World Wrestling Entertainment® 2002 International Live Events Increased Reven ...
STAMFORD Conn. December 18 2002 – World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. said today that total international live event revenues for calendar year 2002 comprising ticket merchandise and sponsorship sales were approximately $14.1 million compared to approximately $2.2 million in calendar year 2001 an increase of about 544 percent.
In 2002 more than 225 000 fans attended 15 WWE ® international live events within five tours as compared to 2 events in 2001. Events were held in England Scotland Germany Finland Northern Ireland Japan Singapore Malaysia and Australia and culminated with a “WWE RAW® Tour of India ” which drew more than 50 000 fans for its sold-out three-city tour of New Delhi Mumbai and Bangalore.
For 2003 27 live events are planned across five continents including Japan Australia Brazil Chile England France Germany Italy Korea Mexico Scotland Singapore South Africa and Thailand. WWE has already sold-out its first international stop of 2003 the three-event “WWE Far East Tour” in January 2003 which will play to more than 30 000 fans in Korea and Japan.
Event sponsorships international licensing agreements home video distribution deals and wireless initiatives are all expected to contribute to significant growth in 2003. WWE has retained licensing and sponsorship agencies in Europe Asia and Australia to actively assist in securing new consumer product licensees home video and DVD distributors and live event sponsors.
”It is the success of our international TV distribution and live event tours that are driving the other elements of our U.S. business model into international markets ” said Roger Marment WWE’s Executive Vice President of International Business Development. “The foundation that has been laid in 2002 will allow for even greater international growth in 2003.”
World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford Conn. with offices in New York City Los Angeles Toronto and London. Additional information on the company can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.
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Media Contact: Gary Davis Vice President Corporate Communications 203-353-5066
Investor Contact: Tom Gibbons Vice President Investor Relations 203-328-2576
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Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events broadcast television cable television pay-per-view Internet food and beverage entertainment professional sports and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company’s brands media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated.