false 0001795250 0001795250 2024-08-22 2024-08-22

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): August 22, 2024

 

 

SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-39245   84-3755666

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

Two Pennsylvania Plaza,

New York, NY

  10121
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (725) 258-0001

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425).

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12).

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240-14d-2(b)).

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240-13e-4(c)).

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol(s)

 

Name of Each Exchange

on Which Registered

Class A Common Stock   SPHR   New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 


Item 5.02

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On August 22, 2024, the Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) of the Board of Directors of Sphere Entertainment Co. (the “Company”) approved new forms of restricted stock unit agreements (the “Award Agreements”) with respect to the granting of restricted stock units under the Sphere Entertainment Co. 2020 Employee Stock Plan, as amended, and the MSG Networks Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Plan, as amended. The Award Agreements provide that a different vesting schedule may be provided on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan. All other terms of the Award Agreements are consistent with the forms of restricted stock unit agreements currently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Award Agreements will be used for all awards of restricted stock units to employees made on or after August 22, 2024.

The foregoing description of the Award Agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Award Agreements, which are attached as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 hereto and incorporated into this Item 5.02 by reference.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
No.
  

Description of Exhibit

10.1    Form of Sphere Entertainment Co. Restricted Stock Units Agreement under the 2020 Employee Stock Plan, as amended.
10.2    Form of Sphere Entertainment Co. Restricted Stock Units Agreement in respect of Restricted Stock Units granted under the MSG Networks Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Plan, as amended.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

This exhibit is a management contract or a compensatory plan or arrangement.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
(Registrant)
By:  

/s/ Mark C. Cresitello

Name:   Mark C. Cresitello
Title:   Secretary

Dated: August 26, 2024

Exhibit 10.1

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AGREEMENT

Dear [Participant Name]:

Pursuant to the 2020 Employee Stock Plan (the “Plan”), you have been selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (as more fully described in Section 11, the “Committee”) of Sphere Entertainment Co. (formerly known as Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.) (the “Company”), effective as of [Date] (the “Grant Date”) to receive [#RSUs] restricted stock units (“Units”). The Units are granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth below and in the Plan.

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this agreement (this “Agreement”) have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The Units are subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:

1. Awards. Each Unit shall represent an unfunded, unsecured promise by the Company to deliver to you one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (“Share”) on the Delivery Date. In accordance with Section 10(b) of the Plan, in the discretion of the Committee, in lieu of all or any portion of the Shares otherwise deliverable in respect of your Units, the Company may deliver a cash amount equal to the number of such Shares multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date when Shares would otherwise have been issued, as determined by the Committee.

2. Vesting. [Your Units will vest on September 15, [year] (the “Vesting Date”)];1 provided that you have remained in the continuous employ of the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group (each as defined below) through the Vesting Date. Subject to Sections 3 and 4, you will forfeit any unvested Units if you do not remain continuously employed with the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group (each as defined below) from the Grant Date through any Vesting Date.

For purposes of this Agreement, the “Sphere Entertainment Group” means the Company and any of its Subsidiaries. The “MSG Entertainment Group” means Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (formerly known as MSGE Spinco, Inc.) (“MSG Entertainment”) and any of its Subsidiaries. The “MSG Sports Group” means Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (“MSG Sports”) and any of its Subsidiaries.

For purposes of this Agreement, if you are employed by the Sphere Entertainment Group, your “Employer” means the Company; if you are employed by the MSG Entertainment Group, your “Employer” means MSG Entertainment; if you are employed by the MSG Sports Group, your “Employer” means MSG Sports; if you are employed by both the MSG Entertainment Group and the Sphere Entertainment Group, your “Employer” means MSG Entertainment; if you are employed by both the Sphere Entertainment Group and the MSG Sports Group, your “Employer” means the Company; and if you are employed by each of the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group and the MSG Sports Group, your “Employer” means MSG Entertainment.

 

 

1 

A different vesting schedule may be provided on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.


3. Vesting in the Event of Death, Disability[, Retirement] 2 and Other Circumstances.

(A) If your employment is terminated as a result of your death, all of the unvested Units will vest as of the termination date.

(B) If your employment is terminated while you are Disabled, and Cause does not then exist, your unvested Units will immediately vest, and will become payable at such times as they would have otherwise vested pursuant to Section 2.

(C) [If your employment is terminated on or after the date that you achieve Retirement Eligibility, and Cause does not then exist, then so long as you enter into your Employer’s then-current form of separation agreement (which shall include, without limitation, a covenant not to compete), you will vest in your Units and such Units will become payable at such times as they would have otherwise vested pursuant to Section 2 regardless of whether or not you remain employed by your Employer on such dates; provided, however, that upon a termination for Cause, you will forfeit all Units that had not yet been paid.]3

(D) If your employment is terminated for other reasons, the Committee may, in its sole discretion determine to vest all or a portion of the unvested Units (but shall be under no obligation to consider doing so).

(E) For purposes of this Agreement:

 

  (i)

Disabled” means that you received short term disability income replacement payments for six (6) months, and thereafter (A) have been determined to be disabled in accordance with your Employer’s long term disability plan in which employees of your Employer are generally able to participate, if one is in effect at such time or (B) to the extent no such long term disability plan exists, have been determined to have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months as determined by the department or vendor directed by your Employer to determine eligibility for unpaid medical leave.

 

  (ii)

Cause” means, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer, in its sole discretion, your (A) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against your Employer or (B) 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.

 

2 

To be included on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

3 

See footnote 2.

 

2


  (iii)

[“Retirement Eligibility” means that you are either (A) at least fifty-five (55) years old with at least ten (10) years of continuous service with the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group and/or the MSG Sports Group or (B) at least sixty (60) years old with at least five (5) years of continuous service with the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group and/or the MSG Sports Group.]4

4. Change of Control/Going-Private Transaction. As set forth in Appendix 1 attached hereto, your entitlement to the Units may be affected in the event of a MSG Entertainment Change of Control, a Sphere Entertainment Change of Control, a MSG Sports Change of Control or a going-private transaction with respect to the Company, MSG Entertainment or MSG Sports (each as defined in Appendix 1 attached hereto).

5. Transfer Restrictions. You may not transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the Units, other than to the extent provided in the Plan.

6. Right to Vote and Receive Dividends. You shall not be deemed to be the holder of, or have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to, any Units unless and until the Company shall have issued and delivered Shares to you and your name shall have been entered as a stockholder of record on the books of the Company. Pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Plan, all ordinary (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) cash dividends that would have been paid upon any Shares underlying your Units had such Shares been issued will be retained by the Company for your account until your Units vest and such dividends will be paid to you (without interest) on the applicable Delivery Date to the extent that your Units vest.

7. 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 receiving the Units. You hereby represent to the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group and the MSG Sports Group that you are relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group, any of their respective Affiliates or any of their respective agents. If, in connection with the Units, 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. If your Units vest prior to payment in accordance with Section 3(B)[ or][,] (C)[ or (D)]5, then you agree to cooperate with your Employer to satisfy any tax withholding obligations, in such manner as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

 

4 

See footnote 2.

5 

See footnote 2.

 

3


8. Section 409A. It is the intent that payments under this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”) to the extent applicable, and that the Agreement be administered accordingly. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or any employment agreement you have entered into with your Employer, 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 and is payable to you by reason of termination of your 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 (6) months after the date of your separation from service (or your earlier death). Each payment under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment under Section 409A.

9. Delivery. Subject to Sections 7, 10 and 13 and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Shares will be delivered in respect of vested Units (if any) on the first to occur of the following events: (i) to you on or promptly after the applicable Vesting Date (but in no case more than fifteen (15) days after such date), (ii) in the event of your death to your estate after your death and during the calendar year in which your death occurs (or such later date as may be permitted under Section 409A) and (iii) in the event of any other termination of your employment (including pursuant to the provisions of Appendix 1) to you on the ninetieth (90th) day following termination of your employment (the “Delivery Date”). Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, delivery of the Shares at the Delivery Date will be by book-entry credit to an account in your name that the Company has established at a custody agent (the “custodian”). The Company’s transfer agent, EQ Shareowner Services, shall act as the custodian of the Shares; however, the Company may in its sole discretion appoint another custodian to replace EQ Shareowner Services. On the Delivery Date, if you have complied with your obligations under this Agreement and provided that your tax obligations with respect to the vested Units are appropriately satisfied, we will instruct the custodian to electronically transfer your Shares to a brokerage or other account on your behalf (or make such other arrangements for the delivery of the Shares to you as we reasonably determine).

10. 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 any of its Subsidiaries.

11. 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.

12. 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.

 

4


13. 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 4 and Appendix 1 of this Agreement are deemed to be “terms of an Award Agreement expressly refer[ring] 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.

14. Units Subject to the Plan. The Units covered by this Agreement are subject to the Plan.

15. Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiaries means any entities that are controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company, MSG Entertainment or MSG Sports, as applicable, or in which the Company, MSG Entertainment or MSG Sports, as applicable, owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the equity interests.

16. Entire Agreement. Except for any employment agreement between you and the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group in effect as of the date of the grant hereof (as such employment agreement may be modified, renewed or replaced), this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the Units covered hereby and supersede all prior understandings and agreements. Except as provided in Sections 8 and 15, in the event of a conflict among the documents with respect to the terms and conditions of the Units 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.

17. 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.

18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be made under, and in all respects be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of law principles.

19. Jurisdiction and Venue. You irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States located in the Southern 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 agree that the mailing of process or other papers in connection with any action or proceeding in any manner permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service.

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 term or condition, or of any similar or any dissimilar term or condition, whether at the same time or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

5


21. Severability. The provisions 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 deemed to be in agreement that the Units covered hereby 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 the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group, except as determined otherwise by the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group. In addition, each of your beneficiaries shall be deemed to be in agreement that all such shares be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group.

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 Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group, or derogate from the right of the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports 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 Grant Date.

26. Signatures. Execution of this Agreement by the Company may be in the form of an electronic, manual or similar signature (including, without limitation, an electronic acknowledgement of acceptance), and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.

[Remainder of the page intentionally left blank]

 

6


SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

By your electronic acknowledgement of acceptance, 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.

 

7


Appendix 1

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AGREEMENT

1. In the event of a “Sphere Entertainment Change of Control” or a “going-private transaction” with respect to the Company, each as defined below, your entitlement to Units shall be as follows:

(A) If the Company or the “Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity,” as defined below (if any), has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, the Committee shall, no later than the effective date of the transaction which results in a Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or a going-private transaction with respect to the Company, either (i) convert your unvested Units into an amount of cash equal to (a) the number of your unvested Units multiplied by (b) 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 or (ii) arrange to have the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity grant to you an award of restricted stock units (or partnership units) for shares of the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity on the same terms and with a value equivalent to your unvested Units which will, in the good faith determination of the Committee, provide you with an equivalent profit potential.

(B) If the Company or the Sphere Entertainment 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 the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, the Committee shall convert your unvested Units into an amount of cash equal to the amount calculated as per Paragraph 1(A)(i) above.

(C) Provided that you remain continuously employed with the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group, the MSG Sports Group or the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity through the date of the earliest event described in any of (i), (ii) or (iii) below, any award provided for in Paragraph 1(A)(i) or 1(B) shall become payable to you (or your estate), and any substitute restricted stock unit award of the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity provided in Paragraph 1(A)(ii) shall vest, at the earlier of (i) each applicable date on which your Units would otherwise have vested had they continued in effect, (ii) the date of your death, or (iii) if, immediately prior to termination you were an employee of the Sphere Entertainment Group, the date on which your employment with the Sphere Entertainment Group or the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity is terminated (a) by the Company, one of its Subsidiaries or the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity other than for Cause, (b) by you for “good reason,” as defined below or (c) by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to the Company; provided that clause (c) herein shall not apply in the event that your rights in the Units are converted into a right to receive an amount of cash in accordance with Paragraph 1(A)(i). The amount payable in cash shall be payable together with interest from the effective date of the Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to the

 

A1-1


Company, until the date of payment at (i) the weighted average cost of capital of the Company immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to the Company or (ii) if the Company (or the Sphere Entertainment 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 “MSG Entertainment Change of Control” or a “going-private transaction” with respect to MSG Entertainment, each as defined below, and if (1) immediately prior to such MSG Entertainment Change of Control or going-private transaction with respect to MSG Entertainment you were an employee of the MSG Entertainment Group and (2) at the time of such MSG Entertainment Change of Control or going-private transaction with respect to MSG Entertainment you are not an employee of the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group, your entitlement to the Units shall be as follows:

Your Units shall vest at the earlier of (A) the date on which your Units would otherwise have vested had they continued in effect, (B) the date of your death or (C) the date on which your employment with the MSG Entertainment Group or the “MSG Entertainment Surviving Entity,” as defined below, is terminated (i) by MSG Entertainment, one of its Subsidiaries or the MSG Entertainment Surviving Entity other than for Cause, (ii) by you for “good reason” or (iii) by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the MSG Entertainment Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to MSG Entertainment.

3. In the event of a “MSG Sports Change of Control” or a “going-private transaction” with respect to MSG Sports, each as defined below, and if (1) immediately prior to such MSG Sports Change of Control or going-private transaction with respect to MSG Sports you were an employee of the MSG Sports Group and (2) at the time of such MSG Sports Change of Control or going-private transaction with respect to MSG Sports you are not an employee of the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Entertainment Group, your entitlement to the Units shall be as follows:

Your Units shall vest at the earlier of (A) the date on which your Units would otherwise have vested had they continued in effect, (B) the date of your death or (C) the date on which your employment with the MSG Sports Group or the “MSG Sports Surviving Entity,” as defined below, is terminated (i) by MSG Sports, one of its Subsidiaries or the MSG Sports Surviving Entity other than for Cause, (ii) by you for “good reason” or (iii) by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the MSG Sports Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to MSG Sports.

4. As used herein,

Acquisition price per share” means 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 Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to the Company and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety (90)-day period ending on the date of such Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or going-private transaction with respect to the Company.

 

A1-2


Cause” means your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against your Employer 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.

Going-private transaction” means a transaction involving the purchase of Company, MSG Entertainment or MSG Sports, as applicable, securities described in Rule 13e-3 to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

Good reason” means

a. without your express written consent any reduction in your base salary or target bonus opportunity, 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 Grant Date) at any time after or within ninety (90) days prior to the MSG Entertainment Change of Control, the Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or the MSG Sports 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 award under any plans of the Company, MSG Entertainment or MSG Sports, as applicable), or material impairment or material adverse change of your level of responsibility, authority, autonomy or title, or to your scope of duties;

b. 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;

c. 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

d. 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 Paragraph 1.

Merger price per share” means, in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or other disposition of assets that results in a Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or a 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

 

A1-3


common stock during the ninety (90)-day period ending on the date of such Sphere Entertainment 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 Entertainment 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 MSG Entertainment, of the power to direct the management of MSG Entertainment or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).

Sphere Entertainment 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 Sports 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 MSG Sports, of the power to direct the management of MSG Sports or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).

MSG Entertainment Surviving Entity” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of MSG Entertainment’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 the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the MSG Entertainment Surviving Entity; provided that if there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of MSG Entertainment’s assets shall be deemed to be the MSG Entertainment Surviving Entity.

Sphere Entertainment 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

 

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of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or the over-the-counter market, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity; provided that if 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 Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity.

MSG Sports Surviving Entity” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of MSG Sports’ 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 the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the MSG Sports Surviving Entity; provided that if there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of MSG Sports’ assets shall be deemed to be the MSG Sports Surviving Entity.

Offer price per share” means, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer which results in a Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or a 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 (90)-day period ending on the date of a Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or a 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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Exhibit 10.2

FORM OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AGREEMENT

Dear [Participant Name]:

Pursuant to the MSG Networks Inc. 2010 Employee Stock Plan, as amended and assumed by Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (the “Plan”), you have been selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (as more fully described in Section 11, the “Committee”) of Sphere Entertainment Co. (formerly known as Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.) (the “Company”), effective as of [Date] (the “Grant Date”) to receive [#RSUs] restricted stock units (“Units”). The Units are granted subject to the terms and conditions set forth below and in the Plan.

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this agreement (this “Agreement”) have the meanings given to them in the Plan. The Units are subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:

1. Awards. Each Unit shall represent an unfunded, unsecured promise by the Company to deliver to you one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (“Share”) on the Delivery Date. In accordance with Section 10(b) of the Plan, in the discretion of the Committee, in lieu of all or any portion of the Shares otherwise deliverable in respect of your Units, the Company may deliver a cash amount equal to the number of such Shares multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date when Shares would otherwise have been issued, as determined by the Committee.

2. Vesting. [Your Units will vest on September 15, [year] (the “Vesting Date”)];1 provided that you have remained in the continuous employ of the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group (each as defined below) through the Vesting Date. Subject to Sections 3 and 4, you will forfeit any unvested Units if you do not remain continuously employed with the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group (each as defined below) from the Grant Date through any Vesting Date.

For purposes of this Agreement, the “Sphere Entertainment Group” means the Company and any of its Subsidiaries. The “MSG Entertainment Group” means Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (formerly known as MSGE Spinco, Inc.) (“MSG Entertainment”) and any of its Subsidiaries. The “MSG Sports Group” means Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (“MSG Sports”) and any of its Subsidiaries.

For purposes of this Agreement, if you are employed by the Sphere Entertainment Group, your “Employer” means the Company; if you are employed by the MSG Entertainment Group, your “Employer” means MSG Entertainment; if you are employed by the MSG Sports Group, your “Employer” means MSG Sports; if you are employed by both the MSG Entertainment Group and the Sphere Entertainment Group, your “Employer” means MSG Entertainment; if you are employed by both the Sphere Entertainment Group and the MSG Sports Group, your “Employer” means the Company; and if you are employed by each of the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group and the MSG Sports Group, your “Employer” means MSG Entertainment.

 

1 

A different vesting schedule may be provided on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.


3. Vesting in the Event of Death, Disability[, Retirement] 2 and Other Circumstances.

(A) If your employment is terminated as a result of your death, all of the unvested Units will vest as of the termination date.

(B) If your employment is terminated while you are Disabled, and Cause does not then exist, your unvested Units will immediately vest, and will become payable at such times as they would have otherwise vested pursuant to Section 2.

(C) [If your employment is terminated on or after the date that you achieve Retirement Eligibility, and Cause does not then exist, then so long as you enter into your Employer’s then-current form of separation agreement (which shall include, without limitation, a covenant not to compete), you will vest in your Units and such Units will become payable at such times as they would have otherwise vested pursuant to Section 2 regardless of whether or not you remain employed by your Employer on such dates; provided, however, that upon a termination for Cause, you will forfeit all Units that had not yet been paid.]3

(D) If your employment is terminated for other reasons, the Committee may, in its sole discretion determine to vest all or a portion of the unvested Units (but shall be under no obligation to consider doing so).

(E) For purposes of this Agreement:

 

  (i)

Disabled” means that you received short term disability income replacement payments for six (6) months, and thereafter (A) have been determined to be disabled in accordance with your Employer’s long term disability plan in which employees of your Employer are generally able to participate, if one is in effect at such time or (B) to the extent no such long term disability plan exists, have been determined to have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months as determined by the department or vendor directed by your Employer to determine eligibility for unpaid medical leave.

 

 

2 

To be included on a case-by-case basis as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

3 

See footnote 1.

 

2


  (ii)

Cause” means, as determined by the compensation committee of your Employer, in its sole discretion, your (A) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against your Employer or (B) 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.

 

  (iii)

[“Retirement Eligibility” means that you are either (A) at least fifty-five (55) years old with at least ten (10) years of continuous service with the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group and/or the MSG Sports Group or (B) at least sixty (60) years old with at least five (5) years of continuous service with the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group and/or the MSG Sports Group.]4

4. Change of Control/Going-Private Transaction. As set forth in Appendix 1 attached hereto, your entitlement to the Units may be affected in the event of a MSG Entertainment Change of Control, a Sphere Entertainment Change of Control, a MSG Sports Change of Control or a going-private transaction with respect to the Company, MSG Entertainment or MSG Sports (each as defined in Appendix 1 attached hereto).

5. Transfer Restrictions. You may not transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise encumber the Units, other than to the extent provided in the Plan.

6. Right to Vote and Receive Dividends. You shall not be deemed to be the holder of, or have any of the rights of a stockholder with respect to, any Units unless and until the Company shall have issued and delivered Shares to you and your name shall have been entered as a stockholder of record on the books of the Company. Pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Plan, all ordinary (as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) cash dividends that would have been paid upon any Shares underlying your Units had such Shares been issued will be retained by the Company for your account until your Units vest and such dividends will be paid to you (without interest) on the applicable Delivery Date to the extent that your Units vest.

7. 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 receiving the Units. You hereby represent to the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group and the MSG Sports Group that you are relying solely on such advisors and not on any statements or representations of the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group, any of their respective Affiliates or any of their respective agents. If, in connection with the Units, 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. If your Units vest prior to payment in accordance with Section 3(B)[ or][,] (C)[ or (D)]5, then you agree to cooperate with your Employer to satisfy any tax withholding obligations, in such manner as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

 

4 

See footnote 1.

5 

See footnote 1.

 

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8. Section 409A. It is the intent that payments under this Agreement shall comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”) to the extent applicable, and that the Agreement be administered accordingly. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement or any employment agreement you have entered into with your Employer, 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 and is payable to you by reason of termination of your 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 (6) months after the date of your separation from service (or your earlier death). Each payment under this Agreement shall be treated as a separate payment under Section 409A.

9. Delivery. Subject to Sections 7, 10 and 13 and except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the Shares will be delivered in respect of vested Units (if any) on the first to occur of the following events: (i) to you on or promptly after the applicable Vesting Date (but in no case more than fifteen (15) days after such date), (ii) in the event of your death to your estate after your death and during the calendar year in which your death occurs (or such later date as may be permitted under Section 409A) and (iii) in the event of any other termination of your employment (including pursuant to the provisions of Appendix 1) to you on the ninetieth (90th) day following termination of your employment (the “Delivery Date”). Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, delivery of the Shares at the Delivery Date will be by book-entry credit to an account in your name that the Company has established at a custody agent (the “custodian”). The Company’s transfer agent, EQ Shareowner Services, shall act as the custodian of the Shares; however, the Company may in its sole discretion appoint another custodian to replace EQ Shareowner Services. On the Delivery Date, if you have complied with your obligations under this Agreement and provided that your tax obligations with respect to the vested Units are appropriately satisfied, we will instruct the custodian to electronically transfer your Shares to a brokerage or other account on your behalf (or make such other arrangements for the delivery of the Shares to you as we reasonably determine).

10. 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 any of its Subsidiaries.

11. 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.

12. 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.

 

4


13. 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 4 and Appendix 1 of this Agreement are deemed to be “terms of an Award Agreement expressly refer[ring] 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.

14. Units Subject to the Plan. The Units covered by this Agreement are subject to the Plan.

15. Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiaries means any entities that are controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company, MSG Entertainment or MSG Sports, as applicable, or in which the Company, MSG Entertainment or MSG Sports, as applicable, owns, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the equity interests.

16. Entire Agreement. Except for any employment agreement between you and the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group in effect as of the date of the grant hereof (as such employment agreement may be modified, renewed or replaced), this Agreement and the Plan constitute the entire understanding and agreement of you and the Company with respect to the Units covered hereby and supersede all prior understandings and agreements. Except as provided in Sections 8 and 15, in the event of a conflict among the documents with respect to the terms and conditions of the Units 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.

17. 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.

18. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be deemed to be made under, and in all respects be interpreted, construed and governed by and in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflict of law principles.

19. Jurisdiction and Venue. You irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and the Federal courts of the United States located in the Southern 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 agree that the mailing of process or other papers in connection with any action or proceeding in any manner permitted by law shall be valid and sufficient service.

 

5


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 term or condition, or of any similar or any dissimilar term or condition, whether at the same time or at any prior or subsequent time.

21. Severability. The provisions 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 deemed to be in agreement that the Units covered hereby 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 the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group, except as determined otherwise by the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group. In addition, each of your beneficiaries shall be deemed to be in agreement that all such shares be exempt from inclusion in “wages” or “salary” for purposes of calculating benefits of any life insurance coverage sponsored by the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group.

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 Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group, or derogate from the right of the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports 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 Grant Date.

26. Signatures. Execution of this Agreement by the Company may be in the form of an electronic, manual or similar signature (including, without limitation, an electronic acknowledgement of acceptance), and such signature shall be treated as an original signature for all purposes.

[Remainder of the page intentionally left blank]

 

6


SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

By your electronic acknowledgement of acceptance, 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.

 

7


Appendix 1

RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AGREEMENT

1. In the event of a “Sphere Entertainment Change of Control” or a “going-private transaction” with respect to the Company, each as defined below, your entitlement to Units shall be as follows:

(A) If the Company or the “Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity,” as defined below (if any), has shares of common stock (or partnership units) traded on a national stock exchange or on the over-the-counter market as reported on the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, the Committee shall, no later than the effective date of the transaction which results in a Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or a going-private transaction with respect to the Company, either (i) convert your unvested Units into an amount of cash equal to (a) the number of your unvested Units multiplied by (b) 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 or (ii) arrange to have the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity grant to you an award of restricted stock units (or partnership units) for shares of the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity on the same terms and with a value equivalent to your unvested Units which will, in the good faith determination of the Committee, provide you with an equivalent profit potential.

(B) If the Company or the Sphere Entertainment 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 the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, the Committee shall convert your unvested Units into an amount of cash equal to the amount calculated as per Paragraph 1(A)(i) above.

(C) Provided that you remain continuously employed with the MSG Entertainment Group, the Sphere Entertainment Group, the MSG Sports Group or the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity through the date of the earliest event described in any of (i), (ii) or (iii) below, any award provided for in Paragraph 1(A)(i) or 1(B) shall become payable to you (or your estate), and any substitute restricted stock unit award of the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity provided in Paragraph 1(A)(ii) shall vest, at the earlier of (i) each applicable date on which your Units would otherwise have vested had they continued in effect, (ii) the date of your death, or (iii) if, immediately prior to termination you were an employee of the Sphere Entertainment Group, the date on which your employment with the Sphere Entertainment Group or the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity is terminated (a) by the Company, one of its Subsidiaries or the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity other than for Cause, (b) by you for “good reason,” as defined below or (c) by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to the Company; provided that clause (c) herein shall not apply in the event that your rights in the Units are converted into a right to receive an amount of cash in accordance with Paragraph 1(A)(i). The amount payable in cash shall be payable together with interest from the effective date of the Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to the

 

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Company, until the date of payment at (i) the weighted average cost of capital of the Company immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to the Company or (ii) if the Company (or the Sphere Entertainment 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 “MSG Entertainment Change of Control” or a “going-private transaction” with respect to MSG Entertainment, each as defined below, and if (1) immediately prior to such MSG Entertainment Change of Control or going-private transaction with respect to MSG Entertainment you were an employee of the MSG Entertainment Group and (2) at the time of such MSG Entertainment Change of Control or going-private transaction with respect to MSG Entertainment you are not an employee of the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Sports Group, your entitlement to the Units shall be as follows:

Your Units shall vest at the earlier of (A) the date on which your Units would otherwise have vested had they continued in effect, (B) the date of your death or (C) the date on which your employment with the MSG Entertainment Group or the “MSG Entertainment Surviving Entity,” as defined below, is terminated (i) by MSG Entertainment, one of its Subsidiaries or the MSG Entertainment Surviving Entity other than for Cause, (ii) by you for “good reason” or (iii) by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the MSG Entertainment Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to MSG Entertainment.

3. In the event of a “MSG Sports Change of Control” or a “going-private transaction” with respect to MSG Sports, each as defined below, and if (1) immediately prior to such MSG Sports Change of Control or going-private transaction with respect to MSG Sports you were an employee of the MSG Sports Group and (2) at the time of such MSG Sports Change of Control or going-private transaction with respect to MSG Sports you are not an employee of the Sphere Entertainment Group or the MSG Entertainment Group, your entitlement to the Units shall be as follows:

Your Units shall vest at the earlier of (A) the date on which your Units would otherwise have vested had they continued in effect, (B) the date of your death or (C) the date on which your employment with the MSG Sports Group or the “MSG Sports Surviving Entity,” as defined below, is terminated (i) by MSG Sports, one of its Subsidiaries or the MSG Sports Surviving Entity other than for Cause, (ii) by you for “good reason” or (iii) by you for any reason at least six (6) months, but not more than nine (9) months after the effective date of the MSG Sports Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to MSG Sports.

4. As used herein,

Acquisition price per share” means 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 Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or the going-private transaction with respect to the Company and (ii) the highest fair market value per share of common stock during the ninety (90)-day period ending on the date of such Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or going-private transaction with respect to the Company.

 

 

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Cause” means your (i) commission of an act of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation, willful misconduct, gross negligence or breach of fiduciary duty against your Employer 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.

Going-private transaction” means a transaction involving the purchase of Company, MSG Entertainment or MSG Sports, as applicable, securities described in Rule 13e-3 to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

Good reason” means

a. without your express written consent any reduction in your base salary or target bonus opportunity, 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 Grant Date) at any time after or within ninety (90) days prior to the MSG Entertainment Change of Control, the Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or the MSG Sports 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 award under any plans of the Company, MSG Entertainment or MSG Sports, as applicable), or material impairment or material adverse change of your level of responsibility, authority, autonomy or title, or to your scope of duties;

b. 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;

c. 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

d. 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 Paragraph 1.

Merger price per share” means, in the case of a merger, consolidation, sale, exchange or other disposition of assets that results in a Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or a 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 (90)-day period ending on the date of such Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or going-private transaction with respect to the Company. Any securities or

 

A1-3


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 Entertainment 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 MSG Entertainment, of the power to direct the management of MSG Entertainment or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).

Sphere Entertainment 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 Sports 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 MSG Sports, of the power to direct the management of MSG Sports or substantially all its assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions).

MSG Entertainment Surviving Entity” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of MSG Entertainment’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 the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the MSG Entertainment Surviving Entity; provided that if there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of MSG Entertainment’s assets shall be deemed to be the MSG Entertainment Surviving Entity.

Sphere Entertainment 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 the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity; provided that if 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 Sphere Entertainment Surviving Entity.

 

 

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MSG Sports Surviving Entity” means the entity that owns, directly or indirectly, after consummation of any transaction, substantially all of MSG Sports’ 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 the New York Stock Exchange or any other stock exchange, then such parent entity shall be deemed to be the MSG Sports Surviving Entity; provided that if there shall be more than one such parent entity, the parent entity closest to ownership of MSG Sports’ assets shall be deemed to be the MSG Sports Surviving Entity.

Offer price per share” means, in the case of a tender offer or exchange offer which results in a Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or a 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 (90)-day period ending on the date of a Sphere Entertainment Change of Control or a 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.

 

A1-5

v3.24.2.u1
Document and Entity Information
Aug. 22, 2024
Cover [Abstract]  
Amendment Flag false
Entity Central Index Key 0001795250
Document Type 8-K
Document Period End Date Aug. 22, 2024
Entity Registrant Name SPHERE ENTERTAINMENT CO.
Entity Incorporation State Country Code DE
Entity File Number 001-39245
Entity Tax Identification Number 84-3755666
Entity Address, Address Line One Two Pennsylvania Plaza
Entity Address, City or Town New York
Entity Address, State or Province NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 10121
City Area Code (725)
Local Phone Number 258-0001
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre Commencement Tender Offer false
Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Security 12b Title Class A Common Stock
Trading Symbol SPHR
Security Exchange Name NYSE
Entity Emerging Growth Company false

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