Madison Square Garden is a publicly traded entertainment and sports arena company headquartered in New York City, United States. It is known for hosting major concerts, sporting events, and the home games of the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL). The venue itself is part of a complex of businesses under a holding company that is traded on the U.S. stock market. The company trades under the ticker symbol MSGS for the sports business (Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.) and MSGE for the entertainment/venue business (Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.).
Founded in its modern incarnation (through a series of corporate restructurings) by the Dolan family’s business interests, the entity has grown into a major player in live entertainment and professional sports. As of now, it is led by James L. Dolan, who serves as Executive Chairman & CEO.
Ownership Status of Madison Square Garden
There is no single private owner of Madison Square Garden in the sense of one individual owning 100% of it. Instead, the ownership lies in publicly traded companies whose shares are held by institutional investors, mutual funds, and retail shareholders. At the same time, control is broadly in the hands of the Dolan family via ownership stakes, board positions and voting control.
Corporate Structure & Key Entities
- The arena, along with non-sports entertainment venues, is owned and operated by Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
- The sports franchises (Knicks, Rangers) and related sports business are owned by Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.
- Both companies remain under the controlling interest of the Dolan family, especially James L. Dolan.
Major Shareholders
Here are some of the key shareholders (for MSG S, for example):
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| James L. Dolan (individual) | ~ owner/controlling vote | Holds executive chairman & CEO roles, and controlling voting interest. |
| Other institutional investors | The majority of economic shares | Public institutions hold large economic stake though less control. |
Here are some of the key shareholders and their holding percentage (for MSG S, for example):
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| James Dolan (individual) | ~31.86% | Personal stake in MSG S. |
| Thomas Dolan (family entity) | ~16.33% | Member of the Dolan family. |
| Marianne Weber | ~15.97% | Board member/shareholder. |
| Kathleen Dolan | ~15.94% | Family-related shareholding. |
| Deborah Dolan-Sweeney | ~14.94% | Also a family member’s stake. |
The remainder of shares is held by a mix of institutional and retail investors.
About James L. Dolan
James Lawrence Dolan is an American businessman, media executive, and the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of both Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG E) and Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG S).
Born in 1955, he is the son of Charles Dolan, the founder of Cablevision Systems Corporation. James Dolan has played a pivotal role in shaping Madison Square Garden’s current business empire, overseeing the operations of the New York Knicks, the New York Rangers, and other MSG properties.
Under his leadership, Madison Square Garden expanded its reach across sports, music, and live entertainment, becoming one of the most recognized venues in the world. Despite occasional controversies, Dolan remains one of the most influential figures in U.S. sports ownership.
James L. Dolan Net Worth
As of 2025, James L. Dolan’s net worth is estimated at approximately US $2 billion. His wealth primarily comes from his ownership stake and leadership roles in Madison Square Garden Entertainment, Madison Square Garden Sports, and other family-held entities.
Beyond his executive responsibilities, Dolan also serves on several entertainment and sports boards, and he earns substantial income from stock holdings, dividends, and executive compensation. His fortune, combined with his family’s extensive business interests, makes the Dolan family one of the wealthiest dynasties in the American sports and entertainment industry.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- James L. Dolan is the Executive Chairman & CEO of both MSG E and MSG S (and also of MSG Networks) and is the visible face of the business.
- The Dolan family collectively holds substantial voting power in the holding companies, even though the companies are public. This means they effectively control the Garden’s destiny.
- Although institutional investors (such as BlackRock, Vanguard, etc.) hold large blocks, the family’s concentrated ownership and board dominance give them de facto control.
Recent Developments in Ownership
A noteworthy corporate development took place in April 2020: the original Madison Square Garden company spun off its non-sports (entertainment/venue) assets into MSG E, while retaining the sports assets under MSG S. Both remain under Dolan family control.
Another change: the Dolan family continues to exercise control via super-voting shares or controlling board positions, even as the ownership is dispersed economically.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of Madison Square Garden?
There is no single owner. The venue and its related business are owned by the publicly traded companies MSG E and MSG S, but ultimate control rests with James L. Dolan, who serves as Executive Chairman and CEO.
2. Is Madison Square Garden publicly traded or privately owned?
It is publicly traded (via MSG E and MSG S), but the Dolan family maintains controlling ownership through special voting rights and leadership roles.
3. Who founded Madison Square Garden?
While the “Madison Square Garden” name dates back to the 19th century, the modern corporate structure was developed under Charles Dolan (founder of Cablevision) and later led by his son James L. Dolan.
4. What is the net worth of James L. Dolan?
James L. Dolan — estimated net worth of US $2 billion (as of 2025).
He is the Executive Chairman and CEO of Madison Square Garden Entertainment and Madison Square Garden Sports, known for his leadership across both sports and entertainment divisions.
5. What is the net worth of Charles Dolan?
Charles Dolan — estimated net worth of US $5.4 billion (as of 2025).
He is the founder of Cablevision and patriarch of the Dolan family, whose media and entertainment empire includes major holdings in MSG-related companies.
6. What is the net worth of the Dolan family overall?
The Dolan family’s combined fortune exceeds US $7 billion (as of 2025), making them one of the wealthiest families in U.S. sports and entertainment ownership.
7. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes — while Madison Square Garden’s corporate structure has evolved through spin-offs (in 2020 and 2023), the controlling ownership by James L. Dolan (US $2 billion) and Charles Dolan (US $5.4 billion) has remained firmly intact.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Official Site
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