Item 1A. Risk Factors
An investment in our common stock involves risk. Before investing in our common stock, in addition to the other information described in Item 7 (“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”) of Part II, you should carefully consider the following risks. Such risks are not the only ones that relate to our businesses and capitalization. The risks described below are considered to be the most material. However, there may be other unknown or unpredictable economic, business, competitive, regulatory or other factors that also could have material adverse effects on our businesses. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. If any of the events described below or in the documents incorporated by reference herein were to occur, our businesses, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows could be materially adversely affected, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the value of our common stock.
Factors Relating to our Corporate History and the Split-Off
The historical financial information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not necessarily representative of our future financial position, future results of operations or future cash flows.
In valuing shares of our common stock, investors should recognize that the historical financial information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K with respect to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022 and a portion of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 prior to the completion of the Split-Off has been extracted from Liberty Media’s historical consolidated financial statements and does not necessarily reflect what our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows would have been had we been a separate, stand-alone company pursuing independent strategies during those periods prior to the completion of the Split-Off. In addition, our historical financial results insofar as they relate to periods prior to the completion of the Split-Off reflect allocations of corporate expenses from Liberty Media for corporate functions from Liberty Media. These expenses may be less than the comparable expenses we would have incurred had we operated as a separate publicly traded company during periods prior to the Split-Off. In connection with the Split-Off, we entered into the Services Agreement with Liberty Media, pursuant to which Liberty Media provides us with certain management, administrative, financial, treasury, accounting, tax, legal and other services, for which we will reimburse Liberty Media on a fixed fee basis. Accordingly, our historical financial results for periods prior to the completion of the Split-Off are not necessarily representative of the results we would have achieved as a separate public company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results
We have incurred, and may continue to incur, material costs not previously incurred as a result of our separation from Liberty Media.
We have incurred and expect to continue to incur costs and expenses not previously incurred as a result of the Split-Off. These increased costs and expenses may arise from various factors, including financial reporting, costs associated with complying with the federal securities laws (including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act), tax administration and human resources related functions. Although Liberty Media will continue to provide many of these services for us under the Services Agreement, neither we nor Liberty Media can assure you that the Services Agreement will continue or that these costs will not be material to our business.
Our agreements with Liberty Media were negotiated while we were still a subsidiary of Liberty Media and therefore may not be the result of arms’ length negotiations.
We have entered into a number of agreements with Liberty Media covering matters such as tax sharing and allocation of responsibility for certain liabilities previously undertaken by Liberty Media for certain of our businesses. In addition, we have entered into the Services Agreement with Liberty Media pursuant to which Liberty Media will provide us certain management, administrative, financial, treasury, accounting, tax, legal and other services, for which we will reimburse Liberty Media on a fixed fee basis. The terms of all of these agreements were established while we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media, and therefore may not be the result of arms’ length negotiations. We believe that the terms of these agreements are and will be commercially reasonable and fair to all parties under the circumstances; however, conflicts could arise in the interpretation or any extension or renegotiation of the foregoing agreements.
I-12
Table of Contents
We may have a significant indemnity obligation to Liberty Media, which is not limited in amount or subject to any cap, if the Split-Off Transactions are treated as a taxable transaction.
In connection with the Split-Off and certain related transactions (the “Split-Off Transactions”), Liberty Media received an opinion of its tax counsel to the effect that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Split-Off Transactions will qualify as a tax-free transaction under Section 355, Section 368(a)(1)(D), and related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to Liberty Media and to the former holders of Liberty Braves common stock and holders of Liberty Formula One common stock (except with respect to the receipt of any cash in lieu of fractional shares). Liberty Media did not obtain a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding the qualification of the Split-Off Transactions as a tax-free transaction under Section 355, Section 368(a)(1)(D), and related provisions of the Code. Opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS or the courts, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions reached in such opinion or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If, for any reason, it is determined that the Split-Off Transactions do not qualify for tax-free treatment, Liberty Media and the former holders of Liberty Braves common stock and holders of Liberty Formula One common stock who received our common stock pursuant to the Split-Off Transactions could incur significant tax liabilities.
Even if the Split-Off Transactions otherwise qualify under Section 355, Section 368(a)(1)(D), and related provisions of the Code, the Split-Off Transactions would result in a significant U.S. federal income tax liability to Liberty Media (but not to former holders of Liberty Braves common stock or holders of Liberty Formula One common stock) under Section 355(e) of the Code if one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, a 50% or greater interest (measured by either vote or value) in the stock of Liberty Media or in the stock of our Company (or any successor corporation) (excluding, for this purpose, acquisitions of our common stock meeting statutory exceptions) as part of a plan or series of related transactions that includes the Split-Off Transactions. The process for determining whether an acquisition is part of a plan under these rules is complex, inherently factual in nature, and subject to a comprehensive analysis of the facts and circumstances of the particular case. Notwithstanding the opinion of tax counsel described above, we or Liberty Media might inadvertently cause or permit a prohibited change in our or Liberty Media’s ownership to occur, thereby triggering tax liability to Liberty Media.
Prior to the Split-Off, we entered into a tax sharing agreement with Liberty Media. Under this agreement, Liberty Media is generally responsible for any taxes and losses resulting from the failure of the Split-Off Transactions to qualify as a tax-free transaction and certain taxes resulting from the failure of the Liberty Media Exchange to qualify as a transaction described in Section 361(c)(3) of the Code; however, we are required to indemnify Liberty Media, its subsidiaries and certain related persons for any such taxes and losses that (i) result primarily from, individually or in the aggregate, the breach of certain covenants we made (applicable to actions or failures to act by us and our subsidiaries), (ii) result from the application of Section 355(e) of the Code to the Split-Off Transactions as a result of the treatment of the Split-Off Transactions as part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, a 50% or greater interest (measured by vote or value) in the stock of our Company (or any successor corporation) or (iii) result from any excess loss account (within the meaning of applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations) in our common stock, or gain recognized under Section 361(b) of the Code due to the application of the basis limitation in the last sentence of Section 361(b)(3) of the Code. Our indemnification obligations to Liberty Media, its subsidiaries and certain related persons are not limited in amount or subject to any cap. If we are required to indemnify Liberty Media, its subsidiaries or such related persons under the circumstances set forth in the tax sharing agreement, we may be subject to substantial liabilities, which could materially adversely affect our financial position.
To preserve the tax-free treatment of the Split-Off Transactions, we may determine to forgo certain transactions that might have otherwise been advantageous to our Company, including certain asset dispositions or other strategic transactions for some period of time following the Split-Off. In addition, our indemnity obligation related to the Split-Off Transactions under the tax sharing agreement might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control transaction for some period of time following the Split-Off.
We may not realize the potential benefits from the Split-Off in the near term or at all.
Liberty Media anticipated that we would realize certain strategic and financial benefits as a result of our separation from Liberty Media. In particular, the Split-Off was intended to provide greater transparency to investors with respect to our business, which was expected to result in a trading price for our common stock that reflects a reduced valuation discount than that applied to Liberty Media’s Liberty Braves common stock prior to the Split-Off. However, there can be no assurance that the trading price of our common stock will reflect a reduced valuation discount, as compared to Liberty Media’s former
I-13
Table of Contents
Liberty Braves common stock, as a result of the completion of the Split-Off. In this case, our equity currency would not be as attractive to use for raising capital to fund our financial needs or for the retention and attraction of qualified personnel. Given the added costs associated with the completion of the Split-Off, including the separate accounting, legal and other compliance costs of being a separate public company, our failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Split-Off in the near term or at all could adversely affect us.
We have overlapping directors and management with Liberty Media, Qurate Retail, Liberty Broadband and Liberty TripAdvisor (each as defined below), which may lead to conflicting interests.
Executive officers of Liberty Media also serve as our executive officers pursuant to the Services Agreement entered into with Liberty Media in connection with the completion of the Split-Off, and Gregory B. Maffei, President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of Liberty Media also serves as our Chairman of the Board and President and Chief Executive Officer. Brian Deevy, who is a member of our board of directors, is also a member of the Liberty Media board of directors. In addition, as a result of prior transactions (in addition to the Split-Off Transactions) that resulted in the separate corporate existence of Liberty Media, Qurate Retail, Inc. (“Qurate Retail”), Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”) and Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. (“Liberty TripAdvisor”), all or most of the executive officers of Liberty Media also serve as executive officers of Qurate Retail, Liberty Broadband and Liberty TripAdvisor. The executive officers and the members of our board of directors have fiduciary duties to our stockholders. Likewise, any such persons who serve in similar capacities at Liberty Media, Qurate Retail, Liberty Broadband and Liberty TripAdvisor have fiduciary duties to their respective stockholders. Therefore, such persons may have conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving or affecting their respective companies. For example, there may be the potential for a conflict of interest when we or Liberty Media look at acquisitions and other corporate opportunities that may be suitable for each of us. Further, as allowed by Nevada law, our restated charter renounces any interest or expectancy in certain business opportunities involving our directors and officers, which will allow such directors and officers to pursue those business opportunities without being liable to us or our stockholders for a breach of fiduciary duties arising out of such opportunities. In addition, each of Liberty Broadband and Liberty TripAdvisor has renounced its rights to certain business opportunities and its respective restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions deeming directors and officers not in breach of their fiduciary duties in certain cases for directing a corporate opportunity to another person or entity (including Qurate Retail, Liberty Broadband and Liberty TripAdvisor) instead of such company. Moreover, certain of our directors and officers will continue to own capital stock of Liberty Media, Qurate Retail, Liberty Broadband and/or Liberty TripAdvisor and hold equity awards with respect to such capital stock. These ownership interests could create, or appear to create, potential conflicts of interest when these individuals are faced with decisions that could have different implications for us or these other companies. Any potential conflict that could qualify as a “related party transaction” (as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K) will be subject to review by the audit committee of our board of directors or an independent committee of our board of directors in accordance with our corporate governance guidelines. Any other potential conflicts that arise would be addressed on a case-by-case basis, keeping in mind the applicable fiduciary duties owed by the executive officers and directors of each issuer. From time to time, we may enter into transactions with Liberty Media, Qurate Retail, Liberty Broadband and Liberty TripAdvisor and/or their respective subsidiaries or other affiliates. Although the terms of any such transactions or agreements will be established based upon negotiations between employees of the companies involved, there can be no assurance that the terms of any such transactions will be as favorable to us or our subsidiaries or affiliates as would be the case where the parties are completely at arms’ length.
John C. Malone owns shares of our common stock representing approximately 47.5% of our aggregate voting power, which may be deemed to put him in a position to influence significant corporate actions and may discourage others from initiating a potential change of control transaction that may be beneficial to our stockholders.
Mr. Malone beneficially owns shares of our common stock representing the power to direct approximately 47.5% of the aggregate voting power of our common stock. We and Mr. Malone have not entered into any arrangements that prohibit or limit his ability to acquire additional shares of our common stock, and therefore Mr. Malone could acquire beneficial ownership of (x) 496,192 additional shares of BATRA or (y) 32,244 additional shares of BATRB (which represents all of the outstanding shares of BATRB that were not owned by Mr. Malone as of immediately following the Split-Off) and 173,752 additional shares of BATRA to control approval of general matters submitted to shareholders for approval, pursuant to which holders of shares of BATRA and BATRB would vote together as a single class. Mr. Malone may continue to be deemed to be in a position to influence significant corporate actions, including corporate transactions such as mergers, business
I-14
Table of Contents
combinations or dispositions of assets. This concentration of ownership could discourage others from initiating any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transaction that may otherwise be beneficial to our stockholders.
Factors Relating to Our Business
Our business’ financial success depends, in large part, on the Braves achieving on-field success.
Our financial results depend in large part on the ability of the Braves to achieve on-field success. The team’s successes generate significant fan enthusiasm, resulting in sustained ticket, premium seating, concession and merchandise sales, and greater shares of local television and radio audiences during that period. Furthermore, participation in MLB’s postseason provides the franchise with additional revenue and income, primarily derived from games played at the Braves’ home stadium. The Braves appeared in 4 out of 17 potential postseason games in 2022 and 4 out of 18 potential postseason games in 2023. Net revenue from postseason play (after reduction for allocable postseason share payments) was approximately $11.3 million and $8.4 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. While the Braves have made the MLB postseason during eight of the past twelve seasons, and were the 2021 World Series Champions, there can be no assurance that the team will perform well or qualify for postseason play during the next season or any season thereafter. Poor on-field performance by the Braves is likely to adversely affect our financial performance.
The success of the Braves depends largely on their ability to develop, obtain and retain talented players.
The success of the Braves depends, in large part, on the ability to develop, obtain and retain talented players. The Braves compete with other MLB baseball teams and teams in other countries for available professional players and top player prospects. There can be no assurance that the Braves will be able to retain players upon expiration of their contracts or identify and obtain or develop new players of adequate talent to replace players who retire or are injured, traded, released or lost to free agency. Even if the Braves are able to retain or obtain players who have had successful amateur or professional careers, or develop talented players through the Braves’ minor league affiliates or otherwise, there can be no assurance that such players will perform successfully for the Braves. The 2017 penalties handed down by MLB against the Braves in the international market limited the Braves’ ability to recruit players internationally through the 2021 season, and could have an impact on the future pipeline of talent going forward.
Determining the market value of an MLB player is difficult, subject to market conditions and involves the use of subjective inputs and significant assumptions, any of which may prove to be inaccurate.
The current market value of a given MLB player is subject to market conditions generally and more specifically based on the player’s experience, position played, recent performance statistics, physical health, other similar players available at such time and other factors, such as the desirability of a particular franchise to such player, all of which vary over time. In general, player signings occur frequently enough that there are comparable objective data points that can be utilized in determining the value of a given MLB player. However, for top-ranked players, there may not be frequent enough player signings to provide sufficient recent comparable objective data points for valuation purposes. As a result, the Braves’ ability to accurately determine the market value of a given player may be significantly impacted by Braves’ subjective inputs and assumptions. Further, while a player’s market value is generally determined at the time of signing, the evaluation of the contributions made by the player are ongoing throughout the life of the contract and the overall value of the entire contract can be analyzed only after the expiration of such contract. As a result, the Braves’ ability to determine the market value of an MLB player is inherently uncertain, and the Braves may fail to assign a market value that is commensurate with such player’s contributions over the life of the contract term. These challenges, and the related risk that the Braves may fail to accurately determine the market value of a given player, may be exacerbated as the length of the contract term increases. As a result, entry into long-term contracts, which generally include higher aggregate compensation, may increase the risk that the Braves fail to accurately determine the market value of a given player. The Braves’ inability to accurately determine the market value of the players who are signed may negatively impact the ability of the Braves to achieve on-field success, which is likely to adversely affect our financial performance.
The risk of injuries to key or popular players creates uncertainty and could negatively impact financial results.
A significant portion of our financial results is dependent upon the on-field success of the Braves and injuries to players pose risk to that success. In addition, the Braves are currently scheduled to play 81 regular season road games each year, requiring players and members of the coaching staff to travel using charter carriers. The Braves’ extensive travel
I-15
Table of Contents
schedule exposes its players and coaching staff to the risk of travel-related accidents and injuries. An injury sustained by a key player, or an injury occurring at a key point in the season, could negatively impact the team’s performance and decrease the likelihood of postseason play. An injury sustained by a popular player could negatively impact fan enthusiasm, which could negatively impact ticket sales and other sources of revenue. Furthermore, after the start of each season, all MLB players under contract are generally entitled to all of their contract salary for the season, even after sustaining an injury (subject to certain rights of the Braves). Having to compensate a player who is unable to perform for a substantial period of the season, as well as the replacement for the injured player, could create a significant financial burden for the Braves. Long-term employment contracts provide for, among other items, annual compensation for certain players (current and former) and other employees. As of December 31, 2023, amounts payable annually under such contracts aggregated $236.9 million in 2024, $180.0 million in 2025, $160.7 million in 2026, $111.4 million in 2027, $104.9 million in 2028 and $156.3 million, combined, thereafter. The Braves may or may not elect to obtain disability insurance for their players signed to multiyear contracts to partially mitigate these risks, but there can be no assurance that even if obtained that such insurance will compensate for all or substantially all of the costs associated with player injuries and such insurance would not serve to mitigate any potential negative impact on the team’s performance and revenue.
Focus on team performance, and decisions by management, may negatively impact financial results in the short-term.
Management of Braves Holdings focuses on making operational and business decisions that enhance the on-field performance of the Braves and this may sometimes require implementing strategies and making investments that may negatively impact short-term profit for the sake of immediate on-field success. For example, in order to improve the short-term performance of the team, management may decide to make trades for highly compensated players and sign free agents or current players to high value contracts, which could significantly increase operating expenses for a given year, and which could adversely impact the trading price of our common stock. In addition, to the extent higher salaries must be paid in order to retain talented players, the Braves may be subject to the Competitive Balance Tax imposed by the CBA (each as defined below) if the Braves’ aggregate average payroll exceeds the predetermined thresholds contained in the CBA. The Braves were required to pay the Competitive Balance Tax for the 2023 season. For more information about the Competitive Balance Tax, see “Item 1. Business - MLB Rules and Regulations - Collective Bargaining Agreement” and “Item 1. Business - MLB Rules and Regulations - Competitive Balance Provisions.” Alternatively, management may decide to focus on longer-term success by investing more heavily in the recruiting and development of younger and less expensive talent, which may negatively affect the team’s current on-field success and in turn could have a negative impact on ticket sales and other sources of revenue. We must also comply with all MLB rules and decisions. MLB has significant authority over MLB teams and must act in the best interests of MLB as a whole. Such rules and decisions may be inconsistent with strategies adopted by management and may have a negative effect on the near-term value of our common stock.
The organizational structure of MLB and its rules and regulations impose substantial restrictions on our and our subsidiaries’ operations.
As a condition to maintaining its MLB membership, each MLB Club must comply with the rules and regulations adopted by MLB, as well as a series of other agreements and arrangements that govern the operation and management of an MLB Club (collectively, the “MLB Rules and Regulations”). See “Item 1. Business - MLB Rules and Regulations.” For example, each MLB Club is subject to the Major League Constitution, the Major League Rules and the CBA. In addition, each MLB Club is required to appoint one “Control Person” who is acceptable to MLB and the other MLB Clubs and who has significant authority over club operations and the club’s interaction with MLB. Pursuant to the MLB Rules and Regulations and the CBA, an MLB Club must comply with, among other things, limitations on the amount of debt it can incur, revenue sharing arrangements with other MLB Clubs, commercial arrangements with regard to the national broadcasting of its games and other programming and commercial arrangements relating to the use of its intellectual property. Additionally, the vote of 75% of the MLB Clubs is required for the approval of the sale of any MLB Club or relocation of a franchise to another city.
The Braves will be required to abide by any changes to the MLB Rules and Regulations and the adoption of any new MLB Rules and Regulations, irrespective of whether such changes or new arrangements negatively impact the Braves, proportionately or disproportionately, as compared with the other MLB Clubs. We, as well as our board of directors, board committees and subsidiaries, are also subject to the MLB Rules and Regulations. Further, the Commissioner of Baseball interprets the MLB Rules and Regulations, and we and Braves Holdings (and certain of our affiliates) have agreed to submit any and all disputes related to the MLB Rules and Regulations, or disputes involving another MLB Club, to the Commissioner of Baseball as sole arbitrator. The decisions of the Commissioner of Baseball are binding and not appealable, and therefore
I-16
Table of Contents
we and Braves Holdings may not resort to the courts or any other means to enforce our rights or contest the application of the MLB Rules and Regulations. No assurance can be given that any changes to the MLB Rules and Regulations, adoption of new MLB Rules and Regulations or decisions made by the Commissioner of Baseball will not adversely affect our business and our financial results and have a negative impact upon the value of our common stock.
Organized labor matters could have an adverse effect on our financial results.
Our business is dependent upon the efforts of unionized workers. MLB players are covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (the “CBA”). MLB has experienced labor difficulties in the past and may have labor issues in the future. Labor difficulties may include players’ strikes or protests or management lockouts. MLB has also had disputes with the labor union representing the major league umpires, which have resulted in strikes and the need to use replacement umpires. MLB experienced a players’ strike during the 1994 season, which resulted in a regular season that was shortened and the cancelation of the World Series. In December 2021, the previous collective bargaining agreement expired and MLB commenced a lockout of the Major League players. As a result of the lockout, the start of the 2022 regular season was delayed until the MLB Clubs reached a tentative agreement in March 2022 on the terms of the CBA in a Memorandum of Understanding and the regular season began in April. See “Item 1. Business - MLB Rules and Regulations - Collective Bargaining Agreement.” The CBA covers the 2022 through 2026 MLB seasons. Any labor disputes, such as players’ strikes, protests or lockouts, could postpone or cancel MLB games. No revenue will be recognized for cancelled games and the impact may have a material negative effect on our business and results of operations.
The possibility of MLB expansion could create increased competition.
The most recent MLB expansion occurred in 1998. MLB continues to evaluate opportunities to expand into new markets across North America. Because revenue from national broadcasting and licensing agreements are divided equally among all MLB Clubs, any such expansion could dilute the revenue realized by us from such agreements and increase competition for talented players among MLB Clubs. Historically, expansion teams have been permitted to select in an expansion draft certain unprotected players from the rosters of various MLB teams. There can be no assurance that the Braves will be able to retain key players during future expansion drafts or that the rules regarding expansion drafts will not change to the detriment of the Braves. Any expansion in the Southeast region of the United States, in particular, could also draw fan, consumer and viewership interest away from the Braves.
Viewership, and interest in baseball generally, may fluctuate due to factors outside of our control.
Viewership of professional baseball has experienced declines in recent years and, although recent declines have seen some recovery, any future decline in television ratings or attendance for MLB as a whole could have an adverse effect on our financial results. The Braves compete for entertainment and advertising dollars with other sports and entertainment activities. During parts of the MLB regular season, the Braves experience competition from college football, professional basketball (the Atlanta Hawks) and professional football (the Atlanta Falcons). As sporting and entertainment trends change, fans may be drawn to other spectator sports and entertainment options, in spite of on-field success by the Braves.
Broadcasting rights, both national and local, present an important source of revenue for us, and decreases in this broadcasting revenue could have an adverse effect on our financial results.
Braves Holdings derives revenue directly from the sale of their local broadcasting rights through an individually negotiated carriage or license agreement. The sale of their national broadcasting rights, together with those of all other MLB Clubs, is organized through MLB with all such revenue allocated consistent with the MLB Rules and Regulations. A majority of this revenue is reliant on a limited number of broadcasting partners. Solvency and business disruptions impacting our broadcasting partners, as well as any decline in television ratings, carriage disputes, popularity of the Braves specifically, or even MLB as a whole, could adversely affect the revenue that can be derived from the sale of these broadcasting rights. See “- The chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Diamond Sports Group may interrupt the regional broadcasting of Braves games, which may adversely impact the Braves’ fan base and results of operations” below.
I-17
Table of Contents
The chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Diamond Sports Group may interrupt the regional broadcasting of Braves games, which may adversely impact the Braves’ fan base and results of operations.
Diamond Sports Group, a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcasting Group which licenses and distributes sports content in various regional markets, including the Braves games (other than nationally televised games) in the Braves home television territory, filed for chapter 11 protection in March 2023. As a result of the chapter 11 proceeding, we may be required to repay up to $34.2 million, the amount remitted to us and our subsidiaries during the 90-day preference period preceding the filing. In addition, if Sportsouth Network II, LLC, a subsidiary of Diamond Sports Group, elects to reject the regional sports broadcasting license in the bankruptcy proceeding, regional broadcast rights will revert to us, and we will attempt to find a replacement broadcaster to produce and distribute Braves games but there is no assurance they will be successful, and we and our subsidiaries may not receive any revenue from Sportsouth Network II during the remaining contract term and would be required to write down accounts receivable and contract asset amounts of $34.6 million recorded on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. Any interruption of the regional broadcasting of Braves games due to the chapter 11 bankruptcy may adversely impact the Braves’ fan base and our results of operations. In addition to any lost broadcast revenue or incurred credit losses, we may also incur additional expenses in negotiating a replacement regional broadcast license or an alternative arrangement. While the pending bankruptcy proceeding of Diamond Sports Group has not previously had a material unfavorable impact on our revenue or results of operations, and although Braves Holdings has received all scheduled payments to date, we cannot currently predict whether such bankruptcy proceeding is reasonably likely to have a material unfavorable impact on our revenue or results of operations in the future.
Our ability to incur indebtedness to fund our operations will be limited, which could negatively impact our operations.
Braves Holdings generally funds its operating activities through cash flow from operations and two credit facilities, with a combined borrowing capacity of $275 million. As of December 31, 2023, there were no amounts outstanding under these credit facilities. If cash flows become insufficient to cover operating or capital needs, we may be required to take on additional indebtedness, but applicable CBA rules limit the aggregate amount of indebtedness that the Braves may incur. See “Item 1. Business – MLB Rules and Regulations – Collective Bargaining Agreement” and “Business – MLB Rules and Regulations – Debt Service Rule.” Following our separation from Liberty Media, we do not have access to Liberty Media’s capital or credit and our ability to obtain significant financing on favorable terms, or at all, may be more limited as a standalone company than as a subsidiary of Liberty Media. Due to our size and current indebtedness, together with our assets and operating cash flow, we may be unable to support any significant financing in the future.
If debt financing is not available to us in the future, we may obtain liquidity through the issuance and sale of our equity securities. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of equity securities, our stockholders may experience significant dilution. If we are unable to obtain sufficient liquidity in the future, Braves Holdings may be unable to continue to develop its business, complete acquisitions or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Certain covenants included in the documents governing our indebtedness impose limitations on the liquidity of our business.
In addition to the Debt Service Rule limitations imposed by the CBA limiting the amount of indebtedness that may be incurred by the Braves, the agreements governing the indebtedness incurred, directly or indirectly, by Braves Holdings, include certain covenants that limit our ability to sell or otherwise transfer control over certain assets or equity interests of affiliated entities. These covenants could limit our flexibility to react to changing or adverse market conditions, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and could suppress the value of our common stock.
Our holding company structure could restrict access to funds of our subsidiaries that may be needed to pay third party obligations.
We are a holding company and our assets consist primarily of investments in our subsidiaries, including Braves Holdings. As a holding company, our ability to meet our financial obligations to third parties is dependent upon our available cash balances, distributions from subsidiaries and other investments and proceeds from any asset sales. Further, our ability to receive dividends or payments or advances from our subsidiaries’ businesses depends on their individual operating results, any statutory, regulatory or contractual restrictions to which they are or may become subject and the terms of their indebtedness and any additional debt they may incur in the future. From time to time, our subsidiaries may consider
I-18
Table of Contents
opportunities to refinance such debt, including through use of cash on hand and capital markets transactions. Accordingly, our ability to make payments to third parties and to otherwise meet our financial obligations at the holding company level is constricted.
We do not own Truist Park and any failure to comply with the terms of the Stadium Operating Agreement for Truist Park could result in the termination of our operating subsidiaries’ rights to operate, and play home games at Truist Park, which could adversely impact the Braves’ reputation and our baseball business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Braves play their home games at Truist Park pursuant to the Stadium Operating Agreement entered into with Cobb County and the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority, which owns Truist Park (the “Stadium Operating Agreement”). The Stadium Operating Agreement obligates the Braves to play all home games in Truist Park through the 2046 season, with a 5-year extension option to 2051.
The Stadium Operating Agreement is terminable by Cobb County and the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority upon the occurrence of certain events of default, including, subject to certain exceptions and applicable cure periods: (i) failure of the Braves to pay any amount due and owing under the Stadium Operating Agreement, including the annual license fees, within ten business days after written notice; (ii) failure of the Braves to perform any material agreement or provision of the Stadium Operating Agreement; (iii) the Braves failure to guarantee certain other payment and performance obligations relating to the construction and maintenance of Truist Park; and (iv) failure by the Braves to play all home games at Truist Park. The Stadium Operating Agreement provides that any termination of the agreement will not be effective until the conclusion of the then current MLB season, including any applicable postseason games. The Stadium Operating Agreement also grants the Braves a right of first refusal in connection with any sale by Cobb County and the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority of their interests in Truist Park and provides the Braves with an exclusive option to purchase Truist Park during the twelve month period ending six months prior to the expiration or termination of the Stadium Operating Agreement.
If certain of our subsidiaries were to breach or become unable to satisfy their obligations under or relating to the Stadium Operating Agreement, such subsidiaries’ right to operate Truist Park, including their right to play home games at Truist Park, could be terminated. If the Stadium Operating Agreement is terminated, and the operating subsidiaries determine not to exercise their right of first refusal or exclusive option to purchase, or are unable to exercise such rights or unsuccessful in exercising such rights, there is no guarantee that we would be able to secure alternative facilities for the Braves without a significant disruption to our baseball business. Any termination of the Stadium Operating Agreement could adversely impact the Braves’ reputation and our baseball business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our subsidiaries have incurred and are expected to continue to incur significant indebtedness, including borrowings used or to be used to finance the construction, development and/or ongoing operations of Braves Holdings, the Braves’ stadium, the Mixed-Use Development and a spring training facility, which could negatively impact our financial condition.
Braves Holdings has, directly or indirectly through subsidiaries, taken on a significant level of debt and increased expenses related to the development of the Braves’ stadium, the Mixed-Use Development and our spring training facility. As of December 31, 2023, Braves Holdings had approximately $206.8 million outstanding under various debt instruments for construction and other stadium-related costs, $336.2 million outstanding under various credit facilities and loans for the Mixed-Use Development and $30.0 million outstanding under a credit facility for the spring training facility. Continued construction and development expenditures will increase our costs and indebtedness in the near term, which could have a negative impact on Braves Holdings’ credit worthiness and the value of our common stock.
Our financial performance may be materially adversely affected if we do not experience the anticipated benefits of the Mixed-Use Development in the near term or at all.
Braves Holdings is incurring a significant amount of capital expenditures and indebtedness in connection with the construction and development of the Mixed-Use Development. Although we believe that the Mixed-Use Development will result in a material increase in revenue over the short and long term, including as a result of increased game attendance and rental income from the Mixed-Use Development, no assurance can be given that attendance will increase as anticipated or that the potential benefits of the Mixed-Use Development will be fully realized. To the extent that the long-term anticipated benefits of the Mixed-Use Development do not materialize and we do not experience sustained revenue, our increased costs,
I-19
Table of Contents
including our new debt service obligations, could materially adversely affect our financial results, which is likely to suppress the value of our common stock.
Development activities, such as those associated with the Mixed-Use Development, are subject to significant risks.
Risks associated with real estate development projects, such as the Mixed-Use Development, relate to, among other items, adverse changes in national market conditions (which can result from political, regulatory, economic or other factors), increases in interest rates, competition for, and the financial condition of, tenants, the cyclical nature of property markets, adverse local market conditions, changes in the availability of debt financing, real estate tax rates and other operating expenses, zoning laws and other governmental rules and fiscal policies, energy prices, population trends, risks and operating problems arising out of the presence of certain construction materials, acts of God, uninsurable losses and other factors which are beyond the control of the developer and may make the underlying investments economically unattractive. Development activities also involve the risk that construction may not be completed within budget or on schedule because of cost overruns, work stoppages, shortages of building materials, the inability of contractors to perform their obligations under construction contracts, defects in plans and specifications or various other factors, including natural disasters, which may be exacerbated by climate change. In addition, Braves Holdings has only been managing the Mixed-Use Development since 2017 and although real estate developers and other real estate experts have been engaged to assist us in our efforts, we may not be able to fully realize the projected long-term returns and benefits of our real estate development efforts. Any of these risks could result in substantial unanticipated delays or expenses associated with the Mixed-Use Development, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and suppress the value of our common stock.
Additionally, the Mixed-Use Development requires Braves Holdings to comply with various federal, state and local environmental, health, safety and land use laws and regulations. The properties are subject to such laws and regulations relating to the use, storage, disposal, emission and release of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and employee health and safety as well as zoning restrictions. Additional laws which may be passed in the future, or a finding of a violation of or liability under existing laws, could require us to make significant expenditures and otherwise limit or restrict some of our operations or developments.
Climate change may also have indirect effects on the Mixed-Use Development by increasing the cost of, or making unavailable, property insurance on terms we find acceptable. To the extent that significant changes in the climate occur where the Mixed-Use Development is located, we may experience more frequent extreme weather events, which may result in physical damage to the Mixed-Use Development or its lessees’ facilities and may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Failure of lessees of the Mixed-Use Development to renew their leases as they expire and improvement costs associated with new leases may adversely impact our cash flow from operations, which could negatively impact our financial condition.
If Mixed-Use Development lessees do not renew their leases as they expire, we may not be able to re-lease that space in the Mixed-Use Development. In addition, in connection with securing lease renewals or re-leasing properties, we may agree to terms that are less economically favorable than expiring lease terms, or we may be required to incur significant costs, such as renovations and improvements on behalf of the lessee. Furthermore, a significant portion of the costs of owning property, such as real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance, are not necessarily reduced when circumstances cause a decrease in rental revenue from the properties. Any of these events could adversely affect our cash flow from operations and our ability to service our indebtedness, which could negatively impact our financial condition.
Negative market conditions or adverse events affecting existing or potential lessees of the Mixed-Use Development or the industries in which they operate, could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract new lessees, collect rent or renew leases at the Mixed-Use Development, which could adversely affect our cash flow from operations and inhibit growth.
Cash flow from operations depends in part on our ability to lease space in the Mixed-Use Development on economically favorable terms and to collect rent from lessees on a timely basis. We could be adversely affected by various facts and events over which we have limited or no control, such as:
I-20
Table of Contents
• inability to retain existing lessees and attract new lessees;
• changes in market rental rates;
At any time, any Mixed-Use Development lessee may experience a downturn in its business that may weaken its operating results or overall financial condition. As a result, such lessee may delay lease commencement, fail to make rental payments when due, decline to extend a lease upon its expiration, become insolvent or declare bankruptcy. The bankruptcy or insolvency of a Mixed-Use Development lessee could diminish the revenue we receive as a result of a lease termination or other concessions, such as reduced rent payable, and our ability to seek payment for unpaid future rent would be substantially limited, if not eliminated. Any lessee bankruptcy or insolvency, leasing delay or failure to make rental payments when due could result in material losses to us and could adversely affect our cash flow from operations and our ability to service our indebtedness.
Weak or uncertain economic conditions may reduce consumer demand for products, services and events offered by us.
A weak or uncertain economy as a result of inflation and any recession could adversely affect demand for our products, services and events. A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from discretionary spending by individuals on tickets, including postseason games, concessions, merchandise, suites and premium seat fees, which typically falls during times of economic instability. In addition, weak or uncertain economic conditions and reductions in discretionary spending may adversely impact the demand for products and services of our Mixed-Use Development lessees which may weaken the financial condition of such lessees. As a result, such lessees may delay lease commencement, fail to make rental payments or become insolvent. See “- Negative market conditions or adverse events affecting existing or potential lessees of the Mixed-Use Development or the industries in which they operate, could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract new lessees, re-lease space, collect rent or renew leases at the Mixed-Use Development, which could adversely affect our cash flow from operations and inhibit growth” above. Accordingly, our ability to increase or maintain revenue and earnings could be adversely affected to the extent that relevant economic environments decline. While we are currently unable to predict the extent of any of these potential adverse effects in the future, as of December 31, 2023, we do not believe that our operations have been materially impacted by recent inflationary pressures.
Fans attending professional baseball games risk personal injury or accident, which could subject us to personal injury or other claims and could increase our expenses.
Personal injuries and accidents involving fans attending professional baseball games have occurred, and may in the future occur, which could subject us to claims and liabilities for personal injuries which could increase expenses. While we maintain insurance policies that provide coverage within limits that are sufficient, in management’s judgment, to protect us from material financial loss for personal injuries sustained by persons at our venues, there can be no assurance that such insurance will be adequate at all times and in all circumstances.
We may be adversely affected by the occurrence of extraordinary events, such as terrorist attacks or future pandemics or epidemics.
The occurrence and threat of extraordinary events, such as terrorist attacks, intentional or unintentional mass-casualty incidents, natural disasters, future pandemics or epidemics or similar events, may substantially decrease the attendance at professional baseball games, which may decrease our revenue or expose us to substantial liability. For example, as a result of COVID-19, in 2020, all MLB games were postponed, with a portion of spring training in 2020 for teams cancelled. Additionally, Braves Holdings had limitations on the number of fans in attendance at certain games in 2021, thereby reducing revenue associated with fan attendance. Further, the Mixed-Use Development was affected due to government restrictions in response to COVID-19 on retail and restaurants. It is unclear whether and to what extent the occurrence or threat of these extraordinary events will impact the use of and/or demand for the entertainment and events provided by Braves Holdings and
I-21
Table of Contents
demand for sponsorship and advertising assets. The occurrence or threat of these extraordinary events may also impact discretionary consumer spending.
While we constantly evaluate the security precautions for our events, no security measures can guarantee safety. Despite our best efforts, some occurrences or actions are difficult to foresee and adequately plan for, which could lead to fan, vendor and/or employee harm resulting in fines, penalties, legal costs and reputational risk that could materially and adversely impact our business and results of operations. Some occurrences or actions may also heighten the occurrence and impact of other risk factors described in this “Risk Factors” section.
Poor weather may adversely affect attendance at professional baseball games.
Due to weather conditions, we may be required to cancel or reschedule one or more baseball games to another available day, which could increase our costs and could negatively impact attendance, as well as concession and merchandise sales, which could negatively impact our financial performance. The frequency and severity of such adverse weather conditions could increase as a result of climate change.
Data loss or other breaches or disruptions of our information systems and information system security could materially harm our business and results of operations.
Penetration of our information systems or other misappropriation or misuse of personal or sensitive information and data, including credit card information and other personally identifiable information, could subject us to increased costs, litigation, actions from governmental authorities, and financial or other liabilities. In addition, security breaches, incidents or the inability to protect information could lead to ticketing fraud and counterfeit tickets.
Additionally, we rely on technology, such as our information systems, content distribution systems, ticketing systems, and payment processing systems, as well as technology and information systems of third-party vendors, to conduct our business. Disruptions, such as computer hacking and phishing, theft, computer viruses, ransomware, worms or other destructive software, process breakdowns, denial of service attacks or other malicious activities, as well as power outages, natural or other disasters (including extreme weather), terrorist activities or human error, may affect the information systems and services we utilize and could result in disruption of our services, misappropriation, misuse, alteration, theft, loss, leakage, falsification, and accidental or premature release or improper disclosure of confidential or other information, including intellectual property and personal data (of third parties or employees) contained on such systems. The techniques used to access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems change frequently and continue to become more sophisticated and targeted, and the increasing use of artificial intelligence may intensify cybersecurity risks. While we and our vendors and broadcasting partners continue to develop, implement and maintain security measures seeking to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks, including unauthorized access or misuse, such efforts are costly, require ongoing monitoring and updating and may not be successful in preventing these events from occurring.
Further, we rely on technology at our home games and other live events, the failure or disruption of which, for any significant period of time, could affect our business, our reputation and the success of our live events. Any significant interruption or failure of the technology upon which we rely, or any significant breach of security, could result in decreased performance and increased operating costs (including refunds to impacted end users), adversely affecting our business, financial condition, reputation and results of operations.
The processing, storage, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of personal data could give rise to liabilities as a result of governmental regulation, conflicting legal requirements or differing views of personal privacy rights.
Through the Company’s operations, sales and marketing activities, it collects and stores certain non-public personal information related to its customers. The Company also gathers and retains information about employees in the normal course of business. The Company may share information about such persons with vendors, contractors and other third-parties that assist with certain aspects of its business.The collection, storage, sharing,use, disclosure and protection of this information are governed by the privacy and data security policies maintainedby these businesses. Moreover, there are federal, state and international laws regarding privacy and the collection,storage, sharing, use, disclosure and protection of personally identifiable information and user data. Specifically,personally identifiable information is increasingly subject to changing legislation and regulations, in numerousjurisdictions around the world, which are intended to protect the privacy of personal information that is collected,processed and transmitted in or from the governing jurisdiction. Compliance with these laws
I-22
Table of Contents
and regulations may beonerous and expensive and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, further increasing the cost ofcompliance.
For example, California has enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), which, among other things, allows California consumers to request that certain companies disclose the types of personal information collected by such companies. The CCPA became effective on January 1, 2020. The California Attorney General has issued regulations and guidance regarding the law. In November 2020, California voters approved the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (“CPRA”), which amends and expands the CCPA and establishes the California Privacy Protection Agency to implement and enforce consumer privacy laws. Most of the CPRA’s provisions became effective on January 1, 2023. In addition, Virginia enacted the Consumer Data Protection Act in March 2021, which regulates the handling of personal data and became effective on January 1, 2023, and Colorado enacted a personal data protection law in July 2021, the Colorado Privacy Act, which took effect on July 1, 2023. Utah and Connecticut also have enacted consumer privacy statutes. Other states in the U.S. are also separately proposing laws to regulate privacy and security of personal data. Our failure, and/or the failure by the various third party vendors and service providers with which we do business, to comply with applicable privacy policies or federal or state laws or changes in applicable laws and regulations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release of personally identifiable information or other user data could damage ourreputation and the reputation of their third party vendors and service providers, discourage potential users from trying their products and services and/or result in fines and/or proceedings by governmental agencies and/or consumers, any one or all of which could adversely affect ourbusiness, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we or our business affiliates may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate for losses.
We and our subsidiaries have operations outside of the United States that are subject to numerous operational risks.
We and our subsidiaries operate in countries other than the United States, including the Dominican Republic. In many foreign countries, particularly in certain developing economies, it is not uncommon to encounter business practices that are prohibited by certain regulations, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws. Although we and our subsidiaries have undertaken compliance efforts with respect to these laws, our respective employees, contractors and agents, as well as those companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, may take actions in violation of our policies and procedures. Any such violation, even if prohibited by the policies and procedures of our subsidiaries and business affiliates or the law, could have certain adverse effects on the financial condition of us, our subsidiaries and business affiliates. Any failure by us, our subsidiaries and business affiliates to effectively manage the challenges associated with the international operation of our and/or their businesses could materially adversely affect our and our subsidiaries’ financial condition.
The Company’s ability to use net operating loss and disallowed business interest carryforwards to reduce future tax payments could be negatively impacted.
At December 31, 2023, we had a deferred tax asset attributable to state net operating losses and federal and state disallowed business interest carryforwards of $16.7 million and we may carry forward our state net operating losses and federal and state disallowed business interest deductions in certain circumstances to offset current and future taxable income and reduce our income tax liability, subject to certain requirements and restrictions. Under certain state laws, our ability to use our state net operating loss and disallowed business interest carryforwards could be substantially limited. These limits could impact the timing of the usage of our state net operating loss and disallowed business interest carryforwards, thus accelerating state cash tax payments or causing certain state net operating loss carryforwards to expire prior to their use, which could affect the ultimate realization of that deferred tax asset.
Factors Relating to Ownership of Our Common Stock and the Securities Market
Our multi-series structure may depress the trading price of the shares of our common stock.
Our multi-series structure may result in a lower or more volatile market price of the shares of our common stock or in adverse publicity or other adverse consequences. For example, certain index providers have announced restrictions on including companies with multi-series share structures in certain of their indexes. S&P Dow Jones and FTSE Russell have announced changes to their eligibility criteria for inclusion of shares of public companies on certain indices, including the S&P 500. These changes exclude companies with multiple classes of shares of common stock from being added to these indices. Any such exclusion from indices could result in a less active trading market for, and adversely affect the value of, the shares of our common stock, in part because mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that attempt
I-23
Table of Contents
to passively track these indices will not be investing in the shares of our common stock. In addition, several stockholder advisory firms have announced their opposition to the use of multiple-class structures. As a result, the multi-series structure of our common stock may cause stockholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary about our corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to cause us to change our capital structure. Any actions or publications by stockholder advisory firms critical of our corporate governance practices or capital structure could also adversely affect the value of the shares of our common stock.
For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to comply with certain reporting requirements, including disclosure about our executive compensation, that apply to other public companies.
We are classified as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. As a result, we have reduced Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance requirements, as discussed elsewhere, for as long as we are an emerging growth company, which may be up to five full fiscal years. Unlike other public companies, we will not be required to, among other things, (i) comply with certain audit-related requirements that we would otherwise be subject to but for our status as an emerging growth company, (ii) provide certain disclosure regarding executive compensation required of larger public companies or (iii) hold non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation.
To the extent that we rely on any of the exemptions available to emerging growth companies, you will receive less information about our executive compensation and internal control over financial reporting than issuers that are not emerging growth companies. If some investors find our common stock to be less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
If we are unable to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or our internal control over financial reporting is not effective, the reliability of our financial statements may be questioned and our stock price may suffer.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires any company subject to the reporting requirements of the U.S. securities laws to complete a comprehensive evaluation of its and its consolidated subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting. To comply with this statute, we will be required to document and test our internal control procedures, our management will be required to assess and issue a report concerning our internal control over financial reporting, and our independent auditors will be required to issue an attestation regarding our internal control over financial reporting. However, as an emerging growth company, we will not be required to have our independent auditors attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until our first annual report subsequent to ceasing to be an emerging growth company. As a result, we may not be required to have our independent auditors attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until as late as the annual report for the year ending December 31, 2028. Although we do not expect the annual costs to comply with Section 404 to be significant (based on preliminary assessments), the rules governing the standards that must be met for our management to assess our internal control over financial reporting are complex, subject to change, and require significant documentation, testing and possible remediation to meet the detailed standards under the rules. During the course of its testing, our management may identify material weaknesses or deficiencies which may not be remedied in time to meet the deadline imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. If our management cannot favorably assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting when we are required to do so or our auditors identify material weaknesses in our internal control, investor confidence in our financial results may weaken, and our stock price may suffer.
It may be difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so may be beneficial to our stockholders.
Certain provisions of our restated charter and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of us that a stockholder may consider favorable. These provisions include the following:
I-24
Table of Contents
● limiting who may call special meetings of stockholders;
Our restated charter includes restrictions on the share ownership of our common stock by certain persons, which if triggered would result in an immediate transfer of the applicable number of shares to a trust for the benefit of the applicable transferor. In addition, MLB rules require that any person or group seeking to acquire a controlling interest in us or the Braves must receive the prior approval of MLB. Such limitations and approval requirements may restrict any change of control or business combination opportunities in which our stockholders might receive a premium for shares of our common stock.
To comply with the policies of MLB, our restated charter provides that, subject to certain exceptions: (i) employees of MLB and related entities may not own our common stock, (ii) persons who are owners, stockholders, directors, officers or employees of any MLB Club other than the Braves may not own 5% or more of the number of outstanding shares of our common stock, (iii) no person may own 10% or more of the number of outstanding shares of our common stock and (iv) no person may (A) own 50% or more of the number of outstanding shares of our common stock or (B) have the ability to exercise control over our business affairs unless, in the case of clause (iii) or clause (iv), such person is expressly approved by MLB (which, in the case of clause (iii), includes GAMCO Investors, Inc.) or qualifies as an exempt holder (which includes Gregory B. Maffei, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John C. Malone, or any person approved by MLB as the “control person” of the Braves and certain related persons of each of the foregoing. In the event that a holder attempts to acquire shares of our common stock in violation of these restrictions, the applicable excess shares will automatically be transferred to a trust whereby such shares shall be held for the benefit of the excess share transferor, and subject to the ownership or control thresholds described in the above clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) which is purported to be breached, such excess shares may be sold for cash, on the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, except that to the extent the purported transfer is in violation of clause (iv)(B), then such excess shares that are shares of BATRB will first be converted to shares of BATRA. No assurance can be given that the trust will be able to sell the shares at a price that is equal to or greater than the price paid by the holder. In addition, the holder’s right to receive the net proceeds of the sale, as well as any dividends or other distributions to which the holder would otherwise be entitled, will be subject to the holder’s compliance with the applicable mechanics included in our restated charter.
In addition to the influence Mr. Malone could exercise in respect of his voting power (see “- Factors Relating to our Corporate History and the Split-Off - Mr. Malone owns shares of our common stock representing approximately 47.5% of our aggregate voting power (based on the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023), which may be deemed to put him in a position to influence significant corporate actions and may discourage others from initiating a potential change of control transaction that may be beneficial to our stockholders.”), the share ownership limitations and MLB approvals required for certain transfers of shares of our common stock, in each case included in our restated charter, may have an anti-takeover effect, potentially discouraging third parties from making proposals for acquisitions of greater than 10% of our common stock or a change of control transaction. In addition, if MLB does not provide approval of a specific transaction, these provisions could prevent a transaction in which holders of our common stock might
I-25
Table of Contents
receive a premium for their shares over the then-prevailing market price or which our board of directors or stockholders might believe to be otherwise in the best interest of us and our stockholders.
Our directors and officers are protected from liability for a broad range of actions.
Nevada law has a provision limiting or eliminating the individual liability of both directors and officers unless the articles of incorporation provide for greater liability. A director or officer of a Nevada corporation is not liable unless the presumption that such person acted in good faith, on an informed basis and with a view to the interests of the corporation has been rebutted. In addition, there must be proof both that the act or failure to act constituted a breach of a fiduciary duty as a director or officer and that such breach involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law. In addition, the Nevada provision permitting limitation of liability applies to both directors and officers and expressly applies to liabilities owed to creditors of the corporation.
Our restated charter provides that the Eighth Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada shall be the exclusive forum for certain litigation that may be initiated by our stockholders, and that the federal courts shall be the exclusive forum for claims under the Securities Act; these provisions could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our restated charter provides that, subject to limited exceptions, the Eighth Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada in Clark County, Nevada (the “Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court”) (or if the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court does not have jurisdiction, any other state district court located in the State of Nevada, and if no state district court in the State of Nevada has jurisdiction, any federal court located in the State of Nevada) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the exclusive forum for certain specified types of “internal actions” as defined under Nevada law, including (a) those brought in our name or right or on our behalf; (b) those for or based upon a breach of fiduciary duty against any director, officer, employee or agent of ours in such capacity; (c) those arising pursuant to, or to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of, any provision of the Nevada corporation laws, the articles of incorporation, the bylaws or certain voting agreements or trusts.
In addition, our restated charter provides that the federal district courts of the United States shall be, to the fullest extent provided by law, the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act. In addition, Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder.
These choice of forum provisions may otherwise limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, employees and agents. Stockholders who do bring a claim in the Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court could face additional litigation costs in pursuing any such claim, particularly if they do not reside in or near the State of Nevada. The Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court may also reach different judgments or results than would other courts, including courts where a stockholder considering an action may be located or would otherwise choose to bring the action, and such judgments or results may be more favorable to us than to our stockholders. Similarly, the federal district courts may also reach different judgments in Securities Act cases than state courts. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our restated charter to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The holders of any series of our common stock, or the holders of our common stock as a whole, may not have any remedies if an action by our directors or officers prioritizes other interests or has a disparate effect on our common stock or any series thereof.
Principles of Nevada law and the provisions of our restated charter may protect decisions of our board of directors that weigh interests different from those of the holders of our common stock, or any series thereof, or that have a disparate impact upon holders of any series of our common stock. Under Nevada law, the board of directors has the duty to exercise its powers in good faith and with a view to the interests of the corporation. In doing so, the board of directors may consider all relevant facts, circumstances, contingencies or constituencies, including, without limitation, the interests of the corporation’s employees, suppliers, creditors or customers; the economy of the state or the nation; the interests of the community or of society; the long-term or short-term interests of the corporation, including the possibility that these interests may be best
I-26
Table of Contents
served by the continued independence of the corporation; or the long-term or short-term interests of the corporation’s stockholders, including the possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued independence of the corporation. Directors may consider or assign weight to the interests of any particular person or group, or to any other relevant facts, circumstances, contingencies or constituencies and are not required to consider, as a dominant factor, the effect of a proposed corporate action upon any particular group or constituency having an interest in the corporation. Under the principles of Nevada law referred to above and the business judgment rule, you may not be successful in challenging these decisions if a majority of our board of directors is disinterested, independent and adequately informed with respect to decisions of the board and acts in good faith and in the honest belief that the board is acting in the best interests of all of our stockholders.
Our multi-series voting structure may limit your ability to influence corporate matters and future issuances of BATRB may further dilute voting power of shares of BATRA.
Our common stock is divided into three series of common stock: BATRA, BATRB and BATRK. Holders of record of BATRA are entitled to one vote for each share of such stock and holders of record of BATRB are entitled to ten votes for each share of such stock on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Holders of record of BATRK will not be entitled to any voting rights, except as otherwise required by Nevada law. When so required, holders of record of BATRK will be entitled to 1/100th of a vote for each share of such stock. Our restated charter does not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors and permits future issuances of BATRA, BATRB and BATRK. Any future issuances of BATRA, BATRB or BATRK may dilute your interest in the Company.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity
Risk Management and Strategy
Atlanta Braves Holdings’ corporate level information technology (“IT”) and cybersecurity functions are provided by Liberty as part of the services agreement described in Item 1. Business. Through the services agreement, we participate in Liberty’s processes for assessing, identifying, and managing risks from cybersecurity threats at the corporate level, as detailed below. Braves Holdings operates its own cybersecurity function with oversight from Atlanta Braves Holdings.
We are committed to protecting the security and integrity of our systems, networks, databases and applications and, as a result, have implemented processes designed to prevent, assess, identify, and manage material risks associated with cybersecurity threats.
Cybersecurity risks are assessed as part of our enterprise risk assessment and risk management program and our cybersecurity risk management program is designed and assessed based on recognized frameworks, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework.
We rely on a multidisciplinary team, including our information security function, legal department, management, and third-party consultants, as described further below, to identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity threats and risks. We identify and assess risks from cybersecurity threats by monitoring and evaluating our threat environment and our risk profile using various methods including, using manual and automated tools such as vulnerability scanning software, monitoring existing and emerging cybersecurity threats, analyzing reports of threats and threat actors, conducting scans of the threat environment, evaluating our industry’s risk profile, utilizing internal and external audits and assessments, and conducting threat and vulnerability assessments.
To manage and mitigate material risks from cybersecurity threats to our information systems and data, we implement and maintain various technical, physical and organizational measures, processes and policies. These measures include risk assessments, incident detection and response, vulnerability management, disaster recovery and business continuity plans, internal controls within our IT, security and other departments, encryption of data, network security controls, access controls, physical security, asset management, system monitoring, vendor risk management program, employee cybersecurity
I-27
Table of Contents
awareness and training, phishing tests, and penetration testing. Cybersecurity awareness training is also made available annually to our board of directors.
In the event of a potential cybersecurity incident, or a series of related cybersecurity incidents, we have cybersecurity incident response frameworks in place at the corporate level and at Braves Holdings. These frameworks are a set of coordinated procedures and tasks that our incident response teams execute with the goal of ensuring timely and accurate identification, resolution and reporting of cybersecurity incidents both internally and externally, as necessary.
To operate our business, we utilize certain third-party service providers to perform a variety of operational functions. We have implemented a third-party risk management program to evaluate the cybersecurity practices of higher risk vendors and vendors that encounter our systems or data. We additionally engage and retain third-party consultants, legal advisors and assessors to keep us apprised of emerging third-party risk, defense and mitigation strategies, and governance best practices.
Impact of cybersecurity risks on business strategy, results of operations or financial condition
As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are not aware of any risks from cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition.
For additional information on our cybersecurity risks, see “Data loss or other breaches or disruptions of our information systems and information system security could materially harm our business and results of operations." in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Governance
Role of the Board of Directors
Our board of directors has overall responsibility for risk oversight and has delegated to the Audit Committee primary enterprise risk oversight responsibility, including privacy and cybersecurity risk exposures, policies and practices, the steps management takes to detect, monitor and mitigate such risks and the potential impact of those exposures on our business, financial results, operations and reputation. The Audit Committee receives quarterly updates on the enterprise risk management program, including cybersecurity risks and the initiatives undertaken to identify, assess and mitigate such risks. This cybersecurity reporting may include threat and incident reporting, vulnerability detection reporting, risk mitigation metrics, systems and security operations updates, employee education initiatives, and internal audit observations, if applicable.
In addition to the efforts undertaken by the Audit Committee, the full board of directors regularly reviews matters relating to cybersecurity risk and cybersecurity risk management. Any material cybersecurity events would be brought to the attention of the full board of directors once the event is deemed material. We additionally use our incident response framework as part of the process we employ to keep our management and board of directors informed and to monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents.
Role of Management
Through our services agreement with Liberty discussed in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have established a cross functional Information Security Steering Committee (“ISSC”) with executives from our Legal, Accounting, Internal Audit and Risk Management, Cybersecurity and Facilities departments. The ISSC has management oversight responsibility for assessing and managing technology and operational risk, including information security, fraud, vendor, data protection and privacy, business continuity and resilience, and cybersecurity risks at the corporate level and at Braves Holdings.
At Braves Holdings, the Senior Vice President (“SVP”) and Head of Technology, together with the Director Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure, is responsible for day-to-day management and oversight of subsidiary cybersecurity, including assessing, monitoring and mitigating cybersecurity risk. The SVP and Head of Technology provides regular reporting to Braves Holdings executive management and the ISSC. Braves Holdings has also established a Security Executive
I-28
Table of Contents
Steering Committee, which is composed of a cross functional group of executive management and technical team members, including the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Baseball Assistant General Manager, Vice President Security, SVP and Head of Technology, and Director Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure. The Security Executive Steering Committee meets at least quarterly and has primary management oversight responsibility for assessing and managing information security, data protection and privacy, and cybersecurity risks.
Atlanta Braves Holdings and Braves Holdings have also established a Compliance Committee responsible for overseeing and monitoring all corporate compliance initiatives at Braves Holdings, including cybersecurity. The Compliance Committee is composed of members of Liberty’s ISSC as well as the Braves Holdings executive leadership team, including the President and Chief Executive Officers of the Baseball and Development divisions, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Officer. The Head of Information Security provides periodic updates to the Compliance Committee on cybersecurity risks and initiatives as well as any cybersecurity events, as applicable.
Our management team’s experience includes a diverse background in telecom, financial services and other industries, with decades of experience in various aspects of technology and cybersecurity. Liberty’s Head of Cybersecurity has more than 25 years of cybersecurity and information technology experience and holds Certified Information Security Manager and Certified in Risk and Information System Control certifications. Braves Holdings’ SVP and Head of Technology has more than 20 years of leadership experience, including delivering technology solutions and designing and building new business strategies and Braves Holdings’ Director Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure has more than 20 years of cybersecurity and information technology experience and is a Certified Information System Security Professional. Together this management team has worked at a variety of companies, including large publicly traded companies, implementing and managing IT and cybersecurity programs and teams, developing tools and processes to protect internal networks, business applications, customer facing applications and customer payment systems.
Item 2. Properties
Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc.
In connection with the Split-Off, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty entered into a facilities sharing agreement with Atlanta Braves Holdings, pursuant to which Atlanta Braves Holdings shares office facilities with Liberty located at 12300 Liberty Boulevard, Englewood, Colorado, 80112.
Braves Holdings, LLC
For a description of Braves Holdings’ property, see “Item 1. Business—Braves Holdings— Braves Facilities” and “Item 1. Business—Braves Holdings—Mixed-Use Development.”
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Refer to note 13 in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for information on our legal proceedings.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
I-29
Table of Contents
PART II.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our Series A and Series C common stock trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbols “BATRA” and “BATRK,” respectively. Our Series B common stock is quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol “BATRB,” but it is not actively traded. Stock price information for securities traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market can be found on the Nasdaq’s website at www.nasdaq.com.
The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices of our Series B common stock for the periods they were outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2023. There is no established public trading market for our Series B common stock, which is quoted on the OTC Markets. Such over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices without retail mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.
Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc.
Series B (BATRB)
High Low
Holders
As of January 31, 2024, there were 4,495, 27 and 712 record holders of our Series A, Series B and Series C common stock, respectively. The foregoing numbers of record holders do not include the number of stockholders whose shares are held nominally by banks, brokerage houses or other institutions, but include each such institution as one shareholder.
Dividends
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock, and we have no present intention of so doing. Payment of cash dividends, if any, in the future will be determined by our board of directors in light of our earnings, financial condition and other relevant considerations.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
There were no repurchases of our common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2023. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, 24 shares of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series A common stock, zero shares of Series B common stock and 46 shares of Series C common stock were surrendered by our officers and employees to pay withholding taxes and other deductions in connection with the vesting or exercise of restricted stock.
II-1
Table of Contents
Item 6. [Reserved]
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
Explanatory Note
During November 2022, the board of directors of Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty” or “Liberty Media”) authorized Liberty management to pursue a plan to redeem each outstanding share of its Liberty Braves common stock in exchange for one share of the corresponding series of common stock of a newly formed entity, Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (the “Split-Off”). The Split-Off was completed on July 18, 2023 and was intended to be tax-free to holders of Liberty Braves common stock. Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (“Atlanta Braves Holdings,” “the Company,” “us,” “we,” or “our”) is comprised of the businesses, assets and liabilities previously attributed to the Liberty Braves Group (“Braves Group”), which, as of December 31, 2023, included Atlanta Braves Holdings’ wholly-owned subsidiary Braves Holdings, LLC (“Braves Holdings”) and corporate cash. Although Atlanta Braves Holdings was reported as a combined company until the date of the Split-Off, all periods reported herein are referred to as consolidated.
The intergroup interests in the Braves Group held by the Liberty Formula One Group (the “Formula One Group”) and the Liberty SiriusXM Group immediately prior to the Split-Off were settled and extinguished in connection with the Split-Off through the attribution, to the respective tracking stock group, of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock on a one-for-one basis equal to the number of notional shares representing the intergroup interest.
Overview
The Company manages its business based on the following reportable segments: baseball and mixed-use development.
The baseball segment includes operations relating to the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball Club (“ANLBC,” the “Atlanta Braves,” the “Braves,” the “club,” or the “team”) and the Braves’ ballpark (“Truist Park” or the “Stadium”) and includes revenue generated from ticket sales, concessions, local broadcasting rights, advertising sponsorships, suites and premium seat fees, retail and licensing revenue, shared Major League Baseball (“MLB”) revenue streams, including national broadcasting rights and licensing, and other sources. Ticket sales, concessions, broadcasting rights and advertising sponsorship sales are the baseball segment’s primary revenue drivers.
The mixed-use development segment includes retail, office, hotel and entertainment operations within The Battery Atlanta (the “Mixed-Use Development”). The Mixed-Use Development derives revenue primarily from office and retail rental income (including overage rent and tenant reimbursements) and, to a lesser extent, parking and advertising sponsorships throughout the year.
Strategies and Challenges
Executive Summary
The financial results of Atlanta Braves Holdings depend in large part on the ability of the Braves to achieve on-field success. The team’s successes generate significant fan enthusiasm, resulting in sustained ticket, premium seating, concession and merchandise sales, and greater shares of local broadcasting audiences. Management of Braves Holdings focuses on making operational and business decisions that enhance the on-field performance of the Braves and this may sometimes require implementing strategies and making investments that may negatively impact short-term profitability for the sake of immediate on-field success.
II-2
Table of Contents
Braves Holdings, affiliated entities and third party development partners, developed a significant portion of the land around Truist Park, the Braves’ stadium, creating a 2.25 million square-foot mixed-use complex that features retail, residential, office, hotel and entertainment opportunities, known as The Battery Atlanta. We believe that the continued development and operations of The Battery Atlanta will result in increased game attendance as well as office and retail rental income (including overage rent and tenant reimbursements), and income from parking and corporate sponsorships throughout the year.
Key Drivers of Revenue
Atlanta Braves Holdings manages its business based on the following reportable segments: baseball and Mixed-Use Development. The baseball segment includes its operations relating to the Braves baseball franchise and Truist Park and includes revenue generated from game attendance (ticket sales), concessions, local broadcasting rights, advertising sponsorships, suites and premium seat fees, retail and licensing revenue, shared MLB revenue streams, including national broadcasting rights and licensing, and other sources.
The Mixed-Use Development segment includes retail, office, hotel and entertainment operations within The Battery Atlanta. The Battery Atlanta derives revenue primarily from office and retail rental income (including overage rent and tenant reimbursements) and, to a lesser extent, parking and advertising sponsorships throughout the year.
Current Trends Affecting Our Business
The ability of Atlanta Braves Holdings to increase or maintain revenue and earnings could be adversely affected to the extent that relevant economic environments decline. Future performance is dependent in part on general economic conditions and the effect of those conditions on our customers. Weak economic conditions may lead to lower ticket demand for baseball events, which would also negatively affect concession and merchandise sales, and lower levels of advertising sponsorships. While Atlanta Braves Holdings is currently unable to predict the extent of any of these potential adverse effects as of December 31, 2023, Atlanta Braves Holdings does not believe that its operations have been materially impacted by recent inflationary pressures.
II-3
Table of Contents
Results of Operations – Consolidated
General. Provided in the tables below is information regarding the historical Consolidated Operating Results and Other Income and Expense of Atlanta Braves Holdings, as well as information regarding the contribution to those items from our reportable segments. The “corporate and other” category consists of those assets that do not qualify as a separate reportable segment.
Years ended December 31,
dollar amounts in thousands
Operating costs and expenses:
Mixed-Use Development costs (8,834) (8,674)
Impairment of long-lived assets and other related costs (564) (5,427)
Depreciation and amortization (70,980) (71,697)
Other income (expense):
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net 26,985 28,927
Gains (losses) on dispositions, net 2,309 20,132
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (129,158) (31,517)
Income tax benefit (expense) 3,864 (2,655)
Regular season home games 81 81
Postseason home games 2 2
Average number of attendees per regular season home game 32,542 31,725
Baseball revenue. Baseball revenue is derived from two primary sources: baseball event revenue (ticket sales, concessions, advertising sponsorships, suites and premium seat fees) and broadcasting revenue. The following table disaggregates baseball revenue by source:
Years ended December 31,
amounts in thousands
II-4
Table of Contents
Baseball revenue increased $46.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year, due to increased ticket demand and attendance at regular season home games. Baseball event revenue also increased for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to new advertising sponsorship agreements and contractual rate increases. Broadcasting revenue increased $6.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to contractual rate increases. Retail and licensing revenue increased $3.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year, due to increased attendance at regular season home games and demand for City Connect and other apparel, partially offset by a reduction in demand for World Series Champions apparel. Other revenue, a component of baseball revenue, decreased $4.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to fewer concerts at the Stadium and a reduction in World Series trophy tour revenue, partially offset by a $3.9 million increase in spring training related revenue (ticket sales, concession revenue and other gameday related revenue), driven by a six game increase in spring training home games, and revenue from additional special events at Truist Park. The Braves have a long term local television broadcasting agreement with Sportsouth Network II, LLC. Diamond Sports Group, the parent company of Sportsouth Network II, LLC, is in financial distress and has filed for chapter 11 protection. While the pending bankruptcy proceeding of Diamond Sports Group has not previously had a material unfavorable impact on the Company’s revenue and the Company has received scheduled payments to date, we cannot currently predict whether such bankruptcy proceeding is reasonably likely to have a material unfavorable impact on our revenue in the future.
Mixed-Use Development revenue.Mixed-Use Development revenue is derived from the mixed-use facilities and primarily includes rental income and to a lesser extent, parking revenue and sponsorships. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Mixed-Use Development revenue increased $5.4 million, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to a $3.4 million increase in rental income and a $1.0 million increase in sponsorship revenue. Increases in rental income for the year ended December 31, 2023, were primarily driven by a $2.4 million increase in tenant recoveries and $1.8 million increase primarily related to new lease agreements, partially offset by a reduction in overage rent.
Baseball operating costs. Baseball operating costs primarily include costs associated with baseball and stadium operations. For the year ended December 31, 2023, baseball operating expenses increased $54.6 million, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to a $32.9 million increase in major league player salaries, $3.7 million increase under MLB’s revenue sharing plan and other shared expenses, $4.4 million increase in minor league team and player expenses, $3.2 million increase in variable concession and retail operating costs, $3.2 million increase in major league team expensesand $2.8 million of increased spring training related expenses (facility and game day operations, travel, and other variable expenses) due to the impact of additional games in 2023.
Mixed-Use Development costs.Mixed-Use Development costsprimarily include costs associated with maintaining and operating the mixed-use facilities. During the year ended December 31, 2023, Mixed-Use Development costs were relatively flat as compared to the prior year.
Selling, general and administrative, excluding stock-based compensation.Selling, general and administrative expense includes costs of marketing, advertising, finance and related personnel costs. Selling, general and administrative expense increased $17.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year, primarily driven by increased personnel and professional service costs, primarily driven by costs related to the Split-Off.
Stock-based compensation. For the year ended December 31, 2023, stock-based compensation was relatively flat as compared to the prior year.
Impairment of long-lived assets and other related costs. Impairment of long-lived assets and other related costs includes charges associated with hurricane damage to the Atlanta Braves’ spring training facility located in North Port, Florida.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was relatively flat for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year. The slight decrease was due to various assets becoming fully depreciated.
II-5
Table of Contents
Operating income (loss).Operating loss increased $15.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year, due to the above explanations.
Adjusted OIBDA. To provide investors with additional information regarding the Company’s financial results, we also disclose Adjusted OIBDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. We define Adjusted OIBDA as defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, separately reported litigation settlements, restructuring, acquisition and impairment charges. Our chief operating decision maker and management team use this measure of performance in conjunction with other measures to evaluate our businesses and make decisions about allocating resources among our businesses. We believe this is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of our businesses by identifying those items that are not directly a reflection of each business’ performance or indicative of ongoing business trends. In addition, this measure allows us to view operating results, perform analytical comparisons and benchmarking between businesses and identify strategies to improve performance. Adjusted OIBDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net earnings (loss), cash flow provided by (used in) operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP’). The following table provides a reconciliation of Operating income (loss) to Adjusted OIBDA:
Years ended December 31,
amounts in thousands
Impairment of long-lived assets and other related costs 564 5,427
Adjusted OIBDA is summarized as follows:
Years ended December 31,
amounts in thousands
Consolidated Adjusted OIBDA decreased $20.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the prior year.
Baseball Adjusted OIBDA decreased $12.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the prior year, primarily due to the fluctuations in baseball revenue and operating costs, as described above.
Mixed-Use Development Adjusted OIBDA increased $4.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the prior year, primarily due to the increase in Mixed-Use Development revenue and costs, as described above.
Corporate and Other Adjusted OIBDA loss increased $12.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the prior year, primarily due to increases in costs related to the Split-Off.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $8.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased interest rates on the Company’s variable rate debt.
II-6
Table of Contents
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates. The following table presents Atlanta Braves Holdings’ share of earnings (losses) of affiliates:
Years ended December 31,
amounts in thousands
Baseball Endowment, L.P. 2,114 (1,928)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on intergroup interests, net. As the notional shares underlying the intergroup interests were not represented by outstanding shares of common stock, such shares had not been officially designated Series A, B or C Liberty Braves common stock. However, Liberty historically assumed that the notional shares (if and when issued) related to the Formula One Group interest in the Braves Group would be comprised of Series C Liberty Braves common stock and the notional shares (if and when issued) related to the Liberty SiriusXM Group interest in the Braves Group would be comprised of Series A Liberty Braves common stock. Therefore, the market prices of Series C Liberty Braves and Series A Liberty Braves common stock were used for the mark-to-market adjustment for the intergroup interests held by Formula One Group and Liberty SiriusXM Group, respectively, through the consolidated statements of operations. During the second quarter of 2023, Liberty determined that, in connection with the Split-Off, shares of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock would be used to settle and extinguish the intergroup interest in the Braves Group attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group. Accordingly, effective as of June 30, 2023 and through the Split-Off date, the market price of Series C Liberty Braves common stock was used for the mark-to-market adjustment for the intergroup interest held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on intergroup interests, net were driven by changes in the market prices of Liberty Braves common stock. As disclosed above, the intergroup interests were settled and extinguished in connection with the Split-Off.
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on financial instruments, net are comprised of changes in the fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps driven by changes in interest rates.
Gains (losses) on dispositions, net. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized a gain on the disposition of a non-financial asset. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized gains on dispositions related to the sale of its three Professional Development League clubs, the Gwinnett Stripers, Mississippi Braves and Rome Braves.
Other, net. Other, net income increased $4.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased net periodic pension benefits, as well as increased interest and dividend income.
Income taxes. Earnings (losses) before income taxes and income tax (expense) benefit are as follows:
Years ended December 31,
amounts in thousands
Earnings (loss) before income taxes $ (129,158) (31,517)
Income tax (expense) benefit 3,864 (2,655)
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized a tax benefit less than the expected federal tax rate of 21% due primarily to intergroup interest losses that are not deductible for tax purposes.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized tax expense instead of a tax benefit at the expected federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to intergroup interest losses that are not deductible for tax purposes and the reduction of goodwill as a result of the sale of the Professional Development League clubs that is also not deductible for tax purposes.
II-7
Table of Contents
Net earnings (loss). The Company had net losses of $125.3 million and $34.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The change in net earnings (loss) was the result of the fluctuations in Atlanta Braves Holdings’ revenue, expenses and other gains and losses, as described above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $125.1 million of cash and cash equivalents. Substantially all of its cash and cash equivalents are invested in U.S. Treasury securities, other government securities or government guaranteed funds, AAA rated money market funds and other highly rated financial and corporate debt instruments.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s primary uses of cash were capital expenditures, working capital requirements and debt service, funded primarily by cash from operations, distributions from equity method affiliates and new borrowings on construction loans.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s primary uses of cash were debt service, amateur player acquisition rights and capital expenditures, funded primarily by borrowings of debt, cash from operations, cash proceeds from dispositions and distributions from equity method affiliates. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid the Liberty SiriusXM Group approximately $13.8 million of cash, resulting in a partial settlement of the intergroup interest in the Braves Group held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group.
The Company’s uses of cash are expected to be payments to certain players, coaches and executives pursuant to long-term employment agreements, capital expenditures, investments in real estate ventures and debt service payments. The Company expects to fund its projected uses of cash with cash on hand, cash provided by operations and through borrowings under construction loans and revolvers. We believe that the available sources of liquidity are sufficient to cover our projected future uses of cash.
Sources of Liquidity
The following are potential sources of liquidity: available cash balances, cash generated by Braves Holdings’ operating activities (to the extent such cash exceeds Braves Holdings’ working capital needs and is not otherwise restricted), net proceeds from asset sales, debt borrowings under the LWCF, the MLBFF and the TeamCo Revolver (each as defined below) and dividend and interest receipts.
League Wide Credit Facility
In December 2013, a subsidiary of Braves Holdings executed various agreements to enter into MLB’s League Wide Credit Facility (the “LWCF”). Pursuant to the terms of a revolving credit agreement, Major League Baseball Trust may borrow from certain lenders, with Bank of America, N.A. acting as the administrative agent. Major League Baseball Trust then uses the proceeds of such borrowings to provide loans to the club trusts of the participating Clubs, including the Braves Club Trust (the “Club Trust”). The maximum amount available to the Club Trust under the LWCF was $125 million as of December 31, 2023. The commitment termination date of the revolving credit facility under the LWCF, which is the repayment date for all amounts borrowed under such revolving credit facility, is July 10, 2026.
MLB Facility Fund Revolver
In December 2017, a subsidiary of Braves Holdings executed various agreements to enter into the MLB Facility Fund (the “MLBFF”). Pursuant to the terms of an indenture, a credit agreement and certain note purchase agreements, Major League Baseball Facility Fund, LLC may borrow from certain lenders. Major League Baseball Facility Fund, LLC then uses the proceeds of such borrowings to provide loans to each of the participating Clubs. Amounts advanced pursuant to the MLBFF are available to fund ballpark and other baseball-related real property improvements, renovations and/or new construction. In May 2021, Braves Facility Fund LLC established a revolving credit commitment with Major League Baseball Facility Fund, LLC (the “MLB facility fund – revolver”). The commitment termination date, which is the repayment date for all amounts borrowed under the MLB facility fund – revolver, is July 10, 2026. The maximum amount available to Braves Facility Fund LLC under the MLB facility fund – revolver was $41.4 million as of December 31, 2023. Borrowings
II-8
Table of Contents
outstanding under the MLB facility fund – revolver bore interest at a variable rate of 6.73% per annum as of December 31, 2023.
TeamCo Revolver
A subsidiary of Braves Holdings is party to a Revolving Credit Agreement (the “TeamCo Revolver”), which provides revolving commitments of $150 million and matures in August 2029. The availability under the TeamCo Revolver as of December 31, 2023 was $150 million.
See note 6 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a description of all indebtedness obligations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Material Cash Requirements
Information concerning the amount and timing of material cash requirements, both accrued and off-balance sheet, as of December 31, 2023, is summarized below.
Payments due by period
Total Less than 1 year 2 - 3 years 4 - 5 years After 5 years
amounts in thousands
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of Atlanta Braves Holdings’ consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Listed below are the accounting estimates that Atlanta Braves Holdings believes are critical to its consolidated financial statements due to the degree of uncertainty regarding the estimates or assumptions involved and the magnitude of the asset, liability, revenue or expense being reported.
Non-Financial Instrument Valuations. Atlanta Braves Holdings’ non-financial instrument valuations are primarily comprised of its annual assessment of the recoverability of its goodwill and franchise rights (collectively, “indefinite-lived intangible assets”), and its evaluation of the recoverability of its other long-lived assets upon certain triggering events. If the carrying value of Atlanta Braves Holdings’ long-lived assets exceeds their estimated fair value, Atlanta Braves Holdings is
II-9
Table of Contents
required to write the carrying value down to fair value. Any such writedown is included in impairment of long-lived assets in the consolidated statement of operations. Judgment is required to estimate the fair value of Atlanta Braves Holdings’ long-lived assets. Atlanta Braves Holdings may use quoted market prices, prices for similar assets, present value techniques and other valuation techniques to prepare these estimates. Atlanta Braves Holdings may need to make estimates of future cash flows and discount rates as well as other assumptions in order to implement these valuation techniques. Due to the judgment involved in Atlanta Braves Holdings’ estimation techniques, any value ultimately derived from Atlanta Braves Holdings’ long-lived assets may differ from its estimate of fair value.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $175.8 million of goodwill and $123.7 million of franchise rights. The Company’s goodwill and franchise rights are both entirely allocated to the baseball reportable segment. The Company performs its annual assessment of the recoverability of its indefinite-lived intangible assets in the fourth quarter each year, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The accounting guidance permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The accounting guidance also allows entities the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. The entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. In evaluating goodwill on a qualitative basis, the Company reviews the business performance of each reporting unit and evaluates other relevant factors as identified in the relevant accounting guidance to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indicated impairment exists for any of its reporting units. The Company considers whether there are any negative macroeconomic conditions, industry-specific conditions, market changes, increased competition, increased costs in doing business, management challenges, the legal environments and how these factors might impact company specific performance in future periods. As part of the analysis, the Company also considers fair value determinations for certain reporting units that have been made at various points throughout the current and prior year for other purposes. If based on the qualitative analysis it is more likely than not that an impairment exists, the Company performs the quantitative impairment test.
Income Taxes. The Company is required to estimate the amount of tax payable or refundable for the current year and the deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in its consolidated financial statements or tax returns for each taxing jurisdiction in which the Company operates. This process requires the Company’s management to make judgments regarding the timing and probability of the ultimate tax impact of the various agreements and transactions that it enters into. Based on these judgments, the Company may record tax reserves or adjustments to valuation allowances on deferred tax assets to reflect the expected realizability of future tax benefits. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, significant changes in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, our inability to generate sufficient future taxable income or unpredicted results from the final determination of each year’s liability by taxing authorities. These changes could have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position.
Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk in the normal course of business due to our ongoing investing and financial activities and the conduct of operations. Market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in stock prices and interest rates. The risk of loss can be assessed from the perspective of adverse changes in fair values, cash flows and future earnings. We have established policies, procedures and internal processes governing our management of market risks and the use of financial instruments to manage our exposure to such risks.
We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of our borrowing activities, which include fixed and floating rate debt instruments and borrowings used to maintain liquidity and to fund business operations. The nature and amount of our long-term and short-term debt are expected to vary as a result of future requirements, market conditions and other factors. We manage our exposure to interest rates by maintaining what we believe is an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt. We believe this best protects us from interest rate risk. We have achieved this mix by (i) issuing fixed rate debt that we believe has a low stated interest rate and significant term to maturity, (ii) issuing variable rate debt with appropriate maturities and interest rates and (iii) entering into interest rate swap arrangements when we deem appropriate.
II-10
Table of Contents
As of December 31, 2023, we had $83.9 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate debt with a weighted average interest rate of 7.1% and $489.1 million aggregate principal amount of fixed rate debt with a weighted average interest rate of 4.4%.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The consolidated financial statements of Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. are filed under this Item, beginning on Page II-1. The financial statement schedules required by Regulation S-X are filed under Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chief executive officer and its principal accounting and financial officer (the “Executives”), and under the oversight of its board of directors, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023. Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
This annual report does not include a report of management’s assessment regarding internal control over financial reporting or an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for newly public companies. Additionally, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to opine on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act.
Item 9B. Other Information
Insider Trading Arrangements
None of the Company’s directors or officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
II-11
Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc.:
Opinion on theConsolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive earnings (loss), equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.
Atlanta, Georgia
February 28, 2024
II-12
Table of Contents
ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2023 and 2022
amounts in thousands
Assets
Current assets:
Intangible assets not subject to amortization:
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-13
Table of Contents
ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
December 31, 2023 and 2022
amounts in thousands
except share amounts
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 73,096 54,748
Other current liabilities 6,439 6,361
Redeemable intergroup interests — 278,103
Deferred income tax liabilities (note 9) 50,415 54,099
Equity:
Additional paid-in capital 1,089,625 —
Former parent’s investment — 732,350
Total stockholders' equity/former parent's investment 528,597 299,510
Noncontrolling interests in equity of subsidiaries 12,045 —
Commitments and contingencies (note 13)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-14
Table of Contents
ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
amounts in thousands
except per share amounts
Revenue:
Operating costs and expenses:
Mixed-Use Development costs 8,834 8,674
Impairment of long-lived assets and other related costs 564 5,427
Other income (expense):
Share of earnings (losses) of affiliates, net (note 5) 26,985 28,927
Gains (losses) on dispositions, net (note 1) 2,309 20,132
Earnings (loss) before income taxes (129,158) (31,517)
Income tax benefit (expense) 3,864 (2,655)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-15
Table of Contents
ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)
Years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
amounts in thousands
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax:
Share of other comprehensive earnings (loss) of affiliates (7) 1,186
Other comprehensive earnings (loss), net of tax (3,513) 15,151
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-16
Table of Contents
ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
amounts in thousands
Cash flows from operating activities:
Impairment of long-lived assets — 4,811
Share of (earnings) losses of affiliates, net (26,985) (28,927)
(Gains) losses on dispositions, net (2,309) (20,132)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (7,872) (10,413)
Cash receipts from returns on equity method investments 22,450 21,700
Net cash received (paid) for interest rate swaps 5,104 (1,194)
Other charges (credits), net 1,218 2,329
Net change in operating assets and liabilities:
Payables and other liabilities 13,080 3,418
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 1,626 53,349
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expended for property and equipment (69,036) (17,669)
Cash proceeds from dispositions — 48,008
Other investing activities, net 110 27,500
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (69,051) 52,566
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments to settle intergroup interests — (13,828)
Contribution from noncontrolling interest 12,045 —
Other financing activities, net (6,562) (8,528)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 32,329 (177,215)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-17
Table of Contents
ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Equity
Years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Accumulated
other Noncontrolling
amounts in thousands
Net earnings (loss) — — — — — — (34,172) — (34,172)
Stock-based compensation — — — — 12,233 — — 12,233
Other — — — — 94 — (19) — 75
Net earnings (loss) — — — — — — — (125,294) — (125,294)
Stock-based compensation — — — — 6,294 6,877 — — — 13,171
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
II-18
Table of Contents
ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023 and 2022
(1)Basis of Presentation
During November 2022, the board of directors of Liberty Media Corporation (“Liberty,” “Liberty Media” or “Former parent”) authorized Liberty management to pursue a plan to redeem each outstanding share of its Liberty Braves common stock in exchange for one share of the corresponding series of common stock of a newly formed entity, Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (the “Split-Off”). The Split-Off was completed on July 18, 2023 and was intended to be tax-free to holders of Liberty Braves common stock. Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (“Atlanta Braves Holdings” or the “Company”) is comprised of the businesses, assets and liabilities previously attributed to the Liberty Braves Group (“Braves Group”), which, as of December 31, 2023, included Atlanta Braves Holdings’ wholly-owned subsidiary Braves Holdings, LLC (“Braves Holdings”) and corporate cash.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements represent the combination of the historical financial information of the Braves Group until the date of the Split-Off. Although Atlanta Braves Holdings was reported as a combined company until the date of the Split-Off, all periods reported herein are referred to as consolidated. These financial statements refer to the consolidation of Braves Holdings, cash and intergroup interests in the Braves Group (prior to settlement/extinguishment) as “Atlanta Braves Holdings,” “the Company,” “us,” “we” and “our” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The Split-Off is accounted for at historical cost due to the pro rata nature of the distribution to holders of Liberty Braves common stock. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Description of Business
Braves Holdings indirectly owns the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball Club (“ANLBC,” the “Atlanta Braves,” the “Braves,” the “club,” or the “team”). In addition, Braves Holdings indirectly owned and operated three Professional Development League clubs (the Gwinnett Stripers, Mississippi Braves and Rome Braves) until they were sold in January 2022. ANLBC’s ballpark (“Truist Park” or the “Stadium”), is located in Cobb County, a suburb of Atlanta, and is leased from Cobb County, Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority. Braves Holdings, through affiliated entities and third party development partners, has developed a significant portion of the land around Truist Park for a mixed-use development that features retail, office, hotel and entertainment opportunities (the “Mixed-Use Development”).
The Braves and 29 other Major League baseball clubs are collectively referred to as the Clubs. The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball (the “BOC”) is an unincorporated association also doing business as Major League Baseball (“MLB”) and has as its members the Clubs. The Clubs are bound by the terms and provisions of the Major League Constitution and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder as well as a series of other agreements and arrangements that govern the operation and management of a Club, which among other things, require each Club to comply with limitations on the amount of debt a Club can incur, revenue sharing arrangements with the other Clubs, commercial arrangements with regard to the national broadcasting of its games and other programming and commercial arrangements relating to the use of its intellectual property.
In January 2022, Braves Holdings sold the three Professional Development League clubs to a third party and recognized a gain of approximately $20.3 million, which was allocated entirely to the baseball reportable segment. The Company did not classify these Professional Development League clubs, all of which are part of the baseball reportable segment, as discontinued operations, as their dispositions did not represent a strategic shift that would have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. Each of the three clubs remain affiliated with Braves Holdings via player development license agreements with MLB Professional Development Leagues, LLC. Additionally, Braves Holdings granted an exclusive, royalty free, sub-licensable, and irrevocable license to use various tradenames and logos. The license fee is included within the total purchase price of approximately $49.4 million.
II-19
Table of Contents
ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2023 and 2022
Split-Off of Atlanta Braves Holdings from Liberty
Prior to the Split-Off, a portion of Liberty’s general and administrative expenses, including legal, tax, accounting, treasury, information technology, cybersecurity and investor relations support was allocated to the Braves Group each reporting period based on an estimate of time spent. The Braves Group paid $4.5 million during 2023 prior to the Split-Off and paid $9.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, for such expenses.
Prior to the Split-Off, the Liberty Formula One Group (the “Formula One Group”) and the Liberty SiriusXM Group held intergroup interests in the Braves Group. The intergroup interests represented quasi-equity interests which were not represented by outstanding shares of common stock; rather, the Formula One Group and Liberty SiriusXM Group had attributed interests in the Braves Group, which were generally stated in terms of a number of shares of Liberty Braves common stock. As of December 31, 2022, 6,792,903 notional shares represented an 11.0% intergroup interest in the Braves Group held by the Formula One Group and 1,811,066 notional shares represented a 2.9% intergroup interest in the Braves Group held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group. Historically, Liberty assumed that the notional shares (if and when issued) related to the Formula One Group interest in the Braves Group would be comprised of Series C Liberty Braves common stock and that the notional shares (if and when issued) related to the Liberty SiriusXM Group interest in the Braves Group would be comprised of Series A Liberty Braves common stock. Therefore, the market prices of Series C Liberty Braves and Series A Liberty Braves common stock were used for the mark-to-market adjustment for the intergroup interests held by the Formula One Group and the Liberty SiriusXM Group, respectively, through the consolidated statements of operations. During the second quarter of 2023, Liberty determined that, in connection with the Split-Off, shares of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock would be used to settle and extinguish the intergroup interest in the Braves Group attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group. Accordingly, effective as of June 30, 2023 and through the Split-Off date, the market price of Series C Liberty Braves common stock was used for the mark-to-market adjustment for the intergroup interest held by the Liberty SiriusXM Group.
The intergroup interests in the Braves Group remaining immediately prior to the Split-Off were settled and extinguished in connection with the Split-Off through the attribution, to the respective tracking stock group, of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock on a one-for-one basis equal to the number of notional shares representing the intergroup interest.
Following the Split-Off and subsequent Liberty Media Exchange (as defined below), Liberty and Atlanta Braves Holdings operate as separate, publicly traded companies and neither has any continuing stock ownership, beneficial or otherwise, in the other. Liberty owned 1,811,066 shares of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock following the Spilt-Off. In November 2023, Liberty exchanged 1,811,066 shares of Atlanta Braves Holdings Series C common stock with a third party in satisfaction of certain of Liberty’s debt obligations, and an affiliate of such third party then sold the shares in a secondary public offering (the “Liberty Media Exchange”). Atlanta Braves Holdings did not receive any of the proceeds from the Liberty Media Exchange. Following this transaction, neither Liberty nor Atlanta Braves Holdings has any continuing stock ownership, beneficial or otherwise, in the other.
In connection with the Split-Off, Liberty and Atlanta Braves Holdings entered into certain agreements in order to govern certain of the ongoing relationships between the two companies after the Split-Off and to provide for an orderly transition. These agreements include a reorganization agreement, a services agreement, aircraft time sharing agreements, a facilities sharing agreement, a tax sharing agreement and a registration rights agreement.
The reorganization agreement provides for, among other things, the principal corporate transactions (including the internal restructuring) required to effect the Split-Off, certain conditions to the Split-Off and provisions governing the relationship between Atlanta Braves Holdings and Liberty with respect to and resulting from the Split-Off. The tax sharing agreement provides for the allocation and indemnification of tax liabilities and benefits between Liberty and Atlanta Braves Holdings and other agreements related to tax matters. Pursuant to the services agreement, Liberty provides Atlanta Braves Holdings with general and administrative services including legal, tax, accounting, treasury, information
II-20
Table of Contents
ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2023 and 2022
technology, cybersecurity and investor relations support. Atlanta Braves Holdings will reimburse Liberty for direct, out-of-pocket expenses and will pay a services fee to Liberty under the services agreement that is subject to adjustment quarterly, as necessary. Additionally, pursuant to the services agreement with Liberty, components of Liberty Chief Executive Officer’s compensation will either be paid directly to him or reimbursed to Liberty, in each case, based on allocations set forth in the services agreement. The allocation percentage was 7% for Atlanta Braves Holdings during the period from July 18, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
Under the facilities sharing agreement, Atlanta Braves Holdings shares office space with Liberty and related amenities at Liberty’s corporate headquarters. The aircraft time sharing agreements provide for Liberty to lease certain aircraft that it or its subsidiaries own to Atlanta Braves Holdings for use on a periodic, non-exclusive time sharing basis. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement with Liberty, Atlanta Braves Holdings has registered the shares of Atlanta Braves Holdings’ Series C common stock that were issued to Liberty in settlement and extinguishment of the intergroup interest in the Braves Group attributed to the Liberty SiriusXM Group and then exchanged by Liberty with a third party in satisfaction of certain debt obligations.
Under these various agreements, amounts reimbursable to Liberty aggregated $1.8 million for the period from July 18, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
(2)Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents (Level 1) consist of highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less. Cash equivalents aggregated $45.7 million and $69.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash consists of cash on deposit that is restricted for the payment of certain debt and interest obligations, debt reserves, Stadium repair and maintenance reserves and Stadium lease payments.
Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets, net of Allowance for Credit Losses
An account receivable is recorded when there is an unconditional right to consideration based on a contract with a customer. For certain types of contracts with customers, the Company may recognize revenue in advance of the contractual right to invoice the customer, resulting in an amount recorded to contract assets as required by Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Once the Company has an unconditional right to consideration under these contracts, the contract assets are reclassified to accounts receivable. The table below details the opening and closing balances of accounts receivable and contract assets:
Years ended December 31,
amounts in thousands
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses $ 27,838 23,980
II-21
Table of Contents
ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2023 and 2022
Accounts receivable and contract assets are reflected net of an allowance for credit losses. A summary of activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows:
Beginning of Charged to End of year
year balance expense Write-Offs balance
amounts in thousands
The Company applies the “expected credit loss” methodology in estimating its allowance for credit losses by first considering historical losses and adding consideration of current market conditions, the customers’ financial condition, the amount of receivables in dispute, the current receivables aging and current payment patterns. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less impairments, if any. Expenditures for improvements that add to the productive capacity or extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred. When depreciable properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is included in the consolidated statements of operations. Depreciation is recognized over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method.
Investments
Braves Holdings or certain of its subsidiaries maintain investments in various entities, including certain MLB affiliates, Georgia Ballpark Hotel Company, LLC, Battery Hotel Group, LLC and North Port Ballpark Hotel, LLC.
Investments in entities in which Braves Holdings or its subsidiaries have significant influence, but less than a controlling voting interest, are accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is generally presumed to exist when the Company (i) owns between 20% and 50% of a voting interest in the investee, (ii) holds substantial management rights, or (iii) holds an interest greater than 3% to 5% in an investee that is a limited partnership. The presumption that exists for interests in the ranges stated above is overcome in limited circumstances if it is readily apparent based on the facts and circumstances that the investor does not have the ability to influence the financial and operating policies over the investee. Under the equity method, the investment, originally recorded at cost, is adjusted to recognize the Company’s share of net earnings or losses of the investment as they occur rather than as dividends or other distributions as they are received. Losses are limited to the extent of the Company’s investment in, advances to and commitments for the investee.
The Company relies on management of these affiliates to provide it with accurate financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP that the Company uses in the application of the equity method. In addition, the Company relies on audit reports that are provided by the affiliates’ independent auditors on the financial statements of such affiliates. In the event the Company is unable to obtain accurate financial information from an equity affiliate in a timely manner, the Company records its share of earnings or losses on a lag. The Company is not aware of any errors in, or possible misstatements of, the financial information provided by its equity affiliates that would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The Company periodically reviews the carrying amounts of its investments to determine whether a decline in fair value below the carrying value is other than temporary. The primary factors the Company considers in its determination
II-22
Table of Contents
ATLANTA BRAVES HOLDINGS, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)
December 31, 2023 and 2022
are the length of time that the fair value of the investment is below the Company’s carrying value; the severity of the decline; and the financial condition, operating performance and near term prospects of the investee. In addition, the Company considers the reason for the decline in fair value, be it general market conditions, industry specific or investee specific; changes in valuation subsequent to the balance sheet date; and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value. If the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, the carrying value of the equity method investment is written down to fair value. In situations where the fair value of an investment is not evident due to a lack of a public market price or other factors, the Company uses its best estimates and assumptions to arrive at the estimated fair value of such investment. The Company’s assessment of the foregoing factors involves judgment and accordingly, actual results may differ materially from the Company’s estimates and judgments. Write-downs for equity method investments are included in share of earnings (losses) of affiliates.
Intangible Assets