NEW YORK, N.Y., February 5, 2024 – Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) (“Sphere Entertainment” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended December 31, 2023.
Since opening on September 29, 2023, Sphere in Las Vegas has attracted worldwide attention and robust demand from guests, artists and advertisers. Recent Sphere highlights include:
- U2 has continued its multi-month run at Sphere, with every show sold-out to date. After extending multiple times due to strong demand, U2 will conclude its run at Sphere early next month with its 40th show;
- Renowned bands Phish and Dead & Co. each announced upcoming multi-night performances to take place at Sphere;
- The Sphere Experience featuring Postcard from Earth debuted on October 6, 2023, grossing over one million dollars in average daily ticket sales on days The Sphere Experience took place in the fiscal 2024 second quarter;
- Sphere launched campaigns from numerous global brands on the Exosphere during the quarter and was a prominent feature of Formula 1’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix in November.
In addition, MSG Networks is now more than halfway through the 2023-24 NBA and NHL regular seasons, marking the first year of availability of MSG+, MSG Networks’ direct-to-consumer subscription and authenticated steaming service. Last month, MSG Networks and the YES Network announced the formation of Gotham Advanced Media and Entertainment (GAME), a new 50/50 streaming joint venture which will explore new streaming products and provide a scalable solution to third party content owners looking to connect with their own fans.
For the fiscal 2024 second quarter, the Company reported revenues of $314.2 million, an increase of $154.6 million, as compared to the prior year quarter. In addition, the Company reported an operating loss of $159.7 million, an increase of $109.9 million as compared to the prior year quarter, and adjusted operating income of $51.4 million, as compared to an adjusted operating loss of $13.2 million in the prior year quarter.(1)(2)
Executive Chairman and CEO James L. Dolan said, “Sphere is a next-generation medium intended to disrupt the traditional venue model. With positive adjusted operating income at the Sphere segment in our first full quarter of operations in Las Vegas, our early results are beginning to prove that thesis, and we remain confident in the global opportunities ahead.”