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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. and its subsidiaries, and Tao Group Hospitality and BCE as further discussed below. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
The consolidated and combined financial statements of the Company include accounts of Tao Group Hospitality and BCE, in which the Company has controlling voting interests. The Company’s consolidation criteria are based on authoritative accounting guidance for identifying a controlling financial interest. Tao Group Hospitality and BCE are consolidated with the equity owned by other shareholders shown as redeemable or nonredeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and the other shareholders’ portion of net earnings (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) shown as net income (loss) or comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable or nonredeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations and consolidated and combined statements of comprehensive income (loss), respectively.
The Company accounted for the Entertainment Distribution and Merger transactions as follows:
Entertainment Distribution:

Fiscal Year 2020 is presented as carve-out financial statements as the financial information from July 1, 2019 through April 17, 2020 was prepared on a standalone basis derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Former Parent. These consolidated and combined financial statements reflect the combined historical results of operations, financial position and cash flows of MSG Sports in accordance with GAAP and SEC Staff Accounting
Bulletin Topic 1-B, Allocation of Expenses and Related Disclosure in Financial Statements of Subsidiaries, Divisions or Lesser Business Components of Another Entity.

The combined financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that were historically held by MSG Sports or its subsidiaries but were specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to the Company. Subsequent to the Entertainment Distribution, the net assets were transferred to the Company at a carry-over basis, and thus, the combined financial statements are reflected on a historical cost basis. All significant intercompany transactions between MSG Sports and the Company have been included as components of MSG Sports Corp. Investment in the combined financial statements, as they were considered effectively settled pursuant to the Entertainment Distribution.

The financial information from July 1, 2019 through April 17, 2020 that is included in the results of operations for Fiscal Year 2020 includes allocations for certain support functions that were provided on a centralized basis and not historically recorded at the business unit level by MSG Sports, such as expenses related to executive management, finance, legal, human resources, government affairs, information technology, and venue operations, among others. As part of the Entertainment Distribution, certain corporate and operational support functions were transferred to the Company. These expenses have been allocated to MSG Sports on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro-rata basis of combined revenues, headcount or other measures of the Company or MSG Sports, which are recorded as a reduction of either direct operating expenses or selling, general and administrative expense. In addition, certain of the Company’s contracts with its customers for suite license, sponsorship, and venue signage arrangements contain performance obligations that are fulfilled by both the Company and MSG Sports. Revenue sharing expenses attributable to MSG Sports have primarily been recorded on the basis of specific identification where possible, with the remainder allocated proportionately as a component of direct operating expenses within the combined statements of operations.
Management believes the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements, including those used in allocating general corporate expenses, are reasonable. Nevertheless, the combined financial statements may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred by the Company and may not reflect its combined results of operations, financial position and cash flows had it been a standalone company during the period presented. Actual costs that would have been incurred if the Company had been a standalone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions made in various areas, including information technology and infrastructure. The Company is unable to quantify the amounts that it would have recorded during the historical periods on a standalone basis as it is not practicable to do so. See Note 22, Segment Information for more information regarding allocations of certain costs from the Company to MSG Sports.

Most of the cash and cash equivalents held at the corporate level by MSG Sports were attributed to the Company for the period presented, and as such, cash was held in accounts legally owned by the Company. Transfers of cash both to and from MSG Sports are included as components of the MSG Sports Corp. Investment in the accompanying combined statements of divisional equity and redeemable noncontrolling interests. In connection with the Entertainment Distribution, the Company received $816,896 of cash and cash equivalents from MSG Sports.

MSG Sports’ net investment in the Company has been presented as a component of divisional equity in the combined financial statements. Distributions made by MSG Sports to the Company, or to MSG Sports from the Company, are recorded as transfers to and from MSG Sports, and the net amount is presented on the combined statements of cash flows as “Net transfers to/from Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. and its subsidiaries”.

As of the Entertainment Distribution date, MSG Sports’ net investment in the Company was contributed to MSG Sports’ stockholders through the distribution of all the common stock of the Company. The par value of the Company’s stock was recorded as a component of common stock, with the remaining balance recorded as additional paid-in capital in the consolidated and combined balance sheet on the Entertainment Distribution Date.

In connection with the Entertainment Distribution, the Company entered into amended employment agreements with the redeemable noncontrolling interest holders of Tao Group Hospitality in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2020, which provided the noncontrolling interest holders with put rights that could require the Company to purchase the remaining noncontrolling interest. In addition, in accordance with the transaction agreement related to the acquisition of Hakkasan in April 2021, the noncontrolling interest holders of the acquiree are provided with put rights that could require the Company to purchase the remaining noncontrolling interest. Upon the exercise of the put rights by the noncontrolling interest holders, the price to be paid for redeemable noncontrolling interests is the current fair market value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest, subject to a minimum price (“floor”). In accordance with ASC Topic 480, Distinguishing Liabilities From Equity, the Company elected to apply the Equity Classification —
Entire Adjustment Method which treats the entire adjustment for the redeemable noncontrolling interests to an amount other than fair value using retained earnings (or additional paid-in capital in absence of retained earnings). The adjustments to retained earnings are not a component of net income attributable to the Company’s common stockholders, rather than the adjustment to the control number (numerator) of the EPS computation. See Note 6, Computation of Earnings (Loss) per Common Share for the adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest to redemption value in the computation of earnings per share.

For purposes of the combined financial statements for the Entertainment Distribution, income tax expense has been recorded as if the Company filed tax returns on a standalone basis separate from Former Parent. This separate return methodology applies to accounting guidance for income taxes in the combined financial statements as if the Company was a standalone public company for the periods prior to the Entertainment Distribution. Therefore, cash tax payments and items of current and deferred taxes may not be reflective of the Company’s actual tax balances prior to or subsequent to the Entertainment Distribution. Prior to the Entertainment Distribution, the Company's operating results were included in Former Parent’s consolidated U.S. federal and state income tax returns. Pursuant to rules promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service and various state taxing authorities, the Company filed its initial U.S. income tax return for the period from April 18, 2020 through June 30, 2020. The calculation of the Company’s income taxes involves considerable judgment and use of both estimates and allocations. In addition, although the Company and MSG Networks Inc. did not file consolidated tax returns for periods prior to the Merger, income tax expense or benefit and deferred tax assets and liabilities have been presented on a combined basis for all historical periods.

Merger with MSG Networks Inc.:
The Merger has been accounted for as a transaction between entities under common control as the Company and MSG Networks Inc. were, prior to the Merger, each controlled by the Dolan Family Group (as defined herein). Upon the closing of the Merger, the net assets of MSG Networks Inc. were consolidated with those of the Company at their historical carrying amounts and the companies are presented on a consolidated basis for all historical periods. As a result, all prior period balances in these consolidated and combined financial statements (including share activities) were retrospectively adjusted as if MSG Entertainment and MSG Networks Inc. had been operating as one company.
Business Combinations and Noncontrolling Interests Business Combinations and Noncontrolling Interests
The acquisition method of accounting for business combinations requires management to use significant estimates and assumptions, including fair value estimates, as of the business combination date and to refine those estimates as necessary during the measurement period (defined as the period, not to exceed one year, in which the Company is allowed to adjust the provisional amounts recognized for a business combination).
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Company recognizes separately from goodwill the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in an acquiree, generally at the acquisition date fair value. The Company measures goodwill as of the acquisition date as the excess of consideration transferred, which is also measured at fair value over the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Costs that the Company incurs to complete a business combination such as investment banking, legal, and other professional fees are not considered part of consideration and the Company charges these costs to selling, general and administrative expense as they are incurred. In addition, the Company recognizes measurement-period adjustments in the period in which the amount is determined, including the effect on earnings of any amounts the Company would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date.
Interests held by third parties in consolidated majority-owned subsidiaries are presented as noncontrolling interests, which represent the noncontrolling stockholders’ interests in the underlying net assets of the Company’s consolidated majority-owned subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests that are not redeemable are reported in the equity section of the consolidated and combined balance sheets. Noncontrolling interests, where the Company may be required to repurchase the noncontrolling interest under put options or other contractual redemption requirements that are not solely within the Company’s control, are reported in the consolidated balance sheets between liabilities and equity, as redeemable noncontrolling interests.
Use of Estimates Use of Estimates
The preparation of the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the provision for credit losses, valuation of investments, goodwill, intangible assets, other long-lived assets, deferred tax assets, pension and other postretirement benefit obligations and the related net periodic benefit cost, and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, rights fees, performance and share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, litigation matters and other matters, as well as in the valuation of noncontrolling interests resulting from business combination transactions. Management believes its use of estimates in the 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. 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 could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s financial statements in future periods.
Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when, or as, performance obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied, which generally occurs when, or as, control of promised goods or services are transferred to customers. Revenue is measured as the amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services (“transaction price”). To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing the most likely amount to which the Company expects to be entitled. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. Estimates of variable consideration and the determination of whether to include such estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of the Company’s anticipated performance and all information that is reasonably available. The Company accounts for taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis and excludes these amounts from revenues.
In addition, the Company defers certain costs to fulfill the Company’s contracts with customers to the extent such costs relate directly to the contracts, are expected to generate resources that will be used to satisfy the Company’s performance obligations under the contracts, and are expected to be recovered through revenue generated under the contracts. Contract fulfillment costs are expensed as the Company satisfies the related performance obligations.
Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations
The Company enters into arrangements with multiple performance obligations, such as multi-year sponsorship agreements which may derive revenues for both the Company as well as MSG Sports within a single arrangement. The Company also derives revenue from similar types of arrangements which are entered into by MSG Sports. Payment terms for such arrangements can vary by contract, but payments are generally due in installments throughout the contractual term. The performance obligations included in each sponsorship agreement vary and may include advertising and other benefits such as, but not limited to, signage at The Garden and the Company’s other venues, digital advertising, event or property-specific advertising, as well as non-advertising benefits such as suite licenses and event tickets. To the extent the Company’s multi-year arrangements provide for performance obligations that are consistent over the multi-year contractual term, such performance obligations generally meet the definition of a series as provided for under the accounting guidance. If performance obligations
are concluded to meet the definition of a series, the contractual fees for all years during the contract term are aggregated and the related revenue is recognized proportionately as the underlying performance obligations are satisfied.
The timing of revenue recognition for each performance obligation is dependent upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the Company’s satisfaction of its respective performance obligation. The Company allocates the transaction price for such arrangements to each performance obligation within the arrangement based on the estimated relative standalone selling price of the performance obligation. The Company’s process for determining its estimated standalone selling prices involves management’s judgment and considers multiple factors including company specific and market specific factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each performance obligation. Key factors considered by the Company in developing an estimated standalone selling price for its performance obligations include, but are not limited to, prices charged for similar performance obligations, the Company’s ongoing pricing strategy and policies, and consideration of pricing of similar performance obligations sold in other arrangements with multiple performance obligations.
The Company may incur costs such as commissions to obtain its multi-year sponsorship agreements. The Company assesses such costs for capitalization on a contract by contract basis. To the extent costs are capitalized, the Company estimates the useful life of the related contract asset which may be the underlying contract term or the estimated customer life depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the contract. The contract asset is amortized over the estimated useful life.
Principal versus Agent Revenue Recognition
The Company reports revenue on a gross or net basis based on management’s assessment of whether the Company acts as a principal or agent in the transaction. The determination of whether the Company acts as a principal or an agent in a transaction is based on an evaluation of whether the Company controls the good or service before transfer to the customer. When the Company concludes that it controls the good or service before transfer to the customer, the Company is considered a principal in the transaction and records revenue on a gross basis. When the Company concludes that it does not control the good or service before transfer to the customer but arranges for another entity to provide the good or service, the Company acts as an agent and records revenue on a net basis in the amount it earns for its agency service.
Contract Balances
Amounts collected in advance of the Company’s satisfaction of its contractual performance obligations are recorded as a contract liability within deferred revenue, and are recognized as the Company satisfies the related performance obligations. Amounts collected in advance of events for which the Company is not the promoter or co-promoter do not represent contract liabilities and are recorded as collections due to promoters on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts recognized as revenue for which the Company has a right to consideration for goods or services transferred to customers and for which the Company does not have an unconditional right to bill as of the reporting date are recorded as contract assets. Contract assets are transferred to accounts receivable once the Company’s right to consideration becomes unconditional.
Direct Operating Expenses Direct Operating Expenses
Direct operating expenses for the Entertainment segment include, but are not limited to, event costs related to the presentation and production of the Company’s live entertainment and sporting events, revenue sharing expenses associated with signage, sponsorship and suite license fee revenue and in-venue food and beverage sales that are attributable to MSG Sports and venue lease, maintenance, and other operating expenses. In addition, for periods prior to the Entertainment Distribution Date, the direct operating expenses also included revenue sharing expenses associated with the venue-related signage, sponsorship, and suite license fee revenues that are attributable to MSG Sports and an allocation of charges for venue usage to MSG Sports for hosting home games of the Knicks and the Rangers at The Garden.
Direct operating expenses for the MSG Networks segment primarily represent media rights fees and other direct programming and production costs, such as the salaries of on-air personalities, producers, directors, technicians, writers and other creative staff, as well as expenses associated with location costs, remote facilities and maintaining studios, origination, and transmission services and facilities. The professional team media rights acquired under media rights agreements to telecast various sporting events and other programming for exhibition on the segment’s networks are typically expensed on a straight-line basis over the applicable annual contract or license period.
Direct operating expenses for the Tao Group Hospitality segment primarily include the cost of food and beverage sales, nightlife venue entertainment expenses, and costs of venues’ labor and occupancy.
Production Costs for the Company's Original Productions Production Costs for the Company’s Original ProductionsThe Company defers certain costs of productions such as creative design, scenery, wardrobes, rehearsal and other related costs for the Company’s proprietary shows. Deferred production costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the course of a production’s performance period using the expected life of a show’s assets. Deferred production costs are subject to recoverability assessments whenever there is an indication of potential impairment
Allocation of Charges for Venue Usage to MSG Sports Corp. Allocation of Charges for Venue Usage to MSG SportsFor periods prior to the Entertainment Distribution Date, the Company’s combined financial statements included expenses associated with the ownership, maintenance, and operation of The Garden, which the Company and MSG Sports use in their respective operations. The Knicks and Rangers are the primary recurring occupants of The Garden, playing their home games at The Garden. The number of home games increases if the Knicks and Rangers qualify for the playoffs. Historically, the Company did not charge rent expense to MSG Sports for use of The Garden. However, for purposes of the Company’s combined financial statements, the Company allocated expenses to MSG Sports for the usage of The Garden, which were reported as a reduction of direct operating expense in the accompanying combined statements of operations. This allocation was based on a combination of event count and revenue, which the Company’s management believes is a reasonable allocation methodology.
Revenue Sharing Expenses
Revenue Sharing Expenses
As discussed above, prior to the Entertainment Distribution Date, MSG Sports’ share of the Company’s suites license, venue signage and sponsorship revenue, and in-venue food and beverage sales has been reflected within direct operating expense as revenue sharing expenses, where such amounts were either specifically identified where possible or allocated proportionally.
After the Entertainment Distribution Date, such revenue sharing expenses are determined based on contractual agreements between the Company and MSG Sports, primarily related to suite license, certain internal signage and in-venue food and beverage sales.
Advertising Expenses Advertising Expenses Advertising costs are typically charged to expense when incurred.
Nonmonetary Transactions Nonmonetary Transactions The MSG Networks segment enters into nonmonetary transactions, primarily with its Distributors (as defined below), that involve the exchange of products or services, such as advertising and promotional benefits, for the segment’s services. For arrangements that are subject to sales based and usage-based royalty guidance, MSG Networks measures noncash consideration that it receives at fair value as the sale or usage occurs. For other arrangements, the MSG Networks segment measures the estimated fair value of the noncash consideration that it receives at contract inception. If the MSG Networks segment cannot reasonably estimate the fair value of the noncash consideration, the segment measures the fair value of the consideration indirectly by reference to the standalone selling price of the services promised to the customer in exchange for the consideration as revenues. Nonmonetary transactions for the MSG Networks segment are included in advertising costs, which are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations, as noted above.
Income Taxes Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions. Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability. 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 realization of its deductible temporary differences. 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 consolidated statements of operations.
Interest and penalties, if any, associated with uncertain tax positions are included in income tax expense.
Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation
For periods prior to the Entertainment Distribution Date, the Company’s employees participated in MSG Sports’ share-based compensation plans. Share-based compensation expense has been attributed to the Company based on the awards and terms previously granted to MSG Sports’ employees. For purposes of the combined financial statements, an allocation of share-based compensation expense related to corporate employees was recorded in addition to the expense attributed to the Company’s direct employees. The allocated expense includes both directors and corporate executives of MSG Sports, allocated using a proportional allocation method which management has deemed to be reasonable.
Following the Entertainment Distribution, the Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity-based instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. Share-based compensation cost is recognized in earnings over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, except for restricted stock units granted to non-employee directors which, unless otherwise provided under the applicable award agreement, are fully vested, and are expensed at the grant date.
The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimating expected forfeitures.
Share-based compensation expense is generally recognized straight-line over the vesting term of the award, which typically provides for three-year cliff or graded vesting subject to continued employment. For awards that are graded vesting and subject to performance conditions, in addition to continued employment, the Company uses the graded-vesting method to recognize share-based compensation expense.
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) attributable to the Company’s common stockholders is based upon net income (loss) attributable to the Company’s common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the effect of the assumed vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of stock options only in the periods in which such effect would have been dilutive. For the periods when a net loss is reported, the computation of diluted EPS equals the basic EPS calculation since common stock equivalents were antidilutive due to losses from continuing operations. 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. As the holders of Class A and Class B common stock are entitled to identical dividend and liquidation rights, the undistributed earnings are allocated on a proportionate basis to each class of common stock and the resulting basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders are, therefore, the same for both Class A and Class B common stock on both an individual and combined basis.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash EquivalentsThe Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold highly liquid 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 is at fair value. Checks outstanding in excess of related book balances are included in accounts payable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company presents the change in these book cash overdrafts as cash flows from operating activities.
Restricted Cash Restricted CashThe Company’s restricted cash includes cash deposited in escrow accounts. The Company has deposited cash in an interest-bearing escrow account related to credit support, debt facilities, and collateral to its workers compensation and general liability insurance obligations. The carrying amount of restricted cash approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.
Short-Term Investments Short-Term InvestmentsShort-term investments included investments that (i) had original maturities of greater than three months and (ii) the Company had the ability to convert into cash within one year. The Company classified its short-term investments at the time of purchase as “held-to-maturity” and re-evaluated its classification quarterly based on whether the Company had the intent and ability to hold until maturity. Short-term investments, which were recorded at cost and adjusted for accrued interest, approximate fair value. Cash inflows and outflows related to the sale and purchase of short-term investments are classified as investing activities in the Company’s consolidated and combined statements of cash flows.
Accounts Receivable Accounts ReceivableAccounts receivable is recorded at net realizable value. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. The allowance for credit losses is estimated based on the Company’s consideration of credit risk and analysis of receivables aging, specific identification of certain receivables that are at risk of not being paid, past collection experience and other factors.
Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates and Equity Securities Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates and Equity Securities
The Company’s investments in nonconsolidated affiliates are primarily accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are carried at cost, plus or minus the Company’s share of net earnings or losses of the investment, subject to certain other adjustments. The cost of equity method investments includes transaction costs of the acquisition. As required by GAAP, to the extent that there is a basis difference between the cost and the underlying equity in the net assets of an equity investment, the Company allocates such differences between tangible and intangible assets. The Company’s share of net earnings or losses of the investment, inclusive of amortization expense for intangible assets associated with the investment, is reflected in equity in earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated affiliates on the Company’s consolidated and combined statements of operations. Dividends received from the investee reduce the carrying amount of the investment. Due to the timing of receiving financial information from its nonconsolidated affiliates, the Company records its share of net earnings or losses of such affiliates on a three-month lag basis, with the exception of the amortization expense of intangible assets which are recorded currently.
In addition to equity method investments, the Company also has other equity investments with and without readily determinable fair values. The Company measures equity investments without readily determinable fair values at cost, less any impairment, adjusted for observable price changes from orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. Changes in observable price are reflected within Other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations. For equity investments with readily determinable fair values, changes in the fair value of those investments are measured monthly and are recorded within Other income (expense), net in the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of operations.
Impairment of Investments
The Company reviews its investments at least quarterly to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other-than-temporary. The primary factors the Company considers in its determination are the length of time that the fair value of the investment is below the Company’s carrying value; future prospects of the investee; and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. In addition, the Company considers other factors such as general market conditions, industry conditions, and analysts’ ratings. If the decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment is written down to fair value and the loss is realized as a component of net income. See Note 9, Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates for further discussion of impairments of investments.
Property and Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets Property and Equipment and Other Long-Lived AssetsProperty and equipment and other long-lived assets, including amortizable intangible assets, are stated at cost or acquisition date fair value, if acquired. Expenditures for new facilities or equipment, and expenditures that extend the useful lives of existing facilities or equipment, are capitalized and recorded at cost. The useful lives of the Company’s long-lived assets are based on estimates of the period over which the Company expects the assets to be of economic benefit to the Company. In estimating the useful lives, the Company considers factors such as, but not limited to, risk of obsolescence, anticipated use, plans of the Company, and applicable laws and permit requirements. Depreciation starts on the date when the asset is available for its intended use. Construction in progress assets are not depreciated until available for their intended use. Costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
The major categories of property and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis using the estimated lives indicated below:
Estimated Useful Lives
Buildings
Up to 40 years
Equipment
1 year to 30 years
Aircraft20 years
Furniture and fixtures
1 year to 10 years
Leasehold improvementsShorter of term of lease or useful life of improvement

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized principally using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
Estimated Useful Lives
Trade names
2 years to 25 years
Venue management contracts
5.67 years to 20 years
Affiliate relationships 24 years
Non-compete agreements5.75 years
Festival rights 7 years
Other intangibles15 years
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Assets Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Assets
See above (B. Business Combinations and Noncontrolling Interests) for the Company’s accounting policy on how goodwill is measured at an acquisition date. Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.
R. Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets
In assessing the recoverability of the Company’s long-lived and indefinite-lived assets, the Company must make estimates and assumptions regarding 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 the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made based on relevant information at a specific point in time, and are subjective in nature and involve significant uncertainties and judgments. If these estimates or assumptions change materially, the Company may be required to record impairment charges related to its long-lived and/or indefinite-lived assets.
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of August 31st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or changes in circumstances. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. If the Company can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company would not need to perform a quantitative impairment test for that reporting unit. If the Company cannot support such a conclusion or the Company does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment, the Company would identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company generally determines the fair value of a reporting unit using an income approach, such as the discounted cash flow method, or other acceptable valuation techniques, including the cost approach, in instances when it does not perform the qualitative assessment of goodwill. The amount of an impairment loss is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
Identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment as of August 31st and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. In the qualitative assessment, the Company must evaluate the totality of qualitative factors, including any recent fair value measurements, that impact whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset other than goodwill has a carrying amount that more likely than not exceeds its fair value. The Company must proceed to conducting a quantitative analysis if the Company (i) determines that such an impairment is more likely than not to exist, or (ii) foregoes the qualitative assessment entirely. Under the quantitative assessment, 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, then an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The Company generally determines the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset using an income approach, such as the relief from royalty method, in instances when it does not perform the qualitative assessment of the intangible asset.For other long-lived assets, including property and equipment, right-of-use lease assets and intangible assets that are amortized, the Company evaluates assets for recoverability when there is an indication of potential impairment. 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. The Company generally determines the fair value of a finite-lived intangible asset using an income approach, such as the discounted cash flow method.
Leases Leases
The Company’s leases primarily consist of certain live-performance venues, entertainment dining and nightlife venues, corporate office space, storage and, to a lesser extent, office and other equipment. The Company determines whether an arrangement contains a lease at the inception of the arrangement. If a lease is determined to exist, the lease term is assessed based on the date when the underlying asset is made available by the lessor for the Company’s use. The Company’s assessment of the lease term reflects the non-cancellable term of the lease, inclusive of any rent-free periods and/or periods covered by early-termination options which the Company is reasonably certain not to exercise, as well as periods covered by renewal options which the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
The Company determines lease classification as either operating or finance at lease commencement, which governs the pattern of expense recognition and the presentation reflected in the consolidated and combined statements of operations and statements of cash flows over the lease term.
For leases with a term exceeding 12 months, a lease liability is recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at lease commencement reflecting the present value of the fixed minimum payment obligations over the lease term. A corresponding right-of-use (“ROU”) asset equal to the initial lease liability is also recorded, adjusted for any prepaid rent and/or initial direct costs incurred in connection with execution of the lease and reduced by any lease incentives received. In addition, the ROU asset is adjusted to reflect any above or below market lease terms under acquired lease contracts.
The Company includes fixed payment obligations related to non-lease components in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities, as the Company has elected to account for lease and non-lease components together as a single lease component. ROU assets associated with finance leases are presented separate from ROU assets associated with operating leases and are included within Property and equipment, net on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. For purposes of measuring the present value of the Company’s fixed payment obligations for a given lease, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate, determined based on information available at lease commencement, as rates implicit in the underlying leasing arrangements are typically not readily determinable. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate reflects the rate it would pay to borrow on a secured basis and incorporates the term and economic environment surrounding the associated lease.
For operating leases, fixed lease payments are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For finance leases, the initial ROU asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term, along with recognition of interest expense associated with accretion of the lease liability, which is ultimately reduced by the related fixed payments. For leases with a term of 12 months or less (“short-term leases”), any fixed lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and are not recognized on the consolidated balance sheets. Variable lease costs for both operating and finance leases, if any, are recognized as incurred and such costs are excluded from lease balances recorded on the consolidated balance sheets.
Interest Capitalization Interest CapitalizationFor significant long term construction projects, the Company begins to capitalize qualified interest cost once activities necessary to get the asset ready for its intended use have commenced. The Company calculates qualified interest capitalization using the average amount of accumulated expenditures during the period the asset is being prepared for its intended use and a capitalization rate which is derived from the Company’s weighted average borrowing rate during such time, in the absence of specific borrowings related to the significant long term construction projects. The Company ceases capitalization on any portions substantially completed and ready for their intended use.
Contingencies 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.
V. Contingent Consideration
Some of the Company’s acquisition agreements include contingent earn-out arrangements, which are generally based on the achievement of future operating targets.
The fair values of these earn-out arrangements are included as part of the purchase price of the acquired companies on their respective acquisition dates. For each transaction, the Company estimates the fair value of contingent earn-out payments as part of the initial purchase price and records the estimated fair value of contingent consideration that the Company expects to pay to the former owners as a liability in Accrued and other current liabilities and Other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company measures its contingent earn-out liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy, which can result in a significantly higher or lower liability with a higher liability capped by the contractual maximum of the contingent earn-out obligation. Ultimately, the liability will be equivalent to the amount paid, and the difference between the fair value estimate and amount paid will be recorded in earnings as operating expense.
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Certain employees of the Company participate in defined benefit pension plans (“Shared Plans”) sponsored by the Company, which also have historically included participants of MSG Sports. The Company accounted for the Shared Plans under the guidance of ASC Topic 715, Compensation — Retirement Benefits. Accordingly, the Company recorded an asset or liability to recognize the funded status of the Shared Plans (other than multiemployer plans), as well as a liability only for any required contributions to the Shared Plans that were accrued and unpaid at the balance sheet date. The related pension expenses attributed to the Company were based primarily on pension-eligible compensation of active participants. For the Shared Plans’ liabilities, the consolidated and combined financial statements reflected the full impact of such plans on both the consolidated and combined statements of operations and consolidated balance sheets. The pension expense related to employees of MSG Sports participating in any of the Shared Plans is reflected as a contributory credit from the Company to MSG Sports, resulting in a decrease to the expense recognized in the consolidated and combined statements of operations.
The plan that was sponsored by the Company and did not include participants of MSG Sports (“Direct Plan”) was accounted for as a defined benefit pension plan. Accordingly, the funded and unfunded position of the Direct Plan was recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, as well as all costs related to the Direct Plan which are recorded in the consolidated and combined statements of operations for periods prior to the Entertainment Distribution Date.
Actuarial gains and losses that have not yet been recognized through the consolidated and combined statements of operations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost through other comprehensive income (loss).
After the Entertainment Distribution Date, the Company has both funded and unfunded defined benefit plans, as well as a contributory other postretirement benefit plan, covering certain full-time employees and retirees. The expense recognized by the Company is determined using certain assumptions, including the expected long-term rate of return and discount rates, among others. The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans (other than multiemployer plans) as an asset or liability in the consolidated balance sheets and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income (loss).
Fair Value Measurement Fair Value Measurements
The fair value hierarchy 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.
Foreign Currency Translations Foreign Currency TranslationsThe consolidated and combined financial statements are presented in U.S. Dollars. Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. subsidiaries and the Company’s foreign-based equity method investments that operate in a local currency environment, where that local currency is the functional currency, are translated to U.S. Dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Operating results of non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated at weighted-average exchange rates during the year which approximate the rates in effect at the transaction dates. For the Company’s foreign-based equity method investments, the proportionate share of the investee’s income is translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rate for the period and the investment is translated using the exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as changes in cumulative translation adjustments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Concentrations of Risk Concentrations of RiskFinancial 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 U.S. treasury bills, money market accounts and 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.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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 was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2022. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated and combined financial statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, which refines the scope of Topic 848 and clarifies some of its guidance as part of the FASB’s monitoring of global reference rate activities. The new guidance was effective upon issuance, and the Company is allowed to elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company adopted ASU 2020-04 in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2022. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated and combined financial statements.