Industry Noize: A Name Emerges In MSG Spinoff

Funny how the same names keep cropping up: Madison Square Garden Company announced Oct. 27 it would consider spinning off its entertainment assets. The next day, Tim Leiweke spoke cautiously that he may one day be involved in that venture.

Leiweke, former chief of AEG, is currently the CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment but has told the company he will be leaving to pursue new adventures.

The possibilities are wide open, and he told

Enter Leiweke, who told Bloomberg that he has been in talks with Azoff about forming a joint venture that may include assets that belong to MSG, and that he “clearly” knows MSG Chairman Jim Dolan.

“What he did yesterday was extremely smart,” Leiweke said. “We have talked about doing things together. Nothing is locked down yet.”

MSG spokesman Barry Watkins told Bloomberg the company hasn’t had any discussions with Leiweke about its assets and won’t be having any in the future. However, in opposite world, where Leiweke and Azoff are talking to each other, the two are rekindling a former professional relationship.

When Philip Anschutz determined about 15 years ago to have Anschutz Entertainment Group include a live event promotion component, Azoff was brought on board to help launch AEG Live.

“I’ve known Irving a long time,” Leiweke said. “He’s one of the smartest guys I’ve ever met in the entertainment business. There isn’t a venture yet, and i’m not sure there will be.”

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