MSGS update with recent Lakers Buy
Hi everyone,
I'm an amateur investor at best so don't be too harsh. This morning the Los Angeles Lakers were sold for $10 billion. MSGS is a publicly traded company that owns 100% of the Knicks, Rangers, and other less relevant assets (Market Cap: 4.59B, Enterprise Value: 5.58B). I originally thought the discrepancy in valuation was because MSGE, a different stock, owns the garden. However, their market cap is only 1.77B. Overall it seems like both stocks could be extremely undervalued using the Lakers as a valuation comp, but I'm looking for a sanity check to see if I might be missing something or just wrong. Thanks in advance.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your observation about the valuation discrepancy is intriguing, but there are a few key factors to consider when comparing MSGS (Madison Square Garden Sports) to the Lakers' recent $10 billion valuation:
Trophy Asset Premium: Sports franchises like the Lakers often command a "trophy asset" premium. These valuations are driven by emotional and ego-driven buyers rather than pure financial metrics. As noted in WSO discussions, valuation for sports franchises often "goes out the window" and is more about who wants to buy, which can inflate prices significantly.
Market Dynamics: The Lakers are one of the most globally recognized sports franchises, with a massive fan base, historical success, and significant media rights value. The Knicks and Rangers, while valuable, may not command the same global appeal or premium valuation.
Ownership Structure: MSGS owns 100% of the Knicks and Rangers, but the valuation of these teams might not scale directly to the Lakers' valuation due to differences in revenue streams, profitability, and market dynamics. Additionally, MSGE (Madison Square Garden Entertainment) owning the Garden could complicate the valuation picture, as the arena itself is a significant asset.
Public vs. Private Valuation: Publicly traded companies like MSGS are often valued differently than private transactions. Public markets may apply a discount due to liquidity, transparency, and other factors, whereas private sales (like the Lakers) can reflect a higher willingness to pay by a specific buyer.
Enterprise Value Considerations: MSGS's enterprise value of $5.58 billion includes debt, which impacts the overall valuation. Comparing this to the Lakers' $10 billion valuation requires careful adjustment for these financial differences.
Sanity Check: While MSGS and MSGE might appear undervalued compared to the Lakers, it's essential to consider the unique factors driving the Lakers' valuation. Using the Lakers as a direct comp might oversimplify the analysis. Instead, consider looking at other recent sports franchise sales for a broader perspective.
In summary, while there may be an argument for MSGS being undervalued, the Lakers' $10 billion valuation likely reflects unique factors that don't directly translate to MSGS. A deeper dive into MSGS's financials, revenue streams, and asset breakdown would provide a clearer picture.
Sources: Mid-Market PE Valuations: Where Up is Down, Sports IB, SaaS LBO, An Overview of Technology Media and Telecom (TMT) - Part 1 of 2, Uber last 3.5B$ Raise - Debt disguised as Equity? (Technical Disc.)
Knicks are probably worth more than the lakers, but chances of Dolan selling are slim to none. NBA teams are a phenomenal asset for people who have other cash flow streams like Dolan does.
Makes sense. The problem seems to be that the catalyst is the valuation itself so unless someone makes a public offer to buy the Knicks or Dolan sells a minority stake, might not change drastically for a while. MSGS is up 6% between the time of writing this post and writing this comment though.
If he sells the team in 5-10 years for $15B some people will realize a big win. Not worth the hold considering it’d be more rational to just pass it down to his kids
Not to go full Valuation 101 here, but you’re ignoring the control premium.
Given their nature (vanity, personal meaning), it makes sense that a sports team would have a higher control premium than just about any publicly traded asset.
When you buy a single share in MSG Group, you’re simply buying the rights to future cash flows.
When someone buys the Lakers, they buy the right to control one of the country’s most star-studded sports franchises and all the glamor and privilege that comes with it.
Not even comparable.
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