Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company reported revenues exceeding $1 billion and adjusted operating income of $38 million, driven by strong demand for the Knicks and Rangers [6][15] - The fourth quarter revenues were $204 million, a decrease from $227.3 million in the prior year, with event-related revenues down 8% year over year [16][18] - Adjusted operating income for the fourth quarter decreased to an operating loss of $16.8 million, primarily due to higher direct operating expenses [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ticketing revenue increased due to higher average ticket yield and attendance, with a combined average season ticket renewal rate of approximately 90% [8][15] - Merchandise revenues, including online sales, did not reach last year's levels, attributed to the absence of New Jersey launches for the Rangers [9] - Suite revenues reached record levels, benefiting from expanded event-level club space and renovated suites [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Knicks' playoff run to the Eastern Conference finals generated the highest per game gate revenues in team history [7] - The company expects an increase in overall media rights revenue in fiscal 2026, despite a $24 million decrease in local media rights fees due to amended agreements [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive long-term value for shareholders through its marquee assets and strong business fundamentals [6][14] - There is a focus on enhancing fan engagement through tailored local content and marketing partnerships, with several new partnerships established [12][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the value of owning two iconic sports franchises and noted that recent franchise transactions indicate strong market valuations [14][28] - The company anticipates revenue growth across all in-arena categories in fiscal 2026, supported by new national media deals and continued investment in teams [18][40] Other Important Information - The company ended the fiscal year with approximately $145 million in cash and $291 million in debt, indicating a strong liquidity position [18][24] - The NBA's new national media deals are expected to positively impact revenues starting in the upcoming season [11][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of MSG Networks media rights on capital returns - Management indicated a strong liquidity position and potential for future capital returns, but no immediate plans were disclosed [23][26] Question: Potential for minority stake sales in Knicks or Rangers - Management acknowledged the value of the teams but stated there are no current plans for minority stake sales [27][28] Question: Participation in NBA's national RSN possibilities - Management is monitoring changes in media rights but did not comment on hypothetical scenarios [31][32] Question: Financial impact of Knicks playoff games - Playoff runs significantly increase demand for tickets and corporate partnerships, with a notable increase in social media engagement [42][43] Question: Outlook on operating expenses and team compensation - Higher team operating expenses are expected due to increased personnel compensation and luxury tax, with the NBA salary cap also rising [50][51] Question: Sponsorship growth outlook - Management is optimistic about marketing partnerships and expects continued growth following a successful fiscal year [52][53]

Team Valuation & Potential - The Golden State Valkyries have the potential to be the WNBA's most valuable team next year [1] Industry Focus - The report focuses on the potential valuation of a WNBA team, specifically the Golden State Valkyries [1]

Core Insights - KeyBank and the Buffalo Sabres have announced a 10-year extension of their arena naming rights deal, which will keep the KeyBank Center name in place through the 2035-36 season [1] - The partnership reflects KeyBank's commitment to the Buffalo community and includes the introduction of the HocKey Assists Community Program aimed at supporting local youth and entrepreneurs [2][3] Company and Partnership Details - KeyBank is the official and exclusive bank of the Buffalo Sabres, with a partnership that dates back to 2015 [1] - The new agreement will also see KeyBank become the team's away helmet sponsor starting in the 2025-26 season [1] - KeyBank's Chairman and CEO emphasized the investment in Buffalo and the shared goal of driving community impact [1] Community Initiatives - The HocKey Assists Community Program will focus on education, small business growth, and neighborhood engagement, aiming to empower youth and support local entrepreneurs [2][3] - KeyBank Center is positioned as a community hub, with plans to drive economic growth in downtown Buffalo [3] Company Background - KeyCorp is celebrating its bicentennial in 2025, marking 200 years of service with approximately $185 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025 [4] - KeyBank operates a network of around 1,000 branches and 1,200 ATMs across 15 states, providing a range of financial services [5]

Ownership & Investment - NFL star Bobby Wagner acquired a minority stake in the WNBA's Seattle Storm [1]

WNBA Expansion and Growth - WNBA is capitalizing on growing popularity and high demand, entering an expansion phase [3][4] - The league aims for 18 teams by the end of the decade, adding Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia in 2028, 2029, and 2030 respectively, and Toronto and Portland next year [4][5] - Expansion balances game quality, player opportunities, and strategic city selection [5] Financial Performance and Valuation - WNBA is experiencing tailwinds for women's sports and sports in general, particularly in team valuations [6] - Positive elements like uniform patch valuations, media ad spots, and franchise valuations are driven by revenue and revenue multiples [7] - Capital raised in February 2022 helped the WNBA transition into a hypergrowth phase [8] - Team revenues are increasing from gate receipts, corporate partnerships, and local media deals [9] - Team valuations have significantly increased from $5 million to $260-270 million [9] Media and Partnerships - WNBA has signed a significant national media deal, including with NBC, starting next year [9] - Corporate partners and NBA/former NBA players are strong supporters of the WNBA [2]

Core Viewpoint - Gray Media and the Carolina Panthers have formed a partnership to broadcast all three Panthers preseason games live in Spanish, targeting Spanish-speaking audiences across the Carolinas [1][5]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership will allow Spanish-speaking fans to watch every Panthers preseason game on six Gray Telemundo affiliate stations in South Carolina and Eastern North Carolina starting this August [2]. - The Spanish-language broadcasts will feature experienced sportscasters Carlos Ramirez and Ariana Figueroa, enhancing the viewing experience for fans [4]. - This initiative is part of a broader effort to build inclusive experiences for Spanish-speaking viewers and strengthen connections with Latino fans in the region [5][6]. Group 2: Broadcast Schedule - The 2025 Panthers preseason schedule includes games against the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, and Pittsburgh Steelers, with specific dates and times outlined [7]. - The broadcasts will be available on various Telemundo stations, including WDKT, WTES, WZCH, WXIV, WTWL, and WTGC [3][7]. Group 3: Company Background - Gray Media, the parent company, is the largest owner of local television stations in the U.S., reaching approximately 37% of U.S. television households [6][8]. - Tepper Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Carolina Panthers, aims to make the greater Charlotte metro area a premier destination for sports and entertainment [9].

Core Insights - Brera Holdings PLC is focusing on expanding its global portfolio of men's and women's football clubs through a multi-club ownership strategy, highlighting the growing interest from family office investors in professional sports assets [1][2][8] - Family offices are emerging as significant players in professional sports investments, controlling approximately $5.9 trillion in assets worldwide, and reshaping ownership dynamics by investing in major franchises [2][3] - Brera's portfolio club, S.S. Juve Stabia, has seen a remarkable 245% increase in market value, reaching $32 million, indicating the effectiveness of Brera's ownership and the club's competitive growth in Italy's Serie B [2][3] Company Overview - Brera Holdings PLC aims to create social impact through its football business by developing a global portfolio of emerging football clubs, building on the legacy of Brera FC, which it acquired in 2022 [4][8] - The company has expanded its reach into Africa and made strategic acquisitions, including a 90% stake in North Macedonia's Fudbalski Klub Akademija Pandev and a majority stake in SS Juve Stabia [5][8] - Brera Holdings is recognized for its innovative approach to value creation and socially impactful outcomes in the global sports industry [8]

Company Overview - DICK'S Sporting Goods has extended its partnership with the WNBA through the 2028 season, continuing its role as the Official Sporting Goods Retailer and an Official Marketing Partner [1][3] - The company operates over 850 stores and offers a wide range of sporting goods, including WNBA apparel and equipment, available at more than 300 locations [6][5] Partnership Details - The renewed agreement includes DICK'S as a Proud Partner of the Jr. WNBA, focusing on inspiring girls to play basketball and providing local youth programming [2][3] - GameChanger, a DICK'S company, will enhance youth sports experiences through live streaming, scheduling, and scorekeeping as an Official Marketing Partner of the WNBA [2] Community Engagement - DICK'S has been involved in the "It's Her Shot" initiative, promoting youth participation in basketball for girls aged 8-18, hosting 20 events and reaching over 3,000 young athletes since 2021 [4] - The company has donated over $300,000 to youth organizations through its community initiatives [4] Market Impact - DICK'S aims to make WNBA jerseys more accessible, ensuring availability across all 13 WNBA markets and supporting jersey sales to amplify the visibility of the league's players [5] - The WNBA has been recognized as the fastest-growing brand in 2024 and ranked No. 4 on Fast Company's list of the World's 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2025, indicating a strong market presence [9]

Core Insights - XWELL, Inc. has partnered with the Orlando Magic as the Official Wellness Spa, marking a strategic expansion into local markets, starting with Florida [1][2] - The partnership aims to enhance brand visibility and community engagement, promoting wellness beyond travel hubs [2][4] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration includes brand integration across various platforms such as LED signage, radio promotions, and exclusive events [3] - XWELL will host co-branded wellness events featuring Magic alumni and entertainment teams, enhancing community interaction [3][5] - The partnership is expected to strengthen XWELL's customer acquisition efforts in Florida, focusing on expanding its medspa presence [4] Group 2: Strategic Goals - Florida is identified as a priority growth market for XWELL, with plans to increase brand awareness and establish connections with local consumers [2][4] - The partnership reflects a shared commitment to health and well-being for fans, players, and staff, aligning with both organizations' values [5] Group 3: Company Background - XWELL operates a portfolio of wellness brands, including Xpres Spa and Naples Wax Center, and aims to redefine the modern wellness experience [7] - The Orlando Magic, established in 1989, emphasizes community engagement and has contributed over $2 million annually to local initiatives [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - Manchester United (MANU) is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity due to its recent earnings beat and consistent performance in exceeding market expectations [1]. Company Overview - Manchester United PLC operates a professional sports team, managing the Manchester United Football Club and its associated activities, including media, foundation, fan engagement, and merchandise [2]. Earnings History - The company has achieved four consecutive earnings beats against the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with an average positive earnings surprise of 56% over the past year [4]. - The latest earnings report showed a loss of -$0.04, significantly better than the consensus estimate of -$0.33, resulting in a positive earnings surprise of 87.5% [4]. Earnings Estimates Revisions - Earnings estimates for Manchester United have been revised upward, with the full year 2025 estimate improving from -$0.74 to -$0.38 over the last 30 days [5]. - For 2026, estimates have also increased from -$0.82 to -$0.17 during the same period [5].