
    $ 2,000,341     $ 1,969,321  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND COMBINED GROUP EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 7,893     $ 20,610  
Accrued liabilities:
               
Employee related costs
    74,050       62,582  
Other expenses
    112,400       74,891  
Deferred revenue
    122,436       140,409  
                 
Total current liabilities
    316,779       298,492  
Defined benefit and other postretirement obligations
    27,476       20,497  
Other employee related costs
    51,120       43,086  
Other liabilities
    60,496       47,339  
Deferred tax liability
    471,847       487,591  
                 
Total liabilities
    927,718       897,005  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Combined Group Equity:
               
Paid-in capital
    1,027,726       1,016,194  
Retained earnings
    50,224       55,160  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (5,327 )     962  
                 
Combined group equity
    1,072,623       1,072,316  
                 
    $ 2,000,341     $ 1,969,321  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.


F-3


 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Revenues, net (including revenues, net from Cablevision of $121,059, $105,035 and $94,911)
  $ 1,042,958     $ 1,002,182     $ 905,196  
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below and including expenses from Cablevision of $32,517, $28,674 and $23,505)
    724,904       635,108       637,090  
Selling, general and administrative (including expenses from Cablevision of $65,417, $67,536 and $63,105)
    270,065       243,196       222,962  
Gain on curtailment of pension plans
          (15,873 )      
Restructuring expense
          221       143  
Depreciation and amortization
    66,231       62,223       64,995  
                         
      1,061,200       924,875       925,190  
                         
Operating income (loss)
    (18,242 )     77,307       (19,994 )
                         
Other income (expense):
                       
Interest income
    5,193       15,217       11,231  
Interest expense
    (3,274 )     (3,610 )     (5,019 )
Miscellaneous
          (1,000 )     (250 )
                         
      1,919       10,607       5,962  
                         
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes
    (16,323 )     87,914       (14,032 )
Income tax benefit (expense)
    11,387       (45,031 )     1,173  
                         
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
    (4,936 )     42,883       (12,859 )
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of taxes
                (238 )
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (4,936 )   $ 42,883     $ (13,097 )
                         
 
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.


F-4


 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF GROUP EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                 
                Accumulated
       
                Other
       
    Paid-In
    Retained
    Comprehensive
       
    Capital     Earnings     Income (Loss)     Total  
 
Balance at January 1, 2006
  $ 965,764     $ 25,374     $ (327 )   $ 990,811  
Net loss
          (13,097 )           (13,097 )
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes
                224       224  
                                 
Comprehensive loss
                            (12,873 )
Adjustment related to initial application of ASC Topic 715, net of taxes
                (6,904 )     (6,904 )
Deemed capital contribution related to the allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense
    16,220                   16,220  
Deemed capital distribution related to income taxes
    (191 )                 (191 )
Capital contribution
    12,013                   12,013  
                                 
Balance at December 31, 2006
    993,806       12,277       (7,007 )     999,076  
Net income
          42,883             42,883  
Pension and postretirement plan liability adjustments, net of taxes
                7,969       7,969  
                                 
Comprehensive income
                            50,852  
Deemed capital contribution related to the allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense
    11,974                   11,974  
Deemed capital contribution related to income taxes
    453                   453  
Capital contribution
    9,961                   9,961  
                                 
Balance at December 31, 2007
    1,016,194       55,160       962       1,072,316  
Net loss
          (4,936 )           (4,936 )
Pension and postretirement plan liability adjustments, net of taxes
                (6,289 )     (6,289 )
                                 
Comprehensive loss
                            (11,225 )
Deemed capital distribution, net
    (14 )                 (14 )
Deemed capital contribution related to the allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense
    12,389                   12,389  
Deemed capital distribution related to income taxes
    (843 )                 (843 )
                                 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 1,027,726     $ 50,224     $ (5,327 )   $ 1,072,623  
                                 
 
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.


F-5


 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (4,936 )   $ 42,883     $ (13,097 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    66,231       62,223       64,995  
Cablevision share-based compensation expense allocations, net
    12,389       11,974       15,817  
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax
                238  
Gain on curtailment of pension plans
          (15,873 )      
Amortization of purchase accounting liability related to unfavorable contracts
    (2,276 )     (2,471 )     (8,736 )
Loss on equity investment
          1,000        
Deemed capital contribution (distribution) related to income taxes
    (843 )     453       (191 )
Provision for doubtful accounts
    2       1,187       408  
Change in assets and liabilities:
                       
Account receivable, net
    5,168       2,437       (1,680 )
Net receivable due from Cablevision
    3,051       (2,184 )     (20,871 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (25,426 )     (19,252 )     1,510  
Accounts payable
    (12,717 )     7,479       4,009  
Accrued and other liabilities
    58,163       (49,111 )     2,585  
Deferred revenue
    (17,973 )     18,609       (7,640 )
Deferred tax liability
    (11,387 )     43,468       (1,196 )
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    69,446       102,822       36,151  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Capital expenditures
    (55,192 )     (30,107 )     (23,762 )
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
          11       5,172  
Restricted cash
                (2,000 )
Payments for acquisition of assets or equity interests
    (37,632 )     (14,425 )     (1,000 )
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
    (92,824 )     (44,521 )     (21,590 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Advances to Cablevision
    (60,000 )     (130,000 )      
Repayment of advances to Cablevision
                21,000  
Principal payments on capital lease obligations
    (1,101 )     (906 )     (815 )
Capital contributions from (distributions to) Cablevision
    (176 )     9,961       12,013  
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (61,277 )     (120,945 )     32,198  
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (84,655 )     (62,644 )     46,759  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    155,381       218,025       171,266  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 70,726     $ 155,381     $ 218,025  
                         
 
See accompanying notes to combined financial statements.


F-6


 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Note 1.   Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation
 
Madison Square Garden, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Madison Square Garden”) represents a combination of certain media, entertainment and sports businesses and assets owned and operated as integral parts of Cablevision Systems Corporation (Cablevision Systems Corporation and its subsidiaries are referred to as “Cablevision”), consisting of the following reportable segments:
 
  •  MSG Media.  MSG Media produces and develops content for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from the Company’s venues. This business consists of programming networks and interactive offerings, including the MSG Networks (MSG network, MSG Plus, MSG HD and MSG Plus HD) and the Fuse Networks (Fuse and Fuse HD). The MSG Networks are home to seven professional sports teams: the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres and New York Red Bulls, as well as to the Company’s other programming. Fuse is a multi-platform music network that focuses on music-related programming. Also included in MSG Media is an interactive business, which includes a group of targeted websites (including msg.com, thegarden.com, radiocity.com, nyknicks.com, newyorkrangers.com and fuse.tv) and wireless, video on demand and digital platforms for all of the Company’s properties.
 
  •  MSG Entertainment.  MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Radio City Rockettes, and Cirque du Soleil’s Wintuk. MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts other live entertainment events, such as concerts, family shows, special events and theatrical productions in the Company’s venues.
 
  •  MSG Sports.  MSG Sports owns and operates sports franchises, including the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (“NBA”), the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (“NHL”), the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (“WNBA”), and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (“AHL”), which is the primary player development team for the Rangers. The Knicks, Rangers and Liberty play their home games at the arena in the Madison Square Garden complex (the “Arena” or “The Garden”). MSG Sports also features other live sporting events.
 
The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues which are either owned or operated by it under long-term leases. The Company owns the Madison Square Garden complex in New York City, which includes the Arena and a theater (“The Theater at Madison Square Garden”), and The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. It leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The Company also has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.
 
On July 29, 2009, Cablevision’s board of directors authorized Cablevision’s management to take all actions necessary or appropriate to pursue a transaction in which Cablevision will transfer to the Company the Cablevision subsidiaries which own, directly or indirectly, all of the partnership interests in Madison Square Garden, L.P. (“MSG L.P.”), the subsidiary through which Cablevision conducts the businesses described above, and subsequently spin-off the Company as a publicly held entity (the “Distribution”) subject, among other things, to final Board approval of the Distribution. Immediately prior to the Distribution, the Company will be an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision. The Company will own these businesses and assets and will become a public company on the date of the Distribution. Holders of record of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock as of the close of business on the record date for the Distribution will receive one share of Madison Square Garden Class A Common Stock for each      shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock held. Holders of record of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock as of the close of business on the record date will receive one share of Madison Square Garden Class B Common Stock for each      shares of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock held.


F-7


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Note 2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Combination
 
These combined financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), and have been derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Cablevision. The accompanying combined financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Company as if it were a separate entity for all periods presented.
 
All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in combination.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
MSG Media
 
The Company’s MSG Media business receives affiliation fees from cable television system, direct broadcast satellite and other operators that carry the Company’s programming services. The programming service is delivered throughout the term of the agreements and the Company recognizes this revenue in the period that the programming service is provided. It also earns advertising revenues, which are recognized when the commercials are aired.
 
In certain advertising sales arrangements, the Company’s MSG Media business guarantees specified viewer ratings for their programming. For these types of transactions, a portion of such revenue is deferred if the guaranteed viewer ratings are not met and is subsequently recognized either when the Company provides the required additional advertising time, the guarantee obligation contractually expires or additional performance requirements become remote.
 
MSG Entertainment
 
Event-related revenues from the sale of tickets, sponsorships, food, beverage and merchandise, and rental income are recognized when the event occurs. Revenues collected in advance of an event are recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs.
 
Revenues from the sale of advertising in the form of signage and sponsorships, which are not related to any specific event, are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized ratably over the period of benefit of the respective agreements.
 
Revenues from the rental of The Garden’s luxury suites are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized ratably over the period of benefit of the respective agreements for the benefit of the Company’s MSG Entertainment segment.
 
MSG Sports
 
The Knicks, Rangers and Liberty derive revenues principally from ticket sales and league-wide distributions of national television rights fees and royalties, which are recognized over the respective team’s season. Event-related revenues from other live sporting events, including the sale of tickets, sponsorships, food and merchandise, and rental income are recognized as the event occurs. Revenues collected in advance of an event are recorded as deferred revenue until earned.


F-8


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Revenues from the sale of advertising in the form of signage and sponsorships, which are not related to any specific event, are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized ratably over the period of benefit of the respective agreements.
 
Revenues from the rental of The Garden’s luxury suites are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized ratably over the period of benefit of the respective agreements for the benefit of the Company’s MSG Sports segment.
 
Multiple — Element Transactions
 
The Company has multiple-element transactions, primarily involving advertising sales including sponsorship, signage and the sale of commercial time during programming on the Company’s networks. In such multiple-element arrangements there generally is objective and reliable evidence of fair value for all elements of accounting derived from historical or other comparable cash transactions and the arrangement consideration is allocated to the separate elements of accounting based on relative fair values.
 
Technical and Operating Expenses
 
Costs of revenue related to sales of services including, but not limited to, contractual compensation expense pursuant to employment agreements with professional sports teams personnel, luxury tax assessed by the NBA, revenue sharing costs assessed by the NHL, show costs related to the presentation and production of our entertainment events, network programming and production costs, venue rental expense and operating expense are classified as technical and operating expenses in the accompanying combined statements of operations.
 
Player Costs and League Assessments
 
Costs incurred to acquire player contracts, including signing bonuses, are capitalized as deferred costs and amortized over the applicable NBA or NHL regular season (for the NBA, November through April and for the NHL, October through April) on a straight-line basis over the fixed contract period of the respective player. Player salaries are also expensed over the applicable NBA, NHL or WNBA regular season on a straight-line basis and are classified in technical and operating expense. In instances where a player sustains what is deemed to be a season-ending or career-ending injury, a provision is recorded, when that determination can be reasonably made, for the remainder of the player’s seasonal or contractual salary, together with any associated luxury tax, net of any anticipated insurance recoveries. See Note 5 for further discussion of significant team personnel provisions. When player contracts are assigned or terminated, any remaining unamortized signing bonuses are expensed to current operations.
 
The NBA and NHL each have collective bargaining agreements (“CBA”) with the respective league’s players association, which the Company is subject to. The NBA CBA contains a salary cap and also provides that players receive a designated percentage of league-wide revenue. Throughout the NBA season, the league’s teams withhold a portion of each player’s salary and contribute the withheld amounts to an escrow account. To the extent that aggregate player compensation exceeds the designated percentage of league-wide revenue, some or all of such escrowed amounts are distributed to all NBA teams following the end of the season. The NBA CBA also provides for a luxury tax that is applicable to all teams in the league with aggregate player salaries exceeding a threshold that is set prior to each season. Throughout the NBA season, the Company recognizes the estimated amount it will receive from the players’ escrow account each reporting period. The NBA also has a revenue assistance program pursuant to which the Company is required to contribute an amount for the benefit of other teams in the league. The Company recognizes the net estimated amount associated with luxury tax, anticipated receipt of any player escrow and the cost of the revenue assistance


F-9


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
program on a straight-line basis over the NBA regular season as a component of technical and operating expense in the Company’s combined statement of operations.
 
The NHL has a revenue sharing plan, under which the top ten revenue-generating teams are required to contribute a portion of their preseason and regular season revenues to a pool for distribution to certain lower revenue generating teams in the NHL. NHL teams that participate in the playoffs make additional contributions to this program. The Company recognizes the amount of its estimated revenue sharing plan contributions associated with the preseason and regular season on a straight-line basis over the applicable NHL season as a component of technical and operating expense in the Company’s combined statement of operations. In years when the Rangers participate in the playoffs, the Company recognizes its estimate of the playoff revenue sharing contribution in the periods when the playoffs occur. The NHL CBA contains a salary cap, and also provides that players receive a designated percentage of league-wide revenues. Throughout the NHL season, the leagues’ teams withhold a portion of each player’s salary and contribute the withheld amounts to an escrow account. To the extent that aggregate player compensation exceeds the designated percentage of league-wide revenues, certain of such escrowed amounts contributed are paid to certain lower-revenue and lower-payroll generating teams pursuant to the revenue sharing plan, and following the end of the season any remaining amounts are distributed equally to all NHL teams. The Company recognizes the amount it estimates that it will receive from the players’ escrow account each reporting period as an offset to technical and operating expense in the Company’s combined statement of operations.
 
As members of the NBA and NHL, the Knicks and Rangers, respectively, are subject to annual league assessments. The governing bodies of each league determine the amount of each season’s league assessments that are required from each member team. The Company accrues its teams’ estimated league assessments on a straight-line basis over the applicable NBA or NHL season.
 
Programming Rights
 
For the Company’s regional sports networks, included in the MSG Media segment, rights acquired under license agreements to telecast various sporting events and other programming for exhibition on these networks are expensed on a straight-line basis to technical and operating expense over the term of the applicable contract or license period.
 
For the Company’s Fuse programming network, included in the MSG Media segment, rights to programming acquired under license agreements along with the related obligations are recorded at the contract value when a license agreement is executed, unless there is uncertainty with respect to either cost, acceptability or availability, then the earlier of when the uncertainty is resolved, or when the license period has begun. Costs are amortized to technical and operating expense on a straight-line basis over the respective license periods. The Company periodically reviews the programming usefulness of its program rights and if it is determined that the programming has no future usefulness and will no longer be exploited, an impairment of the portion of the unamortized cost of the license agreement is recorded in technical and operating expense.
 
Certain owned original programming is produced for the Company’s networks by independent production companies. Owned original programming costs are expensed as incurred.
 
Advertising Expenses
 
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred. Total advertising costs classified in technical and operating expense and selling, general and administrative expense were $44,545, $35,110 and $26,694 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.


F-10


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company operated as a partnership during the periods presented. However, the income tax expense or benefit and deferred tax liability presented are determined as if Madison Square Garden, Inc. had owned all of the partnership interests in MSG L.P. for all periods presented notwithstanding that the contribution of such interests in MSG L.P. had not yet occurred. As such, the Company measures its deferred tax liability with regard to MSG L.P. based on the difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount for financial reporting purposes; this is commonly referred to as the outside basis difference. The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on current period income and changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability. The Company has not recorded any unrecognized tax benefit for uncertain tax positions. The Company’s policy is to reflect interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense.
 
The income tax expense or benefit presented in the combined statements of operations is based upon the taxable income of the Company on a separate tax return basis. Any differences between the historical current tax liability and the current tax liability determined on a separate tax return basis have been reflected as deemed capital contributions or distributions.
 
Share-Based Compensation
 
Cablevision charges the Company expenses or benefits related to its various employee stock plans. Cablevision records share-based compensation expense during the period based on the fair value of the portion of share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Cablevision uses the Black-Scholes valuation model in determining the fair value of stock options and stock appreciation rights and uses the closing price on the date of grant for restricted shares. For options and performance based option awards and stock appreciation rights granted prior to December 31, 2005, Cablevision recognizes compensation expense using the accelerated attribution method. For options and performance based option awards granted after January 1, 2006, Cablevision recognizes compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model using a straight-line amortization method. For restricted shares, Cablevision recognizes compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method, based on the grant date price of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock over the vesting period. Restricted stock units granted to Cablevision’s non-employee directors are 100% vested and fully expensed on the grant date. For stock appreciation rights, Cablevision recognizes compensation expense based on the estimated fair value at each reporting period using the Black-Scholes valuation model. As the obligations related to the grants for equity classified and liability classified awards under the Cablevision employee stock plans are funded by Cablevision, the allocation to the Company of its proportionate share of the related expenses is reflected as a deemed capital contribution in the accompanying combined financial statements of the Company. Refer to Note 12 for further discussion on Cablevision’s Equity Plans.
 
Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle
 
In connection with Cablevision’s adoption of the guidance now codified under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation, on January 1, 2006, the Company recorded an allocated charge of $238 from Cablevision as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of taxes of $(165), in the Company’s combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006.


F-11


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
 
Restricted Cash
 
Pursuant to the NHL CBA, certain amounts have been withheld from player salaries and deposited in an escrow account which is in the name of the Company. The escrow funds will be distributed at the end of the season to the players and NHL teams based on the provisions of the NHL CBA. (See “Player Costs and League Assessments” above). The Company has a letter of credit agreement with a lending institution which requires that a cash balance, held under the Company’s name and custody, be maintained in an amount equal to outstanding letters of credit. The carrying amount of restricted cash approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Changes in restricted cash are primarily reflected as a change in cash flows from operations as the underlying restricted cash generally relates to operations.
 
Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets
 
Property and equipment is stated at cost and includes purchase accounting adjustments as a result of certain historical transactions. Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets’ estimated useful lives.
 
Construction in progress is primarily related to design and development costs associated with the Company’s planned renovation of the Arena (“Arena Renovation”). Depreciation of construction in progress costs will begin when elements of the Arena Renovation are placed into service.
 
Identifiable intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives. Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets
 
The Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets at December 31, 2008 include goodwill of $742,492, other intangible assets, net of $325,672 ($158,096 of which are identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles), and $324,506 of property and equipment, net. These assets accounted for approximately 70% of the Company’s combined total assets as of December 31, 2008.
 
For long-lived assets, including intangible assets subject to amortization, the Company evaluates assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets, the fair value of the asset group is determined and the carrying value of the asset group is written down to fair value.
 
Goodwill and identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, which represent the Company’s various trademarks and sports franchise intangibles, are tested annually for impairment during the first quarter and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances.


F-12


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of sports franchises included in the MSG Sports segment of $96,215 and Radio City and The Chicago Theatre related trademarks of $53,881 and $8,000, respectively, included in the MSG Entertainment segment.
 
The impairment test for goodwill is a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be recognized in a business combination. For the purpose of evaluating goodwill impairment, the Company has three reporting units, all of which recognized goodwill. These reporting units are MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports. The goodwill balance as of December 31, 2008 by reporting unit is as follows:
 
         
Reporting Unit
     
 
MSG Media
  $ 465,326  
MSG Entertainment
    58,979  
MSG Sports
    218,187  
         
    $ 742,492  
         
 
In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s goodwill and other long-lived assets, the Company must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. Estimates of fair value are primarily determined using discounted cash flows and comparable market transactions. These valuations are based on estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, discount rate, and determination of appropriate market comparables and determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. In addition, for MSG Entertainment, these valuations include assumptions for number of shows and events at the Company’s venues and number of shows related to the Company’s proprietary content on tour. For MSG Sports, these valuations include assumptions for ticket sales, which include suite income, local and national television broadcasting rights, sponsorship income, concessions, player and personnel compensation, and luxury tax or revenue sharing assumptions for comparable market transactions. For MSG Media, these valuations also include assumptions for projected average rates per viewing subscribers and growth in fixed price contractual arrangements used to determine affiliation fee revenue, access to sports programming and programming rights and the cost of such sports programming and programming rights, amount of programming time that is advertiser supported, number of advertising spots available and the sell through rates for those spots, average fee per advertising spot, and operating margins, among other assumptions.
 
Based on the Company’s annual impairment test during the first quarter of 2008, the Company’s reporting units had significant safety margins, representing the excess of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit


F-13


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
less its respective carrying value (including goodwill allocated to each respective reporting unit). In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the estimated fair value calculations of the Company’s reporting units on the annual impairment calculation for goodwill, the Company applied a hypothetical 30% decrease to the estimated fair values of each reporting unit. This hypothetical decrease of 30% would have no impact on the goodwill impairment analysis for any of the Company’s reporting units.
 
The Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets relate to trademarks and sports franchises. The Company’s indefinite-lived trademark intangible assets relate to the Company’s Radio City related trademarks which include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and The Rockettes and The Chicago Theatre trademarks, which were all valued using a relief-from-royalty method in which the expected benefits are valued by discounting royalty revenue over projected revenues covered by the trademarks. The Company’s indefinite-lived sports franchises intangibles representing the Company’s NBA and NHL sports franchises are valued using a direct valuation method based on market comparables. Both the Radio City related trademarks and the sports franchises were recorded in April 2005 when Cablevision acquired the remaining 40% interest in a subsidiary of Cablevision, which wholly owned the Company. Significant judgments inherent in a valuation include the selection of appropriate discount rates, estimating the amount and timing of estimated future cash flows and identification of appropriate continuing growth rate assumptions. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible assets.
 
Based on the Company’s annual impairment test during the first quarter of 2008, the Company’s Radio City related trademarks and sports franchise identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets had significant safety margins, representing the excess of the identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets estimated fair value unit of accounting less their respective carrying values. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations of all the Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles, the Company applied hypothetical 10%, 20% and 30% decreases to the estimated fair value of each of the Company’s identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles. These hypothetical 10%, 20% and 30% decreases in estimated fair value would not have resulted in an impairment of any of our identifiable indefinite-lived intangibles other than The Chicago Theatre related trademarks, which have a carrying value of $8,000. The hypothetical fair value decline would have resulted in impairment charges of approximately $800, $1,600 and $2,400 at 10%, 20% and 30%, respectively.
 
Cash Flows
 
During 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Company’s non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Deemed capital contributions, net primarily related to allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense and income taxes
  $ 11,532     $ 12,427     $ 16,029  
Asset retirement obligations
    9,243             136  
Leasehold improvements paid by landlord
    1,890              
Capital lease obligation
    640       3,467        
Supplemental Data:
                       
Income taxes paid (refunded), net
    (5 )     381       3,043  
Interest paid for capital lease obligations
    696       452       389  


F-14


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated.
 
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 820. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Under ASC Topic 820, fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. It also clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. ASC Topic 820 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, ASC Topic 820 does not require any new fair value measurements. The guidance under ASC Topic 820 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2008 with respect to financial assets and financial liabilities. The guidance under ASC Topic 820 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2009 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities. See Note 10 for a discussion of the impact of the adoption of the guidance now codified under ASC Topic 820 for certain financial assets and financial liabilities. The adoption of the guidance now codified under ASC Topic 820 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities which include goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets measured at fair market value for impairment assessments, did not have an impact on the Company’s combined financial position or results of operations.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Expected to be Adopted Subsequent to December 31, 2008
 
Adopted in the First Quarter of 2009
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 805. ASC Topic 805 requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. Additionally, in April 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 805-20 to address some of the application issues under ASC Topic 805. ASC Topic 805-20 sets forth the requirements associated with the initial recognition and measurement of an asset acquired or a liability assumed in a business combination that arises from a contingency (provided the fair value on the date of acquisition of the related asset or liability can be determined). Both the guidance under ASC Topics 805 and 805-20 became effective as of January 1, 2009 for the Company. Accordingly, any business combination completed prior to January 1, 2009 was accounted for pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations. Business combinations completed subsequent to January 1, 2009, will be accounted for pursuant to ASC Topics 805 and 805-20. The impact that ASC Topics 805 and 805-20 will have on the Company’s combined financial statements will depend upon the nature, terms and size of such business combinations, if any.


F-15


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
In April 2008, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topics 350-30 and 275-10, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC Topic 350. The adoption of the guidance under ASC Topics 350-30 and 275-10 did not have an effect on the Company’s combined financial statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 808-10, which defines collaborative arrangements and establishes reporting requirements for transactions between participants in a collaborative arrangement and between participants in the arrangement and third parties. ASC Topic 808-10 also establishes the appropriate income statement presentation and classification for joint operating activities and payments between participants, as well as the disclosure requirements related to these arrangements. The adoption of the guidance under ASC Topic 808-10 did not have an effect on the Company’s combined financial statements.
 
Adopted in the Second Quarter of 2009
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 855-10, which requires an entity after the balance sheet date to evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in its financial statements. ASC Topic 855-10 determines the circumstances under which the entity shall recognize these events or transactions in its financial statements and provides the disclosures that an entity shall make about them including disclosing the date through which the entity evaluated these events or transactions, as well as whether that date is the date the entity’s financial statements were issued or the date the financial statements were available to be issued. The Company adopted the guidance under ASC Topic 855-10 as of June 30, 2009.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 820-10, which amends guidance under ASC Topic 820 to provide additional guidance on (i) estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability, and (ii) circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly. The guidance under ASC Topic 820-10 also requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements in interim and annual reporting periods. The adoption of the guidance under ASC Topic 820-10 did not have an effect on the Company’s combined financial statements.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 825-10, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly-traded companies, as well as in annual financial statements. ASC Topic 825-10 also amends the disclosure requirements of ASC Topic 270-10, to require those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods. The disclosure requirements of the guidance under ASC 825-10 became effective for the Company as of June 30, 2009.
 
Adopted in the Third Quarter of 2009
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 105-10, which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. ASC Topic 105-10 explicitly recognizes rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under federal securities laws as authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. Upon adoption of this guidance under ASC Topic 105-10, the Codification superseded all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification became non-authoritative. The guidance under ASC Topic 105-10 became effective for the


F-16


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Company as of September 30, 2009. References made to authoritative FASB guidance throughout this document have been updated to the applicable Codification section.
 
To be Adopted in the Fourth Quarter of 2009
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued guidance under ASC Topic 715-20, which requires more detailed disclosures about employers’ plan assets, including employers’ investment strategies, major categories of plan assets, concentrations of risk within plan assets, and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets.
 
In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-05, Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value, which provides clarification that in circumstances where a quoted market price in an active market for an identical liability is not available, a reporting entity must measure fair value of the liability using one of the following techniques: (a) the quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset; (b) quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets; or (c) another valuation technique, such as a present value technique or the amount that the reporting entity would pay to transfer the identical liability or would receive to enter into the identical liability that is consistent with the provisions of ASC Topic 820.
 
In September 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-12, Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent), which provides guidance on how to determine the fair value of an alternative investment when fair value is not readily determinable and an investor is provided only with a net asset value per share (or its equivalent) by the investee that has been calculated in a manner consistent with GAAP for investment companies (ASC Topic 946). ASU No. 2009-12 requires an investor to disclose (a) by major category of investment the attributes of each investment it holds that meet the criteria of ASU No. 2009-12 and (b) the investment strategies of the investees.
 
To be Adopted by the First Quarter of 2011
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-13, Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements, which provides amendments that (a) update the criteria for separating consideration in multiple-deliverable arrangements, (b) establish a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable, and (c) replace the term “fair value” in the revenue allocation guidance with the term “selling price” to clarify that the allocation of revenue is based on entity-specific assumptions. ASU No. 2009-13 eliminates the residual method of allocating arrangement consideration to deliverables, requires the use of the relative selling price method and requires that a vendor determine its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell the deliverable on a standalone basis. ASU No. 2009-13 requires a vendor to significantly expand the disclosures related to multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements with the objective to provide information about the significant judgments made and changes to those judgments and how the application of the relative selling-price method affects the timing or amount of revenue recognition. ASU No. 2009-13 is required to be adopted on a prospective basis to revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010.
 
Note 3.   Transactions
 
2008 Transactions
 
In June 2008, the Company purchased a minority ownership interest in a company for $37,632, which is accounted for under the cost method. This investment is being carried at its original cost of $37,632 at


F-17


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
December 31, 2008 as a component of other assets in the combined balance sheet since it was not practicable for the Company to estimate the fair value of this minority ownership interest.
 
2007 Transactions
 
In October 2007, the Company purchased The Chicago Theatre. The net cash paid of $14,425 has been allocated to property and equipment ($6,294), amortizable intangible assets ($4,217), identifiable indefinite-lived trademark ($8,000), and other assets and liabilities, primarily deferred revenue.
 
Note 4.   Restructuring and Impairment Charges
 
As part of its periodic review of expected usefulness of programming rights, the Company’s MSG Media segment recorded impairment losses of $1,129, $2,037, and $1,640 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which are included in technical and operating expense.
 
During 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $221 and $143, respectively, in its MSG Media segment related to its Fuse programming network. There were no restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, there were no unpaid balances.
 
Note 5.   Significant Team Personnel Provisions
 
The accompanying combined statements of operations include net provisions associated with transactions relating to players on our sports teams for season-ending or career-ending injuries, waivers and terminations of players, and other team personnel. The Company’s MSG Sports segment recognizes the estimated ultimate costs of these events, including anticipated insurance recoveries and the Company’s estimated future obligation for luxury tax attributable to Knicks player transactions, in the periods in which they occur. However, amounts due to these individuals are generally paid over their remaining contract terms. These provisions amounted to $24,927, $6,837 and $60,172 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The provisions recorded in 2008 are net of anticipated insurance recoveries of $11,935. The accompanying combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 includes $4,123 and $5,562 in accounts receivable and other assets (long-term), respectively, related to insurance recoveries.


F-18


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Note 6.   Intangible Assets
 
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007:
 
                     
    December 31,     Estimated
    2008     2007     Useful Lives
 
Gross carrying amount of amortizable intangible assets
                   
Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships
  $ 143,243     $ 143,243     4 to 24 years
Season ticket holder relationships
    75,005       75,005     10 to 15 years
Suite holder contracts and relationships (1)
    15,394       21,167     11 years
Broadcast rights
    15,209       15,209     10 years
Other intangibles (2)
    24,734       20,517     5 to 15 years
                     
      273,585       275,141      
                     
Accumulated amortization
                   
Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships
    (55,833 )     (43,830 )    
Season ticket holder relationships
    (20,927 )     (15,476 )    
Suite holder contracts and relationships (1)
    (5,246 )     (9,136 )    
Broadcast rights
    (9,661 )     (8,140 )    
Other intangibles
    (14,342 )     (11,528 )    
                     
      (106,009 )     (88,110 )    
                     
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
    167,576       187,031      
                     
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
                   
Sports franchises (MSG Sports segment) (3)
    96,215       96,215      
Trademarks (MSG Entertainment segment) (2)(3)
    61,881       53,881      
                     
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
    158,096       150,096      
                     
Goodwill (3)
    742,492       742,492      
                     
Total intangible assets, net
  $ 1,068,164     $ 1,079,619      
                     
 
 
(1) During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company wrote-off fully amortized intangible assets related to suite holder contracts.
 
(2) The aggregate increase in the gross carrying amount of other amortizable intangible assets and trademarks for the year ended December 31, 2008 reflects a reclassification of $12,217 of acquired assets from property and equipment related to the finalization of certain purchase price allocations associated with The Chicago Theatre, as discussed in Note 3.
 
(3) Refer to Note 2 for the Company’s Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.


F-19


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets amounted to $23,672, $24,801 and $24,801 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
         
Estimated Amortization Expense:
       
For the year ended December 31, 2009
  $ 19,549  
For the year ended December 31, 2010
    17,629  
For the year ended December 31, 2011
    17,224  
For the year ended December 31, 2012
    14,434  
For the year ended December 31, 2013
    10,574  
 
The carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 by reportable segment is as follows:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
MSG Media
  $ 465,326     $ 465,326  
MSG Entertainment
    58,979       58,979  
MSG Sports
    218,187       218,187  
                 
    $ 742,492     $ 742,492  
                 
 
Note 7.   Leases
 
The Company has various long-term noncancelable operating lease agreements with non-affiliates primarily for entertainment venues and office and storage space expiring at various dates through 2026. Certain leases include renewal provisions at our option and provide for additional rent based on sales. The rent expense associated with such operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term. The difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent. Rent expense under these lease agreements totaled $29,222, $27,295 and $19,294 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
In addition, Cablevision leases certain office facilities under long-term lease agreements with non-affiliates. The Company pays its share of monthly lease payments for the portion of the premises occupied by its employees. Rent expense incurred by the Company which was charged by Cablevision for such leases was approximately $6,187, $5,150 and $3,008 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
As of December 31, 2008, future minimum rental payments under leases with non-affiliates having noncancelable initial lease terms in excess of one year were as follows:
 
         
2009
  $ 29,437  
2010
    29,362  
2011
    29,610  
2012
    29,558  
2013
    29,450  
Thereafter
    247,903  
         
    $ 395,320  
         


F-20


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Under the terms of a lease agreement and related guaranty, subsidiaries of the Company have certain operating requirements and are required to meet a certain net worth obligation. In the event that these subsidiaries were to fail to meet the required obligations and were unable to avail themselves of the provided for cure options, the landlord could terminate the lease.
 
Capital lease assets for transponder space have been subleased to the Company from Cablevision. As of December 31, 2008, the future minimum lease payments for capital lease obligations were as follows:
 
         
2009
  $ 1,822  
2010
    1,822  
2011
    1,822  
2012
    622  
2013
    622  
Thereafter
    3,921  
         
Total minimum lease payments
    10,631  
Less amount representing interest
    (3,174 )
         
Present value of minimum future capital lease payments
    7,457  
Less principal portion of current installments
    (1,221 )
         
Long-term portion of obligations under capital leases
  $ 6,236  
         
 
The long-term portion of obligations under capital leases is classified as other liabilities in the accompanying combined balance sheets.
 
Note 8.   Contractual Obligations and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Future cash payments required under unconditional purchase obligations pursuant to material contracts entered into by the Company in the normal course of business as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:
 
                                         
                            More Than
 
    Total     Year 1     Years 2-3     Years 4-5     5 Years  
 
Off balance sheet arrangements:
                                       
Contractual obligations (1)
  $ 1,477,594     $ 210,645     $ 285,014     $ 152,768     $ 829,167  
Letters of credit (2)
    2,400       2,400                    
                                         
      1,479,994       213,045       285,014       152,768       829,167  
                                         
Contractual obligations reflected on the balance sheet (3)
    63,942       29,496       10,159       5,888       18,399  
                                         
Total
  $ 1,543,936     $ 242,541     $ 295,173     $ 158,656     $ 847,566  
                                         
 
 
(1) Contractual obligation amounts not reflected on the balance sheet consist primarily of (i) long-term rights agreements which provide the Company with exclusive telecast rights to certain live sporting events in exchange for minimum contractual payments in the MSG Media segment, (ii) payments under employment agreements that the Company has with its professional sports teams’ personnel in the MSG Sports segment that are generally guaranteed regardless of employee injury or termination, and (iii) minimum purchase requirements incurred in the normal course of the Company’s operations.
 
(2) Consists primarily of a letter of credit obtained by the Company under a certain lease agreement.


F-21


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
(3) Consists principally of amounts earned under employment agreements that the Company has with certain of its professional sports teams’ personnel in the MSG Sports segment. Refer to Note 2 for further discussion as to the nature of these contractual obligations.
 
The future cash payments reflected above do not include the impact of potential insurance recoveries or amounts which may be due to the NBA for luxury tax payments or the NHL for revenue sharing.
 
Note 9.   Legal Matters
 
NHL Litigation
 
MSG L.P. filed a lawsuit in September 2007 against the NHL and certain related entities. This suit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleged violations of the United States Federal and New York State antitrust laws as a result of agreements providing the NHL with the exclusive right to control, for most commercial purposes, the individual clubs’ trademarks, licensing, advertising and distribution opportunities. The suit sought declaratory relief against these alleged anticompetitive activities and against the imposition by the NHL of any sanctions or penalties for the filing and prosecution of the lawsuit. The NHL filed counterclaims against MSG L.P. alleging that MSG L.P.’s prosecution of its lawsuit violated contractual obligations and seeking a judicial declaration that the NHL had the right to pursue disciplinary proceedings against MSG L.P. under the NHL constitution.
 
In March 2009, the parties entered into a settlement agreement, and this action and the counterclaims have been dismissed. Provisions for all legal expenses related to this matter were primarily recognized as of December 31, 2008.
 
Litigation Against MSG L.P.
 
In March 2008, a lawsuit was filed against MSG L.P. arising out of a January 23, 2007 automobile accident involving an individual who was allegedly drinking at several different establishments prior to the accident, allegedly including at an event at The Garden. The accident resulted in the death of one person and caused serious injuries to another. The plaintiffs filed suit against MSG L.P., the driver, and a New York City bar, asserting claims under the New York Dram Shop Act and seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. The Company has insurance coverage for compensatory damages and legal expenses in this matter. The Company has not recognized a provision for this claim as of December 31, 2008. The case is in discovery.
 
Other Matters
 
In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe that resolution of these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial position or liquidity of the Company.
 
Note 10.   Fair Value Measurement
 
As discussed in Note 2, the Company adopted the guidance under ASC Topic 820 on January 1, 2008 for certain financial assets and financial liabilities, which among other things, required enhanced disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. The Company’s adoption of the guidance under ASC Topic 820 was limited to certain financial assets and financial liabilities within the scope of ASC Topic 820, which relate to the Company’s cash equivalents.


F-22


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
The fair value hierarchy, as outlined in the guidance under ASC Topic 820, is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
 
  •  Level I — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
 
  •  Level II — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
 
  •  Level III — Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
 
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company’s financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2008:
 
                                 
    Level I     Level II     Level III     Total  
 
Assets:
                               
Cash equivalents
  $     $ 73,852     $     $ 73,852  
 
The Company’s cash equivalents are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued primarily on inputs that can be observed with market price information and other relevant information from third-party pricing services.
 
Note 11.   Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Company Sponsored Plans
 
The Company sponsors a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan covering its non-union employees hired prior to January 1, 2001 (the “Retirement Plan”). Benefits payable to retirees under the Retirement Plan are based upon years of service and participants’ compensation. The Company also sponsors an unfunded, non-qualified defined benefit pension plan for the benefit of certain employees who participate in the underlying qualified plan (the “Excess Plan”). This plan provides that, upon retirement, a participant will receive a benefit based on a formula which reflects the participant’s compensation. As of December 31, 2007, both the Retirement Plan and Excess Plan were amended to freeze all benefits earned through December 31, 2007 and eliminate the ability of participants to earn benefits for future service under these plans. These transactions have been accounted for as plan curtailments which reduced the liability relating to these plans by $18,803, of which $15,873, before tax, was recognized as a gain with the balance recorded as a credit to accumulated other comprehensive income.
 
In addition, the Company sponsors two non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plans covering certain of its union employees (“Union Plans”). Benefits payable to retirees under the Union Plans are based upon years of service and, for one plan, participants’ compensation.
 
The Retirement Plan, Excess Plan and Union Plans are collectively referred to as “Pension Plans.”
 
The Company also sponsors a contributory welfare plan which provides certain postretirement health care benefits to certain employees hired prior to January 1, 2001 and their dependents that are eligible for early or normal retirement under the Retirement Plan, as well as certain union employees (“Postretirement Plan”).


F-23


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
The following table summarizes the projected benefit obligations, assets, funded status and the amounts recorded on the Company’s combined balance sheets associated with the Pension Plans and Postretirement Plan based upon actuarial valuations as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 (the measurement date).
 
                                 
    Pension
    Postretirement
 
    Plans     Plan  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Change in benefit obligation:
                               
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 79,801     $ 99,809     $ 6,246     $ 6,907  
Service cost
    334       4,805       251       367  
Interest cost
    4,836       5,919       331       380  
Curtailment gain
          (18,803 )            
Actuarial loss (gain)
    10,456       (10,241 )     (344 )     (1,170 )
Benefits paid
    (2,033 )     (1,688 )     (274 )     (238 )
                                 
Benefit obligation at end of year
    93,394       79,801       6,210       6,246  
                                 
Change in plan assets:
                               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
    68,913       54,544              
Actual return on plan assets
    4,127       3,841              
Employer contributions
    529       12,216              
Benefits paid
    (2,033 )     (1,688 )            
                                 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
    71,536       68,913              
                                 
Funded status at end of year
  $ (21,858 )   $ (10,888 )   $ (6,210 )   $ (6,246 )
                                 
 
Amounts recognized in the combined balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 consist of:
 
                                 
    Pension
    Postretirement
 
    Plans     Plan  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Non-current assets (included in other assets)
  $     $ 3,878     $     $  
Current liabilities (included in accrued employee related costs)
    (366 )     (289 )     (226 )     (226 )
Non-current liabilities (included in defined benefit and other postretirement obligations)
    (21,492 )     (14,477 )     (5,984 )     (6,020 )
                                 
    $ (21,858 )   $ (10,888 )   $ (6,210 )   $ (6,246 )
                                 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax, as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 consists of the following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost:
 
                                 
    Pension
    Postretirement
 
    Plans     Plan  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Actuarial gain (loss)
  $ (11,272 )   $ (482 )   $ 856     $ 579  
Prior service credit (cost) and unrecognized transition asset
    (4 )     (4 )     918       1,050  
                                 
    $ (11,276 )   $ ( 486 )   $ 1,774     $ 1,629  
                                 


F-24


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s Pension Plans and Postretirement Plan for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
 
                                                         
    Pension
    Postretirement
       
    Plans     Plan        
    2008     2007     2006     2008     2007     2006        
 
Service cost
  $ 334     $ 4,805     $ 4,988     $ 251     $ 367     $ 399          
Interest cost
    4,836       5,919       5,441       331       380       361          
Expected return on plan assets
    (4,509 )     (4,569 )     (3,686 )                          
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)
    50       111       627       (67 )     (10 )     (4 )        
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (credit) and transition asset
          22       22       (132 )     (133 )     (133 )        
                                                         
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 711     $ 6,288     $ 7,392     $ 383     $ 604     $ 623          
                                                         
Curtailment gain
  $     $ 15,873     $     $     $     $          
                                                         
 
Other pre-tax changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
 
                                         
    Pension
    Postretirement
       
    Plans     Plan        
    2008     2007     2008     2007        
 
Actuarial gain (loss)
  $ (10,839 )   $ 9,513     $ 344     $ 1,170          
Recognized actuarial (gain) loss
    50       2,813 (1)     (67 )     (10 )        
Recognized prior service (credit) cost and transition asset
          250 (1)     (132 )     (133 )        
                                         
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (10,789 )   $ 12,576     $ 145     $ 1,027          
                                         
 
 
(1) Includes impact of plan curtailments.
 
The estimated net loss and prior service cost for the Pension Plans expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $178 and $2, respectively. The estimated net gain and prior service credit for the Postretirement Plan expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $44 and $132, respectively.
 
Funded Status
 
The accumulated benefit obligation for the Pension Plans aggregated to $92,437 at December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2008 each of the Pension Plans had accumulated benefit obligations and projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets.
 
The accumulated benefit obligation for the Pension Plans aggregated to $78,971 at December 31, 2007. The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for Pension Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2007 were $15,562 and $1,263, respectively. The aggregate projected benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for Pension


F-25


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2007 were $23,186 and $8,421, respectively.
 
Pension Plans and Postretirement Plan Assumptions
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations (made at the end of the year) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
 
                                 
    Pension
    Postretirement
 
    Plans     Plan  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Discount rate
    5.81 %     6.15 %     5.80 %     6.05 %
Rate of compensation increase
    3.00 %     3.00 %     n/a       n/a  
Health care trend rate assumed for next years
    n/a       n/a       9.00 %     10.00 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
    n/a       n/a       5.00 %     5.00 %
Years that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
    n/a       n/a       2014       2014  
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (made at the beginning of the year) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
 
                                                 
    Pension
    Postretirement
 
    Plans     Plan  
    2008     2007     2006     2008     2007     2006  
 
Discount rate
    6.15 %     6.14 %     5.75 %     6.05 %     6.05 %     5.75 %
Expected long-term return on plan assets
    7.41 %     8.00 %     8.00 %     n/a       n/a       n/a  
Rate of compensation increase
    3.00 %     4.39 %     4.00 %     n/a       n/a       n/a  
Healthcare trend rate assumed for next years
    n/a       n/a       n/a       10.00 %     9.00 %     9.00 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)
    n/a       n/a       n/a       5.00 %     5.00 %     5.00 %
Years that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
    n/a       n/a       n/a       2014       2013       2012  
 
The discount rate was determined (based on the expected duration of the benefit payments for the plans) by referring to applicable bond yields (such as Moody’s Aaa Corporate Bonds) and the Buck Consultants’ Discount Rate Model (which is developed by examining the yields on selected highly rated corporate bonds), to select a rate at which the Company believed the plans’ benefits could be effectively settled. The Company’s expected long-term return on plan assets is based on a periodic review and modeling of the plan’s asset allocation structure over a long-term horizon. Expectations of returns for each asset class are the most important of the assumptions used in the review and modeling and are based on comprehensive reviews of historical data and economic/financial market theory. The expected long-term rate of return was selected from within the reasonable range of rates determined by (a) historical real returns, net of inflation, for the asset classes covered by the investment policy, and (b) projections of inflation over the long-term period during which benefits are payable to plan participants.


F-26


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the Postretirement Plan. A one-percentage-point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects:
 
                                         
    Increase (Decrease) on Total of
  Increase (Decrease) on
    Service and Interest Cost
  Benefits Obligation at
    Components for the Years Ended December 31,   December 31,
    2008   2007   2006   2008   2007
 
One percentage point increase
  $ 80     $ 121     $ 129     $ 742     $ 772  
One percentage point decrease
  $ (71 )   $ (101 )   $ (107 )   $ (642 )   $ (663 )
 
Plan Assets and Investment Policy
 
The weighted-average asset allocation of the Retirement Plan and Union Plans at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was as follows:
 
                 
Asset Category:
  2008     2007  
 
Fixed income securities
    75 %     28 %
Cash equivalents
    25 %      
Equity securities
          64 %
Other
          8 %
                 
      100 %     100 %
                 
 
On January 1, 2007, the Retirement Plan, Union Plans, and the Cablevision sponsored Cash Balance Retirement Plan assets were pooled together into the Cablevision Retirement Plan Master Trust (“Master Trust”). Although assets of these plans are commingled in the Master Trust, the trustee maintained supporting records for the purpose of allocating the net gain or loss of the investment account to these plans. The net investment income or loss of the investment assets was allocated by the trustee to the Retirement Plan, Union Plans and Cablevision Cash Balance Retirement Plan based on the relationship of the interest of each plan to the total of the interests of the plans in the Master Trust.
 
On July 1, 2008, the trustee for the Master Trust was changed, whereby the trustee maintains the assets of the Cablevision Cash Balance Retirement Plan (“Cablevision Plan Trust”) separately from the Retirement Plan and Union Plans (“MSG Pension Plan Trust”). All investment gains and losses that prior to July 1, 2008 were allocated between the Cablevision Cash Balance Retirement Plan, Retirement Plan, and Union Plans based on their interest in the total assets of the Master Trust, are now accounted for by the trustee based on investment gains and losses on the assets held in the Cablevision Plan Trust and MSG Pension Plan Trust. Investment gains and losses for the Retirement Plan and Union Plans are allocated by the trustee based on the relationship of the interest of each of these plans to the total of the interest of these plans in the MSG Pension Plan Trust.
 
The Master Trust’s investment objectives are to invest in portfolios that would obtain a market rate of return throughout economic cycles, commensurate with the investment risk and cash flow needs of the plans. This requires the Master Trust to subject a portion of its assets to increased risk to generate a greater rate of return. The investments held in the Master Trust are readily marketable and can be sold to fund benefit payment obligations of the plans as they become payable.
 
In November 2008, the Master Trust’s investment objectives were amended to reflect an overall lower risk tolerance to stock market volatility. The amended investment objectives modified the asset allocations so


F-27


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
that any equity investments held by the Master Trust would be reinvested in cash, cash equivalent investments and/or other appropriate fixed income investments.
 
Contributions for Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plans
 
The Company is currently not required to make minimum contributions to the Retirement Plan and Union Plans in 2009, however, the Company expects to contribute $210 to the Union Plans in 2009.
 
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
 
The following table presents estimated future benefit payments, as well as the expected Medicare Prescription Drug Subsidy, for the Pension Plans and Postretirement Plan:
 
                         
    Pension
  Postretirement
   
    Plans   Plan   Subsidy
 
2009
  $ 2,548     $ 256     $ 23  
2010
    2,716       293       23  
2011
    2,828       331       23  
2012
    2,937       340       23  
2013
    3,101       365       23  
2014 — 2018
    20,203       2,497       102  
 
Cablevision Sponsored Plans
 
Cablevision sponsors a non-contributory qualified defined benefit cash balance retirement plan and an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified excess cash balance plan that cover certain of the Company’s employees hired on or after January 1, 2001 and, effective January 1, 2008, the affected Retirement Plan and Excess Plan participants. In connection with these plans, Cablevision charges the Company for credits made into an account established for each participant. In addition, Cablevision sponsors 401(k) savings plans in which the Company participates. The Company makes matching cash contributions for a portion of employee contributions to the 401(k) savings plans. Expense related to these Cablevision sponsored plans included in the accompanying combined statements of operations totaled $5,814, $2,992 and $1,944 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Multi-employer Plans
 
The Company contributes to various multi-employer pension plans. Contributions made to these multi-employer plans for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 approximated $7,717, $6,323 and $6,966, respectively. In addition, the Company contributed $8,154, $5,485 and $6,591, respectively for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, to multi-employer plans that provide health and welfare benefits to active as well as retired employees.
 
Treatment of Retirement Benefits after the Distribution
 
After the Distribution, liabilities for benefits under Cablevision’s cash balance retirement plan, unfunded non-contributory non-qualified excess cash balance plan, and 401(k) plans (collectively, the “Cablevision Retirement Plans”), in which the Company’s employees participate, will be transferred and assumed by the Company (to the extent not already reflected in the Company’s accompanying combined balance sheets).


F-28


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Following the Distribution, the Company expects to offer retirement plans that are substantially similar to the Cablevision Retirement Plans.
 
Note 12.   Equity Plans
 
Cablevision’s Equity Plans
 
Cablevision is authorized to grant under its 2006 Employee Stock Plan incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and other equity-based awards. Options and stock appreciation rights under the 2006 Employee Stock Plan must be granted with an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of a share of Cablevision’s Class A common stock on the date of grant and must expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant (or up to one additional year in the case of the death of a holder). The terms and conditions of awards granted under the 2006 Employee Stock Plan, including vesting and exercisability, are determined by Cablevision’s compensation committee of the Board of Directors and may be based upon performance criteria.
 
Cablevision is also authorized to grant under its 2006 Stock Plan for Cablevision’s Non-Employee Directors nonqualified stock options, restricted stock units and other equity-based awards. Options under this plan must be granted with an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of a share of Cablevision’s Class A common stock on the date of grant and must expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant (or up to one additional year in the case of the death of a holder). The terms and conditions of awards granted under the Cablevision 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, including vesting and exercisability, are determined by Cablevision’s compensation committee of the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise provided in an applicable award agreement, options granted under this plan will be fully vested and exercisable, and restricted stock units granted under this plan will be fully vested, upon the date of grant. In 2008 and 2007, Cablevision granted its non-employee directors an aggregate of 42,320 and 36,900 restricted stock units, respectively, which also vested on the date of grant. A portion of the expense recorded by Cablevision relating to these awards were allocated to the Company. The Cablevision 2006 Employee Stock Plan and the 2006 Stock Plan for Cablevision’s Non-Employee Directors are collectively referred to as the “Cablevision 2006 Stock Plans.”
 
Options under the Cablevision 2006 Stock Plans were typically scheduled to vest over three years in 331/3% annual increments and to expire 10 years from the grant date. Restricted shares under the Cablevision 2006 Stock Plans were typically subject to three or four year cliff vesting. Options and restricted stock units issued to non-employee directors have been fully vested on the date of grant.
 
Previously, Cablevision had a 1996 Employee Stock Plan under which it was authorized to grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and bonus awards and a 1996 Stock Plan for Cablevision’s Non-Employee Directors under which it was authorized to grant options and restricted stock units. The Cablevision 1996 Employee Stock Plan expired in February 2006 and the Cablevision 1996 Non-Employee Directors Stock Plan expired in May 2006. These plans provided that the exercise price of stock options and stock appreciation rights could not be less than the fair market value per share of Cablevision’s Class A common stock on the date the option was granted and the option expired no later than 10 years from the date of grant (or up to one additional year in the case of the death of a holder of nonqualified options). The Cablevision 2006 Stock Plans, 1996 Employee Stock Plan, and the 1996 Stock Plan for Cablevision’s Non-Employee Directors are collectively referred to as the “Cablevision Stock Plans.”
 
Performance based options awarded under the 1996 Employee Stock Plan were typically subject to approximately two year or three year cliff vesting, with exercisability subject to achievement of specific


F-29


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
performance criteria. Performance based options expire 10 years from the date of grant (or up to one additional year in the case of the death of the holder). Cablevision has 809,000 performance based options and 775,401 stock appreciation rights outstanding at December 31, 2008 of which 82,200 and 101,774, respectively, are held by Company employees.
 
Options and performance based option compensation expense is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Share-based compensation (which includes options, performance options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights) for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience.
 
The following table presents the share-based compensation expense (income) recorded for 2008, 2007 and 2006 relating to Company employees participating in the Cablevision Stock Plans and compensation expense relating to Cablevision corporate employees and directors and the portion of such share-based compensation expense that was allocated to the Company. For purposes of the following table and remaining Note, the portion of share-based compensation expense related to Cablevision corporate employees that is allocated to the Company includes allocations for the Company’s Executive Chairman, and President and Chief Executive Officer (which amounts are not included in the Company employee amounts), given they are also executive officers of Cablevision:
 
                                                                         
    Share-based Compensation Expense Related to the Cablevision Stock Plans  
          Share-based Compensation
       
    Share-based Compensation
    Expense Related to
       
    Expense Related to
    Cablevision Corporate Employees and
                   
    Awards Granted to Company Employees     Directors Allocated to the Company     Total Share-based Compensation Expense  
    Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006     2008     2007     2006     2008     2007     2006  
 
Stock options
  $ 1,202     $ 1,453     $ 3,315     $ 1,011     $ 1,850     $ 2,804     $ 2,213     $ 3,303     $ 6,119  
Stock appreciation rights
    (573 )     (19 )     1,863       (574 )     (139 )     923       (1,147 )     (158 )     2,786  
Restricted shares
    7,334       4,627       2,978       4,332       3,943       3,934       11,666       8,570       6,912  
                                                                         
Share based compensation
  $ 7,963     $ 6,061     $ 8,156     $ 4,769     $ 5,654     $ 7,661     $ 12,732     $ 11,715     $ 15,817  
                                                                         
 
In connection with the adoption of the guidance issued under ASC Topic 718, the Company recorded $238 as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of taxes, in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
Valuation Assumptions — Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
 
Cablevision calculates the fair value of each option award on the date of grant and for each stock appreciation right on the date of grant and at the end of each reporting period using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For unvested share-based awards as of January 1, 2006, granted prior to 2006, Cablevision’s computation of expected life was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the share-based awards and vesting schedules. In addition, for stock appreciation rights, expected term was also determined based on historical experience of similar awards as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. For options granted in 2006, Cablevision’s computation of expected life was based on the simplified method (the average of the vesting period and option term) as prescribed in SAB No. 107, Share Based Payments. The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the share-based award is based on interest yields for U.S. Treasury instruments in effect at the time of grant and as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 for stock appreciation rights. Cablevision’s computation of expected volatility is based on historical volatility of its common stock.


F-30


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of Cablevision stock appreciation rights outstanding relating to Company employees as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively:
 
             
    December 31,
    2008   2007   2006
 
Range of risk-free interest rates
  0.26%-0.94%   3.12%-3.45%   4.74%-5.02%
Weighted average expected life (in years)
  1.13   1.40   1.58
Dividend yield
  1.77%   0%   0%
Weighted average volatility
  37.10%   20.04%   23.62%
 
The weighted average grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights outstanding relating to Company employees at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $7.72, $14.27 and $19.11, respectively.
 
Share-Based Payment Award Activity
 
The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held Cablevision stock options for the year ended December 31, 2008:
 
                                         
                Weighted
    Weighted
       
    Shares Under Option     Average
    Average
       
    Time
    Performance
    Exercise
    Remaining
    Aggregate
 
    Vesting
    Vesting
    Price Per
    Contractual
    Intrinsic
 
    Options     Options     Share     Term (In Years)     Value(2)  
 
Balance, December 31, 2007(1)
    797,950       59,800     $ 14.23       6.69     $ 10,340  
Exercised
    (24,593 )         $ 14.26                  
Forfeited/Expired
    (6,000 )         $ 28.12                  
Transfer(3)
    29,600       22,400     $ 17.28                  
                                         
Balance, December 31, 2008(1)
    796,957       82,200     $ 14.31       5.84     $ 4,249  
                                         
Options exercisable at December 31, 2008(1)
    696,925       82,200     $ 14.48       5.77     $ 3,722  
                                         
Options expected to vest in the future(l)
    99,466           $ 12.99       6.32     $ 527  
                                         
 
 
(1) As a result of a special $10.00 dividend declared by Cablevision, options issued under the 1996 Employee Stock Plan and the 1996 Non-Employee Directors Plan that were not vested on or prior to December 31, 2004 but were outstanding at the time of the dividend were adjusted to reduce their per share exercise price by the amount of the dividend. The per share exercise price of options that were vested on or prior to December 31, 2004 was not adjusted and the holders will receive the amount of the $10.00 dividend, together with all subsequent quarterly dividends declared by Cablevision (collectively “Dividends”) upon exercise.
 
(2) The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying award and (ii) the quoted price of Cablevision’s NY Group Class A common stock on December 31, 2008 and 2007 plus, where applicable, the Dividends.
 
(3) Represents the transfer of stock options for an employee who transferred from a Cablevision affiliated entity to the Company.
 
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying awards and (ii) the quoted price of Cablevision’s NY Group Class A common stock plus, where


F-31


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
applicable, the Dividends for the 731,157 options outstanding held by Company employees (which included 671,157 exercisable options) that were in-the-money at December 31, 2008. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised by Company employees under Cablevision’s stock option plans was $463, $4,295 and $2,675, respectively, determined as of the date of option exercise, plus, where applicable, the Dividends which each holder of options vested on or prior to December 31, 2004 received upon exercise.
 
The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held Cablevision restricted shares for the year ended December 31, 2008:
 
                 
        Weighted Average
        Fair Value Per
    Restricted
  Share at Date of
    Shares   Grant
 
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2007
    591,199     $ 25.46  
Granted
    474,500     $ 24.92  
Awards vested
    (25,000 )   $ 21.47  
Forfeited
    (46,567 )   $ 25.52  
Transfer(1)
    33,600     $ 26.20  
                 
Unvested award balance, December 31, 2008
    1,027,732     $ 25.33  
                 
 
 
(1) Represents the transfer of restricted shares for an employee who transferred from a Cablevision affiliated entity to the Company.
 
The following table summarizes the vested shares outstanding relating to Company employees who held Cablevision stock appreciation rights at December 31, 2008. There were no unvested stock appreciation rights outstanding as of December 31, 2008.
 
                                 
        Weighted
       
        Average
  Weighted
   
    Outstanding
  Exercise Price
  Average
   
    Vested Stock
  Per Share at
  Remaining
  Aggregate
    Appreciation
  December 31,
  Contractual
  Intrinsic
   
Rights
  2008   Term (In Years)   Value(1)
 
Balance, December 31, 2008
    101,774     $ 24.51       1.89     $ 781  
                                 
 
 
(1) The aggregate intrinsic value, which will be settled in cash, is calculated as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying award and (ii) the quoted price of Cablevision’s NY Group Class A common stock plus, where applicable, the Dividends.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the amount of cash paid by the Company to Cablevision to settle the aggregate intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights exercised under the Cablevision Stock Plans for Company employees was $250, $1,994 and $893, respectively, determined as of the date of exercise. In addition, amounts allocated and paid by the Company for the aggregate intrinsic value of stock appreciation rights exercised by Cablevision corporate employees amounted to $290, $643 and $929 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, determined as of the date of exercise. The aggregate intrinsic value, which was settled in cash, is calculated as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying awards and (ii) the quoted price of the Class A common stock as of the date of exercise, plus for the 2008 and 2007 periods, the Dividends which each holder of rights vested prior to December 31, 2004 received upon exercise.


F-32


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
As of December 31, 2008, there was approximately $11,681 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to Company employees who held unvested Cablevision options and restricted shares under the Cablevision Stock Plans. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1 year.
 
Treatment of Share-Based Payment Awards After the Distribution
 
In connection with the Distribution, each Cablevision stock option and stock appreciation right (“right” or “SAR”) will become two options/rights: one will be an option/right to acquire Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and one an option/right to acquire the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The number of shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock that will be subject to each option/right will be based on the distribution ratio (i.e., the number of shares of Cablevision common stock in respect of which one share of the Company’s common stock will be issued in the Distribution). The Company’s employees will not be treated as having terminated their employment for vesting purposes for so long as they remain employed by Cablevision or one of its affiliates (the Company will still be an affiliate of Cablevision following the Distribution). The options and the rights with respect to the Company’s Class A Common Stock will be issued under a new Employee Stock Plan. The existing exercise price will be allocated between the existing Cablevision options/rights and the Company’s new options/rights based upon the respective market prices of the Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock and the Company’s Class A Common Stock and taking into account the distribution ratio. Further, in the Distribution, shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock will be issued in respect of the restricted stock issued by Cablevision based upon the distribution ratio. The Company’s shares will be restricted on the same basis as the Cablevision restricted shares in respect of which they are issued.
 
Note 13.   Related Party Transactions
 
The Company provides services to and receives services from Cablevision. The combined financial statements of the Company reflect the application of certain allocation policies of Cablevision. Management believes that these charges have been made on a reasonable basis. However, it is not practicable to determine whether the allocated amounts represent amounts that might have been incurred on a stand-alone basis, including as a separate independent publicly traded company, as there are no company-specific or comparable industry benchmarks with which to make such estimates. Actual costs that may have been incurred if the Company had been a stand-alone company would depend on a number of factors, including what functions were outsourced or performed by employees and strategic decisions made in areas such as information technology staffing and infrastructure. Explanations of the composition and the amounts of the significant


F-33


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
transactions and charges, not explained elsewhere in the accompanying notes to the combined financial statements, are described below:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 121,059     $ 105,035     $ 94,911  
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
Corporate general and administrative
  $ (24,290 )   $ (25,627 )   $ (24,732 )
Health and welfare plans
    (10,656 )     (8,697 )     (7,794 )
Advertising
    (1,268 )     (1,148 )     (1,107 )
Sales support function
    (100 )     (2,535 )     (403 )
Studio production services
    (4,200 )     (4,831 )     (4,805 )
Film library usage
    (3,117 )     (878 )     (14 )
Programming and production services
    (8,441 )     (7,612 )     (6,993 )
Long-term incentive plan
    (13,801 )     (13,972 )     (11,365 )
Risk management and general insurance
    (6,371 )     (6,768 )     (6,671 )
Other
    (1,310 )     (4,285 )     (1,554 )
 
Revenues, net
 
The Company recognizes revenue from the distribution of programming services to subsidiaries of Cablevision. Cablevision pays the Company for advertising in connection with signage at events, sponsorships and television advertisements. The Company also incurs advertising expenses charged by Cablevision. The Company together with other subsidiaries of Cablevision, may enter into agreements with third parties in which the amounts paid/received by Cablevision, its subsidiaries, or the Company may differ from the amounts that would have been paid/received if such arrangements were negotiated separately. Where other subsidiaries of Cablevision have incurred a cost incremental to fair value and the Company has received a benefit incremental to fair value from these negotiations, the other subsidiaries of Cablevision charge the Company for the incremental amount.
 
Corporate General and Administrative
 
General and administrative costs, including costs of maintaining corporate headquarters, facilities and common support functions (such as executive management, human resources, legal, finance, tax, accounting, audit, treasury, strategic planning, information technology, creative and production services, etc.) have been charged to the Company by Cablevision. Such costs charged to the Company have been included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
Health and Welfare Plans
 
Employees of the Company participate in health and welfare plans sponsored by Cablevision. Health and welfare benefit costs have generally been charged by Cablevision based upon the proportionate number of participants in the plans. Such costs charged to the Company have been included in technical and operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses.


F-34


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Sales Support Function
 
Cablevision provides affiliate sales support functions which primarily include salaries, facilities, and general and administrative costs to the Company.
 
Studio Production Services
 
Cablevision provides various studio production services for the Company.
 
Film Library Usage
 
The Company’s MSG Media segment has usage of the film library of Cablevision.
 
Programming and Production Services
 
Cablevision provides certain programming signal transmission and production services to the Company. Such costs charged to the Company have been included in technical and operating expenses.
 
Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
Cablevision charges to the Company its proportionate share of expenses related to Cablevision’s long-term incentive plans. Such amounts are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the combined statements of operations. The long-term incentive plans are funded by the Company and aggregate liabilities of $32,605 and $29,964, related to these plans are included in current and long-term accrued employee related costs in the Company’s combined balance sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These liabilities include certain performance based awards for which the performance criteria had not been met as of December 31, 2008 as such awards are based on achievement of certain performance criteria through December 31, 2010. The Company has accrued the amount that it currently believes will ultimately be paid based upon the performance criteria established for these performance based awards. If it is subsequently determined that the performance criteria for such awards is not probable of being achieved, the Company would reverse the accrual in respect of such award at that time.
 
Risk Management and General Insurance
 
Cablevision provides the Company with risk management and general insurance.
 
Advances to Cablevision
 
The Company has advances outstanding to a subsidiary of Cablevision at December 31, 2008 and 2007 of $190,000 and $130,000, respectively, in the form of non-interest bearing advances which are classified as non-current advances due from Cablevision in the accompanying combined balance sheets.
 
Treatment of Long-Term Incentive Plans after the Distribution
 
In 2008, 2007 and 2006, Cablevision granted three-year performance awards to certain executive officers and other members of management under Cablevision’s 2006 Cash Incentive Plan. The Company’s employees will not be treated as having terminated their employment for vesting purposes for so long as they remain employed by Cablevision or one of its affiliates (the Company will still be an affiliate of Cablevision following the Distribution). The performance metrics in each employee’s applicable award agreement are required to be adjusted to reflect the exclusion of the Company from the business of Cablevision. Amounts


F-35


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
applicable to employees of the Company are and will continue to be reflected as liabilities in the Company’s balance sheet until settled.
 
Deferred compensation awards granted by Cablevision pursuant to Cablevision’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (which was superseded by the Cash Incentive Plan in 2006) will be similarly unaffected by the Distribution. The Company’s employees will not be treated as having terminated their employment for vesting purposes for so long as they remain employed by Cablevision or one of its affiliates (the Company will still be an affiliate of Cablevision following the Distribution). Amounts applicable to employees of the Company are and will continue to be reflected as liabilities in the Company’s balance sheet until settled.
 
Note 14.   Property and Equipment
 
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 property and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) consisted of the following assets, which are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives shown below:
 
                     
    December 31,      
    2008     2007     Estimated Useful Lives
 
Land (1)
  $ 67,918     $ 66,172      
Buildings (1)
    183,385       188,529     7 to 32 years
Equipment (1)
    218,418       201,370     2 to 15 years
Aircraft. 
    38,611       38,611     15 years
Furniture and fixtures (1)
    14,756       11,920     3 to 8 years
Leasehold improvements
    106,238       103,068     Shorter of term of lease or life of improvement
Construction in progress
    39,958       7,481      
                     
      669,284       617,151      
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (344,778 )     (304,996 )    
                     
    $ 324,506     $ 312,155      
                     
 
 
(1) Changes in the gross carrying amount for the year ended December 31, 2008 reflect reclassifications among property and equipment categories, as well as a decrease in total property and equipment of $12,217 which reflects a reclassification to intangible assets related to the finalization of certain purchase price allocations associated with The Chicago Theatre acquisition in October 2007.
 
Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment (including capital leases) amounted to $42,559, $37,422 and $40,194, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
 
The Company has announced its intent to complete a major renovation of the Arena. Through December 31, 2008, the Company has incurred $24,324 in pre-construction planning and development costs associated with the planned renovation which are recorded in construction in progress. Depreciation is being accelerated for the Arena assets that are planned to be removed as a result of the Arena Renovation.


F-36


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the gross amount of equipment and related accumulated depreciation recorded under capital leases are as follows:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Equipment
  $ 13,351     $ 12,710  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (7,621 )     (6,707 )
                 
    $ 5,730     $ 6,003  
                 
 
In 2008, a capital lease asset for transponder space was transferred to the Company from certain Cablevision subsidiaries which resulted in an increase in property and equipment, net, of $640, an increase in a capital lease obligation for transponder space of $785, and an increase in accounts receivable from affiliates of $145.
 
In 2007, a capital lease asset for transponder space was transferred to the Company from a subsidiary of Cablevision which resulted in an increase in property and equipment, net, of $3,467, an increase in a capital lease obligation for transponder space of $3,573, and an increase in accounts receivable from affiliates of $106.
 
The Company has recorded asset retirement obligations primarily related to the estimated cost associated with the removal of assets which will result from the Arena Renovation (see Note 2). The changes in the carrying amount of asset retirement obligations for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
 
         
Balance as of December 31, 2006
  $ 10,139  
Accretion expense
    10  
         
Balance as of December 31, 2007
    10,149  
Additional obligations incurred
    6,011  
Revisions in estimated cash flows
    3,232  
Accretion expense
    565  
         
Balance as of December 31, 2008
  $ 19,957  
         
 
Note 15.   Income Taxes
 
For the periods presented, the results of operations were reflected in the consolidated federal and certain state income tax returns of Cablevision. The income tax expense or benefit is based on the taxable income of the Company on a separate return basis.


F-37


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Income tax expense (benefit) is comprised of the following components:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Current expense:
                       
Federal
  $     $ 1,181     $  
State & other
          382       23  
                         
            1,563       23  
Deferred expense (benefit):
                       
Federal
    (1,259 )     27,397       (2,072 )
State & other
    (10,128 )     16,071       876  
                         
      (11,387 )     43,468       (1,196 )
Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest
                 
                         
Income tax expense (benefit)
  $ (11,387 )   $ 45,031     $ (1,173 )
                         
 
The income tax expense (benefit) differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income principally due to the effect of the following items:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Federal tax expense (benefit) at statutory federal rate
  $ (5,713 )   $ 30,770     $ (4,911 )
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
    (814 )     6,302       (300 )
Change in the estimated applicable corporate tax rate used to determine deferred taxes
    (5,769 )     4,385       869  
Tax expense relating to uncertain tax positions, including accrued interest, net of deferred tax benefits
                 
Nondeductible disability insurance premiums expense and (nontaxable) disability insurance recoveries, net
    (1,555 )     2,362       2,310  
Nondeductible expenses
    2,464       1,212       859  
                         
Income tax expense (benefit)
  $ (11,387 )   $ 45,031     $ (1,173 )
                         
 
The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2008     2007  
 
Deferred Tax Asset (Liability)
               
Investment in MSG L.P. 
  $ (483,352 )   $ (494,045 )
Net operating loss carry forwards
    3,141        
Compensation and benefit plans
    8,276       6,365  
Other
    88       89  
                 
Net noncurrent deferred tax liability
  $ (471,847 )   $ (487,591 )
                 


F-38


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Deferred tax assets have resulted from the Company’s future deductible temporary differences and net tax operating loss carry forwards. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets depends upon the generation of sufficient future taxable income to allow for the utilization of its deductible temporary differences and net tax operating loss carry forwards. If such estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the Company’s statement of operations. At this time, based on current facts and circumstances, management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize benefit for its gross deferred tax assets.
 
The Company has not recorded any unrecognized tax benefit for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2008.
 
Prior to the Distribution, Cablevision will transfer to the Company the Cablevision subsidiaries which own, directly or indirectly, all of the partnership interests in MSG L.P. Certain adjustments to the deferred tax liability will be recorded as of the Distribution date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities presented have been measured using the estimated applicable corporate tax rates historically used by Cablevision for the periods presented. Due to the Company’s significant presence in the City of New York, the estimated applicable corporate tax rates used to measure deferred taxes are expected to be higher on a stand-alone basis. The resulting change in the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities will be recorded as an adjustment to equity as of the Distribution date. In addition, presenting the income tax expense and deferred taxes on a separate return basis results in a difference between the net operating loss carry forward reflected in the deferred tax asset and the actual deferred tax asset for such carry forwards under the applicable tax laws because the operations of the Company were included in the consolidated federal income tax returns of Cablevision for all periods presented. Such inclusion results in utilization of tax losses each year to offset the taxable income of other members in the Cablevision federal consolidated group that are not included in these financial statements. As a result, the net operating loss carry forwards and associated deferred tax asset will be lower. This reduction in the Company’s deferred tax asset will be reflected as an adjustment to equity as of the Distribution date. The Company will have an insignificant amount of tax net operating losses immediately subsequent to the Distribution.
 
Note 16.   Segment Information
 
As discussed in Note 1, the Company classifies its business interests into three reportable segments which are MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports.
 
The Company allocates certain corporate costs to all of its reportable segments. In addition, the Company allocates its venue operating expenses to its MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports segments. Venue operating costs include the non-event related costs of operating the Company’s venues, and includes such costs as rent, real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance and labor related to the overall management of the venues. Depreciation related to The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden is not allocated to the reportable segments and is recognized in “All other.”
 
The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that are either owned or operated by it under long-term leases. The Company owns The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden which are in New York City and The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. It leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The Company also has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.


F-39


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is their operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit and restructuring charges or credits, which is referred to as adjusted operating cash flow, a non-GAAP measure. The Company has presented the components that reconcile adjusted operating cash flow to operating income (loss), an accepted GAAP measure. Information as to the operations of the Company’s reportable segments is set forth below.
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Revenues, net
                       
MSG Media
  $ 430,004     $ 391,522     $ 370,321  
MSG Entertainment
    307,816       316,292       252,965  
MSG Sports
    369,333       355,798       343,343  
Inter-segment eliminations
    (64,195 )     (61,430 )     (61,433 )
                         
    $ 1,042,958     $ 1,002,182     $ 905,196  
                         
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Inter-segment revenues
                       
MSG Media
  $     $     $  
MSG Entertainment
    99       97       74  
MSG Sports
    64,096       61,333       61,359  
                         
    $ 64,195     $ 61,430     $ 61,433  
                         
 
Inter-segment eliminations are primarily local television rights recognized by the Company’s MSG Sports segment from the licensing of team programming to the Company’s MSG Media segment.
 
Reconciliation (by Segment and in Total) of Adjusted Operating Cash Flow to Operating Income (Loss)
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Adjusted operating cash flow
                       
MSG Media
  $ 110,595     $ 108,408     $ 101,345  
MSG Entertainment
    12,299       49,817       46,018  
MSG Sports
    (28,801 )     6,858       (67,009 )
All other (a)
    (33,372 )     (13,617 )     (19,393 )
                         
    $ 60,721     $ 151,466     $ 60,961  
                         
 


F-40


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Depreciation and amortization
                       
MSG Media
  $ 22,451     $ 21,067     $ 22,220  
MSG Entertainment
    9,407       8,718       6,322  
MSG Sports
    10,706       11,783       12,013  
All other (b)
    23,667       20,655       24,440  
                         
    $ 66,231     $ 62,223     $ 64,995  
                         
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Share-based compensation expense
                       
MSG Media
  $ 4,202     $ 4,567     $ 6,282  
MSG Entertainment
    3,692       3,094       4,127  
MSG Sports
    4,838       4,054       5,408  
All other
                 
                         
    $ 12,732     $ 11,715     $ 15,817  
                         
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Restructuring expense
                       
MSG Media
  $     $ 221     $ 143  
MSG Entertainment
                 
MSG Sports
                 
All other
                 
                         
    $     $ 221     $ 143  
                         
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Operating income (loss)
                       
MSG Media
  $ 83,942     $ 82,553     $ 72,700  
MSG Entertainment
    (800 )     38,005       35,569  
MSG Sports
    (44,345 )     (8,979 )     (84,430 )
All other
    (57,039 )     (34,272 )     (43,833 )
                         
    $ (18,242 )   $ 77,307     $ (19,994 )
                         

F-41


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
A reconciliation of reportable segment amounts to the Company’s combined balances is as follows:
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Operating income (loss) before income taxes
                       
Total operating income for reportable segments
  $ 38,797     $ 111,579     $ 23,839  
Other operating loss
    (57,039 )     (34,272 )     (43,833 )
                         
Operating income (loss)
    (18,242 )     77,307       (19,994 )
Items excluded from operating income (loss):
                       
Interest income
    5,193       15,217       11,231  
Interest expense
    (3,274 )     (3,610 )     (5,019 )
Miscellaneous expense
          (1,000 )     (250 )
                         
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes
  $ (16,323 )   $ 87,914     $ (14,032 )
                         
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2008     2007     2006  
 
Capital Expenditures
                       
MSG Media
  $ 11,413     $ 9,875     $ 3,725  
MSG Entertainment
    15,234       6,875       11,664  
MSG Sports
    860       593       609  
All other
    27,685       12,764       7,764  
                         
    $ 55,192     $ 30,107     $ 23,762  
                         
 
 
(a) Consists of legal fees and litigation settlement costs of $24,262, $16,351 and $8,236 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, as well as unallocated corporate general and administrative costs of $9,110, $13,139 and $11,157 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and a $15,873 gain on curtailment of Pension Plans for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
(b) Principally includes depreciation and amortization expense on The Garden and certain corporate property, equipment and leasehold improvement assets not allocated to the Company’s reportable segments.
 
Substantially all revenues and assets of the Company’s reportable segments are attributed to or located in the United States and are primarily concentrated in the New York metropolitan area.
 
Note 17.   Concentrations of Risk
 
Financial instruments that may potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are invested in money market funds and bank time deposits. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company’s emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments. The Company did not have a single non-affiliated customer that represented 10% or more of its combined net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. As discussed in Note 13, revenues from Cablevision amounted to $121,059, $105,035 and $94,911 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which represent 12%, 10% and 10%, respectively, of the Company’s combined net revenues. The Company has


F-42


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
 
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
 
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
advances outstanding to a subsidiary of Cablevision at December 31, 2008 and 2007 of $190,000 and $130,000, respectively, in the form of non-interest bearing advances which are classified as non-current advances due from Cablevision in the accompanying combined balance sheets. The following individual non-affiliated customers accounted for the following percentages of the Company’s combined accounts receivable balances:
 
                 
    December 31,
    2008   2007
 
Customer A
    12 %     11 %
Customer B
    10 %     12 %
 
As of December 31, 2008, approximately 5,000 employees, which represents a substantial portion of the Company’s workforce, are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Approximately 2% are subject to collective bargaining agreements that expired as of December 31, 2008 and approximately 13% are subject to collective bargaining agreements that will expire as of December 31, 2009 if they are not extended prior thereto.
 
Note 18.   Interim Financial Information (Unaudited)
 
The following is a summary of the Company’s selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:
 
                                         
    March 31,
    June 30,
    September 30,
    December 31,
    Total
 
2008:
  2008     2008     2008     2008     2008  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 275,336     $ 209,246     $ 160,818     $ 397,558     $ 1,042,958  
Operating expenses
    (293,499 )     (206,955 )     (169,814 )     (390,932 )     (1,061,200 )
                                         
Operating income (loss)
  $ (18,163 )   $ 2,291     $ (8,996 )   $ 6,626     $ (18,242 )
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (11,519 )   $ 2,448     $ (7,122 )   $ 11,257     $ (4,936 )
                                         
 
                                         
    March 31,
    June 30,
    September 30,
    December 31,
    Total
 
2007:
  2007     2007     2007     2007     2007  
 
Revenues, net
  $ 254,462     $ 190,221     $ 149,762     $ 407,737     $ 1,002,182  
Operating expenses
    (257,605 )     (183,696 )     (150,981 )     (332,593 )     (924,875 )
                                         
Operating income (loss)
  $ (3,143 )   $ 6,525     $ (1,219 )   $ 75,144     $ 77,307  
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ (708 )   $ 5,039     $ 1,011     $ 37,541     $ 42,883  
                                         


F-43


 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)
(Dollars in thousands)

SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
                                 
                Deductions/
       
    Balance at
    Provision
    Write-Offs
    Balance at
 
    Beginning
    for Bad
    and Other
    End of
 
    of Period     Debt     Charges     Period  
 
Year Ended December 31, 2008
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ (3,164 )   $ (2 )   $ 846     $ (2,320 )
                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2007
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ (2,701 )   $ (1,187 )   $ 724     $ (3,164 )
                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2006
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ (3,343 )   $ (408 )   $ 1,050     $ (2,701 )
                                 


F-44


 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                 
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008  
    (Unaudited)        
ASSETS  
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 72,667     $ 70,726  
Restricted cash
    13,769       5,845  
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,963 and $2,320)
    95,925       133,632  
Net receivable due from Cablevision
    7,699       8,115  
Prepaid expenses
    49,957       36,088  
Other current assets
    39,263       22,423  
                 
Total current assets
    279,280       276,829  
Advances due from Cablevision
    190,000       190,000  
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $375,772 and $344,778
    330,725       324,506  
Other assets
    141,662       140,842  
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $102,488 and $106,009
    152,624       167,576  
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
    158,096       158,096  
Goodwill
    742,492       742,492  
                 
    $ 1,994,879     $ 2,000,341  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND COMBINED GROUP EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 4,101     $ 7,893  
Accrued liabilities
    135,890       186,450  
Deferred revenue
    163,141       122,436  
                 
Total current liabilities
    303,132       316,779  
Other liabilities
    134,279       139,092  
Deferred tax liability
    469,708       471,847  
                 
Total liabilities
    907,119       927,718  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
Combined Group Equity:
               
Paid-in capital
    1,038,599       1,027,726  
Retained earnings
    54,485       50,224  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (5,324 )     (5,327 )
                 
Combined group equity
    1,087,760       1,072,623  
                 
    $ 1,994,879     $ 2,000,341  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.


F-45


 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2009     2008  
    (Unaudited)  
 
Revenues, net (including revenues, net from Cablevision of $95,002 and $90,662)
  $ 650,418     $ 645,400  
                 
Operating expenses:
               
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization shown below and including expenses from Cablevision of $23,047 and $23,641)
    401,149       418,434  
Selling, general and administrative (including expenses from Cablevision of $51,780 and $51,318)
    202,245       202,258  
Depreciation and amortization
    45,973       49,576  
                 
      649,367       670,268  
                 
Operating income (loss)
    1,051       (24,868 )
                 
                 
Other income (expense):
               
Interest income (expense), net
    (931 )     2,051  
Miscellaneous
    2,000        
                 
      1,069       2,051  
                 
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes
    2,120       (22,817 )
Income tax benefit
    2,141       6,624  
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,261     $ (16,193 )
                 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.


F-46


 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF GROUP EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                 
                Accumulated
       
                Other
       
    Paid-In
    Retained
    Comprehensive
       
    Capital     Earnings     Income (Loss)     Total  
    (Unaudited)  
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 1,027,726     $ 50,224     $ (5,327 )   $ 1,072,623  
Net income
          4,261             4,261  
Pension and postretirement plan liability adjustments, net of taxes
                3       3  
                                 
Comprehensive income
                            4,264  
Deemed capital contribution related to the allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense
    10,781                   10,781  
Deemed capital distribution related to income taxes
    (56 )                 (56 )
Capital contribution
    148                   148  
                                 
Balance at September 30, 2009
  $ 1,038,599     $ 54,485     $ (5,324 )   $ 1,087,760  
                                 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.


F-47


 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2009     2008  
    (Unaudited)  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,261     $ (16,193 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    45,973       49,576  
Cablevision share-based compensation expense allocations, net
    10,781       10,202  
Amortization of purchase accounting liability related to unfavorable contracts
    (1,344 )     (1,604 )
Deemed capital contribution (distribution) related to income taxes
    (56 )     411  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    436       (200 )
Changes in other assets and liabilities
    (20,104 )     773  
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    39,947       42,965  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (37,240 )     (26,007 )
Payments for acquisition of an equity interest
          (37,632 )
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (37,240 )     (63,639 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Advances to Cablevision
          (60,000 )
Principal payments on capital lease obligations
    (914 )     (818 )
Capital contributions from (distributions to) Cablevision
    148       (176 )
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (766 )     (60,994 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    1,941       (81,668 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    70,726       155,381  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 72,667     $ 73,713  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed combined financial statements.


F-48


 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 1.   Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation
 
Madison Square Garden, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Madison Square Garden”) represents a combination of certain media, entertainment and sports businesses and assets owned and operated as integral parts of Cablevision Systems Corporation (Cablevision Systems Corporation and its subsidiaries are referred to as “Cablevision”), consisting of the following reportable segments:
 
  •  MSG Media.  MSG Media produces and develops content for multiple distribution platforms, including content originating from the Company’s venues. This business consists of programming networks and interactive offerings, including the MSG Networks (MSG network, MSG Plus, MSG HD and MSG Plus HD) and the Fuse Networks (Fuse and Fuse HD). The MSG Networks are home to seven professional sports teams: the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres and New York Red Bulls, as well as to the Company’s other programming. Fuse is a multi-platform music network that focuses on music-related programming. Also included in MSG Media is an interactive business, which includes a group of targeted websites (including msg.com, thegarden.com, radiocity.com, nyknicks.com, newyorkrangers.com and fuse.tv) and wireless, video on demand and digital platforms for all of the Company’s properties.
 
  •  MSG Entertainment.  MSG Entertainment creates, produces and/or presents a variety of live productions, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Radio City Rockettes, and Cirque du Soleil’s Wintuk. MSG Entertainment also presents or hosts other live entertainment events, such as concerts, family shows, special events and theatrical productions in the Company’s venues.
 
  •  MSG Sports.  MSG Sports owns and operates sports franchises, including the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (“NBA”), the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (“NHL”), the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (“WNBA”), and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (“AHL”), which is the primary player development team for the Rangers. The Knicks, Rangers and Liberty play their home games at the arena in the Madison Square Garden complex (the “Arena” or “The Garden”). MSG Sports also features other live sporting events.
 
The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues which are either owned or operated by it under long-term leases. The Company owns the Madison Square Garden complex in New York City, which includes the Arena and a theater (“The Theater at Madison Square Garden”), and The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. It leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The Company also has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.
 
On July 29, 2009, Cablevision’s board of directors authorized Cablevision’s management to take all actions necessary or appropriate to pursue a transaction in which Cablevision will transfer to the Company the Cablevision subsidiaries which own, directly or indirectly, all of the partnership interests in Madison Square Garden, L.P. (“MSG L.P.”), the subsidiary through which Cablevision conducts the businesses described above, and subsequently spin-off the Company as a publicly held entity (the “Distribution”) subject, among other things, to final Board approval of the Distribution. Immediately prior to the Distribution, the Company will be an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision. The Company will own these businesses and assets and will become a public company on the date of the Distribution. Holders of record of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock as of the close of business on the record date for the Distribution will receive one share of Madison Square Garden Class A Common Stock for each      shares of Cablevision NY Group Class A Common Stock held. Holders of record of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock as of the


F-49


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
close of business on the record date will receive one share of Madison Square Garden Class B Common Stock for each      shares of Cablevision NY Group Class B Common Stock held.
 
Note 2.   Responsibility for Interim Financial Statements
 
The accompanying unaudited condensed combined financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all the information and notes required for complete annual financial statements.
 
The interim condensed combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited combined financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
The condensed combined financial statements as of September 30, 2009 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 presented herein are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, such statements include all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented.
 
The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year ended December 31, 2009.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Note 3.   Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance now codified under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 105-10, which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. ASC Topic 105-10 explicitly recognizes rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under federal securities laws as authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. Upon adoption of this guidance under ASC Topic 105-10, the Codification superseded all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification became non-authoritative. The guidance under ASC Topic 105-10 became effective for the Company as of September 30, 2009. References made to authoritative FASB guidance throughout this document have been updated to the applicable Codification section.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 805. ASC Topic 805 requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. Additionally, in April 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 805-20 to address some of the application issues under ASC Topic 805. ASC Topic 805-20 sets forth the requirements associated with the initial recognition and measurement of an asset acquired or a liability assumed in a business combination that arises from a contingency (provided the fair value on the date of acquisition of the related asset or liability can be determined). Both the guidance under ASC Topics 805 and 805-20 became effective as of January 1, 2009 for the Company. Accordingly, any business combination completed prior to January 1, 2009 was accounted for


F-50


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations. Business combinations completed subsequent to January 1, 2009 will be accounted for pursuant to ASC Topics 805 and 805-20. The impact that ASC Topics 805 and 805-20 will have on the Company’s combined financial statements will depend upon the nature, terms and size of such business combinations, if any.
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 820. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Under ASC Topic 820, fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. It also clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. ASC Topic 820 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, ASC Topic 820 does not require any new fair value measurements. The guidance under ASC Topic 820 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2008 with respect to financial assets and financial liabilities. The additional disclosures required by ASC Topic 820 are included in Note 7. The adoption of the guidance now codified under ASC Topic 820 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, which include goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessments, and nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination, became effective for the Company on January 1, 2009 and did not have an effect on the Company’s combined financial position or results of operations.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 855-10, which requires an entity after the balance sheet date to evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in its financial statements. ASC Topic 855-10 determines the circumstances under which the entity shall recognize these events or transactions in its financial statements and provides the disclosures that an entity shall make about them including disclosing the date through which the entity evaluated these events or transactions, as well as whether that date is the date the entity’s financial statements were issued or the date the financial statements were available to be issued. The guidance under ASC Topic 855-10 became effective for the Company as of June 30, 2009. The Company evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after September 30, 2009 up through December 24, 2009, the date the Company issued these condensed combined financial statements.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 825-10, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly-traded companies, as well as in annual financial statements. ASC Topic 825-10 also amends the disclosure requirements of ASC Topic 270-10, to require those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods. The disclosure requirements of the guidance under ASC Topic 825-10, which became effective for the Company as of June 30, 2009, are reflected in these notes to condensed combined financial statements.
 
In April 2008, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topics 350-30 and 275-10, which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under ASC Topic 350. The guidance under ASC Topics 350-30 and 275-10 became effective as of January 1, 2009 for the Company. The adoption of the guidance under ASC Topics 350-30 and 275-10 did not have an effect on the Company’s combined financial statements.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance under ASC Topic 820-10, which amends guidance under ASC Topic 820 to provide additional guidance on (i) estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased in relation to normal market activity for the asset or liability,


F-51


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
and (ii) circumstances that may indicate that a transaction is not orderly. The guidance under ASC Topic 820-10 also requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements in interim and annual reporting periods. The guidance under ASC Topic 820-10 became effective for the Company for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, and the adoption of the guidance under ASC Topic 820-10 did not have an effect on the Company’s combined financial statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance now codified under ASC Topic 808-10, which defines collaborative arrangements and establishes reporting requirements for transactions between participants in a collaborative arrangement and between participants in the arrangement and third parties. ASC Topic 808-10 also establishes the appropriate income statement presentation and classification for joint operating activities and payments between participants, as well as the disclosure requirements related to these arrangements. The guidance under ASC Topic 808-10 became effective as of January 1, 2009 for the Company. The adoption of the guidance under ASC Topic 808-10 did not have an effect on the Company’s combined financial statements.
 
Note 4.   Investments
 
In June 2008, the Company purchased a minority ownership interest in a company for $37,632, which is accounted for under the cost method. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company received a $2,000 dividend representing the distribution of earnings from this cost method investment which was recognized in miscellaneous income in the condensed combined statement of operations. As of September 30, 2009, this investment is recognized as a component of other assets in the accompanying condensed combined balance sheet. It was not practicable for the Company to estimate the fair value of this minority ownership interest.
 
Note 5.   Cash Flows
 
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments or are at fair value.
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company’s non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Deemed capital contributions, net primarily related to allocation of Cablevision share-based compensation expense and income taxes
  $ 10,725     $ 10,599  
Asset retirement obligations
          9,243  
Leasehold improvements paid by landlord
          1,688  
Supplemental Data:
               
Income taxes refunded, net
          (5 )
Interest paid for capital lease obligations
    459       468  


F-52


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 6.   Intangible Assets
 
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company’s intangible assets as of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
 
                         
    September 30,
  December 31,
  Estimated
    2009   2008   Useful Lives
 
Gross carrying amount of amortizable intangible assets
                       
Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships (1)
  $ 124,770     $ 143,243       4 to 24 years  
Season ticket holder relationships
    75,005       75,005       10 to 15 years  
Suite holder relationships
    15,394       15,394       11 years  
Broadcast rights
    15,209       15,209       10 years  
Other intangibles
    24,734       24,734       5 to 15 years  
                         
      255,112       273,585          
                         
Accumulated amortization
                       
Affiliation agreements and affiliate relationships (1)
    (44,063 )     (55,833 )        
Season ticket holder relationships
    (25,014 )     (20,927 )        
Suite holder relationships
    (6,295 )     (5,246 )        
Broadcast rights
    (10,801 )     (9,661 )        
Other intangibles
    (16,315 )     (14,342 )        
                         
      (102,488 )     (106,009 )        
                         
Amortizable intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization
    152,624       167,576          
                         
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
                       
Sports franchises (MSG Sports segment)
    96,215       96,215          
Trademarks (MSG Entertainment segment)
    61,881       61,881          
                         
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
    158,096       158,096          
                         
Goodwill
    742,492       742,492          
                         
Total intangible assets, net
  $ 1,053,212     $ 1,068,164          
                         
 
 
(1) During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company wrote-off fully amortized intangible assets related to certain affiliation agreements.


F-53


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets amounted to $14,952 and $17,886 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
         
Estimated Amortization Expense:
       
For the year ended December 31, 2009
  $ 19,549  
For the year ended December 31, 2010
    17,629  
For the year ended December 31, 2011
    17,224  
For the year ended December 31, 2012
    14,434  
For the year ended December 31, 2013
    10,574  
 
Note 7.   Fair Value Measurement
 
The Company adopted the guidance under ASC Topic 820 on January 1, 2008 for certain financial assets and financial liabilities. ASC Topic 820 requires enhanced disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. As noted in Note 3 above, the Company adopted the guidance under ASC Topic 820 with respect to its nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities on January 1, 2009. However, there were no nonfinancial assets or nonfinancial liabilities requiring initial measurement or subsequent remeasurement for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
 
The fair value hierarchy, as outlined in the guidance under ASC Topic 820, is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
 
  •  Level I — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
 
  •  Level II — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
 
  •  Level III — Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
 
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company’s financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
 
At September 30, 2009:
 
                                 
   
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
Assets:
                               
Cash equivalents
  $     $ 67,756     $     $ 67,756  
 
At December 31, 2008:
 
                                 
   
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
 
Assets:
                               
Cash equivalents
  $     $ 73,852     $     $ 73,852  
 
The Company’s cash equivalents are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued primarily on inputs that can be observed with market price information and other relevant information from third-party pricing services.


F-54


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Note 8.   Benefit Plans
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans (the “Pension Plans”) and postretirement benefit plan (the “Postretirement Plan”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, are as follows:
 
                                 
    Pension Plans     Postretirement Plan  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
 
Service cost
  $ 293     $ 267     $ 177     $ 189  
Interest cost
    3,960       3,638       252       249  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,713 )     (3,478 )            
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)
    146       48       (42 )     (51 )
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (credit) and transition asset
    2             (99 )     (99 )
                                 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 2,688     $ 475     $ 288     $ 288  
                                 
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company contributed $285 to two non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plans covering certain of the Company’s union employees.
 
Note 9.   Income Taxes
 
The Company operated as a partnership during the periods presented. However, the income tax expense or benefit and deferred tax liability presented are determined as if Madison Square Garden, Inc. had owned all of the partnership interests in MSG L.P. for all periods presented notwithstanding that the contribution of such interests in MSG L.P. had not yet occurred. The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on current period income and changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
 
Income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 of $2,141 and $6,624, respectively, differs from the income tax benefit derived from applying the federal statutory rate to the pretax income or loss due principally to state income taxes, tax benefit of $3,229 recorded in the third quarter of 2009 resulting from a change in the rate used to measure deferred taxes, tax benefit resulting from nontaxable disability insurance proceeds of $741 in the 2009 period, tax expense of $594 resulting from nondeductible disability insurance premiums in the 2008 period and tax expense resulting from nondeductible expenses of $1,312 and $1,728 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Upon Distribution, certain adjustments to the deferred tax liability will be recorded as an adjustment to equity. These adjustments primarily relate to: (i) the difference in the deferred tax asset for tax net operating loss carry forwards based upon the separate return method as compared to the amount determined under applicable federal tax law and (ii) a difference resulting from using an estimated applicable corporate tax rate to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the state income tax apportionment factors of the Company as compared to the historical estimated applicable corporate tax rates used by Cablevision. The Company will have an insignificant amount of tax net operating loss carry forwards immediately subsequent to the Distribution.
 
Note 10.   Segment Information
 
As discussed in Note 1, the Company classifies its business interests into three reportable segments which are MSG Media, MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports.


F-55


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
The Company allocates certain corporate costs to all of its reportable segments. In addition, the Company allocates its venue operating expenses to its MSG Entertainment and MSG Sports segments. Venue operating costs include the non-event related costs of operating the Company’s venues, and includes such costs as rent, real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and maintenance and labor related to the overall management of the venues. Depreciation related to The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden is not allocated to the reportable segments and is recognized in “All other.”
 
The Company conducts a significant portion of its operations at venues that are either owned or operated by it under long-term leases. The Company owns The Garden and The Theater at Madison Square Garden which are in New York City and The Chicago Theatre in Chicago. It leases Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City. The Company also has a booking agreement with respect to the Wang Theatre in Boston.
 
The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is their operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit and restructuring charges or credits, which is referred to as adjusted operating cash flow, a non-GAAP measure. The Company has presented the components that reconcile adjusted operating cash flow to operating income (loss), an accepted GAAP measure. Information as to the operations of the Company’s reportable segments is set forth below.
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Revenues, net
               
MSG Media
  $ 345,638     $ 317,067  
MSG Entertainment
    109,589       130,287  
MSG Sports
    244,927       245,669  
Inter-segment eliminations
    (49,736 )     (47,623 )
                 
    $ 650,418     $ 645,400  
                 
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Inter-segment revenues
               
MSG Media
  $     $  
MSG Entertainment
    76       74  
MSG Sports
    49,660       47,549  
                 
    $ 49,736     $ 47,623  
                 
 
Inter-segment eliminations are primarily local television rights recognized by the Company’s MSG Sports segment from the licensing of team programming to the Company’s MSG Media segment.


F-56


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Reconciliation (by Segment and in Total) of Adjusted Operating Cash Flow to Operating Income (Loss)
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Adjusted operating cash flow
               
MSG Media
  $ 124,000     $ 87,275  
MSG Entertainment
    (39,898 )     (13,640 )
MSG Sports
    (20,734 )     (7,252 )
All other (a)
    (5,626 )     (31,119 )
                 
    $ 57,742     $ 35,264  
                 
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Depreciation and amortization
               
MSG Media
  $ 15,158     $ 16,792  
MSG Entertainment
    7,623       7,093  
MSG Sports
    8,306       8,139  
All other (b)
    14,886       17,552  
                 
    $ 45,973     $ 49,576  
                 
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Share-based compensation expense
               
MSG Media
  $ 4,394     $ 3,484  
MSG Entertainment
    4,073       3,062  
MSG Sports
    2,251       4,010  
All other
           
                 
    $ 10,718     $ 10,556  
                 
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Operating income (loss)
               
MSG Media
  $ 104,448     $ 66,999  
MSG Entertainment
    (51,594 )     (23,795 )
MSG Sports
    (31,291 )     (19,401 )
All other
    (20,512 )     (48,671 )
                 
    $ 1,051     $ (24,868 )
                 


F-57


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
A reconciliation of reportable segment amounts to the Company’s combined balances is as follows:
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Operating income (loss) before income taxes
               
Total operating income for reportable segments
  $ 21,563     $ 23,803  
Other operating loss
    (20,512 )     (48,671 )
                 
Operating income (loss)
    1,051       (24,868 )
Items excluded from operating income (loss):
               
Interest income
    2,101       4,244  
Interest expense
    (3,032 )     (2,193 )
Miscellaneous
    2,000        
                 
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes
  $ 2,120     $ (22,817 )
                 
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2009     2008  
 
Capital Expenditures
               
MSG Media
  $ 1,030     $ 6,003  
MSG Entertainment
    6,637       2,094  
MSG Sports
    199       459  
All other
    29,374       17,451  
                 
    $ 37,240     $ 26,007  
                 
 
 
(a) Consists of litigation expenses of $138 and $22,971 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as well as unallocated corporate general and administrative costs of $5,488 and $8,148 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
(b) Principally includes depreciation and amortization expense on The Garden and certain corporate property, equipment and leasehold improvement assets not allocated to the Company’s reportable segments.
 
Substantially all revenues and assets of the Company’s reportable segments are attributed to or located in the United States and are primarily concentrated in the New York metropolitan area.
 
Note 11.   Concentrations of Risk
 
Financial instruments that may potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are invested in money market funds and bank time deposits. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company’s emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments. Revenues from Cablevision amounted to $95,002 and $90,662 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, which represent 15% and 14%, respectively, of the Company’s combined net revenues. The Company has advances outstanding to a subsidiary of Cablevision at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 of


F-58


 

 
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, INC.
(a combination of certain businesses and assets of Cablevision Systems Corporation)

NOTES TO CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
$190,000 in the form of non-interest bearing advances which are classified as non-current advances due from Cablevision in the accompanying condensed combined balance sheets. The following individual non-affiliated customers accounted for the following percentages of the Company’s combined accounts receivable balances and net revenues:
 
                 
    September 30,
  December 31,
    2009   2008
 
Accounts receivable
               
Customer A
    17 %     12 %
Customer B
    14 %     10 %
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    2009   2008
 
Revenues, net
               
Customer A
    11 %     11 %
 
As of September 30, 2009, approximately 5,000 employees, who represent a substantial portion of the Company’s workforce, are subject to collective bargaining agreements. Approximately 9% are subject to collective bargaining agreements that expired as of September 30, 2009 and approximately 39% are subject to collective bargaining agreements that will expire as of September 30, 2010 if they are not extended prior thereto.


F-59

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'Z/B'@0``.S\_ ` end CORRESP 20 filename20.htm corresp
December 24, 2009
Mr. Larry Spirgel
Assistant Director
Securities and Exchange Commission
Division of Corporation Finance
Mail Stop 3720
100 F. Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549-0306
Re:   Madison Square Garden, Inc.
Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 4
Filed On November 24, 2009
File No. 001-34434
Dear Mr. Spirgel:
     This letter responds to the comment letter (the “Comment Letter”) from the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), dated December 1, 2009, concerning the Registration Statement on Form 10, Amendment No. 4 (the “Form 10”) of Madison Square Garden, Inc. (“the Company”).
     The following is the Company’s response to the Comment Letter. As a result of the revisions to the Form 10, some page references have changed. The page references in the comments refer to page numbers of the Information Statement filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Amendment No. 4 to Form 10 as filed on November 24, 2009 and the page references in the responses refer to page numbers in the marked copy of the Information Statement filed as Exhibit 99.1 to Amendment No. 5 to the Form 10, as filed on December 24, 2009. The Company has, concurrently with the filing of this response letter, provided six marked copies of the Information Statement via messenger.
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information, page 57
Balance Sheet, page 59
  1.   For pro forma adjustments #1-#3, please present each adjustment on a gross basis and describe each adjustment amount in the related disclosures.
Company Response: The Company has made revisions on pages 60, 63 and 64 to present each adjustment on a gross basis and describe each adjustment amount in the related footnote disclosures. Please note that pro forma adjustment #1 in Amendment No. 4 to Form 10 is now split into two adjustments #1 and #2 in Amendment No. 5 to Form 10, and pro forma adjustment #2 in Amendment No. 4 to Form 10 is now split into


 

two adjustments #3 and #4 in Amendment No. 5 to Form 10. Lastly, pro forma adjustment #3 in Amendment No. 4 to Form 10 is now included as adjustment #5 in Amendment No. 5 to Form 10.
  2.   Please provide a more detailed explanation of pro forma adjustment #2. We note the balance sheet presents pro forma adjustment #2 of $3.4 million but a description of this amount is not disclosed. In this regard, tell us specifically how this adjustment is factually supportable.
Company Response: Please note that pro forma adjustment #2 in Amendment No. 4 to Form 10 is now reflected in pro forma adjustments #3 and #4 in Amendment No. 5 to Form 10. Also please note that the $4.8 million and $5.5 million, discussed within adjustment #2 in Amendment No. 4 to Form 10 have been revised to agree to actual amounts recognized by us in our books and records as of September 30, 2009. The Company has also made revisions on pages 60 and 63 to present the pro forma adjustments on a gross basis and describe the adjustment amounts in the related disclosure.
The $3.4 million pro forma adjustment #2 noted in Amendment No. 4 to Form 10 is related to two adjustments recorded in current “Accrued liabilities”: (1) $4.8 million reduction (which has been revised to $4.7 million in Amendment No. 5 to Form 10) to current “Accrued liabilities” reflecting the current portion of the Company’s allocation from Cablevision of the costs of certain Cablevision corporate employees’ participation in certain long term incentive (“LTIP”) plans, and the recording of an offsetting deemed capital contribution recorded to “Combined group equity” resulting from the full assumption of this liability by Cablevision as of the Distribution date (see adjustment #3 to Amendment No. 5 to Form 10), and a (2) $1.4 million increase in current “Accrued liabilities” with an offsetting charge to “Combined group equity” reflecting the fair value of the obligation held by a subsidiary of Cablevision prior to the Distribution date that will be assumed by and transferred to the Company relating to Company employees who have outstanding Cablevision stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), which are all current obligations (see adjustment #4 to Amendment No. 5 to Form 10).
The non-current portion of the Company’s allocation from Cablevision of costs of certain Cablevision corporate employees’ participation in certain LTIP plans of $5.5 million (which has been revised to $7.3 million in Amendment No. 5 to Form 10) was recorded as a reduction to non-current “Other liabilities” with an offsetting deemed capital contribution recorded to “Combined group equity” (see adjustment #3 to Amendment No. 5 to Form 10).
Management believes that this information is factually supportable since the adjustments noted above represent the aggregate calculation of the specific obligation by employee at September 30, 2009, whether relating to Cablevision’s corporate employees participating in certain LTIP plans or the liability associated with Cablevision SARs held by the Company’s employees.

 


 

Statement of Operations, pages 60 and 61
  3.   For pro forma adjustment #5, please disclose the terms of the affiliation agreement. In addition, tell how you determined the adjustment and concluded that it was factually supportable.
Company Response: Please note that pro forma adjustment #5 in Amendment No. 4 to Form 10 is now pro forma adjustment #7 in Amendment No. 5 to Form 10. The affiliation agreement is the subject of a confidential treatment request that has been submitted to the Secretary of the Commission. The revised disclosure in the Form 10 is consistent with the publicly disclosed portions of the affiliation agreement. The Company has made revisions to pro forma adjustment #7 on page 64 in response to the Staff’s comment.
The Company determined the pro forma adjustment by multiplying the average number of subscribers for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and for the year ended December 31, 2008, respectively, by the difference between the 2010 per subscriber licence fee under the new affiliation agreement, and the per subscriber licence fee anticipated to be in effect for 2010 if the new agreement had not been entered into.
The Company concluded the pro forma adjustments are factually supportable as all inputs in the calculation relate to the licence fee that was anticipated to be in effect for 2010 versus the licence fee that will now be in effect for 2010 as a result of the new contractual affiliation agreement for 2010, based upon the actual number of paid subscribers for the respective pro forma periods presented.
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions, page 147
  4.   Please revise this section to discuss the long-term affiliation agreement between MSG Networks and Cablevision that will be effective on January 1, 2010.
Company Response: The Company has made revisions on page 166 in Amendment No. 5 to Form 10 in response to the Staff’s comment.
Please note that, in addition to the changes discussed above, the Company has made several other changes to the Form 10, which are reflected in the marked copies of the Information Statement filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Amendment No. 5 to the Form 10.

 


 

* * * * * *
In responding to the Staff’s comments, the Company acknowledges that:
    the Company is responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the disclosure in its filings;
 
    Staff comments or changes to disclosure in response to Staff comments do not foreclose the Commission from taking any action with respect to the Company’s filings; and
 
    the Company may not assert Staff comments as a defense in any proceeding initiated by the Commission or any person under the federal securities laws of the United States.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the enclosed materials, please call the undersigned at (212) 465-5930.
         
  Very truly yours,
 
 
  /s/ Robert M. Pollichino    
  Robert M. Pollichino   
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   
 
     
cc:
  Scott Hodgdon
 
  Inessa Kessman
 
  Dean Suehiro
 
  (Securities and Exchange Commission)
 
   
 
  Hank J. Ratner
 
  (President and Chief Executive Officer)
 
   
 
  John P. Mead
 
  (Sullivan & Cromwell LLP)
 
   
 
  Aldo Damiano
 
  (KPMG LLP)

 

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