Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of MSG Networks Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amount of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amount of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, investments, goodwill, other long-lived assets, pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and the related net periodic benefit cost, tax accruals, and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, rights fees expense, income tax expense, performance and share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, litigation matters, and other matters. Management believes its use of estimates in the consolidated financial statements to be reasonable.

Management evaluates its estimates on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future and the decisions made by the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) and the National Hockey League (“NHL”) regarding their seasons. Since March 12, 2020, the 2019-20 NBA and NHL seasons have been suspended (but not canceled) due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our estimates have been prepared based on these facts and we will continue to monitor updates made by the NBA and NHL with regards to league play and the impact on the Company’s use of estimates. The Company adjusts such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on management’s best judgment at a point in time and as such, these estimates may ultimately differ from actual results. Changes in estimates resulting from weakness in the economic environment or other factors beyond the Company’s control, including government and league actions taken to contain or mitigate the coronavirus pandemic, could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements in future periods.

Investment, Policy

Investment in Nonconsolidated Entity

The Company’s investment in a nonconsolidated entity, which is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, does not have a readily determinable fair value. As such, the Company has elected to account for it at cost, which would be adjusted for impairment and changes resulting from observable price fluctuations in orderly transactions for an identical or a similar investment of the same issuer (referred to as the measurement alternative method). Investments accounted for under the measurement alternative method are classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy. As of March 31, 2020, the carrying amount of the Company’s equity investment in the nonconsolidated entity was $2,000, and the Company did not identify any potential adjustments to the cost of its investment.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842, Leases, on July 1, 2019 (“Adoption Date”), which superseded the lease recognition requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. The Company applied the modified retrospective approach and effective date method. The Company elected the package of practical expedients, permitted under the transition guidance in the new standard, which among other things allowed for the carry forward of the historical classification of leases. The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition of operating lease liabilities of approximately $18,700 and operating lease right-of-use assets of the same amount as of Adoption Date. The historical net lease liabilities balances as of Adoption Date were eliminated as an offset to the operating lease right-of-use assets, resulting in net lease assets of approximately $16,300. The new standard did not impact the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows. See Note 8 for further discussion regarding leases.

Recently Issued Acounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted [Policy Text Block]

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses, and subsequent ASUs that amended the application of ASU No. 2016-13, which introduces a new impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, the Company will be required to use a forward-looking “expected loss” model that will replace the current “incurred loss” model and generally will result in earlier recognition of allowances for losses. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation — Retirement Benefits — Defined Benefit Plans — General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which removes, adds, or clarifies disclosure requirements relating to defined benefit plans to improve disclosure effectiveness. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied retroactively to all periods presented. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-02, Entertainment-Films-Other Assets-Film Costs (Subtopic 926-20) and Entertainment-Broadcasters-Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Subtopic 920-350): Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials, which amends ASC Subtopic 920-350 to align the accounting for production costs of an episodic television series with that for the costs of producing films. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied prospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This ASU eliminates certain exceptions to the general approach in ASC Topic 740 and includes methods of simplification to the existing guidance. This standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, with early adoption permitted. The standard is to be applied prospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.