The MSG Sphere London was a building project of United States–based The Madison Square Garden Company, and financed by former Cablevision owner Charles Dolan and his son, James L.

[1][2] According to the official MSG website, public comments were reviewed at the end of 2018 and a poll of local residents was conducted by Deltapoll in July 2019.

[7][8] On 5 June 2019, the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), the planning authority for the site, held a consultation with the public, during which residents emphasised their need for greater transparency regarding the project.

[20] In February 2023, the scheme was put on temporary hold by Michael Gove, Secretary of State at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), using powers that potentially allow for a public planning inquiry into the project.

[21] Then, in November 2023, the sphere's planning permission was rejected by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, primarily over concerns about potential light pollution.

[23] Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen wrote to James Dolan, offering Teesside as an alternative venue for the Sphere.