UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
__________________________________
FORM 10-K
__________________________________

	
	
	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934	
For the year ended December 31, 2019	
or	
	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934	

Commission file number 001-16131
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

		
Delaware	04-2693383	
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)	

1241 East Main Street
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 352-8600
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT

			
Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered	
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share	WWE	New York Stock Exchange	

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT
None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of Securities Act.  Yes    No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes    No 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes    No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes    No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):

					
Large Accelerated Filer  x	Accelerated Filer  ¨	Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨	Smaller Reporting Company  ¨	Emerging Growth Company  ¨	

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes    No 

Aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant at June 30, 2019 using our closing price on June 30, 2019 was $3,121,938,621.

As of February 4, 2020, the number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, was 46,211,631 and the number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, was 31,099,011 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant's definitive proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

						
						
				Page		
PART I				
Item 1.		Business		3		
Item 1A.		Risk Factors		8		
Item 1B.		Unresolved Staff Comments		18		
Item 2.		Properties		18		
Item 3.		Legal Proceedings		18		
Item 4.		Mine Safety Disclosures		20		
PART II				
Item 5.		Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities		21		
Item 6.		Selected Financial Data		23		
Item 7.		Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		24		
Item 7A.		Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		35		
Item 8.		Financial Statements and Supplementary Data		36		
Item 9.		Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures		36		
Item 9A.		Controls and Procedures		36		
Item 9B.		Other Information		38		
PART III				
Item 10.		Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance		38	*	
Item 11.		Executive Compensation		38	*	
Item 12.		Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters		38	*	
Item 13.		Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence		38	*	
Item 14.		Principal Accountant Fees and Services		38	*	
PART IV				
Item 15.		Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules		38		
Item 16.		Form 10-K Summary		40		

* Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”).

 

Table of Contents

PART I
Item 1. Business
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an integrated media and entertainment company. "WWE" refers to World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. References to "we," "us," "our" and the "Company" refer to WWE. The initials "WWE" and our stylized and iconic "W" logo are two of our trademarks. This report also contains other WWE trademarks and trade names as well as those of other companies. All trademarks and trade names appearing in this report are the property of their respective holders.
We have been involved in the sports entertainment business for nearly 40 years, and have developed WWE into one of the most popular brands in global entertainment today. We are principally engaged in the production and distribution of unique and creative content through various channels, including our premium over-the-top subscription network (“WWE Network”), content rights agreements, pay-per-view event programming, filmed entertainment, live events, licensing of various WWE themed products, and the sale of consumer products featuring our brands. At the heart of our success are the athletic and entertainment skills and appeal of our Superstars, and our consistently innovative and multi-faceted storylines. Our distribution platforms provide significant cross-promotion and marketing opportunities that reinforce our brands while effectively reaching our fans.
Based on the strength of the Company’s brands and its ownership and control over its intellectual property, the Company has been able to leverage its content and talent globally across virtually all media platforms. We continually evaluate additional opportunities to monetize new and existing content, including our WWE Network, which is available in all international markets other than embargoed countries.
Our operations are organized around the following principal activities:
Media:

The Media segment reflects the production and monetization of long-form and short-form video content across various platforms, including WWE Network, broadcast and pay television, digital and social media, as well as filmed entertainment. Across these platforms, revenues principally consist of content rights fees, subscriptions to WWE Network, and advertising and sponsorships.
Live Events:

Live events provide ongoing content for our media platforms. Live Event segment revenues consist primarily of ticket sales, including primary and secondary distribution, revenues from events for which we receive a fixed fee, as well as the sale of travel packages associated with the Company’s global live events.
Consumer Products:

The Consumer Products segment engages in the merchandising of WWE branded products, such as video games, toys and apparel, through licensing arrangements and direct-to-consumer sales. Revenues principally consist of royalties and licensee fees related to WWE branded products, and sales of merchandise distributed at our live events and through eCommerce platforms.
Media
Media net revenues were $743.1 million, $683.4 million and $535.6 million, representing 77%, 73% and 67% of total net revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Network
WWE Network launched in February 2014, becoming the first-ever 24/7 live streaming direct-to-consumer network. This subscription-based network is currently available in all international markets other than embargoed countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the Middle East, China and Australia, among others. Subscribers can access all of WWE’s live pay-per-view events, exclusive original programming and nearly 11,000 hours of our video-on-demand library. The inclusion of our monthly marquis pay-per-view events, including WrestleMania, and the access to original content and live specials are critical components of the programming which drives our viewer engagement and satisfaction. WWE Network content includes exclusive original programming, groundbreaking documentaries, reality shows and in-ring specials, including WWE Starrcade, The Bump and WWE:24. Our strategy of creating compelling original content for broadcast on WWE Network has contributed to the popularity of WWE Network, which premiered over 340 hours of original content during 2019.
WWE Network is available on select gaming consoles, computers, mobile devices, internet connected TVs, and popular digital media players. As of December 31, 2019, WWE Network had 1,391,000 paid subscribers as compared to 1,528,100 subscribers at

3

Table of Contents

December 31, 2018, representing a 9% decline in our subscriber base. For domestic subscribers, the current subscription pricing of WWE Network is $9.99 per month with no minimum commitment, and new subscribers are currently offered a one-month free trial.
Core Content Rights Fees
Leveraging our expertise in live event television production, we now produce seven hours of original weekly domestic television programming, RAW, SmackDown and NXT, our core content. RAW and NXT are licensed domestically under a multi-year contract with NBC Universal (“NBCU”), while SmackDown moved to broadcast television on the Fox Network. Second runs of RAW and SmackDown are also available on WWE Network 30 days after the original first run airing dates on television.
RAW is a three-hour live primetime program which ranks among the most watched regularly scheduled programs on primetime cable television. RAW remains the longest running weekly episodic program in primetime television history, with nearly 1,400 original episodes, and anchors USA Network’s programming line-up, consistently helping make it the top-rated cable entertainment network.
SmackDown is a two-hour live show airing on Fridays on Fox Network. SmackDown continues to be the second longest running weekly episodic program in primetime TV history, second only to RAW.
NXT moved to USA Network in September 2019 and is now airing live for two hours on Wednesday nights. Prior to airing on USA Network, the weekly NXT programs were exclusively available on WWE Network. The weekly program continues to air on WWE Network shortly after the initial run on USA Network.
WWE’s TV-PG, family-friendly television programming, including RAW and SmackDown, can be seen in more than 800 million homes and in 28 languages around the world. Our international broadcast partners currently include: BT Sport in the United Kingdom; Sony Ten in India, Rogers Communication in Canada, and PPTV in China, among many others.
Advertising and Sponsorships
WWE utilizes the Internet and social media platforms to promote our brands, market and distribute our content and digital products, create a community experience among our fans and sell advertising across these various platforms. WWE currently streams its media content on select social media platforms, such as YouTube and Facebook. WWE surpassed 50 million subscribers on YouTube, and consistently ranks among the top viewed channels, with nearly 21 billion views of WWE content in 2019. The Company receives advertising revenues from YouTube and Facebook based on viewership data of our content. In 2019, WWE had 1.2 billion social media fan engagements across social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Tumblr.
Our primary website, WWE.com, attracted an average of 8 million monthly unique visitors worldwide during 2019. These visitors viewed an average of 120 million pages and 9 million video streams per month. WWE wallpapers, ringtones, voicetones and videos are available through our mobile partnerships. WWE currently has local language-based websites allowing fans to experience WWE in their native language with a concentration on local events and shows. Currently, the available languages are English, Mandarin, French, German, Polish and Arabic. We have relationships with sales agencies in global markets to sell advertising on WWE.com, which allow our partners to sell advertising across multiple countries.
In addition, through our sponsorship packages, we offer advertisers a full range of our promotional opportunities, including online and print advertising, on-air announcements and special appearances by our Superstars. These opportunities allow our advertisers and sponsors to engage consumers across a variety of our platforms. In 2019, we grew several partnerships with blue-chip brands, including Hyundai, Mars, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Microsoft and KFC. Our transition of SmackDown to Fox Network also enabled us to partner with new advertisers, such as Amazon, Facebook, Taco Bell and Walmart. Our sponsors promote their products utilizing our digital media assets, including promotion on WWE.com as well as promotion through WWE Network and through our live events.
Other
Our Media segment also generates revenue from the distribution of other WWE content, including, but not limited to, certain live in-ring programming content in international markets, scripted, reality and other programming, as well as theatrical and direct-to-home video releases.
Our reality-based television series currently includes Total Divas, Total Bellas, and Miz and Mrs. Total Divas, a one-hour reality series on E!, was added to WWE's programming line-up in July 2013, and returned for its ninth season in October 2019. The reality-based show explores life beyond the ring for several female WWE Superstars. Previous episodes of Seasons 1 through 9 are also replayed on WWE Network.
Total Bellas, a spinoff of the hit series, Total Divas, was added to WWE's programming line-up in October 2016, and launched a fourth season in January 2019. This reality-based series airing on E! gives viewers exclusive access into the lives of The Bella Twins and their family. Previous episodes of Seasons 1 through 3 are also replayed on WWE Network.

4

Table of Contents

Miz & Mrs., a docuseries chronicling the lives of WWE Superstars The Miz and Maryse, premiered in July 2018 on USA Network. Following the success of the initial six episodes of this reality-based series, USA Network picked up 14 more episodes, which aired during 2019. Season 2 of the series premiered on January 29, 2020. Previous episodes of Season 1 are also replayed on WWE Network.
WWE Studios is our multi-platform production company that develops and produces feature films, television (scripted, non-scripted), and digital content. In 2019, WWE Studios secured partnerships with Netflix, A&E, Quibi and Paramount Entertainment for new WWE programming in 2020 and 2021.
In 2019, we launched two podcasts, After the Bell and The New Day: Feel The Power, in partnership with Endeavor Audio, which both debuted within the top three on Apple podcasts. We also launched localized programming in India, China, the Middle East and Latin America. Additionally, our partnership with Mattel enabled us to create original kids content on YouTube, which garnered more than 50 million views.
Live Events
Live Events net revenues were $125.6 million, $144.2 million and $151.7 million, representing 13%, 16% and 19% of total net revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Our broad and talented roster of Superstars allows us to perform in numerous domestic markets and take advantage of the strong international demand for our events. Live events and the associated programming produced at our live events are our principal creative content and production activities. Our creative team develops compelling and complex characters and weaves them into dynamic storylines that combine physical and emotional elements. Storylines are usually played out in the ring and unfold on our weekly television shows, culminating in our monthly marquis events which air on WWE Network and are also available via pay-per-view.
Our annual WrestleMania event, which was held in April 2019, sold out MetLife Stadium with more than 82,000 fans in attendance and was the second highest-grossing event in WWE history. The NXT TakeOver: New York event held during WrestleMania week was the highest-grossing NXT event in our history.
North American Ticket Sales
In 2019, we produced 260 live events (excluding NXT) throughout North America, entertaining 1.3 million fans at an average ticket price of $64.21. We hold many of our live events at major arenas across the country. In addition to providing content for our television and other programming, these events provide us with a real-time assessment of the popularity of our storylines and characters.
International Ticket Sales
In 2019, we produced 50 live events (excluding NXT) internationally, reaching 226,000 fans at an average ticket price of $81.18. These events were spread over several international tours throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Australia.
Consumer Products
Consumer Products net revenues were $91.7 million, $102.6 million and $113.7 million, representing 10%, 11% and 14% of total net revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Consumer Product Licensing
We have established a worldwide licensing program using our marks and logos, copyrighted works and characters on a large variety of retail products, including video games, toys, apparel and books. Currently, we have relationships with more than 200 licensees worldwide that provide products for sale at major retailers. To maintain the distinctive style and quality of our intellectual property and brand, we retain creative approval over the design, packaging, advertising and promotional materials associated with these products. Additionally, we continually seek new opportunities to partner with best-in-class organizations to develop new products for our fans and further expand our licensing business.
Video games and toys are the largest components of our licensing program. We have a comprehensive, multi-year licensing agreement with Mattel, Inc. our master toy licensee, covering all global territories and a multi-year licensing agreement with Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. ("Take-Two") to produce and sell our branded console video games. WWE branded video games currently include WWE 2K, available on PlayStation and XBOX platforms and on iOS and Android devices and WWE SuperCard which is available on iOS and Android devices. The video game industry continues to migrate the availability of video games toward downloadable content through an Internet connected device. Accordingly, our video games can be downloaded via the Internet and contain subsequent downloadable content that can be purchased to add additional characters and game modes to enhance game play.
Music is an integral part of the WWE entertainment experience. We compose and record music, including Superstar entrance themes, in our recording studio. In addition to our own composed music, we license music performed by popular artists.

5

Table of Contents

eCommerce
WWEShop is our direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront. WWE merchandise is also distributed on other domestic and international e-commerce platforms, including Amazon. We processed 619,700 orders during 2019 as compared to 786,800 in 2018.
Venue Merchandise
Our direct-to-consumer venue merchandise business consists of the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of numerous WWE-branded products such as t-shirts, belts, caps and other novelty items, all of which feature our Superstars and/or logos.
Customers
Our customers include content distributors of our media content through their networks and platforms, fans who purchase tickets to our live events, purchase our merchandise at venues or online through our eCommerce platforms and subscribers to WWE Network, advertisers and sponsors, consumer product licensees, and film distributors/buyers. As noted elsewhere, we have several important partners, including NBCU who carries the domestic television distribution of Raw and NXT, Fox Network who domestically distributes SmackDown, and the General Entertainment Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who, among other things, hosts our live events in the Middle East.
Creative Development and Production
Headed by our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vincent K. McMahon, our creative team develops compelling and complex characters and weaves them into dynamic storylines that combine physical and emotional elements. Storylines are usually played out in the ring and unfold on our weekly television shows, culminating in our monthly marquis events. We voluntarily designate the suitability of each of our television shows using standard industry ratings, and all our in-ring television programming carries a PG rating, which is critical to maintaining the Company’s reputation for family friendly entertainment.
Our success is due primarily to the continuing popularity of our Superstars. We currently have approximately 300 Superstars under exclusive contracts, ranging from multi-year guaranteed contracts with established Superstars to developmental contracts with our Superstars in training. Our Superstars are highly trained and motivated independent contractors, whose compensation is tied to the revenue that they help generate. We own the rights to substantially all our characters and exclusively license the rights we do not own through agreements with our Superstars.
Talent Development
We continually seek to identify, recruit and develop additional talent for our business. Our NXT division, which features developmental talent training to become WWE Superstars, has produced approximately 70% of our current active main roster stars, such as Bray Wyatt, Bayley, The Revival, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Carmella. NXT has now evolved into our third brand after Raw and SmackDown and has transitioned into a weekly live television series, as well as global touring brand broadcasting live specials on WWE Network throughout the year. In 2019, we continued our focus on recruiting international talent with tryouts in India, China and Canada, as well as three tryouts at our Performance Center in Florida. These efforts have resulted in approximately 60% of our developmental talent coming from outside the U.S., including the United Kingdom, China, India, Japan, Australia, Ireland, Brazil and Germany. NXT talent train at our WWE Performance Center in Florida, a state-of-the-art training facility, which was designed to cultivate our next generation of talent and has become the center of our talent development program. In efforts to localize our content around the world, we opened the WWE UK Performance Center in January 2019, which is the first WWE training facility outside of the United States.
Competition
While we believe that we have a loyal fan base, the entertainment industry is highly competitive and subject to fluctuations in popularity, which are not easy to predict. For our live event and media content audiences, we face competition from professional and college sports, other live, filmed, televised and streamed entertainment, which includes other professional wrestling leagues, and other leisure activities. We will face increased competition from websites and mobile and other internet connected apps delivering paid and free content, as streamed media offerings continue to expand. For purchases of our merchandise, we compete with entertainment companies, professional and college sports leagues and other makers of branded apparel and merchandise. Many companies with whom we compete have greater financial resources than we do.
Trademarks and Copyrights
Intellectual property is material to all aspects of our operations, and we expend substantial cost and effort in an attempt to maintain and protect our intellectual property and to maintain compliance vis-à-vis other parties’ intellectual property. We have a large portfolio of registered and unregistered trademarks and service marks worldwide and maintain a large catalog of copyrighted works, including copyrights in our television and WWE Network programming, music, photographs, books, films and apparel art. We also own a large

6

Table of Contents

number of internet website domain names and operate a network of developed, content-based sites, which facilitate and contribute to the exploitation of our intellectual property worldwide.
We vigorously seek to enforce our intellectual property rights worldwide by, among other things, searching the internet to ascertain unauthorized use, seizing counterfeit goods and seeking restraining orders and/or damages in court against individuals or entities infringing our intellectual property rights. Our failure or inability to curtail piracy, infringement or other unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights effectively, or our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights, could adversely affect our operating results.
Employees
As of February 2020, we had 960 employees. This headcount excludes our Superstars and NXT talent, who are independent contractors. Our in-house production staff is supplemented with contract personnel for our television production. We believe that our relationships with our employees are good. None of our employees are represented by a union.
Regulation
Live Events
In some United States and foreign jurisdictions, athletic commissions and other applicable regulatory agencies require us to obtain licenses for promoters, medical clearances and/or other permits or licenses for performers and/or permits for events in order for us to promote and conduct our live events. If we fail to comply with the regulations of a particular jurisdiction, we may be prohibited from promoting and conducting our live events in that jurisdiction. The inability to present our live events over an extended period of time or in a number of jurisdictions could lead to a decline in the various revenue streams generated from our live events, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Television and WWE Network Programming
The marketplace for audio-visual programming (including cable television and Internet programming) in the United States and internationally is substantially affected by government regulations applicable to, as well as social and political influences on, television stations, television networks and cable and satellite television systems and channels. Certain Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) regulations are imposed directly on the Company and/or indirectly through our distributors. Other domestic and foreign governmental and private-sector initiatives relating to video programming are announced from time to time. In addition, the delivery of WWE Network in international markets exposes us to multiple regulatory frameworks, the complexity of which may result in unintentional noncompliance. In October 2019, the domestic distribution of our program, SmackDown, moved to broadcast television on the Fox Network which resulted in our being responsible, directly or indirectly, for compliance with certain additional FCC regulations and statutory requirements. Any failure by us to meet these governmental policies or regulations and private-sector expectations could restrict our program content and, in the case of government regulation, result in monetary liability. Such failure could also adversely affect our levels of viewership and/or number of WWE Network subscribers. Any of these could affect our operating results.
Available Information
Copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, are available free of charge on our website at http://corporate.wwe.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our reports are also available free of charge on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. None of the information on any of our websites is part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and charters of our Audit, Compensation and our Governance and Nominating Committees are also available on our website. A copy of any of these documents will be mailed to any stockholder without charge upon request to us at 1241 East Main Street, Stamford, CT 06902, Attn: Investor Relations Department.

7

Table of Contents

Item 1A. Risk Factors
There are inherent risks and uncertainties associated with our business that could adversely affect our operating performance and financial condition. Set forth below are descriptions of those risks and uncertainties that we currently believe to be material, but the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks and uncertainties that could affect our business. See the discussion under “Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the ‘Safe Harbor’ Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995” in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our failure to maintain or renew key agreements could adversely affect our ability to distribute our media content, WWE Network, our films and/or other of our goods and services, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Our media content is distributed by cable, satellite and broadcast television networks and digital platforms around the globe. As detailed below, we depend on third parties for many aspects of the operation and distribution of WWE Network. Our films are generally also distributed by other, more established film companies. Because a large portion of our revenues are generated, directly and indirectly, from this distribution, any failure to maintain (such as due to a breach or alleged breach by either party) or renew arrangements with distributors and platforms, the failure of distributors or platforms to continue to provide services to us or the failure to enter into new distribution opportunities on terms favorable to us could adversely affect our financial outlook, liquidity, business and operating results. We regularly engage in negotiations relating to substantial agreements covering the distribution of our media content by carriers located in the United States and abroad. We have substantial relationships with NBCU, which carries RAW and NXT through its cable networks, and Fox Network, which carries SmackDown. We also have an important partnership with the General Entertainment Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These relationships are expected to continue to constitute a significant percentage of our revenues. We have significant relationships outside the United States. In certain places, notably India and the Middle East, agreements that were expected to be completed have not been signed to date. Many of our other goods and services, such as our toys, video games and home video offerings are manufactured and sold by other parties under licenses of our intellectual property or distribution agreements. Our inability for any of the reasons set forth in these Risk Factors to enter into, maintain and/or renew or replace, as the case may be, these agreements on terms favorable to us could adversely affect our financial outlook, liquidity, business and/or operating results.
Our failure to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving media landscape could adversely affect our operating results.
The manner in which audio/media content is distributed and viewed is constantly changing, and consumers have increasing options to access entertainment video. Changes in technology require Company resources including personnel, capital and operating expenses. Conversely, technology changes have also decreased the cost of video production and distribution for certain programmers (such as through social media), which lowers the barriers to entry and increases the competition for viewership and revenues. While we attempt to distribute our programming across all platforms, our failure to continue to do so effectively (including, for example only, our emphasizing a distribution platform that in time lessens in importance or becomes obsolete or our loss of, or other inability to procure, carriage on an important platform) could adversely affect our operating results. If other providers of video programming address the changes in consumer viewing habits in a manner that is better able to meet content distributor and consumer needs and expectations, our business could be adversely affected. The number of subscribers and ratings of television networks and advertising revenues in general have been reported as being impacted by viewers moving to alternative media content providers, a process known as “cord cutting” and “cord shaving”. Many well-funded digital companies have been competing with the traditional television business model and, while it has been widely reported that they are paying significant amounts for media content, it is not clear that these digital distributors will replace the importance (in terms of money paid for content, viewer penetration and other factors) of television distribution to media content owners such as WWE. Our media partners’ businesses are affected by their sale of advertising and subscriptions for their services. If they are unable to sell advertising and/or subscriptions either with regard to WWE programming specifically (such as, by way of example and without limitation, due to a decline in the popularity of our programming and/or brand) or all of their programing generally, it could adversely affect our operating results.
The Company has spent, and plans to continue to spend, substantial amounts to produce content, build infrastructure and market our WWE Network. If, for any number of reasons, we are unable to continue to develop and monetize this distribution platform successfully, these additional costs, and the loss of very significant revenue, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
Need to Attract, Retain and Replace Subscribers. We believe that WWE has a passionate fan base. However, the markets for entertainment video are intensely competitive and include many subscription, transactional and ad-supported models and vast amounts of pirated materials, all of which capture segments of the entertainment video market. These markets have and are expected to continue to be subject to rapid changes, and new technologies and evolving business models are developing at a fast pace. The Company expects this competition to continue to grow and the markets to continue to transform. Many players that have entered this space have vastly greater financial and marketing resources than the Company as well as longer operating histories, large customer bases and strong brand recognition. These competitors may secure better terms from suppliers, aggressively price their offerings and devote more technology and marketing resources. Competing offerings include subscription digital services from Amazon, CBS, Disney, ESPN, HBO, Hulu, MLB, NBCU, Netflix, NFL Network, Nickelodeon, Showtime, YouTube and many others. Certain of these competitors have begun to

8

Table of Contents

bundle digital networks. Other competitors for viewers of media content include broadcast, cable and satellite television, many of which have so-called “TV everywhere”, stand-alone streaming and/or “on demand” content, online movie and television content providers (both legal such as iTunes and illegal (pirated)), and ad-supported services such as YouTube. Viewers also commit viewing dollars to theatrical films, live events or other leisure activities. Our ability to attract and retain subscribers to WWE Network will depend in part on our ability to provide consistent high-quality content and a high level of service that is perceived as a good value for the consumer’s entertainment dollars. We face intense competition with respect to service levels, content offerings, pricing and related features, which may adversely impact our ability to attract and retain these subscribers. In addition, subscribers are allowed to cancel their subscriptions at any time and could do so for a number of reasons, including a perception that they do not use the service sufficiently, the need to cut household expenses, unsatisfactory content (whether as a result of change in consumer tastes or otherwise), competitive entertainment at a lower price and customer service issues. This is commonly referred to as “churn.” Churn may be more pronounced in the periods following larger WWE events shown on WWE Network such as WrestleMania. We will need to add new subscribers continually both to replace subscribers who cancel and to grow our business. If too many of our subscribers cancel our service or if we are unable to attract new subscribers in sufficient numbers, our financial outlook, liquidity, business and operating results would be adversely affected.
Significant Ongoing Costs. WWE Network has and will continue to require significant capital expenditures, content cost and operating costs. Capital expenditures result in increased amortization and depreciation and may require impairment charges if the assets do not provide adequate results. We also intend to continue spending significant amounts on marketing, including promotional offerings to attract, retain and renew subscribers. Any and all such capital and operating costs, if not more than offset by revenues from WWE Network, could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Emerging Business. We believe that we entered the market for subscription digital streaming at a relatively early stage. We believe acceptance of this type of service has grown among users, that our fans are technologically sophisticated and that the market is not saturated. We could, however, find that we are unable to remain competitive in this emerging industry for any number of reasons. For instance, other new or more established players, many of whom have greater resources than we, could establish dominant positions in the market for this type of service. We could find that the growing number of offerings to consumers could limit subscribers for WWE Network due to market saturation. Alternatively, we could find that consumers choose to move away from subscription services generally. Under any of these scenarios, our ability to attract and retain subscribers will be adversely affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Reliance on Partners to Offer WWE Network. We offer subscribers the ability to receive streaming content through their PCs, Macs and other Internet-connected devices, including game consoles and mobile devices, such as tablets and mobile phones as well as smart televisions and Blu-Ray players. We intend to continue to offer WWE Network through available platforms and partners. We rely on outside contractors to develop and supply technology and infrastructure necessary to deliver our content and interact with the user, and in this regard, we moved a major portion of our WWE Network infrastructure in 2019 to a new provider. If we are not successful in maintaining, renewing and/or replacing these technology and infrastructure relationships or if we are not successful in entering into and maintaining relationships with platform providers (many of which are governed by relatively short-term agreements), if the costs of maintaining these relationships increase materially, if we or our partners encounter technological, licensing or other impediments to streaming our content, or if viewers either upgrade existing platforms or migrate to new platforms in such a way that we or our partners do not or cannot deliver through the new or upgraded platform, our ability to compete successfully could be adversely impacted. Certain platforms, such as Amazon and Apple, offer their owned or licensed content as well as WWE Network and, therefore, may be disincentivized to promote and deliver WWE Network at the same level as provided for their content.
Possible Disruption of Systems Utilized in Our Operations. Our reputation and ability to attract, retain and serve our subscribers will depend on the reliable performance of our computer and information systems and other technologies, including technology systems used in connection with the production and distribution of our programming and those of third-parties that we utilize in our operations. Interruptions in these systems, or with the Internet in general whether due to fault by any party or due to weather, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, power loss or other force majeure type events, could make our service unavailable or degraded or could otherwise hinder our ability to deliver content or cause WWE Network to fail completely. We do not maintain entirely redundant systems. These service disruptions or failures could be prolonged. Delivery of video programming over the Internet is done through a series of carriers with switch-overs between carriers, and any point of failure in this distribution chain would cause a disruption or degradation of our signal. Service disruption or degradation for any of the foregoing reasons could diminish the overall attractiveness of our subscription service to subscribers, causing us to lose subscribers and/or credit subscribers affected by such disruption, which could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations. We do not carry insurance that would cover us in the event of many types of business interruption that could occur at WWE Network.
Our servers and those of third parties used in the distribution of WWE Network may be vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks, computer viruses (including worms, malware, ransomware and other destructive or disruptive software or denial of service attacks), physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions and could experience directed attacks intended to lead to interruptions and delays in our service and operations as well as loss, misuse, theft or release of proprietary, confidential, sensitive or otherwise valuable Company or subscriber data or information. Such a cybersecurity attack, virus, break-in, disruption or attack could remain undetected for an

9

Table of Contents

extended period, could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations, be expensive to remedy, expose us to litigation and/or damage our reputation. Our insurance may not cover expenses related to such disruptions or unauthorized access fully or at all.
Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to, or disable, degrade or sabotage, these systems and servers change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we and the third parties used in the distribution of WWE Network may be unable to anticipate these techniques, implement adequate preventative measures or remediate any intrusion on a timely or effective basis. Moreover, the development and maintenance of these preventative and detective measures is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures become more sophisticated. Despite our efforts and the efforts of third parties used in the distribution of WWE Network, the possibility of these events occurring cannot be eliminated.
Technology Enhancements. Enhancements and modifications to WWE Network technology from time to time become commercially necessary, and these consume considerable resources in capital and operating expenditures. If we are unable to acquire, maintain and enhance the technology to manage the streaming of content to our subscribers in a timely, efficient and user-friendly manner either through an outside party or ourselves, our ability to retain existing subscribers and to add new subscribers may be impaired. In addition, if our technology or that of third parties we utilize in our operations fails or otherwise operates improperly, our ability to attract and/or retain subscribers or add new subscribers may be impaired. Also, any harm to our subscribers' personal computers or other devices caused by software used in our operations could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We employ merchandising and search technology in WWE Network in an effort to maintain and increase member engagement with our service. We may experience difficulties in implementing refinements or interfaces that our subscribers enjoy or require, which could cause member dissatisfaction and negatively impact our business.
Impact of Government Regulations. The adoption or modification of laws and regulations relating to the Internet or other areas of our business could limit or otherwise adversely affect the manner in which we conduct our business. The growth and development of the market for online commerce has led to more stringent consumer protection laws, including privacy laws such as the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), imposing additional burdens on us. We may be required to comply with new regulations or legislation or new interpretations of existing regulations or legislation. This compliance could cause us to incur significant additional expense or alter our business model or could result in substantial fines, civil liability and/or harm to reputation for noncompliance. In addition, the delivery of WWE Network in international markets exposes us to multiple regulatory frameworks and societal norms, the complexity of which may result in unintentional noncompliance which could adversely affect our business and operating results.
The adoption of any laws or regulations that adversely affect the growth, popularity or use of the Internet to access our programming, including laws and/or court decisions that have the effect of limiting Internet neutrality, could limit the demand for our subscription service and increase our cost of doing business. The FCC had adopted an “Open Internet” Report and Order and accompanying rules, which addressed various practices of broadband Internet access providers. Those rules, in substantial part, were reversed by the FCC “Restoring Internet Freedom” Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order released in 2018, and replaced by what the FCC refers to as a “light-touch regulatory framework,” including modified customer transparency requirements. Petitions for review of the FCC’s rulings were filed by multiple parties. In October 2019, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia (“D.C. Circuit”) largely affirmed the FCC’s 2018 Restoring Internet Freedom decision, though reversed the blanket preemption adopted by the FCC of state and local requirements that are inconsistent with FCC’s deregulatory approach. Petitions for rehearing and rehearing en banc before the D.C. Circuit are currently pending, and no assurances can be given as to the ultimate outcome of these challenges. To the extent that network operators engage in discriminatory practices, our business could be adversely impacted. As we expand internationally, government regulation concerning the Internet, and in particular, net neutrality, may be nascent or non-existent. Within such a regulatory environment, due to the political and economic power of local network operators, who may have interests that do not align with ours, we could experience discriminatory or anti-competitive practices that could impede our growth, cause us to incur additional expense or otherwise negatively affect our business.
Risks Relating to the Internet. We rely on the ability of WWE subscribers to access our service through the Internet. Any point of failure within the Internet infrastructure, whether caused by network hackers, force majeure type events or otherwise, could have a significant adverse effect on WWE Network. In addition, devices for accessing our content are manufactured and sold by entities other than the Company, and any transmission issues through these devices may result in consumer dissatisfaction with WWE Network and adversely affect our business. Technology changes may require that platforms and/or subscribers update their devices and any failure to do so, or the failure of us or our distribution partners to perform adequately through these updated devices could negatively affect our subscribers’ enjoyment of WWE Network which would negatively affect our business. To the extent that network operators implement usage based pricing, including meaningful bandwidth caps, or otherwise try to monetize access to their networks by data providers (such as through tiered access or pricing), due to the heavy bandwidth use of audio/visual content, we could incur greater operating expenses and our subscriber acquisition costs, and subscriber numbers, could be negatively impacted. Most network operators that provide consumers access to the Internet also provide consumers audiovisual programming. As a result, these companies have an incentive to use their network infrastructure in a manner adverse to our success. To the extent network operators are able to provide preferential treatment to their traffic or otherwise implement discriminatory network management practices under the FCC’s Restoring Internet

10

Table of Contents

Freedom decision described above, WWE Network could be negatively impacted which could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results. In international markets, these same incentives apply, and consumer demand, regulatory oversight and competition may not be as strong of a check on these practices as they are in domestic markets.
We Are Subject to Intellectual Property Risks. From time to time, third parties allege that we have violated their intellectual property rights. In connection with WWE Network, if we and/or our service providers are unable to obtain sufficient rights, successfully defend the use, or otherwise alter business practices in a timely manner in response to claims for infringement, misappropriation, misuse or other violation of third-party intellectual property rights, our business could be adversely affected. Many companies devote significant resources on patents relating to various aspects of streaming services. For example, there are numerous patents that broadly claim means and methods of conducting business on the Internet and we and/or our service providers have from time to time been named in lawsuits and other claims alleging violations of patents in connection with various aspects of our business. We have not searched patents relative to our technology. While we believe we have managed this process successfully to date, defending against intellectual property claims, whether they are with or without merit, can result in costly litigation and diversion of personnel. These types of claims could result in our inability to use technology as currently configured for WWE Network or as we configure it in the future and could significantly impact our operation and monetization of the service. As a result of this type of dispute, we and/or our service providers could also be required to develop non-infringing technology, make royalty or damage payments, enter licensing agreements, adjust merchandising or marketing activities or take other actions to resolve the claims, any of which could be costly or unavailable on acceptable terms.
International Offerings. We have made our U.S. based WWE Network available in international markets other than embargoed countries. We are not currently offering different content in different countries internationally and we may find that our United States product does not resonate with consumers in other nations. International expansion also entails greater infrastructure and differing legal and regulatory environments. Other risks relating to foreign operations could include difficulties and costs associated with staffing and managing foreign operations, management distraction, new and different sources of competition, compliance with U.S. and international laws relating, among other things, to bribery, less favorable foreign intellectual property laws, laws relating to repatriation of funds, lower levels of Internet availability, complexity of VAT and other local tax laws, and data protection (including the GDPR), consumer protection, censorship, licensing and other regulatory matters. If we are not able to manage the growing complexity of our international operations, our business could be adversely affected.
Marketing Efforts May Not Be Successful. We intend to continue to spend significant amounts on marketing, including promotional offerings and data analytics, to attract, retain and renew subscribers domestically and internationally. We generally provide a promotion of one-month free access to WWE Network for new subscribers. If companies we use to promote WWE Network believe that we could negatively impact their business, decide that they want to enter similar businesses or wish to support our competitors, we may not be given access to suitable marketing channels. We may decide not to use certain marketing sources or activities if they are, or are perceived by us to be, ineffective. If adequate marketing channels are not available or are too costly, for any reason, our ability to attract new subscribers, and/or our operating costs, may be adversely affected.
We May Be Liable for Fraudulent Payment Transactions. Even when the associated financial institution approves the payment of fees for WWE Network subscribers, from time to time, fraudulent payment methods are used to obtain the service. We do not carry insurance for these fraudulent transactions.
If We Are Not Able to Manage Change and Growth, Our Business Could Be Adversely Affected. We are expanding our operations internationally and scaling our streaming service to enable anticipated growth in both subscribers and features related to our service. Internationally, we are also subject to divergent and complex consumer customs and practices. This growth adds complexity to virtually every aspect of our business, including WWE Network, and if we are not able to manage this growing complexity, including improving, refining or revising our systems and operational practices, business may be adversely affected.
Our failure to continue to build and maintain our brand of entertainment could adversely affect our operating results.
We must continue to build and maintain our strong brand identity to attract and retain fans who have a number of entertainment choices. The creation, marketing and distribution of live events, programming (including our television, WWE Network and other programming) and films, that our fans value and enjoy is at the core of our business. The production of compelling live, televised, streamed and film content is critical to our ability to generate revenues across our media platforms and product outlets. Also important are effective consumer communications, such as marketing, customer service and public relations. The role of social media by fans and by us is an increasingly important factor in our brand perception. If our efforts to create compelling services and goods and/or otherwise promote and maintain our brand, services and merchandise are not successful, our ability to attract and retain fans may be adversely affected. Such a result would likely lead to a decline in our television ratings, attendance at our live events, the number of WWE Network subscribers, our film viewership and/or otherwise impact our sales of goods and services, which would adversely affect our operating results.

11

Table of Contents

Our failure to retain or continue to recruit key performers could lead to a decline in the appeal of our storylines and the popularity of our brand of entertainment, which could adversely affect our operating results.
Our success depends, in large part, upon our ability to recruit, train and retain athletic performers who have the physical presence, acting ability and charisma to portray characters in our live events, video programming (including our television, WWE Network and other programming) and films. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to continue to identify and train these performers. Additionally, throughout our history, performers from time to time have stopped working for us for any number of reasons, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to retain our current performers either during the terms of their contracts or when their contracts expire. Our failure to attract and retain key performers, an increase in the costs required to attract and retain such performers, or a serious or untimely injury to, or the death of, or unexpected or premature loss or retirement for any reason of, any of our key performers could lead to a decline in the appeal of our storylines and the popularity of our brand of entertainment. Scheduling conflicts for talent services may also affect certain productions. Any of the foregoing issues could adversely affect our operating results.
A decline in the popularity of our brand of sports entertainment, including as a result of changes in the social and political climate, could adversely affect our business.
Our operations are affected by consumer tastes and entertainment trends, which are unpredictable and subject to change and may be affected by changes in the social and political climate. Our programming is created to evoke a passionate response from our fans. Changes in our fans’ tastes or a material change in the perceptions of our business partners, including our distributors, sponsors and licensees, whether as a result of the social and political climate or otherwise, could adversely affect our operating results.
The unexpected loss of the services of Vincent K. McMahon could adversely affect our ability to create popular characters and creative storylines or could otherwise adversely affect our operating results.
In addition to serving as Chairman of our Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. McMahon leads the creative team that develops the storylines and the characters for our programming (including our television, WWE Network and other programming) and live events. From time to time, Mr. McMahon has also been an important member of our cast of performers. The loss of Mr. McMahon due to unexpected retirement, disability, death or other unexpected termination for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our ability to create popular characters and creative storylines or could otherwise adversely affect our operating results. Mr. McMahon has established Alpha Entertainment LLC, to explore investment opportunities across the sports entertainment landscapes, and Alpha Entertainment LLC is launching a professional football league, with the first game scheduled to be played in February 2020. While he has provided the Company assurances that his focus on WWE will not be diverted by these efforts, any such diversion or perception of such diversion could adversely affect our operating results and could have a material adverse effect on our stock price.
Changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives could adversely affect our businesses.
Production of video programming by independent producers is generally not directly regulated by the federal or state governments in the United States. However, under FCC regulations in many instances we are responsible for closed captioning our television and internet programming. SmackDown is now on broadcast television on the Fox Network and we are responsible, directly or indirectly, for compliance with certain additional FCC regulations and statutory requirements applicable to programming distributed over television broadcast stations. Any failure to remain in compliance with these requirements could expose us to substantial costs and adverse publicity which could impact our operating results. Changes in FCC regulations, and the potential reallocation of satellite spectrum for “5G” next generation wireless broadband use, could impact the availability of satellite transmission spectrum for video programming distribution, which could increase the transmission costs of certain of our programming and/or affect transmission quality and reliability. The markets for programming (including television and WWE Network programming) in the United States and internationally may be substantially affected by government regulations applicable to, as well as social and political influences on, television stations and networks. We voluntarily designate the suitability of each of our television and WWE Network programs using standard industry ratings. Domestic and foreign governmental and private-sector initiatives relating to the production and distribution of video programming are announced from time to time. In particular, India recently placed regulatory restrictions on the pricing of television channels. Compliance by our licensees of these initiatives and/or their noncompliance of governmental policies could restrict our program distribution and adversely affect our levels of viewership and/or the number of WWE Network subscribers, result in adverse publicity and/or impact our operating results.
The markets in which we operate are intensely competitive, rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented, and we may not be able to compete effectively, especially against competitors with greater financial resources or marketplace presence, which could adversely affect our operating results.
We face competition for our audiences from professional and college sports, as well as other forms of live and televised, streamed and filmed entertainment and other leisure activities in a rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented marketplace. For the sale of our consumer products, we compete with entertainment companies, professional and college sports leagues and other makers of branded apparel and merchandise. Many of the companies with whom we compete have substantially greater financial resources than we do. Other new and existing professional wrestling leagues also compete with our goods and services. Our failure to compete effectively

12

Table of Contents

could result in a significant loss of viewers, subscribers, venues, distribution channels or performers and fewer entertainment and advertising dollars spent on our form of sports entertainment, any of which could adversely affect our operating results.
We face uncertainties associated with international markets, which could adversely affect our operating results and impair our business strategy.
We are consistently negotiating and entering into new agreements and renewals and extensions of existing agreements for our products and services in international markets. Our U.S. based WWE Network is available in all international markets except where embargos preclude it. In 2018, WWE embarked on an important long-term partnership with the General Entertainment Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for, among other things, a series of live events in that region. We hold talent tryouts overseas, including, in 2019, Canada, China and India. Our first WWE training facility outside of the United States is in the United Kingdom. Cultural norms and regulatory frameworks vary in the markets in which we operate and our products' nonconformance to local norms or applicable law, regulations or licensing requirements could interrupt our operations or affect our sales, viewership and success in the markets. Our production of live events overseas subjects us to numerous risks involved in foreign travel and operations and also subjects us to local norms and complex regulations (including visa obligations). In addition, these live events and the licensing and/or sale of our goods and services in international markets expose us to some degree of currency risk. International operations may be subject to political instability inherent in varying degrees in those markets, terrorism and wars. Other risks relating to foreign operations include difficulties and costs associated with staffing and managing foreign operations, management distraction, new and different sources of competition, compliance with U.S. and international laws relating to, among other things, bribery, less favorable foreign intellectual property laws, laws relating to repatriation of funds, lower levels of Internet availability, complexity of VAT and other local tax laws, and data protection, consumer protection, censorship, licensing and other regulatory matters as well as possible reputational risks. The GDPR applies to certain of our operations, and its provisions are far reaching, and noncompliance could result in significant fines, operational issues and/or harm to reputation. The United Kingdom’s referendum to withdraw its membership from the European Union (referred to as “Brexit”) could complicate international matters including financial, legal, tax and trade implications. While we have committed significant financial and personnel resources toward compliance, no assurances can be provided that our efforts will be entirely successful. These risks could adversely affect our operating results and impair our ability to pursue our business strategy as it relates to international markets, which could adversely affect our business.
We may be prohibited from promoting and conducting our live events if we do not comply with applicable regulations, which could lead to a decline in the various revenue streams generated from our live events, which could adversely affect our operating results.
In some United States and foreign jurisdictions, athletic commissions and other applicable regulatory agencies require us to obtain licenses for promoters, medical clearances and/or other permits or licenses for performers and/or permits for events in order for us to promote and conduct our live events. Foreign jurisdictions require visas for personnel and talent at international live events. In international markets, third party promoters generally oversee permitting and regulatory matters. In the event that we fail to comply with the regulations of a particular jurisdiction, whether through our acts or omissions or those of our third-party promoters, we may be prohibited from promoting and conducting our live events in that jurisdiction. The inability to present our live events in jurisdiction(s), in addition to the lost revenues and expenses of the missed event(s), could lead to a decline in various revenue streams in such jurisdiction(s), which could adversely affect our operating results.
Because we depend upon our intellectual property rights, our inability to protect those rights, or our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights, could adversely affect our business.
Intellectual property is material to all aspects of our business. We have a large portfolio of registered and unregistered trademarks, service marks, copyrighted material and characters, trade names and other intellectual property rights worldwide. We also own a large number of Internet website domain names and operate a network of developed, content-based sites, which facilitate and contribute to the exploitation of our intellectual property worldwide. We expend substantial cost and effort in an attempt to maintain and protect this intellectual property and to maintain compliance with other parties’ intellectual property. Our failure to curtail piracy, infringement or other unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights effectively, or our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights, could result in litigation, damage our brand or adversely affect our relationships with the companies that distribute our goods and services, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
While we generally own the intellectual property in our content, we do not own most of the intellectual property relating to the distribution of this content including through WWE Network. From time to time, third parties allege that we have violated their intellectual property rights. If we are unable to obtain sufficient rights, successfully defend our use, develop non-infringing technology or otherwise alter our business practices in a timely manner in response to claims against us for infringement, misappropriation, misuse or other violation of third-party intellectual property rights, our business and competitive position may be adversely affected. Many companies devote significant resources on patents relating to many aspects of our business, including WWE Network. For example, there are numerous patents that broadly claim means and methods of conducting business on the Internet, and from time to time we have been named in lawsuits and other claims alleging that we violated patents in connection with various aspects of our business. We have

13

Table of Contents

not searched patents relative to our technology. While we believe we have managed this process effectively to date, defending ourselves against intellectual property claims, whether they are with or without merit can result in costly litigation and diversion of personnel. These types of claims could result in our inability to use our technology as currently configured or as we configure it in the future and could significantly impact our ability to market our services or merchandise our products. As a result of this type of dispute, we could also be required to develop non-infringing technology, make royalty or damage payments, enter into licensing agreements, adjust our merchandising or marketing activities or take other actions to resolve the claims, any of which could be costly or unavailable on acceptable terms.
Our distribution mechanisms for our goods and services are increasingly complex across various distribution platforms, various geographical areas and timing windows.
Our inadvertent grant of inconsistent rights to our intellectual property, goods and/or services or allegations of such inconsistent grants could result in claims of breach of our distribution agreements or licenses and/or result in litigation which could adversely impact our operations.
We could incur substantial liability relating to accidents or injuries (or insurance relating thereto) arising out of our physically demanding events.
We hold numerous live events each year. This schedule exposes our performers and our employees who are involved in the production of those events to the risk of travel and performance-related accidents, the consequences of which are not fully covered by insurance. The physical nature of our events exposes our performers to the risk of serious injury or death. Although our performers, as independent contractors, are responsible for maintaining their own health, disability and life insurance, we self-insure medical costs for our performers for injuries that they incur while training and performing. We self-insure a substantial portion of any other liability that we could incur relating to such injuries. In certain states, notably California and New York, legislative changes have been enacted or are contemplated that draw into question our ability to treat our talent as independent contractors in those states. In California certain litigation, to which the Company is not a party, has been brought questioning the enforceability of the new law. It is early in this process, and the impact to the Company of these initiatives is unknown. If ultimately required, worker’s compensation insurance for our talent or other aspects of their treatment as employees in those states could add expense to, or otherwise alter, our operations, which could affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations. Liability to us resulting from any death or serious injury sustained by one of our performers while performing, to the extent not covered by our insurance, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. As noted below, we are the defendant in litigation claiming that performers sustained significant injuries while performing for the Company including, but not limited to, traumatic brain injuries.
Our live events entail other risks inherent in public live events, which could lead to disruptions of our business as well as liability to other parties, any of which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
We hold numerous large live events each year, both domestically and internationally. Certain risks are inherent in events of the type we perform as well as the travel to and from them, and we are required to expend substantial resources on safety matters such as security. Risks of travel and large live events include air and land travel interruption or accidents, the spread of illness, injuries resulting from building problems, pyrotechnics or other equipment malfunction, terrorism or other violence, local labor strikes and other force majeure type events. These issues could result in personal injuries or deaths, canceled events and other disruptions to our business for which our business interruption insurance may be insufficient. Any of these occurrences also could result in liability to other parties for which we may not have insurance. Any of these risks could adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.
We continue to face certain risks relating to our feature film business, which could result in higher production costs and asset impairment charges, adversely affecting our financial condition or our results of operations.
We have substantial capitalized film costs. The accounting for our film business in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles entails significant judgment to develop estimates of expected future revenues from films. If expected revenue from one or more of our films does not materialize because audience demand does not meet expectations, our estimated revenues may not be sufficient to recoup our investment in the film. If actual revenues are lower than our estimated revenues or if costs are higher than expected, we may be required to record an impairment charge and write down the capitalized costs of the film. No assurance can be given that we will not record additional impairment charges in future periods. In addition, capitalized film costs are reflected net of certain production tax incentives granted by various governmental authorities. Our ability to realize these credits may be limited by changes in the laws and regulations relating to the incentives and/or the economic environment. The inability to realize these credits would have the effect of increasing our overall production costs.
We could face a variety of risks if we expand into other new and complementary businesses and/or make certain investments or acquisitions.
We have entered into new or complementary businesses and made equity and debt investments in other companies in the past and plan to continue to do so in the future. We may also enter into business combination transactions, make acquisitions or enter into strategic

14

Table of Contents

partnerships, joint ventures or alliances. Risks of this expansion and/or these investments and transactions may include, among other risks: potential diversion of management’s attention and other resources, including available cash, from our existing businesses; unanticipated liabilities or contingencies; reduced earnings due to increased amortization; loss on investments due to poor performance by the business invested in; inability to integrate a new business successfully; revaluations of debt and equity investments as well as market, credit and interest-rate risks (any of which could result in impairment charges and other costs); competition from other companies with more experience in such businesses; and possible additional regulatory requirements and compliance costs which could affect our business, financial condition and operating results.
We face various risks relating to our computer systems and online operations, which could have a negative impact on our financial condition or our results of operations.
The Company faces the risk of a security breach or disruption, whether through external cyber intrusion or from persons with access to systems inside our organization. The Company commits significant personnel and financial resources to maintain the security of its computer systems, including implementing various measures to monitor and manage the risk of a security breach or disruption, and to plan for the mitigation of losses if such breach or disruption were to occur. There can be no assurance that these security efforts will be effective or that attempted security breaches or disruptions would not be successful or damaging or that the Company would be promptly aware of them or able to mitigate damages from them, if any such breach or disruption were to occur. The Company also utilizes third party service providers in several aspects of its operations (including WWE Network), and these third parties are also subject to risks of security breach or disruption. The Company is not able to assure the effectiveness of security among our service providers. The Company and certain of its third-party service providers receive personal information through web services including WWE Network. This information is generally subject to the Company's privacy policies. Personal information received by our service providers includes credit card information in certain instances, most notably WWE Network, our live event merchandise sales and WWEShop, the Company's internet retail operations. The Company expends significant effort to ensure compliance with its privacy policy and to ensure that our service providers safeguard credit card information including contractually requiring those providers to remain compliant with applicable PCI Data Security Standards. However, a significant security breach or other disruption involving the computer systems of the Company or one or more of its service providers could disrupt the proper functioning of these systems and therefore the Company's operations (for which we likely will not carry sufficient insurance); result in the unauthorized access to, and destruction, loss, theft, misappropriation or release of proprietary, confidential, sensitive or otherwise valuable information; require significant management attention and resources to remedy the damages that could result (if, in fact, they can be remedied), and subject the Company to litigation or damage to its reputation. The GDPR, CCPA and/or similar laws passed in the future, may enhance this risk. Any or all of these could have a negative impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Our businesses entail certain risks relating to privacy norms and regulations.
We and our partners collect certain data supplied by our fans including WWE Network subscribers. We utilize this data in various ways including our marketing efforts. We face complex legal obligations domestically and internationally regarding the manner in which we treat and use such information, including, without limitation, the GDPR and CCPA. These legal obligations carry substantial monetary penalties if breached. Unintentional noncompliance by us or our partners of these regulations could have an adverse effect on our business. If we were to disclose or use data about our fans in a manner that is objectionable to them or is contrary to applicable law, our business reputation could be adversely affected and it could result in litigation, either or both of which could impact our operating results.
A decline in general economic conditions or disruption of financial markets may, among other things, reduce the discretionary income of consumers or erode advertising markets, which could adversely affect our business.
Our operations are affected by general economic conditions, including consumers’ disposable income, which has a direct material impact on the demand for entertainment and leisure activities. Declines in general economic conditions could reduce the level of discretionary income that our fans and potential fans have to spend on our live events, programming (including WWE Network), films and consumer products, which could adversely affect our revenues. Volatility and disruption of financial markets could limit the ability of our sponsors, licensees and distributors to obtain adequate financing to maintain operations and result in a decrease in sales volume that could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our television partners derive revenues from the sale of advertising. We also sell advertising directly on our website, on WWE Network and, depending upon the distribution methods used to monetize additional content, we may have additional advertising to sell. We sell sponsorship packages to our live events and certain other of our services. Softness in the advertising markets due to a weak economic environment or otherwise, could adversely affect our revenues or the financial viability of our distributors.
Our accounts receivable represent a significant portion of our current assets and relate principally to a limited number of distributors, licensees, and other partners increasing our exposure to bad debts and counter-party risk which could potentially have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Substantial portions of our accounts receivable are from distributors for WWE Network, pay-per-view, television and home video programming; hosts/promoters of our live events; and licensees who produce consumer products containing our intellectual property.

15

Table of Contents

The concentration of our accounts receivable across a limited number of parties subjects us to individual counter-party and credit risk as these parties may breach our agreement, claim that we have breached the agreement, become insolvent and/or declare bankruptcy, delaying or reducing our collection of receivables or rendering collection impossible altogether. Certain of the parties are located overseas which can make collection efforts more difficult (including due to increased legal uncertainty) and, at times, collections may be economically unfeasible. Adverse changes in general economic conditions and/or contraction in global credit markets could precipitate liquidity problems among our debtors. This could increase our exposure to losses from bad debts and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks relating to our new leased space.
The Company has signed a lease for space in downtown Stamford, Connecticut, in which it plans to house substantially all our operations, including our corporate headquarters and media production facilities. This move is expected to begin in late 2020. The buildout of this space will involve substantial capital expenditure, and it could take longer, and cost more, than currently expected. Significant delays and/or cost overruns would result in higher expenditures and could be disruptive of operations, any of which could have a negative impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. Moreover, it is possible that, once built, the space may prove to be less conducive to the Company’s operations than is currently anticipated, resulting in operational inefficiencies or similar difficulties that could prove difficult or impossible to remediate and result in an adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Servicing our debt will require a significant amount of cash, and we could have insufficient cash flow from operations or lack of access to sources of financing to meet these obligations and/or our other liquidity needs.
Our total consolidated debt, including the $215.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.375% convertible senior notes due 2023 (the "Convertible Notes"), is significant. We also have availability under our $200.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). Through certain of our subsidiaries, the Company also has in place a term loan secured by the Company’s jet and a real estate mortgage in the principal amount of $22.5 million secured by the related real estate (the “Asset-Backed Facilities”).
We believe we have sufficient liquidity for at least the next twelve months for our needs (including the payment of our dividend). However, our ability to make scheduled principal and interest payments on the Convertible Notes and under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Asset-Backed Facilities and any other indebtedness that may be outstanding at the time will depend on our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control, including the items described elsewhere in these Risk Factors. Our business may not continue to generate cash flow from operations in the future sufficient to service our debt and provide for all our other uses of cash including capital and operating expenditures and paying our dividend. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow, we could be required to adopt one or more alternatives which, assuming they are, in fact, available, could be onerous, dilutive or otherwise affect our operations and/or the market price of our Common Stock. Such alternatives could include, for example, substantially reducing our cost structure, selling assets, reducing or eliminating our dividend, and/or obtaining additional debt or equity financing. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities on desirable terms or at all due to our then existing financial condition, market conditions, regulatory matters or contractual obligations (including, for example, any restrictions under our Revolving Credit Facility or other credit agreement or debt instruments that may exist at that time). Any failure to make a required payment under our indebtedness may constitute a default under that indebtedness and under other indebtedness due to cross-default provisions and could trigger acceleration clauses causing the obligations to become immediately due and payable. The occurrence of one or more of these risks could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
The accounting method for convertible debt securities that may be settled in cash, such as the Convertible Notes, could have a material effect on our reported financial results.
Under ASC 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options, an entity must separately account for the liability and equity components of the convertible debt instruments (such as the Convertible Notes) that may be settled entirely or partially in cash upon conversion in a manner that reflects the issuer’s economic interest cost. The effect of ASC 470-20 on the accounting for the Convertible Notes is that the equity component is required to be included in the additional paid-in capital section of stockholders’ equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the value of the equity component would be treated as original issue discount for purposes of accounting for the debt component of the Convertible Notes. As a result, we will be required to record a greater amount of non-cash interest expense in current periods presented as a result of the amortization of the discounted carrying value of the Convertible Notes to their face amount over the term of the Convertible Notes. We will report lower net income in our financial results because ASC 470-20 will require interest to include both the current period’s amortization of the debt discount and the instrument’s coupon interest, which could adversely affect our reported or future financial results, the trading price of our common stock and the trading price of the Convertible Notes.
In addition, under certain circumstances, convertible debt instruments (such as the Convertible Notes) that may be settled entirely or partly in cash are currently accounted for utilizing the treasury stock method, the effect of which is that the shares issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share except to the extent that the conversion value of the Convertible Notes exceeds their principal amount. Under the treasury stock method, for diluted earnings per

16

Table of Contents

share purposes, the transaction is accounted for as if the number of shares of common stock that would be necessary to settle such excess, if we elected to settle such excess in shares, are issued. We cannot be sure that the accounting standards in the future will continue to permit the use of the treasury stock method. If we are unable to use the treasury stock method in accounting for the shares issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, then our diluted earnings per share would be adversely affected. Conversion of our Convertible Notes and the exercise of related Warrants may cause economic dilution to our stockholders and dilution to our earnings per share.
We could incur substantial liabilities if litigation is resolved unfavorably.
The Company has been named as a defendant in lawsuits alleging, among other things, that the Company ignored, downplayed, and/or failed to disclose the risks associated with traumatic brain injuries allegedly suffered by WWE’s performers. One such suit also alleges that the Company misclassified its talent as independent contractors rather than employees. The Company strongly disputes the merit of this type of case and moved to dismiss the lawsuits. These lawsuits have all been dismissed by the trial court. Plaintiffs have attempted to appeal these dismissals. If any of these dismissals are reversed on appeal, the Company plans to continue to defend itself vigorously (including, if necessary, opposing class certification in the two cases filed as putative class actions). In the ordinary course of business, we become subject to various other complaints and litigation matters.
By its nature, the outcome of litigation is difficult to assess and quantify, and its continuing defense is costly. Any adverse judgment or settlement could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance could adversely affect the market price and volatility of our stock.
We believe that the price of our stock generally reflects certain market expectations for our future operating results. Any failure to meet or delay in meeting these expectations, including as a result of the failure of WWE Network to achieve expected subscriber numbers or as a result of any other events, conditions and/or circumstances set forth in these Risk Factors could cause the market price of our stock to decline significantly.
Through his beneficial ownership of a majority of our Class B common stock, Mr. McMahon can exercise control over our affairs, and his interests may conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock.
We have Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The holders of Class A common stock generally have rights identical to holders of Class B common stock, except that holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share, and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share. Holders of both classes of common stock generally will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable Delaware law.
A substantial majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Class B common stock is owned beneficially by Vincent K. McMahon and, as a result, he controls a majority of the voting power of our common stock and can effectively exercise control over our affairs. His interest could conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock. McMahon’s voting control could discourage or preclude others from initiating potential mergers, takeovers or other change of control transactions. As a result, the market price of our Class A common stock could decline.
Our dividend is affected by a number of factors and we cannot provide any guaranty that we will continue to repurchase shares of our common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program.
Our Board of Directors regularly evaluates the Company’s Common Stock dividend policy and determines the dividend rate each quarter. The level of dividends, if any, will continue to be influenced by many factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, our strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends (including under our revolving credit facility), general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant from time to time. All of these factors are subject to the various contingencies listed in the other Risk Factors included in this Form 10-K. We cannot assure our stockholders that dividends will be paid in the future, or that, if paid, dividends will be at the same amount or with the same frequency as in the past. Any reduction in our dividend payments could have a negative effect on our stock price.
In addition, in February of 2019, the Company announced a $500 million stock repurchase program pursuant to which we are authorized to repurchase shares of our common stock at management’s discretion and subject to applicable laws. This program is subject to the same risk factors as those influencing our dividend. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any set dollar amount or number of shares and may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time. Accordingly, no assurances can be provided that the Company will complete this repurchase program at any specific time or at all. The suspension or termination of our share repurchase program could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Additionally, the existence of a share repurchase program could cause the market price of our common stock to be higher than it would be in the absence of such a program. As a result, any repurchase program may not ultimately result in enhanced value to our stockholders and may not prove to be the best use of our cash resources.

17

Table of Contents

A substantial number of shares are eligible for sale by Mr. McMahon and members of his family or trusts established for their benefit, and the sale of those shares could lower our stock price.
All of the issued and outstanding shares of Class B common stock are held by Vincent McMahon and other members of his family including certain trusts set up for family members. Sales of substantial amounts of these shares, or the perception that such sales could occur, may lower the prevailing market price of our Class A common stock. If any sales or transfers of Class B common stock are made to persons outside of the McMahon family, the shares automatically convert into Class A common stock.
The market for our Class A common stock is volatile.
The price at which our common stock has traded has fluctuated significantly, especially in the past two years. The price may continue to be volatile due to a number of factors beyond our direct control, including our number of WWE Network subscribers, operating results (especially where different from the expectations of securities analysts, investors and the financial community), market volatility in general and short interest in our stock. Given the dynamic nature of our business and all other factors that limit the predictability of the future, any of our forecasts, outlook or other forward-looking statements could differ materially from actual results which could cause a decline in the trading price of our common stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
Our headquarters are located in Stamford, Connecticut. During 2019, we entered into a long-term lease for a new global headquarters site in Stamford. We expect to move into the new location in phases upon completion of leasehold improvements. We currently own our existing headquarters building, as well as two nearby buildings in Stamford that support our television production operations. We also have additional leases in the Stamford and surrounding areas for additional corporate office spaces and warehouse storage space. Upon completion of our move to the new global headquarters, we expect to sell our owned and operated corporate facility, exit our leased spaces, and will evaluate options for its production studio facilities based on strategic, operating and financial considerations. In addition, we have leases for our Performance Centers located in Orlando, Florida and the United Kingdom, which are used for development and training activities. We also have leases for various sales offices located domestically and internationally. All of our facilities are utilized in our Media, Live Events and Consumer Products segments.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

On October 23, 2014, a lawsuit was filed in the U. S. District Court for the District of Oregon, entitled William Albert Haynes III, on behalf of himself and others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. This complaint was amended on January 30, 2015 and alleged that the Company ignored, downplayed, and/or failed to disclose the risks associated with traumatic brain injuries suffered by WWE’s performers and seeks class action status. On March 31, 2015, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the first amended class action complaint in its entirety or, if not dismissed, to transfer the lawsuit to the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. Without addressing the merits of the Company's motion to dismiss, the Court transferred the case to Connecticut on June 25, 2015. The plaintiffs filed an objection to such transfer, which was denied on July 27, 2015. On January 16, 2015, a second lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, entitled Evan Singleton and Vito LoGrasso, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., alleging many of the same allegations as Haynes. On February 27, 2015, the Company moved to transfer venue to the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut due to forum-selection clauses in the contracts between WWE and the plaintiffs and that motion was granted on March 23, 2015. The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on May 22, 2015 and, following a scheduling conference in which the court ordered the plaintiffs to cure various pleading deficiencies, the plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint on June 15, 2015. On June 29, 2015, WWE moved to dismiss the second amended complaint in its entirety. On April 9, 2015, a third lawsuit was filed in the U. S. District Court for the Central District of California, entitled Russ McCullough, a/k/a “Big Russ McCullough,” Ryan Sakoda, and Matthew R. Wiese a/k/a “Luther Reigns,” individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., asserting similar allegations to Haynes. The Company again moved to transfer the lawsuit to Connecticut due to forum-selection clauses in the contracts between WWE and the plaintiffs, which the California court granted on July 10, 2015. On September 21, 2015, the plaintiffs amended this complaint, and, on November 16, 2015, the Company moved to dismiss the amended complaint. Each of these suits sought unspecified actual, compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive relief, including ordering medical monitoring. The Haynes and McCullough cases purport to be class actions. On February 18, 2015, a lawsuit was filed in Tennessee state court and subsequently removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, entitled Cassandra Frazier, individually and as next of kin to her deceased husband, Nelson Lee Frazier, Jr., and as personal representative of the Estate of Nelson Lee Frazier, Jr. Deceased, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. A similar suit was filed in the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas entitled Michelle James, as mother and next friend of Matthew Osborne, minor child, and Teagan Osborne, a minor child v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. These lawsuits contain many of the same allegations as the other lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries

18

Table of Contents

and further allege that the injuries contributed to these former talents’ deaths. WWE moved to transfer the Frazier and Osborne lawsuits to the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut based on forum-selection clauses in the decedents’ contracts with WWE, which motions were granted by the respective courts. On November 23, 2015, amended complaints were filed in Frazier and Osborne, which the Company moved to dismiss on December 16, 2015 and December 21, 2015, respectively. On November 10, 2016, the Court granted the Company’s motions to dismiss the Frazier and Osborne lawsuits in their entirety. On June 29, 2015, the Company filed a declaratory judgment action in the U. S. District Court for the District of Connecticut entitled World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. v. Robert Windham, Thomas Billington, James Ware, Oreal Perras and various John and Jane Does seeking a declaration against these former performers that their threatened claims related to alleged traumatic brain injuries and/or other tort claims are time-barred. On September 21, 2015, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss this complaint, which the Company opposed. The Court previously ordered a stay of discovery in all cases pending decisions on the motions to dismiss. On January 15, 2016, the Court partially lifted the stay and permitted discovery only on three issues in the case involving Singleton and LoGrasso. Such discovery was completed by June 1, 2016. On March 21, 2016, the Court issued a memorandum of decision granting in part and denying in part the Company’s motions to dismiss the Haynes, Singleton/LoGrasso, and McCullough lawsuits. The Court granted the Company’s motions to dismiss the Haynes and McCullough lawsuits in their entirety and granted the Company’s motion to dismiss all claims in the Singleton/LoGrasso lawsuit except for the claim of fraud by omission. On March 22, 2016, the Court issued an order dismissing the Windham lawsuit based on the Court’s memorandum of decision on the motions to dismiss. On April 4, 2016, the Company filed a motion for reconsideration with respect to the Court’s decision not to dismiss the fraud by omission claim in the Singleton/LoGrasso lawsuit and, on April 5, 2016, the Company filed a motion for reconsideration with respect to the Court dismissal of the Windham lawsuit. On July 21, 2016, the Court denied the Company’s motion in the Singleton/LoGrasso lawsuit and granted in part the Company’s motion in the Windham lawsuit. On April 20, 2016, the plaintiffs filed notices of appeal of the Haynes and McCullough lawsuits. On April 27, 2016, the Company moved to dismiss the appeals for lack of appellate jurisdiction, which motions were granted, and the appeals were dismissed with leave to appeal upon the resolution of all of the consolidated cases. The Company filed a motion for summary judgment on the sole remaining claim in the Singleton/LoGrasso lawsuit, which was granted on March 28, 2018. The Company also filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings against the Windham defendants. Lastly, on July 18, 2016, a lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, entitled Joseph M. Laurinaitis, et al. vs. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and Vincent K. McMahon, individually and as the trustee of certain trusts. This lawsuit contains many of the same allegations as the other lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries and further alleges, among other things, that the plaintiffs were misclassified as independent contractors rather than employees denying them, among other things, rights and benefits under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), federal tax law, and various state Worker’s Compensation laws. This lawsuit also alleges that the booking contracts and other agreements between the plaintiffs and the Company are unconscionable and should be declared void, entitling the plaintiffs to certain damages relating to the Company’s use of their intellectual property. The lawsuit alleges claims for violation of RICO, unjust enrichment, and an accounting against Mr. McMahon. The Company and Mr. McMahon moved to dismiss this complaint on October 19, 2016. On November 9, 2016, the Laurinaitis plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. On December 23, 2016, the Company and Mr. McMahon moved to dismiss the amended complaint. On September 29, 2017, the Court issued an order on the motion to dismiss pending in the Laurinaitis case and on the motion for judgment on the pleadings pending in the Windham case. The Court reserved judgment on the pending motions and ordered that within thirty-five (35) days of the date of the order the Laurinaitis plaintiffs and the Windham defendants file amended pleadings that comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The Court further ordered that each of the Laurinaitis plaintiffs and the Windham defendants submit to the Court for in camera review affidavits signed and sworn under penalty of perjury setting forth facts within each plaintiff’s or declaratory judgment-defendant’s personal knowledge that form the factual basis of their claim or defense. On November 3, 2017, the Laurinaitis plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint. The Company and Mr. McMahon believe that the second amended complaint failed to comply with the Court’s September 29, 2017 order and otherwise remained legally defective for all of the reasons set forth in their motion to dismiss the amended complaint. Also on November 3, 2017, the Windham defendants filed a second answer. On November 17, 2017, the Company and Mr. McMahon filed a response that, among other things, urged the Court to grant the motion for judgment on the pleadings against the Windham defendants and dismiss the Laurinaitis plaintiffs’ complaint with prejudice and award sanctions against the Laurinaitis plaintiffs’ counsel because the amended pleadings failed to comply with the Court’s September 29, 2017 order and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. On September 17, 2018, the Court granted the motion to dismiss filed by the Company and Mr. McMahon in the Laurinaitis case in its entirety, awarded sanctions against the Laurinaitis plaintiffs’ counsel, and granted the Company’s motion for judgment on the pleadings against the Windham defendants. The plaintiffs have attempted to appeal these decisions. On November 16, 2018, the Company moved to dismiss all of the appeals, except for the appeal of the dismissal of the Laurinaitis case, for being filed untimely. On April 4, 2019, the Second Circuit issued an order referring the Company’s motions to dismiss to the panel that will determine the merits of the appeals. The plaintiffs-appellants’ opening brief was filed on July 8, 2019. The Company and Mr. McMahon filed their appellees’ brief on October 7, 2019. The plaintiffs-appellants filed a reply brief on October 28, 2019. The Company believes all claims and threatened claims against the Company in these various lawsuits were prompted by the same plaintiffs’ lawyer and that all are without merit. The Company intends to continue to defend itself against the attempt to appeal these decisions vigorously.

In addition to the foregoing, from time to time we become a party to other lawsuits and claims. By its nature, the outcome of litigation is not known, but the Company does not currently expect this ordinary course litigation to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

19

Table of Contents

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable

20

Table of Contents

PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information and Holders of Each Class of Common Equity
Our Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange, under the symbol "WWE". Our Class B common stock is not listed on any exchange.

There were 6,937 holders of record of Class A common stock and three holders of record of Class B common stock on February 4, 2020. Vincent K. McMahon, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, controls a substantial majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, and as a result, can effectively exercise control over our affairs.
Our Class B common stock is fully convertible into Class A common stock, on a one for one basis, at any time at the option of the holder. The two classes are entitled to equal per share dividends and distributions and vote together as a class with each share of Class B entitled to ten votes and each share of Class A entitled to one vote, except when separate class voting is required by applicable law. If, at any time, any shares of Class B common stock are beneficially owned by any person other than Vincent McMahon, Linda McMahon, any descendant of either of them, any entity which is wholly owned and is controlled by any combination of such persons or any trust, all the beneficiaries of which are any combination of such persons, each of those shares will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock.
Dividends
Our Board of Directors regularly evaluates the Company’s Common Stock dividend policy and determines the dividend rate each quarter. The level of dividends will continue to be influenced by many factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, our strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends (including under our Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility), general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant from time to time. We cannot assure our stockholders that dividends will be paid in the future, or that, if paid, dividends will be at the same amount or with the same frequency as in the past. Any reduction in our dividend payments could have a negative effect on our stock price.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table presents information with respect to purchases of common stock of the Company made during the three months ended December 31, 2019 pursuant to the Company’s authorized share repurchase program:

											
											
Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program		Maximum Dollar Value that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program (1)	
October 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019		—		$	—		—			491,546,493	
November 1, 2019 to November 30, 2019		996,314		$	57.87		996,314			433,888,592	
December 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019		279,441		$	62.01		279,441			416,559,270	
Total		1,275,755		$	58.78		1,275,755		$	416,559,270	
(1)
On February 7, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $500.0 million of our common stock. Repurchases may be made from time to time at management’s discretion subject to certain pre-approved parameters and in accordance with all applicable securities and other laws and regulations. The stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any minimum dollar amount or number of shares and may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. All repurchased shares were subsequently retired.

‎

21

Table of Contents

Cumulative Total Return Chart
Set forth below is a line graph comparing, for the period commencing December 31, 2014 and ended December 31, 2019, the cumulative total return on our Class A common stock compared to the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index and S&P Movies and Entertainment Index, a published industry index. The graph assumes the investment of $100 at the close of trading as of December 31, 2014 in our Class A common stock, the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Movies and Entertainment Index and the reinvestment of all dividends.

													
													
		Period Ending	
Index		12/31/14		12/31/15		12/31/16		12/31/17		12/31/18		12/31/19	
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.		100.00		148.73		157.40		267.14		658.10		575.13	
Russell 2000		100.00		95.59		115.95		132.94		118.30		148.49	
S&P Movies & Entertainment		100.00		90.76		100.17		105.20		105.83		134.12	

‎

22

Table of Contents

Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following selected consolidated financial data has been derived from our consolidated financial statements. You should read the selected financial data in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and the information set forth under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained elsewhere in this report.
Financial Highlights: (in millions, except per share data)

																
																
		For the year ended December 31,	
		2019		2018 (1)		2017 (2)		2016		2015 (3)	
Net revenues		$	960.4		$	930.2		$	801.0		$	729.2		$	658.8	
Operating income		$	116.5		$	114.5		$	75.6		$	55.6		$	38.8	
Net income		$	77.1		$	99.6		$	32.6		$	33.8		$	24.1	
Earnings per share, basic		$	0.99		$	1.28		$	0.43		$	0.44		$	0.32	
Earnings per share, diluted		$	0.85		$	1.12		$	0.42		$	0.44		$	0.32	
Dividends declared per Class A share		$	0.48		$	0.48		$	0.48		$	0.48		$	0.48	
Dividends declared per Class B share		$	0.48		$	0.48		$	0.48		$	0.48		$	0.48	
																
		As of December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017		2016		2015	
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments		$	250.5		$	359.1		$	297.4		$	267.1		$	102.4	
Total assets		$	992.2		$	700.3		$	614.5		$	600.9		$	409.1	
Total debt (4)		$	557.8		$	213.9		$	213.5		$	202.7		$	21.6	
Total stockholders’ equity		$	275.3		$	316.2		$	253.0		$	239.7		$	209.3	

(1)
Operating income includes impairment charges on our feature films of $4.9 million (See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements).
(2)
Operating income includes $5.6 million of expenses related to non-recurring legal matters and other contractual obligations and impairment charges on our feature films of $5.5 million (See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements).
(3)
Operating income also includes a $7.1 million non-cash abandonment charge to write-off costs relating to a media center expansion project.
(4)
Total debt includes $343.4 million of finance lease obligations as of December 31, 2019. Total debt also includes $188.7 million, $183.1 million and $177.9 million of convertible senior notes outstanding as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

‎

23

Table of Contents

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 is presented below. Discussions of fiscal 2018 items and year-to-year comparisons between fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found under Item 7 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the SEC on February 7, 2019.
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.
Our operations are organized around the following principal activities:
Media:

The Media segment reflects the production and monetization of long-form and short-form media content across various platforms, including WWE Network, broadcast and pay television, digital and social media, as well as filmed entertainment. Across these platforms, revenues principally consist of content rights fees, subscriptions to WWE Network, and advertising and sponsorships.
Live Events:

Live events provide ongoing content for our media platforms. Live Event segment revenues consist primarily of ticket sales, including primary and secondary distribution, revenues from events for which we receive a fixed fee, as well as the sale of travel packages associated with the Company’s global live events.
Consumer Products:

The Consumer Products segment engages in the merchandising of WWE branded products, such as video games, toys and apparel, through licensing arrangements and direct-to-consumer sales. Revenues principally consist of royalties and licensee fees related to WWE branded products, and sales of merchandise distributed at our live events and through eCommerce platforms.
 
Results of Operations
The Company presents Adjusted OIBDA as the primary measure of segment profit (loss). The Company defines Adjusted OIBDA as operating income before depreciation and amortization, excluding stock-based compensation, certain impairment charges and other non-recurring material items. Adjusted OIBDA includes amortization and depreciation expenses directly related to our revenue generating activities, including feature film and television production asset amortization, amortization of costs related to content delivery and technology assets utilized for our WWE Network, as well as amortization of right-of-use assets related to finance leases of equipment used to produce and broadcast our live events. The Company believes the presentation of Adjusted OIBDA is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view our segment performance in the same manner as the primary method used by management to evaluate segment performance and make decisions about allocating resources. Additionally, we believe that Adjusted OIBDA is a primary measure used by media investors, analysts and peers for comparative purposes.
Adjusted OIBDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and may be different than similarly-titled non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. A limitation of Adjusted OIBDA is that it excludes depreciation and amortization, which represents the periodic charge for certain fixed assets and intangible assets used in generating revenues for our business. Additionally, Adjusted OIBDA excludes stock-based compensation, a non-cash expense that may vary between periods with limited correlation to underlying operating performance, as well as other non-recurring material items. Adjusted OIBDA should not be regarded as an alternative to operating income or net income as an indicator of operating performance, or to the statement of cash flows as a measure of liquidity, nor should it be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe that operating income is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to Adjusted OIBDA.

Certain business support functions including sales and marketing, our international offices and talent development are allocated to the three reportable segments based primarily on a percentage of revenue contribution. The remaining unallocated corporate expenses largely relate to corporate functions such as finance, legal, human resources, facilities and information technology. The Company does not allocate these costs to its business segments, as they do not directly relate to revenue generating activities. These unallocated corporate expenses will be shown, as applicable, as a reconciling item in tables where segment and consolidated results are both shown.

24

Table of Contents

Year Ended December 31, 2019 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2018
(dollars in millions)
Summary
The following tables present our consolidated results followed by our Adjusted OIBDA results:

										
										
								Increase	
		2019		2018		(decrease)	
Net revenues										
Media		$	743.1		$	683.4		9	%	
Live Events			125.6			144.2		(13)	%	
Consumer Products			91.7			102.6		(11)	%	
Total net revenues (1)			960.4			930.2		3	%	
Operating expenses										
Media			475.7			430.2		11	%	
Live Events			103.1			108.9		(5)	%	
Consumer Products			59.4			70.1		(15)	%	
Total operating expenses (2)			638.2			609.2		5	%	
Marketing and selling expenses										
Media			64.0			68.3		(6)	%	
Live Events			14.8			18.7		(21)	%	
Consumer Products			5.9			9.0		(34)	%	
Total marketing and selling expenses (3)			84.7			96.0		(12)	%	
General and administrative expenses			86.9			85.4		2	%	
Depreciation and amortization			34.1			25.1		36	%	
Operating income			116.5			114.5		2	%	
Interest expense			26.1			15.4		69	%	
Other income, net			4.3			6.9		(38)	%	
Income before income taxes			94.7			106.0		(11)	%	
Provision for income taxes			17.6			6.4		175	%	
Net income		$	77.1		$	99.6		(23)	%	
(1)
Our consolidated net revenues increased by $30.2 million, or 3%, in 2019 as compared to 2018. This increase was primarily driven by increased Media revenues of $59.7 million, which includes $78.8 million in incremental revenues associated with the October 2019 renewal of our key domestic distribution agreements of our flagship programs, Raw and SmackDown, as well as the contractual escalations associated with our prior distribution agreements, partially offset by a decrease of $14.7 million resulting from a 6% decline in average paid subscribers on WWE Network. The increase in Media revenues was partially offset by a decline of $18.6 million in Live Events revenues primarily due to the staging of 56 fewer events and lower average attendance per event, coupled with a $10.9 million reduction in Consumer Products revenues due to fewer orders on our eCommerce platforms and lower merchandise sales resulting from fewer events. For further analysis, refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of our business segments.
(2)
Our consolidated operating expenses increased by $29.0 million, or 5%, in 2019 as compared to 2018. This increase was primarily driven by $35.3 million of higher costs associated with business support functions, coupled with strategic investments to support our content creation, partially offset by lower management incentive and stock compensation costs. For further analysis, refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of our business segments.
(3)
Our consolidated marketing and selling expenses decreased by $11.3 million, or 12%, in 2019 as compared to 2018. This decrease was primarily driven by $8.0 million of lower costs associated with business support functions, coupled with a decline in management incentive compensation costs. For further analysis, refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of our business segments.

													
													
		2019		2018	
Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted OIBDA					% of Rev					% of Rev	
Operating income		$	116.5		12	%		$	114.5		12	%	
Depreciation and amortization			34.1		4	%			25.1		3	%	
Stock-based compensation			29.4		3	%			39.3		4	%	
Other adjustments			—		—	%			—		—	%	
Adjusted OIBDA		$	180.0		19	%		$	178.9		19	%	

25

Table of Contents

										
										
								Increase	
		2019		2018		(decrease)	
Adjusted OIBDA										
Media		$	224.1		$	210.6		6	%	
Live Events			9.4			20.5		(54)	%	
Consumer Products			28.5			28.4		0	%	
Corporate			(82.0)			(80.6)		2	%	
Total Adjusted OIBDA		$	180.0		$	178.9		1	%	

Media
The following tables present the performance results and key drivers for our Media segment (dollars in millions, except where noted):

										
										
								Increase	
		2019		2018		(decrease)	
Net Revenues										
Network (including pay-per-view)		$	184.6		$	199.3		(7)	%	
Core content rights fees (1)			348.6			269.8		29	%	
Advertising and sponsorship			72.4			69.6		4	%	
Other (2)			137.5			144.7		(5)	%	
Total net revenues		$	743.1		$	683.4		9	%	
										
Operating Metrics										
Number of paid WWE Network subscribers at period end			1,391,000			1,528,100		(9)	%	
Domestic			997,300			1,116,200		(11)	%	
International (3)			393,700			411,900		(4)	%	
Number of average paid WWE Network subscribers			1,550,000			1,651,800		(6)	%	
Domestic			1,128,800			1,205,400		(6)	%	
International (3)			421,200			446,400		(6)	%	
(1)
Core content rights fees consist primarily of licensing revenues earned from the distribution of our flagship programs, Raw and SmackDown, as well as our NXT programming, through global broadcast, pay television and digital platforms.
(2)
Other revenues within our Media segment reflect revenues earned from the distribution of other WWE content, including, but not limited to, certain live in-ring programming content in international markets, scripted, reality and other programming, as well as theatrical and direct-to-home video releases.
(3)
Metrics reflect subscribers who are direct customers of WWE Network and estimated subscribers under licensed partner agreements, which have different economic terms for WWE Network.

													
													
		2019		2018	
Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted OIBDA					% of Rev					% of Rev	
Operating income		$	190.8		26	%		$	173.1		25	%	
Depreciation and amortization			12.6		2	%			11.9		2	%	
Stock-based compensation			20.7		3	%			25.6		4	%	
Other adjustments			—		—	%			—		—	%	
Adjusted OIBDA		$	224.1		30	%		$	210.6		31	%	
Media revenues increased by $59.7 million, or 9%, in 2019 as compared to 2018. Core content rights fees increased by $78.8 million, or 29%, driven by the October 2019 renewal of our key domestic distribution agreements of our flagship programs, Raw and SmackDown, coupled with the contractual escalations associated with our prior distribution agreements. This increase was partially offset by a decline in Network revenues, which includes revenues generated by WWE Network subscriptions and pay-per-view, of $14.7 million, or 7%, primarily due to a decline in average paid subscribers. During the year ended December 31, 2019, WWE Network had an average of 1,550,000 paid subscribers, compared to an average of 1,651,800 subscribers in 2018. The subscription pricing of WWE Network at December 31, 2019 is $9.99 per month with no minimum commitment. Other revenues within the Media segment decreased by $7.2 million, or 5%, as the prior year included the distribution of Mixed Match Challenge on Facebook Watch, partially offset by a $6.0 million increase in WWE Studios revenues in the current year reflective of both the timing of our film delivery and the performance of our released films.

26

Table of Contents

Media Adjusted OIBDA as a percentage of revenues was essentially unchanged in 2019 as compared to 2018, as additional costs of $35.4 million associated with business support functions, coupled with strategic investments to support our content creation was mostly offset by increased revenues driven by the renewal of our key domestic distribution agreements and a reduction in management incentive compensation costs.

Live Events
The following tables present the performance results and key drivers for our Live Events segment (dollars in millions, except where noted):

										
										
								Increase	
		2019		2018		(decrease)	
Net Revenues										
North American ticket sales		$	93.8		$	105.4		(11)	%	
International ticket sales			19.0			22.3		(15)	%	
Advertising and sponsorship			2.1			2.1		—	%	
Other (1)			10.7			14.4		(26)	%	
Total net revenues		$	125.6		$	144.2		(13)	%	
										
Operating Metrics (2)										
Total live event attendance			1,548,500			1,950,700		(21)	%	
Number of North American events			260			310		(16)	%	
Average North American attendance			5,100			5,200		(2)	%	
Average North American ticket price (dollars)		$	64.21		$	60.53		6	%	
Number of international events			50			56		(11)	%	
Average international attendance			4,500			6,200		(27)	%	
Average international ticket price (dollars)		$	81.18		$	74.87		8	%	
(1)
Other revenues within our Live Events segment primarily consists of the sale of travel packages associated with the Company’s global live events and commissions earned through secondary ticketing, as well as revenues from events for which the Company receives a fixed fee.
(2)
Metrics above exclude the events for our NXT brand. This is our developmental brand that typically conducts their events in smaller venues with lower ticket prices. We conducted 186 NXT events with paid attendance of 138,800 and average ticket prices of $41.74 in 2019 as compared to 183 events with paid attendance of 147,000 and average ticket prices of $43.85 in 2018.

													
													
		2019		2018	
Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted OIBDA					% of Rev					% of Rev	
Operating income		$	7.7		6	%		$	16.6		12	%	
Depreciation and amortization			—		—	%			—		—	%	
Stock-based compensation			1.7		1	%			3.9		3	%	
Other adjustments			—		—	%			—		—	%	
Adjusted OIBDA		$	9.4		7	%		$	20.5		14	%	

Live events revenues, which include revenues from ticket sales and travel packages, decreased by $18.6 million, or 13%, in 2019 as compared to 2018. Revenues from our North American ticket sales decreased by $11.6 million, or 11%, as the impact of 50 fewer events and a 2% decline in average attendance reduced revenues by $17.0 million. This decrease was partially offset by the impact of a 6% increase in average ticket prices driven by changes in the mix of venues, which contributed $4.9 million in incremental revenues during the current year. Revenues from our International ticket sales decreased by $3.3 million, or 15%, which was primarily driven by the impact of six fewer events and a 27% decline in average attendance, partially offset by an 8% increase in average ticket prices. The change in ticket prices and average attendance in the current year were due, in part, to changes in the mix of venues and territories. Additionally, other revenues decreased by $3.7 million, or 26%, as the prior year included our Super ShowDown event in Australia.

Live Events Adjusted OIBDA as a percentage of revenues decreased in 2019 as compared to 2018. This decrease was primarily driven by the impact of reduced revenues, primarily driven by the decline in ticket sales, as discussed above, partially offset by a decrease in costs of $4.4 million associated with business support functions coupled with a reduction in management incentive compensation costs.

27

Table of Contents

Consumer Products
The following tables present the performance results and key drivers for our Consumer Products segment (dollars in millions, except where noted):

										
										
								Increase	
		2019		2018		(decrease)	
Net Revenues										
Consumer product licensing		$	43.2		$	46.0		(6)	%	
eCommerce			29.9			34.9		(14)	%	
Venue merchandise			18.6			21.7		(14)	%	
Total net revenues		$	91.7		$	102.6		(11)	%	
										
Operating Metrics										
Average eCommerce revenue per order (dollars)		$	47.36		$	43.91		8	%	
Number of eCommerce orders			619,700			786,800		(21)	%	
Venue merchandise domestic per capita spending (dollars)		$	10.00		$	9.80		2	%	

													
													
		2019		2018	
Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted OIBDA					% of Rev					% of Rev	
Operating income		$	26.4		29	%		$	23.4		23	%	
Depreciation and amortization			—		—	%			—		—	%	
Stock-based compensation			2.1		2	%			5.0		5	%	
Other adjustments			—		—	%			—		—	%	
Adjusted OIBDA		$	28.5		31	%		$	28.4		28	%	

Consumer Products revenues decreased by $10.9 million, or 11%, in 2019 as compared to 2018. eCommerce revenues decreased by $5.0 million, or 14%, primarily due to a 21% decline in the volume of online merchandise orders. Venue merchandise revenues decreased by $3.1 million, or 14%, primarily driven by the decline in number of events in the current year. Consumer product licensing revenues decreased by $2.8 million, or 6%, primarily driven by lower royalties from the sale of our video games.

Consumer Products Adjusted OIBDA as a percentage of revenues increased in 2019 as compared to 2018. This increase was primarily driven by a reduction in costs of $3.7 million associated with business support functions, coupled with a decline in management incentive compensation costs.

Corporate
The remaining unallocated corporate expenses largely relate to corporate administrative functions, including finance, investor relations, community relations, corporate communications, information technology, legal, human resources and our Board of Directors. The Company does not allocate these costs to its business segments, as they do not directly relate to revenue generating activities.

													
													
		2019		2018	
Reconciliation of Operating Income (Loss) to Adjusted OIBDA					% of Rev					% of Rev	
Operating income (loss)		$	(108.4)		(11)	%		$	(98.6)		(11)	%	
Depreciation and amortization			21.5		2	%			13.2		1	%	
Stock-based compensation			4.9		1	%			4.8		1	%	
Other adjustments			—		—	%			—		—	%	
Adjusted OIBDA		$	(82.0)		(9)	%		$	(80.6)		(9)	%	

Corporate Adjusted OIBDA as a percentage of total revenues was flat in 2019 as compared to 2018.

28

Table of Contents

Depreciation and Amortization
(dollars in millions)

												
												
										Increase	
		2019		2018		(decrease)	
Depreciation and amortization		$	34.1			$	25.1			36	%	

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $9.0 million, or 36%, in 2019 as compared to 2018, primarily driven by additional expenses of $6.0 million associated with the Company’s workplace strategy plan.

Interest Expense
(dollars in millions)

												
												
										Increase	
		2019		2018		(decrease)	
Interest expense		$	26.1			$	15.4			69	%	

Interest expense increased by $10.7 million in 2019 as compared to 2018, primarily driven by expense of $8.2 million associated with the Company’s new global headquarters lease, which commenced on July 1, 2019 and is accounted for as a finance lease. The remaining portion of interest expense relates primarily to interest and amortization associated with our convertible notes, our debt facilities, other finance leases, mortgage and aircraft financing.

Other Income, Net
(dollars in millions)

												
												
										Increase	
		2019		2018		(decrease)	
Other income, net		$	4.3			$	6.9			(38)	%	

Other income, net decreased by $2.6 million in 2019 as compared to 2018. The current year activity is primarily comprised of interest income and rental income, partially offset by a net loss of $3.2 million in our equity investments. The prior year activity is primarily comprised of interest income and rental income, coupled with a net gain of $0.9 million in our equity investments.

Income Taxes
(dollars in millions)

												
												
										Increase	
		2019		2018		(decrease)	
Provision for income taxes		$	17.6			$	6.4			175	%	
Effective tax rate			19	%			6	%				

The increase in the effective tax rate in 2019 as compared to 2018 was primarily driven by a decrease in the excess tax benefits related to the Company’s share-based compensation awards at vesting. This discrete tax item resulted in a tax benefit of $9.4 million in the current year as compared to $22.5 million in the prior year. The tax benefit is driven by the change in the Company’s stock price between when the Company granted the awards and the subsequent vesting date.

Discrete tax items, including the aforementioned excess tax benefits, resulted in a net tax benefit of $7.9 million in the current year as compared to $22.7 million during the prior year. Excluding these items, our effective tax rate was 28% in the current year as compared to 27% in the prior year.

‎

29

Table of Contents

 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $250.5 million and $359.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our short-term investments consist primarily of U.S. Treasury securities, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, including pre-refunded municipal bonds, and government agency bonds. Our debt balance totaled $214.4 million and $213.9 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and includes the carrying value of $188.7 and $183.1 million related to our convertible senior notes due 2023 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents and investment balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet our operating requirements for at least the next twelve months, inclusive of dividend payments, debt service, film and television production activities, capital expenditures and for any discretionary repurchases of shares of our common stock under a $500.0 million share repurchase program that was authorized by our Board of Directors in February 2019. Repurchases may be made at management’s discretion from time to time in accordance with all applicable securities and other laws and regulations. The extent to which WWE repurchases its shares, and the timing of such repurchases, will depend upon a variety of factors, including liquidity, capital needs of the business, market conditions, regulatory requirements and other corporate considerations. Repurchases under this program may be funded from one or a combination of existing cash balances and free cash flow. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any minimum dollar amount or number of shares and may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. We repurchased 1,398,385 shares of our common stock in the open market for an aggregate cost of $83.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2019. All repurchases were made using available cash resources.
As it relates to our Convertible Notes, which pursuant to the terms are currently convertible, we believe that if note holders elected to convert their notes within the next twelve months, the Company has sufficient means to settle the Convertible Notes using any combination of existing cash and cash equivalents and investment balances, borrowings under our Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility, cash generated from operations or through the issuance of shares.
Debt Summary and Borrowing Capacity
The Company has $215.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.375% convertible senior notes (the "Convertible Notes") due December 15, 2023, Refer to Note 12, Convertible Debt, and Note 3, Earnings Per Share, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Convertible Notes, including the dilutive nature of the Convertible Notes.
On May 24, 2019, the Company entered into an amended and restated $200.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicated group of banks, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. acting as Administrative Agent (the "Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility"). The Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility replaces the previous $100.0 million revolving credit facility and, among other things, extends the maturity date from July 29, 2021 to May 24, 2024. As of December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with the provisions of our Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility, there were no amounts outstanding, and the Company had available capacity under the terms of the facility of $200.0 million.
In September 2016, the Company acquired land and a building located in Stamford, Connecticut adjacent to our production facility. In connection with the acquisition, we assumed future obligations under a loan agreement, in the principal amount of $23.0 million, which loan is secured by a mortgage on the property. Pursuant to the loan agreement, the assets of WWE Real Estate, a subsidiary of the Company, represent collateral for the underlying mortgage, therefore these assets will not be available to satisfy debts and obligations due to any other creditors of the Company. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the amounts outstanding of the mortgage were $22.5 million and $22.9 million, respectively.
In 2013, the Company entered into a $31.6 million promissory note (the “Aircraft Note”) with Citizens Asset Finance, Inc., for the purchase of a 2007 Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft and refurbishments. In August 2017, the Aircraft Note was assigned to Fifth Third Equipment Finance Company. The Aircraft Note is secured by a first priority perfected security interest in the purchased aircraft. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the amounts outstanding under the Aircraft Note were $3.2 million and $8.0 million, respectively.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash generated from operating activities was $121.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $186.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The $65.0 million decrease in the current year was driven by lower operating performance, coupled with the timing of collections associated with our Crown Jewel event which was held in October 2019 and the payout of management incentive compensation in the current year related to the Company’s performance in the prior year.
During 2019, the Company spent $7.9 million on feature film production activities, compared to $1.2 million in 2018. In 2019, we received $0.7 million in incentives related to feature film productions, as compared to $1.2 million in 2018. We anticipate spending approximately $10 million to $15 million on feature film production during the year ending December 31, 2020.

30

Table of Contents

We received $13.5 million in non-film related incentives associated with television production activities in 2019, as compared to $12.8 million in 2018. During the year ending December 31, 2020, we anticipate receiving approximately $10 million to $15 million on non-film related incentives.
During 2019, the Company spent $26.4 million to produce non-live event programming for television, including Total Divas Season 9, Miz & Mrs. Season 2, and Total Bellas Seasons 5, and various programs for WWE Network, as compared to $30.5 million spent in 2018, which included programming for television, including Total Divas Season 8, Total Bellas Seasons 3 and 4, Miz and Mrs., and various programs for WWE Network. We anticipate spending approximately $25 million to $35 million to produce additional non-live event content during the year ending December 31, 2020.
Our accounts receivable represents a significant portion of our current assets and relate principally to a limited number of distributors and licensees that produce consumer products containing our intellectual property. At December 31, 2019, our largest receivable balance from customers was 49% of our gross accounts receivable. Changes in the financial condition or operations of our distributors, customers or licensees may result in increased delayed payments or non-payments which would adversely impact our cash flows from operating activities and/or our results of operations. We believe credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited due to the generally high credit quality of the Company’s major customers.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities was $35.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $66.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. During the current year, we purchased $124.3 million of short-term investments and received proceeds from the maturities of our short-term investments of $157.5 million, as compared to purchases of $94.9 million and proceeds of $61.4 million in the prior year. Capital expenditures in 2019 increased by $36.8 million as compared to 2018 in support of the Company’s workplace and technology related strategic initiatives. Capital expenditures for the year ending December 31, 2020 are estimated to range between $180 million and $220 million, with a large portion of this spend associated with the buildout of the Company’s new global headquarters space in Stamford, Connecticut.
Cash Flow from Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $162.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $90.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company paid $83.4 million in 2019 for stock repurchases under its approved stock repurchase program. The Company made employee payroll withholding tax payments of $30.2 million and $50.8 million during 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to net settlement upon vesting of employee equity awards. The Company made dividend payments of $37.4 million and $37.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Additionally, we made repayments of $8.4 million against our finance lease obligations during the current year.
 
Contractual Obligations
We have entered into various contracts under which we have commitments to make contractually required payments, including:

Scheduled principal and fixed interest payments under our secured loan in connection with our corporate aircraft financing.

Scheduled principal and fixed interest payments under our assumed mortgage in connection with an owned building in Stamford, Connecticut.

Convertible notes with fixed semi-annual interest payments.

Various operating leases for facilities, sales offices and equipment with terms generally ranging from one to ten years.

Finance lease for the Company’s new headquarters building with an accounting lease term of 30 years in addition to finance leases of certain equipment utilized in our television production operations with contractual terms generally five years or less (refer to Note 8, Leases, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information).

Service contracts with certain vendors and independent contractors, including our talent with terms ranging from one to twenty years.

Service agreement obligations related to WWE Network (excluding future performance-based payments which are variable in nature).

31

Table of Contents

Our aggregate minimum payment obligations under these contracts as of December 31, 2019 are as follows (dollars in millions):

																						
																						
																	After				
		2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		2024		Total	
Long-term debt		$	4.6		$	1.4		$	1.4		$	1.4		$	1.4		$	20.8		$	31.0	
Convertible debt (1)			7.3			7.2			7.2			222.0			—			—			243.7	
Operating leases (2)			7.5			6.3			3.4			1.9			1.6			2.7			23.4	
Finance leases (2) (3)			8.3			20.9			19.3			19.3			19.2			636.3			723.3	
Service contracts and talent commitments			28.8			18.4			12.0			0.3			0.3			0.2			60.0	
Total commitments		$	56.5		$	54.2		$	43.3		$	244.9		$	22.5		$	660.0		$	1,081.4	

(1)
Convertible debt obligations assume that no notes are converted prior to the December 15, 2023 maturity date. See Note 11, Convertible Debt, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(2)
Operating and finance lease obligations disclosed in the table above are presented on an undiscounted basis. See Note 8, Leases, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the discounted amounts which include the amounts for imputed interest.
(3)
Finance lease payments include $397.7 million related to options to extend our global headquarters lease that are reasonably certain of being exercised.

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019 includes $0.4 million in liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions (including interest and penalties of $0.1 million), which is not included in the table above. The Company does not expect to pay any significant settlements related to these uncertain tax positions in 2019.
Seasonality
Our operating results are not materially affected by seasonal factors; however, we may produce several large-scale premier events throughout the year, including WrestleMania, which result in increased revenues and expenses during the periods in which these events occur. WrestleMania typically occurs late in our first quarter or early second quarter, while certain other large-scale premier events may not have set recurring dates. Revenues from our licensing and direct sale of consumer products, including our internet sites, varies from period to period depending on the volume and extent of licensing agreements and marketing and promotion programs entered into during any particular period of time, as well as the commercial success of the media exposure of our characters and brand. The timing of these events, as well as the continued introduction of new product offerings and revenue generating outlets can and will cause fluctuations in quarterly revenues and earnings.
Inflation
During 2019, 2018 and 2017, inflation did not have a material effect on our business.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2019, we did not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of SEC Regulation S-K.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and contingent liabilities. We base our estimates on our historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making estimates about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. The accuracy of these estimates and the likelihood of future changes depend on a range of possible outcomes and a number of underlying variables, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We believe the following judgments and estimates are critical in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

32

Table of Contents

Revenue Recognition with Multiple Performance Obligations
Most of our contracts have one performance obligation and all consideration is allocated to that performance obligation. In contracts that have multiple performance obligations which may include the production of live events, content broadcast rights, and advertising and sponsorship rights, we allocate the transaction price to each identified performance obligation based upon their relative standalone selling price. The standalone selling prices are determined using observable standalone selling prices when available as well as estimates of standalone selling prices using adjusted market assessment and expected cost plus margin approaches to estimate the price for individual components. Judgement is required to determine the standalone selling prices and estimating the portion of the transaction price allocated to each performance obligation.
Feature Film Production Assets, Net
Feature film production assets are recorded at the cost of production, including production overhead and net of production incentives. The costs for an individual film are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management’s estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from exploitation, exhibition or sale. Unamortized feature film production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. We review and revise estimates of ultimate revenue and participation costs at each reporting period to reflect the most current information available. If estimates for a film’s ultimate revenue and/or costs are revised and indicate a significant decline in a film’s profitability, or if events or circumstances change that indicate we should assess whether the fair value of a film is less than its unamortized film costs, we calculate the film’s estimated fair value using a discounted cash flow model. If fair value is less than unamortized cost, the film asset is written down to fair value. Impairment charges are recorded as an increase in amortization expense included in operating expenses in the consolidated financial statements.
Our estimate of ultimate revenues for feature films includes revenues from all sources for ten years from the date of a film’s initial release. We estimate the ultimate revenues based on industry and Company specific trends, the historical performance of similar films, the star power of the lead actors, and the genre of the film. Prior to the release of a feature film and throughout its life, we revise our estimates of revenues based on expected future results, actual results and other known factors affecting the various distribution markets.
During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recorded aggregate impairment charges of $1.3 million, $4.9 million, and $5.5 million, respectively, related to several of our feature films.
As of December 31, 2019, we had $15.9 million (net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges) in capitalized film production costs, which includes 27 released films, three films in production, and two films in development. No assurance can be given that additional unfavorable changes to revenue and cost estimates will not occur, which, in turn, may result in additional impairment charges that might materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Television Production Assets, Net
Television production assets consist primarily of non-live event episodic television series we have produced for distribution through a variety of platforms, including on our WWE Network. Amounts capitalized include development costs, production costs, production overhead, and employee salaries. Costs to produce episodic programming for television or distribution on WWE Network are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management's estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from exploitation, exhibition or sale. Costs to produce our live event programming are expensed when the event is first broadcast and are not included in the capitalized costs or in the related amortization. Unamortized television production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. If conditions indicate a potential impairment, and the estimated future cash flows are not sufficient to recover the unamortized asset, the asset is written down to fair value. In addition, if we determine that a program will not likely air, we will expense the remaining unamortized asset. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we expensed $30.0 million, $29.6 million and $21.1 million, respectively, related to the amortization of television production assets.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had $4.2 million and $7.5 million, respectively, in capitalized television production costs. We did not record any impairments related to our television production assets during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

33

Table of Contents

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Our accounts receivable represent a significant portion of our current assets and relate principally to a limited number of distributors and licensees that produce consumer products containing our intellectual property. Adverse changes in general economic conditions and/or contraction in global credit markets could precipitate liquidity problems among our key distributors, increasing our exposure to bad debts which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. We estimate the collectibility of our receivables and establish allowances for the amount of account receivable that we estimate to be uncollectible. We base these allowances on our historical collection experience, the length of time our account receivable are outstanding and the financial condition of individual customers. Changes in the financial condition of a single major customer, either adverse or positive, could impact the amount and timing of any additional allowances or reductions that may be required. At December 31, 2019, our largest receivable balance from customers was 49% of our gross accounts receivable. At December 31, 2018, our largest receivable balance from customers was 30% of our gross accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the book and tax basis of particular assets and liabilities, using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to offset deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to recover deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax assets valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, our deferred tax assets (net of valuation reserve) were $7.2 million and $17.1 million, respectively. The decrease in our net deferred tax asset balance in 2019 was primarily driven by 100% bonus depreciation, the change in valuation of various equity investments and method changes related to the new revenue recognition standard, partially offset by the impact of the adoption of the new lease standard. We believe that it is more likely than not that we will have sufficient taxable income in the future to realize these deferred tax assets and as such have not recorded a valuation allowance to reduce the net carrying value. If we determine it is more likely than not that we will not have sufficient taxable income to realize these assets, we may need to record a valuation allowance in the future.
We use a two-step approach in recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by assessing whether they are more likely than not sustainable, based solely on their technical merits, upon examination, and including resolution of any related appeals or litigation process. The second step is to measure the associated tax benefit of each position, as the largest amount that we believe is more likely than not realizable. Differences between the amount of tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in our income tax returns and the amount of tax benefits recognized in our financial statements represent our unrecognized income tax benefits, which we record as a liability. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. At December 31, 2019, our unrecognized tax benefits including interest and penalties totaled $0.3 million.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The information set forth under Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements, is incorporated herein by reference.
Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
 
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a “safe harbor” for certain statements that are forward-looking and are not based on historical facts. When used in this Form 10-K and our other SEC filings, our press releases and comments made in earnings calls, investor presentations or otherwise to the public, the words “may,” “will,” “could,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “continue,” “project,” “intend,” “estimate,” “believe,” “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words. These statements relate to our future plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and are not historical facts and accordingly involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results or the performance by us to be materially different from future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-K and our other SEC filings, in press releases, earnings calls and other statements made by our authorized officers: (i) risks relating to entering, maintaining and renewing major distribution agreements; (ii) risks relating to a rapidly evolving media landscape; (iii) risks relating to WWE Network, including the risk that we are unable to attract, retain and renew subscribers; (iv) our need to continue to develop creative and entertaining programs and events; (v) our need to retain

34

Table of Contents

or continue to recruit key performers; (vi) the risk of a decline in the popularity of our brand of sports entertainment, including as a result of changes in the social and political climate; (vii) the possible unexpected loss of the services of Vincent K. McMahon; (viii) possible adverse changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives; (ix) the highly competitive, rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented nature of the markets in which we operate and/or our inability to compete effectively, especially against competitors with greater financial resources or marketplace presence; (x) uncertainties associated with international markets including possible disruptions and reputational risks; (xi) our difficulty or inability to promote and conduct our live events and/or other businesses if we do not comply with applicable regulations; (xii) our dependence on our intellectual property rights, our need to protect those rights, and the risks of our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights; (xiii) risks relating to the complexity of our rights agreements across distribution mechanisms and geographical areas; (xiv) the risk of substantial liability in the event of accidents or injuries occurring during our physically demanding events including, without limitation, claims alleging traumatic brain injury; (xv) exposure to risks relating to large public events as well as travel to and from such events; (xvi) risks inherent in our feature film business; (xvii) a variety of risks as we expand into new or complementary businesses and/or make strategic investments and/or acquisitions; (xviii) risks related to our computer systems and online operations; (xix) risks relating to privacy norms and regulations; (xx) risks relating to a possible decline in general economic conditions and disruption in financial markets; (xxi) risks relating to our accounts receivable; (xxii) risks relating to our indebtedness including our convertible notes; (xxiii) potential substantial liabilities if litigation is resolved unfavorably; (xxiv) our potential failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance; (xxv) through his beneficial ownership of a substantial majority of our Class B common stock, our controlling stockholder, Vincent K. McMahon, exercises control over our affairs, and his interests may conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock; (xxvi) a substantial number of shares are eligible for sale by Mr. McMahon and members of his family or trusts established for their benefit, and the sale, or the perception of possible sales, of those shares could lower our stock price; and (xxvii) risks related to the volatility of our Class A common stock. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends (including under our revolving credit facility), general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. Forward-looking statements made by the Company speak only as of the date made, are subject to change without any obligation on the part of the Company to update or revise them, and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. For more information about risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business, please refer to the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" sections of this Form 10-K and our other SEC filings.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate, interest rate and equity price risks that could impact our results of operations. Our foreign currency exchange rate risk is minimized by maintaining minimal net assets and liabilities in currencies other than our functional currency.
Short-Term Investments
Our short-term investment portfolio consists of U.S. Treasury securities, corporate and municipal bonds, including pre-refunded municipal bonds, and government agency bonds. We are exposed to market risk related to our investment portfolio primarily as a result of credit quality risk and interest rate risk. Credit quality risk is defined as the risk of a credit downgrade to an individual fixed or floating rate security and the potential loss attributable to that downgrade. Credit quality risk is managed through our investment policy, which establishes credit quality limitations on the overall portfolio as well as diversification and percentage limits on securities of individual issuers. The result is a diversified portfolio of fixed or floating rate securities, with a weighted average credit rating of approximately “AA”.
Interest rate risk is defined as the potential for economic losses on fixed or floating rate securities due to a change in market interest rates. Our investments in corporate and municipal bonds have exposure to changes in the level of market interest rates. Interest rate risk is mitigated by managing our investment portfolio’s dollar weighted duration. Additionally, we have the capability of holding any security to maturity, which would allow us to realize full par value. We have evaluated the impact of an immediate 100 basis point change in interest rates on our investment portfolio. A 100 basis-point increase in interest rates would result in an approximate $0.5 million decrease in fair value, whereas a 100 basis-point decrease in interest rates would result in an approximate $0.5 million increase in fair value.
Convertible Senior Notes
We have $215.0 million principal amount of 3.375% convertible senior notes due December 15, 2023. We carry this instrument at face value less unamortized discount and unamortized debt issuance costs on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Since this instrument bears interest at fixed rates, we have no financial statement risk associated with changes in interest rates. However, the fair value of these instruments fluctuates when interest rates change, and when the market price of our stock fluctuates. The fair value of the convertible senior notes will generally increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. In addition, the fair value of the convertible senior notes will generally increase as our common stock price increases and will generally decrease as our common stock

35

Table of Contents

price declines in value. The interest and market value changes affect the fair value of our convertible senior notes but do not impact our financial position, cash flows or results of operations due to the fixed nature of the debt obligation. Conversion of our Convertible Notes and the exercise of related Warrants may cause economic dilution to our stockholders and dilution to our earnings per share.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The information required by this item is set forth in the consolidated financial statements filed with this report and are herein incorporated by reference.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Interim Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and our Interim Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that all material information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with management’s evaluation that occurred during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Interim Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 based on the guidelines established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Based on the results of our evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019. We review the results of management’s assessment with our Audit Committee.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Such report expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019.
‎

36

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, of the Company and our report dated February 6, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Stamford, Connecticut
February 6, 2020
‎

37

Table of Contents

Item 9B. Other Information
None.

PART III
The information required by Part III (Items 10-14) is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
1. Consolidated financial statements and Schedule: See index to consolidated financial statements on page F-1 of this report.
2. Exhibits:

		
Exhibit
‎No.	Description of Exhibit	
3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-84327)).	
3.1A	Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to our Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed July 15, 2002).	
3.1B	Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Annex B to the Proxy Statement filed on March 11, 2016).	
3.2	Amended and Restated By-laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-84327)).	
3.2A	Amendment to Amended and Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to our Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed July 15, 2002).	
4.1	Indenture between World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, dated December 16, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2016).	
4.2	Form of 3.375% Convertible Senior Note due 2023 (included in Exhibit 4.1).	
4.3	Description of Common Stock (filed herewith).	
10.4*	Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Vincent K. McMahon, effective as of January 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 15, 2010).	
10.4A*	First Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Vincent K. McMahon, effective as of April 3, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4A to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018).	
10.5*	World Wrestling Entertainment 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to our Proxy Statement dated March 16, 2012).	
10.5A*	First Amendment to World Wrestling Entertainment 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5A to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018).	
10.6*	Amended and Restated Booking Agreement with Paul Levesque, effective as of January 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).	
10.6A*	First Amendment to Amended and Restated Booking Agreement with Paul Levesque, dated May 9, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016).	
10.7*	Form of offer letters between the Company and executive officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).	
10.8*	Booking Agreement, dated October 7, 2013, between the Company and Stephanie McMahon Levesque (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013).	
10.8A*	First Amendment to Booking Contract with Stephanie McMahon-Levesque, dated October 7, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016).	
10.8B*	Second Amendment to Booking Contract with Stephanie McMahon-Levesque, dated March 4, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8B to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019).	
10.11	Loan and Aircraft Security Agreement, dated August 7, 2013 and related exhibits and schedules (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 12, 2013).	
10.12	Promissory Note, dated August 7, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 12, 2013).	

38

Table of Contents

10.13*	Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and its independent Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014).	
10.14*	Form of Performance Stock, Retention, and Non-Competition Agreement for Michelle D. Wilson, George A. Barrios and Kevin Dunn (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9A to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 13, 2015).	
10.16*	World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Proxy Statement filed March 11, 2016).	
10.16A*	Form of Performance Stock Units to the Company’s executive officers under the Company’s 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16A to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 21, 2016).	
10.16B*	Form of Restricted Stock Units to the Company’s executive officers under the Company’s 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16A to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 21, 2016).	
10.18	Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility dated May 24, 2019, among World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., certain subsidiaries of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders, issuing banks and agents party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2019).	
10.19	Note and Mortgage Assumption Agreement, dated as of September 13, 2016, by and among WWE Real Estate Holdings, LLC, 88 Hamilton Avenue Associates, LLC and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee for the registered holders of Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust 2015-NXS2, Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2015-NXS2 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 15, 2016).	
10.20	Loan Agreement, dated June 8, 2015, between 88 Hamilton Avenue Associates, LLC and Natixis Real Estate Capital LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed September 15, 2016).	
10.22	Purchase Agreement between World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, as representatives of the initial purchasers named therein, dated December 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2016).	
10.23	Convertible Note Hedge Confirmation between World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch, dated December 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2016).	
10.24	Warrant Confirmation between World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch, dated December 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2016).	
10.25	Convertible Note Hedge Confirmation between World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc, dated December 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2016).	
10.26	Warrant Confirmation between World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc, dated December 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2016).	
10.27	Convertible Note Hedge Confirmation between World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and Citibank, N.A., dated December 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2016).	
10.28	Warrant Confirmation between World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and Citibank, N.A., dated December 12, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed December 12, 2016).	
10.29	Agreement of Lease, dated March 7, 2019, between World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and Stamford Washington Office LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019).	
21.1	List of Subsidiaries (filed herewith).	
23.1	Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (filed herewith).	
31.1	Certification by Vincent K. McMahon pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).	
31.2	Certification by Frank A. Riddick III pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).	
32.1	Certification by Vincent K. McMahon and Frank A. Riddick III pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).	
101.INS	Inline XBRL Instance Document	
101.SCH	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document	
101.CAL	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	
101.DEF	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document	
101.LAB	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	
101.PRE	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document	
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)	
____________________
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

39

Table of Contents

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.

40

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

			
		World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.	
		(Registrant)	
Dated: February 6, 2020	By:	/s/ VINCENT K. MCMAHON	
		Vincent K. McMahon	
		Chairman of the Board of Directors and	
		Chief Executive Officer	

‎

41

Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

					
Signature		Title or Capacity		Date	
/s/ VINCENT K. MCMAHON		Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer		February 6, 2020	
Vincent K. McMahon		(principal executive officer)			
	
/s/ STEPHANIE MCMAHON		Director and Chief Brand Officer		February 6, 2020	
Stephanie McMahon					
					
/s/ PAUL LEVESQUE		Director and Executive Vice President,		February 6, 2020	
Paul Levesque		Talent, Live Events & Creative			
					
/s/ STUART U. GOLDFARB		Director		February 6, 2020	
Stuart U. Goldfarb					
	
/s/ PATRICIA A. GOTTESMAN		Director		February 6, 2020	
Patricia A. Gottesman					
	
/s/ LAUREEN ONG		Director		February 6, 2020	
Laureen Ong					
	
/s/ ROBYN W. PETERSON		Director		February 6, 2020	
Robyn W. Peterson					
	
/s/ MAN JIT SINGH		Director		February 6, 2020	
Man Jit Singh					
					
/s/ JEFFREY R. SPEED		Director		February 6, 2020	
Jeffrey R. Speed					
	
/s/ ALAN M. WEXLER		Director		February 6, 2020	
Alan M. Wexler					
	
/s/ FRANK A. RIDDICK III		Director and Interim Chief Financial Officer		February 6, 2020	
Frank A. Riddick III		(principal financial officer)			
					
/s/ MARK KOWAL		Chief Accounting Officer		February 6, 2020	
Mark Kowal		(principal accounting officer)			

42

Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

		
	Page	
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-2	
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017	F-4	
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017	F-5	
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018	F-6	
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017	F-7	
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017	F-8	
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-9	
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	F-45	

‎

F-1

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and the schedules listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 6, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Net Revenues — Refer to Notes 2, 4 and 21 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company enters into arrangements with customers which include multiple distinct performance obligations, such as production of live events, content broadcasting rights, and advertising and sponsorship rights, sold for a single fixed transaction price. The Company allocates the transaction price to all performance obligations contained within an arrangement based upon their relative standalone selling price.  Standalone selling prices based on observable and estimated standalone selling prices, including adjusted market assessment and expected cost plus margin approaches, are used to determine pricing for individual components. 
Given the judgement involved in determining the standalone selling price and estimating the portion of the transaction price allocated to each performance obligation, auditing the related revenue required both extensive audit effort and a high degree of audit judgement when performing audit procedures and evaluating the results of those procedures. 

F-2

Table of Contents

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to determination of standalone selling price and the allocation of transaction price for arrangements with multiple distinct performance obligations included the following, among others:

We tested the effectiveness of controls over arrangements, including management’s controls over the identification of performance obligations, allocation of transaction price to distinct performance obligations, and determination of the standalone selling price.


We evaluated the Company’s revenue recognition policy and management’s current year accounting assessment for arrangements with multiple performance obligations.


We obtained and read the contract, including master agreements, amended agreements, and other source documents that were part of the contract.


We tested management’s identification of the performance obligations within the customer contract, including whether material rights that gave rise to a performance obligation were identified.


We evaluated the accuracy and completeness of the data and factors used in management’s determination of standalone selling price for each performance obligation.


We evaluated the methodologies used to develop the standalone selling price for each performance obligation.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Stamford, Connecticut
February 6, 2020
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999.

‎

F-3

Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)

										
										
		For the years ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Net revenues		$	960,442		$	930,160		$	800,959	
Operating expenses			638,199			609,182			538,525	
Marketing and selling expenses			84,713			95,985			82,837	
General and administrative expenses			86,893			85,446			77,969	
Depreciation and amortization			34,127			25,069			26,050	
Operating income			116,510			114,478			75,578	
Interest expense			26,121			15,405			14,736	
Other income, net			4,289			6,964			3,218	
Income before income taxes			94,678			106,037			64,060	
Provision for income taxes			17,617			6,449			31,420	
Net income		$	77,061		$	99,588		$	32,640	
Earnings per share: basic		$	0.99		$	1.28		$	0.43	
Earnings per share: diluted		$	0.85		$	1.12		$	0.42	
Weighted average common shares outstanding:										
Basic			78,157			77,536			76,743	
Diluted			90,231			88,619			78,471	
Dividends declared per common share (Class A and B)		$	0.48		$	0.48		$	0.48	

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

‎

F-4

Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)

										
		For the years ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Net income		$	77,061		$	99,588		$	32,640	
Other comprehensive income (loss):										
Foreign currency translation adjustments			63			(339)			120	
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on available-for-sale debt securities
‎   (net of tax expense (benefit) of $410, $(167) and $(334), respectively)			1,299			(530)			(644)	
Total other comprehensive income (loss)			1,362			(869)			(524)	
Comprehensive income		$	78,423		$	98,719		$	32,116	

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

‎

F-5

Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)

							
							
		As of December 31,	
		2019		2018	
ASSETS							
CURRENT ASSETS:							
Cash and cash equivalents		$	90,447		$	167,457	
Short-term investments, net			160,034			191,686	
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts and returns 
‎   of $818 and $1,009, respectively)			124,771			78,925	
Inventory			8,252			7,753	
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			20,806			28,187	
Total current assets			404,310			474,008	
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET			174,752			148,089	
FINANCE LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS, NET			289,932			—	
OPERATING LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS, NET			20,811			—	
FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION ASSETS, NET			15,873			13,558	
TELEVISION PRODUCTION ASSETS, NET			4,172			7,473	
INVESTMENT SECURITIES			28,106			30,196	
DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSETS, NET			7,217			17,138	
OTHER ASSETS, NET			47,060			9,837	
TOTAL ASSETS		$	992,233		$	700,299	
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY							
CURRENT LIABILITIES:							
Current portion of long-term debt		$	3,613		$	5,118	
Finance lease liabilities			7,945			—	
Operating lease liabilities			6,586			—	
Convertible debt			188,667			183,090	
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			80,592			120,158	
Deferred income			56,941			49,173	
Total current liabilities			344,344			357,539	
LONG-TERM DEBT			22,098			25,696	
FINANCE LEASE LIABILITIES			335,465			—	
OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES			14,571			—	
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES			429			827	
Total liabilities			716,907			384,062	
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES			 			 	
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:							
Class A common stock: ($0.01 par value; 180,000,000 shares authorized;
   46,181,320 and 43,721,411 shares issued and outstanding as of
   December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively)			462			437	
Class B convertible common stock: ($0.01 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized;
   31,099,011 and 34,303,438 shares issued and outstanding as of
   December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively)			311			343	
Additional paid-in capital			405,353			415,281	
Accumulated other comprehensive income			2,864			1,502	
Accumulated deficit			(133,664)			(101,326)	
Total stockholders’ equity			275,326			316,237	
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	992,233		$	700,299	

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

‎

F-6

Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except per share data)

																							
															Accumulated							
		Common Stock		Additional		Other							
		Class A		Class B		Paid - in		Comprehensive		Accumulated				
		Shares		Amount		Shares		Amount		Capital		Income		Deficit		Total	
Balance, December 31, 2016		38,455 		$	385 		37,949 		$	379 		$	403,387 		$	2,895 		$	(167,303)		$	239,743 	
Net income		—			—		—			—			—			—			32,640 			32,640 	
Other comprehensive loss		—			—		—			—			—			(524)			—			(524)	
Stock issuances, net		703 			7 		—			—			1,571 			—			—			1,578 	
Conversion of Class B common 
‎   stock by shareholder 
‎  (See Note 18)		3,340 			33 		(3,340)			(33)			—			—			—			—	
Debt discount on convertible debt, net		—			—		—			—			2,487 			—			—			2,487 	
Purchase of convertible note hedge		—			—		—			—			(2,558)			—			—			(2,558)	
Proceeds from issuance of warrants		—			—		—			—			1,460 			—			—			1,460 	
Taxes paid related to net settlement upon vesting of equity awards		—			—		—			—			(9,164)			—			—			(9,164)	
Cash dividends declared		—			—		—			—			874 			—			(37,728)			(36,854)	
Stock-based compensation		—			—		—			—			24,151 			—			—			24,151 	
Balance, December 31, 2017		42,498 		$	425 		34,609 		$	346 		$	422,208 		$	2,371 		$	(172,391)		$	252,959 	
Cumulative effect of adopting ASC 606		—			—		—			—			—			—			10,086 			10,086 	
Net income		—			—		—			—			—			—			99,588 			99,588 	
Other comprehensive loss		—			—		—			—			—			(869)			—			(869)	
Stock issuances, net		917 			9 		—			—			1,939 			—			—			1,948 	
Conversion of Class B common 
‎   stock by shareholder 
‎  (See Note 18)		306 			3 		(306)			(3)			—			—			—			—	
Taxes paid related to net settlement upon vesting of equity awards		—			—		—			—			(50,798)			—			—			(50,798)	
Cash dividends declared		—			—		—			—			1,366 			—			(38,609)			(37,243)	
Stock-based compensation		—			—		—			—			39,304 			—			—			39,304 	
Other		—			—		—			—			1,262 			—			—			1,262 	
Balance, December 31, 2018		43,721 		$	437 		34,303 		$	343 		$	415,281 		$	1,502 		$	(101,326)		$	316,237 	
Net income		—			—		—			—			—			—			77,061 			77,061 	
Other comprehensive loss		—			—		—			—			—			1,362 			—			1,362 	
Repurchases and retirements of common stock		(1,398)			(14)		—			—			(12,436)			—			(70,991)			(83,441)	
Stock issuances, net		654 			7 		—			—			2,318 			—			—			2,325 	
Conversion of Class B common 
‎   stock by shareholder 
‎  (See Note 18)		3,204 			32 		(3,204)			(32)			—			—			—			—	
Taxes paid related to net settlement upon vesting of equity awards		—			—		—			—			(30,183)			—			—			(30,183)	
Cash dividends declared		—			—		—			—			977 			—			(38,408)			(37,431)	
Stock-based compensation		—			—		—			—			29,396 			—			—			29,396 	
Other		—			—		—			—			 			—			—			—	
Balance, December 31, 2019		46,181 		$	462 		31,099 		$	311 		$	405,353 		$	2,864 		$	(133,664)		$	275,326 	

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

‎

F-7

Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

										
										
		For the years ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:										
Net income		$	77,061 		$	99,588 		$	32,640 	
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
‎   activities:										
Amortization and impairments of feature film production assets			5,718 			8,822 			17,377 	
Amortization of television production assets			29,990 			29,568 			21,137 	
Depreciation and amortization			39,552 			31,767 			32,030 	
Other amortization			13,905 			6,142 			6,759 	
Loss (gain) on equity investments, net			3,309 			(882)			—	
Services provided in exchange for equity instruments			(2,759)			(2,767)			(2,720)	
Stock-based compensation			29,396 			39,304 			24,151 	
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes			9,921 			(1,058)			13,572 	
Other non-cash adjustments			10,948 			2,024 			1,003 	
Cash (used in) provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities:										
Accounts receivable			(41,486)			(3,527)			(12,507)	
Inventory			(499)			579 			(1,801)	
Prepaid expenses and other assets			2,642 			(7,973)			131 	
Feature film production assets			(7,937)			(1,204)			(12,540)	
Television production assets			(26,412)			(30,478)			(15,921)	
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities			(31,954)			26,750 			8,112 	
Deferred income			10,297 			(9,936)			(14,835)	
Net cash provided by operating activities			121,692 			186,719 			96,588 	
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:										
Purchases of property and equipment and other assets			(69,086)			(32,275)			(24,710)	
Purchases of short-term investments			(124,282)			(94,910)			(142,373)	
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments			157,487 			61,428 			35,660 	
Purchase of investment securities			(1,366)			(1,330)			(2,316)	
Other			1,438 			1,000 			—	
Net cash used in investing activities			(35,809)			(66,087)			(133,739)	
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:										
Repayment of long-term debt			(5,103)			(4,782)			(7,504)	
Repayment of finance leases			(8,352)			—			—	
Dividends paid			(37,431)			(37,243)			(36,854)	
Debt issuance costs			(708)			—			—	
Proceeds from borrowings under the credit facilities			—			—			1,383 	
Proceeds from borrowings on convertible notes, net of issuance costs			—			—			14,534 	
Proceeds from issuance of warrants			—			—			1,460 	
Purchase of convertible note hedge			—			—			(2,558)	
Taxes paid related to net settlement upon vesting of equity awards			(30,183)			(50,798)			(9,164)	
Proceeds from issuance of stock			2,325 			1,948 			1,578 	
Repurchase and retirement of common stock			(83,441)			—			—	
Net cash used in financing activities			(162,893)			(90,875)			(37,125)	
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS			(77,010)			29,757 			(74,276)	
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD			167,457 			137,700 			211,976 	
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD		$	90,447 		$	167,457 		$	137,700 	
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:										
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds		$	7,386 		$	10,107 		$	14,590 	
Cash paid for interest		$	10,706 		$	8,899 		$	9,312 	
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:										
Purchases of property and equipment recorded in accounts payable
and accrued expenses (See Note 11)		$	4,997 		$	13,464 		$	2,334 	

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-8

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

1. Basis of Presentation and Business Description
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WWE. “WWE” refers to World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. References to “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to WWE.
We are an integrated media and entertainment company, principally engaged in the production and distribution of wrestling entertainment content through various channels, including our premium over-the-top subscription network (“WWE Network”), content rights agreements, pay-per-view event programming, filmed entertainment, live events, licensing of various WWE themed products, and the sale of consumer products featuring our brands. Our operations are organized around the following principal activities:
Media:

The Media segment reflects the production and monetization of long-form and short-form media content across various platforms, including WWE Network, broadcast and pay television, digital and social media, as well as filmed entertainment. Across these platforms, revenues principally consist of content rights fees, subscriptions to WWE Network, and advertising and sponsorships.
Live Events:

Live events provide ongoing content for our media platforms. Live Event segment revenues consist primarily of ticket sales, including primary and secondary distribution, revenues from events for which we receive a fixed fee, as well as the sale of travel packages associated with the Company’s global live events.
Consumer Products:

The Consumer Products segment engages in the merchandising of WWE branded products, such as video games, toys and apparel, through licensing arrangements and direct-to-consumer sales. Revenues principally consist of royalties and licensee fees related to WWE branded products, and sales of merchandise distributed at our live events and through eCommerce platforms.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Basis of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WWE and all of its domestic and foreign subsidiaries. Included in Corporate are intersegment eliminations recorded in consolidation. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit in overnight deposit accounts, investments in Treasury bills and investments in money market accounts with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase.
Short-term Investments, Net — Our short-term investments consist of available-for-sale debt securities. Such investments consist of U.S. Treasury securities, corporate and municipal bonds, including pre-refunded municipal bonds, and government agency bonds. These investments are stated at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses on such securities reflected, net of tax, as other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses on investments are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.
Accounts Receivable, Net — Accounts receivable relate principally to amounts due to us from distributors of our content, as well as from licensees that produce consumer products containing our intellectual property and/or trademarks. We estimate the collectability of our receivables and establish allowances for the amount of accounts receivable that we estimate to be uncollectible. We base these allowances on our historical collection experience, the length of time our accounts receivable are outstanding and the financial condition of individual customers. An individual balance is charged to the allowance when all collection efforts have been exhausted and it is deemed likely to be uncollectible, taking into consideration the financial condition of the customer and other factors.

F-9

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Inventory — Inventory consists of merchandise sold on our websites and on distribution platforms, including Amazon, and merchandise sold at live events. Substantially all of our inventory is comprised of finished goods. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The valuation of our inventories requires management to make market estimates assessing the quantities and the prices at which we believe the inventory can be sold.
Property and Equipment, Net — Property and equipment are carried at historical cost net of benefits associated with tax incentives less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, when applicable, the life of the lease, whichever is shorter. Vehicles and equipment are depreciated based on estimated useful lives varying from three to five years. Buildings and related improvements are depreciated based on estimated useful lives varying from five years to thirty-nine years. Our corporate aircraft is depreciated over ten years on a straight-line basis less an estimated residual value.
Leases — The Company determines if a contract contains a lease at the inception of the arrangement. The Company has elected the short-term lease exemption, whereby leases with initial terms of one year or less are not capitalized and instead expensed generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The depreciable life of the underlying leased assets are generally limited to the expected lease term inclusive of any optional lease terms where we conclude at the inception of the lease that we are reasonably certain of exercising those renewal options. The Company is primarily a lessee with a lease portfolio comprised mainly of real estate and equipment leases. Operating and finance lease assets are included on our consolidated balance sheets in non-current assets as an operating or finance right-of-use asset. Operating and finance lease liabilities are included on our consolidated balance sheets in non-current liabilities for the portion that is due on a long-term basis and in current liabilities for portion that is due within 12 months of the financial statement date.
The right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term using an appropriate discount rate. Since the implicit rate is not readily available for our leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The right-of-use asset also may include any initial direct costs paid and is reduced by any lease incentives provided by the lessor. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term for our operating leases and for our finance leases, we record interest expense on the lease liability and straight-line amortization of the right-of-use asset over the lease term.
Feature Film Production Assets, Net — Feature film production assets are recorded at the cost of production, including production overhead and net of production incentives. The costs for an individual film are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management’s estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from exploitation, exhibition or sale. Unamortized feature film production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. We review and revise estimates of ultimate revenue and participation costs at each reporting period to reflect the most current information available. If estimates for a film’s ultimate revenues and/or costs are revised and indicate a significant decline in a film’s profitability or if events or circumstances change that indicate we should assess whether the fair value of a film is less than its unamortized film costs, we calculate the film's estimated fair value using a discounted cash flows model. If fair value is less than the unamortized cost, the film is written down to fair value. Impairment charges are recorded as an increase in amortization expense included in Operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Our estimate of ultimate revenues for feature films includes revenues from all sources for ten years from the date of a film’s initial release. We estimate the ultimate revenues based on industry and Company specific trends, the historical performance of similar films, the star power of the lead actors, and the genre of the film. Prior to the release of a feature film and throughout its life, we revise our estimates of revenues based on expected future results, actual results and other known factors affecting the various distribution markets.
Television Production Assets, Net — Television production assets consist primarily of non-live event episodic television series we have produced for distribution through a variety of platforms including on our WWE Network. Amounts capitalized include development costs, production costs, production overhead and employee salaries. Costs to produce episodic programming for television or distribution on WWE Network are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management's estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from exploitation, exhibition or sale. Costs to produce our live event programming are expensed when the event is first broadcast and are not included in the capitalized costs or in the related amortization.
Unamortized television production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. If conditions indicate a potential impairment, and the estimated future cash flows are not sufficient to recover the unamortized asset, the asset is written down to fair value. In addition, if we determine that a program will not likely air, we expense the remaining unamortized asset.

F-10

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets — We periodically evaluate the carrying amount of long-lived assets for impairment when events and circumstances warrant such a review.

Investment Securities — Equity investments that are marketable and have a readily determinable fair value are carried at fair value with changes in the fair value recorded through income and reflected in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For nonmarketable equity securities (those without a readily determinable fair value), the Company elected to apply the practicality exception to apply fair value measurement, under which such securities will be measured at cost, less impairment, plus or minus observable price changes for identical or similar securities of the same issuer with such changes recorded in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For equity investments where the Company does not control the investee, and where it is not the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, but can exert significant influence over the financial and operating policies of the investee, the Company applies the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s share of the investee’s underlying net income or loss is recorded as investment income or loss within Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and is also included, net of cash dividends received, in Equity in earnings of affiliate, net of dividends received, in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Dividend distributions received from the investee reduces the Company’s carrying value of the investee and the cost basis if deemed a return of capital.

Nonmarketable equity securities and equity method investments are also subject to periodic impairment evaluations, and when factors indicate that a significant decrease in value has occurred. Factors considered in making such assessments may include near-term prospects of the investees, subsequent rounds of financing activities of the investees, and the investees’ capital structure as well as other economic variables, which reflect assumptions market participants may use in pricing these assets. If an equity method investment is deemed to have experienced an other-than-temporary decline below its carrying amount, we reduce the carrying amount of the equity method investment to its quoted or estimated fair value, as applicable, and establish a new carrying amount for the investment. For nonmarketable equity securities that are accounted for under the measurement alternative to fair value, the Company applies the impairment model that does not require the Company to consider whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. We record these impairment charges on our equity investments in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income Taxes — Deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Amounts are determined based on the differences between the book and tax bases of particular assets and liabilities and operating loss carry forwards, using tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is provided to offset deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes, conversely, if we determine we might not be able to realize our deferred tax assets we would record a valuation allowance which would result in a charge to the provision for income taxes.
We use a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return by assessing whether they are more likely than not sustainable, based solely on their technical merits, upon examination, and including resolution of any related appeals or litigation process. The second step is to measure the associated tax benefit of each position, as the largest amount that we believe is more likely than not realizable. Differences between the amount of tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in our income tax returns and the amount of tax benefits recognized in our financial statements represent our unrecognized income tax benefits, which we record as a liability. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized income tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
Revenue Recognition — The Company adopted new accounting pronouncements in 2018 related to revenue recognition. See the discussion in Recent Accounting Pronouncements below and Note 4, Revenues, for further details. Under the new revenue recognition rules adopted in 2018, most of our sales revenue continues to be recognized when products are shipped or as services are performed and was not materially impacted by the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard.
Revenues are generally recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers either at a point in time or over time, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Most of our contracts have one performance obligation and all consideration is allocated to that performance obligation. In contracts that have multiple performance obligations which may include the production of live events, content broadcast rights, and

F-11

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

advertising and sponsorship rights, we allocate the transaction price to each identified performance obligation based upon their relative standalone selling price. The standalone selling prices are determined using observable standalone selling prices when available as well as estimates of standalone selling prices using adjusted market assessment and expected cost plus margin approaches to estimate the price for individual components. Our revenues do not include material estimated amounts of variable consideration. The variable consideration contained in our contracts relate primarily to sales or usage-based royalties earned on consumer product licensing contracts. The variability related to these sales or usage-based royalties will be resolved in the periods when the licensee generates sales related to the intellectual property license. As it relates to our Consumer Products segment, the Company accounts for shipping and handling activities as fulfillment activities.
We derive our revenues principally from the following sources: (i) content rights fees associated with the distribution of WWE’s media content, (ii) subscriptions to WWE Network, (iii) fees for viewing our pay-per-view programming, (iv) feature film distribution, (v) advertising and sponsorship sales, (vi) live event ticket sales, (vii) consumer product licensing royalties from the sale by third-party licensees of WWE branded merchandise, (viii) direct-to-consumer sales of merchandise at our live event venues, and (ix) direct-to-consumer sales of our merchandise through eCommerce platforms. The below describes our revenue recognition policies in further detail for each major revenue source of the Company.

Content rights fees:
Rights fees received from distributors of our programming, both domestically and internationally, are recorded when the program (functional intellectual property) has been delivered and control has been transferred to the distributor and the license period has begun. Any advance payments received from the distributors are deferred upon collection and recognized into revenue as content is delivered. Our content rights distribution agreements are generally between one year and five years in length and frequently provides for contractual increases over its term.

WWE Network Subscriptions:
Revenues from the sale of subscriptions to WWE Network are recognized ratably over each paid monthly membership period. Deferred revenues consist of subscription fees billed to members that have not been recognized and gift memberships that have not been redeemed.

Pay-per-view programming:
Revenues from our pay-per-view programming are recorded when the event is aired/performed and are based upon our initial estimate of the number of buys achieved. This initial estimate is based on preliminary buy information received from our pay-per-view distributors. These estimates are updated each reporting period based on the latest information available.

Advertising and sponsorships:
Through our sponsorship packages, we offer advertisers a full range of our promotional vehicles, including online and print advertising, on-air announcements and special appearances by our Superstars. We allocate the transaction price to all performance obligations contained within a sponsorship and advertising arrangement based upon their relative standalone selling price. Standalone selling prices are determined generally based on a rate card used to determine pricing for individual components. Revenues are recognized as each performance obligation is satisfied, which generally occurs when the sponsorship and advertising is aired, exhibited, performed or played on the applicable WWE platform. We are generally the principal in our advertising and sponsorship arrangements because we control the advertising and sponsorship inventory before it is transferred to our customers. Our control is evidenced by our sole ability to monetize the advertising and sponsorship inventory and being primarily responsible to our customers.

Live event ticket sales:
Revenues from our live event ticket sales are recognized upon the occurrence of the related live event.

Consumer product licensing royalties:
Licensing revenues consist principally of royalties or license fees related to various WWE themed products, such as video games, toys and apparel, which are created using WWE brands and marks (symbolic intellectual property). Revenues from our licensed products are recognized in the period of the underlying product sales based on estimates from licensees and adjustments to the estimated amounts are recorded when final statements are received. The estimates are derived from the best available recent information from our licensees of underlying sales performance and represents the most likely amount of revenues expected. Any upfront license fees or minimum guarantees received from the licensee are deferred upon collection and recognized into revenue over the contract term as the amounts are earned.

F-12

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)


Direct-to-consumer venue merchandise sales:
Direct-to-consumer merchandise sales consist of sales of merchandise at our live events. Revenues are recognized at the point of sale, as control is transferred to the customer.

Direct-to-consumer eCommerce sales:
Direct-to-consumer eCommerce revenues consist of sales of merchandise on our websites, including through our WWEShop Internet storefront and on distribution platforms, including Amazon. Revenues are recognized at a point in time, as control is transferred to the customer upon shipment.
Operating Expenses — Operating expenses consist of our production costs associated with developing our content, costs associated with operating our WWE Network, venue rental and related costs associated with the staging of our live events, compensation costs for our talent, and material and related costs associated with our consumer product merchandise sales. In addition, operating expenses include certain business operating support function costs, including our talent development, data analytics, data engineering, business strategy and real estate and facilities functions, as these activities directly support the operations of our segments. Included within operating expenses are the following depreciation and amortization expenses:

Amortization and impairment of feature film production assets:
We amortize feature film production assets based on the estimated future cash flows. Unamortized feature film production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period.

Amortization and impairment of television production assets:
Television production assets consist primarily of non-live event episodic television series we have produced for distribution through a variety of platforms, including on our WWE Network. Costs to produce episodic programming for television or distribution on WWE Network are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management's estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from exploitation, exhibition or sale. Unamortized television production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. Program amortization for WWE Network is included in operating expenses as a component of amortization of television production assets. For episodic programming debuting and currently expected to air exclusively on WWE Network, the cost of the programming is expensed upon initial release, as the vast majority of viewership occurs in close proximity to the initial release.

Amortization of costs related to content delivery and technology assets utilized for our WWE Network:
These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the expected useful life or the term of the respective assets.

Amortization of right-of-use assets on finance leases of equipment:
The amortization expense associated with the right-of-use assets pertain predominantly to equipment utilized to produce and distribute our live event programming and are therefore included in operating expenses.

Depreciation on equipment used directly in revenue generating activities:
We capitalize equipment consisting primarily of television set components and related equipment that is utilized as part of our programming content. These assets are depreciated over their respected estimated useful lives.
The following table presents the depreciation and amortization expense amounts included within Operating expenses for the periods presented:

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Amortization and impairment of feature film assets		$	5,718		$	8,822		$	17,377	
Amortization of television production assets			29,990			29,568			21,137	
Amortization of WWE Network content delivery and technology assets			5,317			6,696			5,970	
Amortization of right-of-use assets - finance leases of equipment			8,020			—			—	
Depreciation on equipment used directly in revenue generating activities			108			—			—	
Total depreciation and amortization included in operating expenses		$	49,153		$	45,086		$	44,484	

Costs to produce our live event programming are expensed when the event is first broadcast, and are not included in the depreciation and amortization table noted above.

F-13

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Marketing and Selling Expenses – Marketing and selling expenses consist of costs associated with the promotion and marketing of our services and products. These expenses include advertising and promotional costs, and the costs associated with our sales and marketing functions, creative services functions and our international offices.
General and Administrative Expenses – General and administrative expenses include costs associated with our corporate administrative functions, including finance, investor relations, community relations, corporate communications, information technology, legal, human resources and our Board of Directors. The Company does not allocate these costs to its business segment, as they do not directly relate to revenue generating activities.
Film and Television Production Incentives — The Company has access to various governmental programs that are designed to promote film and television production within the United States and certain international jurisdictions. Tax credits earned with respect to expenditures on qualifying film, television and other production activities, including qualifying capital projects, are included as an offset to the related asset or as an offset to production expenses when we have reasonable assurance regarding the realizable amount of the tax credits.
Advertising Expense — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred, except for costs related to the development of a major commercial or media campaign, which are expensed in the period in which the commercial or campaign is first presented. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recorded advertising expenses of $21,165, $21,563 and $23,629, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation — For the translation of the financial statements of our foreign subsidiaries whose functional currencies are non-U.S. Dollars, assets and liabilities are translated at the year-end exchange rate, and income statement accounts are translated at monthly average exchange rates for the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity and also in comprehensive income. Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing at the transaction date, with any gains/losses recorded in other income/expense.
Stock-Based Compensation — Equity awards are granted to directors, officers and employees of the Company. Stock-based compensation costs associated with our restricted stock units ("RSUs") are determined using the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of the grant. These costs are recognized over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method, net of estimated forfeitures. RSUs have a service requirement typically over a 3.5 years vesting schedule and vest in equal annual installments. Unvested RSUs accrue dividend equivalents at the same rate as are paid on our shares of Class A common stock. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting schedule as the underlying RSUs.
Stock-based compensation costs associated with our performance stock units ("PSUs") are initially determined using the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date the awards are approved by our Compensation Committee (service inception date). The vesting of these PSUs are subject to certain performance conditions and a service requirement of typically 3.5 years. Until such time as the performance conditions are met, stock compensation costs associated with these PSUs are re-measured each reporting period based upon the fair market value of the Company's common stock and the estimated performance attainment on the reporting date. The ultimate number of PSUs that are issued to an employee is the result of the actual performance of the Company at the end of the performance period compared to the performance conditions. Stock compensation costs for our PSUs are recognized over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method, net of estimated forfeitures. Unvested PSUs accrue dividend equivalents once the performance conditions are met at the same rate as are paid on our shares of Class A common stock. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting schedule as the underlying PSUs.
In 2018, the Compensation Committee approved certain agreements to grant PSUs with a market condition (“PSU-TSRs”), where vesting is conditioned upon the total shareholder return performance of WWE stock relative to the total shareholder return performance of a peer group over specified performance periods. The fair value of these market-based awards are estimated on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo simulation valuation model. The Compensation costs associated with these types of awards are recognized over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method.
We estimate forfeitures, based on historical trends when recognizing compensation expense and adjust the estimate of forfeitures when they are expected to differ or as forfeitures occur.
Earnings Per Share (EPS) — Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period, plus dilutive potential common shares which is calculated using the treasury-stock method. Under the treasury-stock method, potential common shares are excluded from the computation of EPS in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.

F-14

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock is computed in accordance with a two-class method of earnings allocation. As such, any undistributed earnings for each period are allocated to each class of common stock based on the proportionate share of cash dividends that each class is entitled to receive. During 2019, 2018 and 2017, the dividends declared and paid per share of Class A and Class B common stock were the same.
Treasury Stock Retirement — The Company accounts for treasury stock transactions using the cost method. All share repurchases to date have been retired by the Company. When the Company retires its own common stock, the excess of the repurchase price of the common stock over the par value of the common stock is allocated between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings. The portion allocated to additional paid-in capital is determined by applying a percentage, determined by dividing the number of shares to be retired by the number of shares issued and outstanding as of the retirement date, to the balance of additional paid-in capital as of the retirement date. Direct costs incurred to repurchase the common stock are not material and are expensed in the period incurred.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2019-02, “Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials.” The amendments in this ASU align the accounting for production costs of an episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films. In addition, the ASU modifies certain aspects of the capitalization, impairment, presentation and disclosure requirements under the current film and broadcaster entertainment industry guidance. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods starting in fiscal year 2020, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance will be applied on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect the adoption of the amendments to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-18, “Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808) – Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606.” The amendments in this ASU clarifies that certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for as revenue under Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, when the collaborative arrangement participant is a customer in the context of a unit of account and precludes recognizing as revenue consideration received from a collaborative arrangement participant if the participant is not a customer. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods starting in fiscal year 2020 for the Company, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance should be applied retrospectively to the date of initial application of the new revenue guidance in Topic 606 (January 1, 2018 for the Company). The Company does not expect the adoption of the amendments to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract.” The new guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by the amendments in this update. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods starting in fiscal year 2020 for the Company, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company expects to adopt the new guidance prospectively and does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement”, which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods starting in fiscal year 2020 for the Company. Upon the effective date, certain provisions are to be applied prospectively, while others are to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this ASU and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. We are currently evaluating the impact of the amendments on our consolidated financial statement disclosures. Since the amendments impact only disclosure requirements, we do not expect the amendments to have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”), which requires an entity to assess impairment of its financial instruments based on its estimate of expected credit losses. Since the issuance of ASU 2016-13, the FASB released several amendments to improve and clarify the implementation guidance. The provisions of ASU 2016-13 and the related amendments are effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2019. Entities are required to apply these changes through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. We will adopt the amendments as required in fiscal 2020. We are currently completing our evaluations of the impact of the amendments on

F-15

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

our consolidated financial statements and have determined that the amendments primarily impact our accounts receivable and available-for-sale debt securities.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which supersedes existing guidance for lease accounting. This new standard requires lessees to recognize leases on their balance sheets, and leaves lessor accounting largely unchanged. The new standard requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee accounts for leases as finance leases or operating leases with the recognition of a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability. For finance leases, the lessee recognizes interest expense and amortization of the right-of-use asset, and for operating leases, the lessee recognizes straight-line lease expense. The new lease accounting standard along with the clarifying amendments subsequently issued by the FASB, collectively became effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company adopted the new lease accounting standard by applying the new lease guidance at the adoption date on January 1, 2019, and as allowed under the standard, elected not to restate comparative periods. There was no cumulative-effect adjustment recorded in connection with our adoption. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient to determine the lease term for existing leases. As of January 1, 2019, in connection with the adoption of the new lease accounting standard, the Company recorded a right-of-use lease asset totaling $39,266 with a corresponding lease liability totaling $40,458. Refer to Note 8, Leases, for further details on our adoption of the new standard.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” as amended by ASU No. 2018-03, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” issued in February 2018. The FASB also issued subsequent clarifying amendments during the first quarter of 2018. The Company’s investment portfolio consists of available-for-sale debt securities that are classified in Short-term investments, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, the Company also has Investment securities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets comprised of both nonmarketable and marketable equity securities and equity investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The new guidance requires that most equity investments be measured at fair value, with subsequent changes in fair value recognized in net income (other than those accounted for under equity method of accounting). Under the new guidance, entities are required to record unrealized holding gains and losses on marketable equity securities through income (previous rules allowed this to be recorded through other comprehensive income). However, any unrealized holding gains and losses related to available-for-sale debt securities will continue to be recorded through accumulated other comprehensive income. The new guidance also no longer allows the use of the cost method of accounting for nonmarketable equity securities without readily determinable fair values. However, for these nonmarketable equity investments, entities may elect a measurement alternative to fair value that will allow those investments to be recorded at cost, less impairment, and adjusted for subsequent observable price changes. The new guidance, along with the clarifying amendments, were adopted on January 1, 2018 and the Company has elected to use the measurement alternative to measure our equity investments without readily determinable fair values and this guidance was applied prospectively. See Note 5, Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments, for further information on our equity investments.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).” This standard supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The standard requires an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to receive in exchange for goods or services. During 2016, the FASB issued additional interpretive guidance relating to the standard which covered the topics of principal versus agent considerations and identifying performance obligations and licensing. The new revenue guidance under Topic 606 was adopted on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. Under this transition method, we recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2018. The comparative information presented has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. See Note 4, Revenues, for further details.

F-16

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

3. Earnings Per Share
For purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share, we used the following weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Net income		$	77,061		$	99,588		$	32,640	
										
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding			78,157			77,536			76,743	
Dilutive effect of restricted and performance stock units			1,361			1,877			1,721	
Dilutive effect of convertible debt instruments			10,707			9,206			—	
Dilutive effect of employee share purchase plan			6			—			7	
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding			90,231			88,619			78,471	
										
Earnings per share:										
Basic		$	0.99		$	1.28		$	0.43	
Diluted		$	0.85		$	1.12		$	0.42	
										
Anti-dilutive shares (excluded from per-share calculations):										
Net shares received on purchased call of convertible debt hedge			5,756			5,098			—	
Outstanding restricted and performance stock units			—			3			—	
Effect of Convertible Notes and Related Convertible Note Hedge and Warrants
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company entered into Convertible Note Hedge and Warrant transactions as described further in Note 12, Convertible Debt. The collective impact of the Convertible Note Hedge and Warrants effectively eliminates any economic dilution that may occur from the actual conversion of the Convertible Notes between the conversion price of $24.91 per share and the strike price of the Warrants of $31.89 per share.
The denominator of our diluted earnings per share calculation for 2019 and 2018 includes the effect of additional shares issued using the treasury stock method since the average price of our common stock exceeded the conversion price of the Convertible Notes of $24.91 per share. In addition, the denominator of our diluted earnings per share calculation for those periods also includes the additional shares issued related to the Warrants using the treasury stock method since the average price of our common stock exceeded the strike price of the Warrants of $31.89 per share. The dilution from the Convertible Notes had a $0.12 and $0.13 impact on diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. There was no impact on diluted earnings per share during the year ended December 31, 2017 since the average price of our common stock did not exceed the conversion price of $24.91 per share during that period. Prior to actual conversion, the Convertible Note Hedges are not considered for purposes of the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

F-17

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

4. Revenues
Adoption of ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new revenue recognition standard pursuant to ASC Topic 606 to all contracts using the modified retrospective method. The most significant impact of adoption relates to the acceleration in the timing of revenue recognition of our consumer product licensing and film distribution revenues. The licensing and film distribution revenues historically have not comprised a significant percentage of total consolidated revenues. In 2018 and 2017, total consumer product licensing and film distribution revenues represented 5.7% and 8.8% of total consolidated revenues, respectively. Prior to the adoption of the new revenue standard in 2018, we recorded revenues from our consumer product licensing arrangements and film distribution arrangements on a lag upon the receipt of statements from the licensee and/or film distributor. Under the new revenue recognition standard, revenues are recorded based on best estimates available in the period of sales or usage. Financial statements presented for the reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts presented are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting under ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition.
Under the modified retrospective transition method, we recorded a net cumulative effect adjustment of $10,086 as an increase to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The cumulative effect impact of adopting Topic 606 related primarily to our consumer product licensing revenues.
The impact to our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 as a result of applying ASC Topic 606 was a decrease to our Net revenues, Operating expenses and Operating income of $2,971, $1,360 and $1,611, respectively.
See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Revenue Recognition for information on our revenue recognition accounting policies.

F-18

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Disaggregated Revenues
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by primary revenue sources. Sales and usage-based taxes are excluded from revenues.

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Net revenues:										
Media Segment:										
Network (including pay-per-view)		$	184,553		$	199,318		$	190,627	
Core content rights fees (1)			348,593			269,793			244,247	
Advertising and sponsorships			72,428			69,529			51,838	
Other (2)			137,525			144,711			48,858	
Total Media Segment net revenues			743,099			683,351			535,570	
Live Events Segment:										
North American ticket sales			93,812			105,386			111,986	
International ticket sales			19,048			22,347			31,731	
Advertising and sponsorships			2,072			2,124			1,965	
Other (3)			10,653			14,346			6,023	
Total Live Events Segment net revenues			125,585			144,203			151,705	
Consumer Products Segment:										
Consumer product licensing			43,197			45,970			52,127	
eCommerce			29,882			34,942			37,815	
Venue merchandise			18,679			21,694			23,742	
Total Consumer Products Segment net revenues			91,758			102,606			113,684	
Total net revenues		$	960,442		$	930,160		$	800,959	
										
(1)
Core content rights fees consist primarily of licensing revenues earned from the distribution of our flagship programs, Raw and SmackDown, as well as our NXT programming, through global broadcast, pay television and digital platforms.
(2)
Other revenues within our Media segment reflect revenues earned from the distribution of other WWE content, including, but not limited to, certain live in-ring programming in international markets, scripted, reality and other programming, as well as theatrical and direct-to-home video releases.
(3)
Other revenues within our Live Events segment primarily consists of the sale of travel packages associated with the Company’s global live events and commissions earned through secondary ticketing, as well as revenues from events for which the Company receives a fixed fee.

Except for our WWE Network subscriptions revenues, which are recorded over time during the subscription term and our consumer product licensing revenues which are recorded over time during the licensing period, our other revenue streams identified in the table above are generally recognized at a point-in-time when the performance obligations are satisfied.
Payment Terms and Other
Our revenues do not include material amounts of variable consideration, other than the sale or usage-based royalties earned related to our consumer product licensing and certain other content rights contracts. Our payment terms vary by the type of products or services offered, and may be subject to contractual payment terms, which may include advance payment requirements. The time between invoicing and when payment is due is not significant, generally within 30 to 60 days. We have elected the practical expedient to not adjust the total consideration within a contract to reflect a financing component when the duration of the financing is one year or less. Our contracts do not generally include a significant financing component. Our contracts with customers do not generally result in significant obligations associated with returns, refunds or warranties.

F-19

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Remaining Performance Obligations
As of December 31, 2019, for contracts greater than one year, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations is $3,523,289, comprised of our multi-year content distribution, consumer product licensing and sponsorship contracts. We will recognize rights fees related to our multi-year content distribution contracts as content is delivered to the distributors during the periods 2020 through 2027. We will recognize the revenues associated with the minimum guarantees on our multi-year consumer product licensing arrangements by the end of the licensing periods, which range from 2020 through 2025. For our multi-year sponsorship arrangements, we will recognize sponsorship revenues as the sponsorship obligations are satisfied during the periods 2020 through 2028. The transaction price related to these future obligations do not include any variable consideration, which generally consists of sales or usage-based royalties earned on consumer product licensing and certain other content rights contracts. The variability related to these sales or usage-based royalties will be resolved in the periods when the licensee generates sales related to the intellectual property license.
Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities (Deferred Revenues)
A contract asset results when goods or services have been transferred to the customer, but payment is contingent upon a future event, other than the passage of time (i.e. type of unbilled receivable). The Company does not have any material unbilled receivables, therefore, does not have any contract assets, only accounts receivable as disclosed on the face of our consolidated balance sheet.
We record deferred revenues (also referred to as contract liabilities under Topic 606) when cash payments are received or due in advance of our performance. Our deferred revenue balance primarily relates to advance payments received related to our content distribution rights agreements, our consumer product licensing agreements, and our sponsorship and advertising arrangements. The Company’s deferred revenue (i.e. contract liabilities) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $57,025 and $49,487, respectively, and are included within Deferred income and Other non-current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The net increase in the deferred revenue balance for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $7,538 is primarily driven by television rights and licensing advances received, partially offset by revenue recognized in 2019 as a result of satisfying our performance obligations. The balance of the current portion of deferred revenue recorded as of December 31, 2018 of $49,173 was recognized into revenue during 2019.
Contract Costs (Costs of Obtaining a Contract)
Except for certain multi-year content distribution arrangements, we generally expense sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within Marketing and selling expenses within our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Capitalized commission fees of $825 and $1,886 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, relate primarily to incremental costs of obtaining our long-term content distribution arrangements and these costs are being amortized over the duration of the underlying content agreements on a straight-line basis to Marketing and selling expenses. The amount of amortization was $1,061, $1,356 and $1,281 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and there was no impairment in relation to the costs capitalized.

5. Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments
Investment Securities
Included within Investment Securities are the following:

							
							
		As of December 31,	
		2019		2018	
Equity method investments		$	14,342		$	14,508	
Nonmarketable equity investments without readily determinable fair values			13,359			10,840	
Marketable equity investments with readily determinable fair values			405			4,848	
Total investment securities		$	28,106		$	30,196	
Equity Method Investments

Our equity method investments relate primarily to our investment in Tapout. In March 2015, WWE and ABG formed a joint venture to re-launch an apparel and lifestyle brand, Tapout. ABG agreed to contribute certain intangible assets for the Tapout brand,

F-20

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

licensing contracts, systems, and other administrative functions to Tapout. The Company agreed to contribute promotional and marketing services related to the venture for a period of at least five years in exchange for a 50% interest in the profits and losses and voting interest in Tapout. The Company valued its initial investment of $13,800 based on the fair value of the existing licensing contracts contributed by ABG. To the extent that Tapout records income or losses, we record our share proportionate to our ownership percentage, and any dividends received reduce the carrying amount of the investment. Net equity method earnings from Tapout are included as a component of Other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net dividends received from Tapout are reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows within Net cash provided by operating activities. The Company did not record any impairment charges related to our investment in Tapout during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

The following table presents the net equity method earnings from Tapout and net dividends received from Tapout for the periods presented:

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Net equity method earnings from Tapout		$	911		$	1,118		$	1,141	
Net dividends received from Tapout			(1,061)			(1,274)			(1,084)	
Equity in earnings of affiliate, net of dividends received		$	(150)		$	(156)		$	57	

As promotional services are provided to Tapout, we record revenue and reduce the existing service obligation. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recorded revenues of $2,759, $2,767 and $2,720, respectively, related to our fulfillment of our promotional services obligation to Tapout. The remaining service obligation as of December 31, 2019 was $231, and was included in Deferred Income.
Our known maximum exposure to loss approximates the remaining service obligation to Tapout, which was $231 as of December 31, 2019. Creditors of Tapout do not have recourse against the general credit of the Company.
Nonmarketable Equity Investments Without Readily Determinable Fair Values
Beginning in 2018, the Company prospectively adopted a new accounting standard on the accounting for equity investments. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements, for further details. We evaluate our nonmarketable equity investments without readily determinable fair values for impairment if factors indicate that a significant decrease in value has occurred. Under the new standard, the Company has elected to use the measurement alternative to fair value that will allow these investments to be recorded at cost, less impairment, and adjusted for subsequent observable price changes.
The following table summarizes the impairments and observable price change event adjustments recorded on our nonmarketable equity investments without readily determinable fair values for the periods presented:

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Impairments (1)		$	—		$	(3,773)		$	—	
Observable price change upward adjustments (2)			1,151			2,181			—	
Observable price change downward adjustments			—			—			—	
Total income (loss) from adjustments to nonmarketable equity investments		$	1,151		$	(1,592)		$	—	
(1)
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded an impairment charge on our investment in a mobile video publishing business for the excess of the carrying value over its estimated fair value resulting from going concern issues of the underlying investee company. This charge is reflected in Other income, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(2)
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded upward adjustments to the carrying value related to two of the Company’s equity investments. The adjustments were the result of an observable price change events in connection with financing rounds completed by the investees where the underlying value of the preferred shares issued were greater than the value of WWE’s substantially similar preferred shares in the investees. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded an upward adjustment to the carrying value related to one of the Company’s equity investments. The adjustment was the result of an observable price change event in connection with a financing round completed by the investee where the underlying value of the preferred shares issued were greater than the value per share of WWE’s substantially similar preferred shares in the investee. These upward adjustments are reflected in Other income, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

F-21

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Marketable Equity Investments With a Readily Determinable Fair Values

As of December 31, 2019, our investment portfolio includes one investment in a marketable equity security of a publicly traded company. The Company accounts for the equity investment in the common stock of Phunware Inc. (“Phunware”), a software application developer, as a marketable equity investment with readily determinable fair values based on quoted prices on the NASDAQ. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded unrealized holding losses of $4,444 and unrealized holding gains of $2,474, respectively, based on the closing stock price of the investee company as of the last trading day of the period, which is included in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2017, prior to the accounting rule change on marketable equity investments, unrealized holding gains and losses were recorded through other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Short-Term Investments
Our short-term investments consist of available-for-sale debt securities which are measured at fair value and consisted of the following:

																									
																									
		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018	
					Gross Unrealized								Gross Unrealized				
		Amortized								Fair		Amortized								Fair	
		Cost		Gain		(Loss)		Value		Cost		Gain		(Loss)		Value	
U.S. Treasury securities		$	32,124		$	27		$	(13)		$	32,138		$	62,847		$	4		$	(439)		$	62,412	
Corporate bonds			120,012			89			(74)			120,027			100,543			—			(1,037)			99,506	
Municipal bonds			2,165			—			—			2,165			7,900			—			(41)			7,859	
Government agency bonds			5,693			11			—			5,704			22,066			—			(157)			21,909	
Total		$	159,994		$	127		$	(87)		$	160,034		$	193,356		$	4		$	(1,674)		$	191,686	

We classify the investments listed in the above table as available-for-sale debt securities. Such investments consist of U.S. Treasury securities, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, including pre-refunded municipal bonds, and government agency bonds. These investments are stated at fair value as required by the applicable accounting guidance. Unrealized gains and losses on such securities are reflected, net of tax, as other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Our U.S. Treasury securities, corporate bonds, municipal bonds and government agency bonds are included in Short-term investments, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains and losses on investments are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.
As of December 31, 2019, contractual maturities of these securities are as follows:

			
			
		Maturities	
U.S. Treasury securities		1 month - 2 years	
Corporate bonds		1 month - 3 years	
Municipal bonds		1 month	
Government agency bonds		3 months - 2 years	

During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recognized $4,728, $4,508 and $2,007, respectively, of interest income on our short-term investments. Interest income is reflected as a component of Other income, net within our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table summarizes the short-term investment activity:

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Proceeds from maturities and calls of short-term investments		$	157,487		$	61,428		$	35,660	
Purchases of short-term investments		$	124,282		$	94,910		$	142,373	

F-22

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

6. Fair Value Measurement
Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
The accounting guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy that ranks the quality and reliability of information used in developing fair value estimates. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data. In cases where two or more levels of inputs are used to determine fair value, a financial instrument's level is determined based on the lowest level input that is considered significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are summarized as follows:

		
Level 1-	Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;	
Level 2-	Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities that are directly or indirectly observable; or	
Level 3-	Unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations, in which little or no market data exists.	

Certain financial instruments are carried at cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, which approximates fair value due to their short-term, highly liquid nature. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, money market accounts, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of such instruments.
We have classified our investments in U.S. Treasury securities, corporate bonds, municipal bonds and government agency bonds, which collectively are investments in available-for-sale debt securities, within Level 2, as their valuation requires quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and/or model-based valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data. The U.S. Treasury securities, corporate bonds, municipal bonds and government agency bonds are valued based on model-driven valuations. A third-party service provider assists the Company with compiling market prices from a variety of industry standard data sources, security master files from large financial institutions and other third-party sources that are used to value our U.S. Treasury securities, corporate bonds, municipal bonds and government agency bond investments. The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 fair value investments during the periods presented.
The fair value measurements of our equity investments without readily determinable fair values are classified within Level 3 as significant unobservable inputs are used as part of the determination of fair value. Significant unobservable inputs include variables such as near-term prospects of the investees, recent financing activities of the investees, and the investees’ capital structure, as well as other economic variables, which reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing these assets. Beginning in 2018, the Company prospectively adopted a new accounting standard on the accounting for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements, for further details. Under the new standard, the Company has elected to use the measurement alternative to fair value that will allow these investments to be recorded at cost, less impairment, and adjusted for subsequent observable price changes. Refer to Note 5, Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments, for details on impairments and observable pricing event adjustments related to our equity investments without readily determinable fair values.

The Company's long-lived property and equipment, feature film and television production assets are required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis if it is determined that indicators of impairment exist. These assets are recorded at fair value only when an impairment is recognized. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded non-cash abandonment charges of $940 and $1,693, respectively, to write off the carrying value of certain assets included within property and equipment that we deemed will no longer be used by the Company and had no further alternative use. These charges are included as a component of Operating expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Apart from these charges, the Company did not record any other impairment charges on long lived property and equipment and television production assets during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. The Company classifies these assets as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy due to significant unobservable inputs.
During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded impairment charges of $1,301, $4,865 and $5,472 on feature film production assets based upon fair value measurements of $943, $3,635, and $4,347, respectively. Refer to Note 9, Feature Film Production Assets, for further discussion. The Company classifies these fair values as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy due to significant unobservable inputs. The Company utilizes a discounted cash flows model to determine the fair value of these impaired films where indicators of impairment exist. The significant unobservable inputs to this model are the Company’s expected

F-23

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

cash flows for the film, including projected home video sales, pay and free TV sales and international sales, and a discount rate of 13% that we estimate market participants would seek for bearing the risk associated with such assets. The Company utilizes an independent third-party valuation specialist who assists us in gathering the necessary inputs used in our model.
The fair value of the Company's long-term debt, consisting of a mortgage loan assumed in connection with a building purchase and a promissory note secured by the Company’s Corporate Jet, is estimated based upon quoted price estimates for similar debt arrangements. At December 31, 2019, the face amount of the mortgage loan and promissory note approximates their fair value.

The convertible debt is not marked to fair value at the end of each reporting period, but instead is reported at amortized cost. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the calculation of the fair value of the debt component of the Company’s convertible debt required the use of Level 3 inputs, and was determined by calculating the fair value of similar debt without the associated conversion feature based on market conditions at that time:

													
													
		December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018	
		Fair Value		Carrying Value (1)		Fair Value		Carrying Value (1)	
Convertible senior notes		$	207,338		$	192,262		$	189,323		$	187,371	
(1)
The carrying value of the convertible debt instrument presented in the table above represents the face value of the convertible note less unamortized debt discount.

7. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following:

							
							
		As of December 31,	
		2019		2018	
Land, buildings and improvements		$	163,202		$	141,070	
Equipment and projects-in-progress			156,068			129,367	
Corporate aircraft			32,249			32,249	
Vehicles			1,030			942	
			352,549			303,628	
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(177,797)			(155,539)	
Total		$	174,752		$	148,089	

Depreciation expense for property and equipment totaled $30,190, $24,176 and $24,680 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded non-cash abandonment charges of $940 and $1,693, respectively, to write off the carrying value of certain assets that we deemed will no longer be used by the Company and had no further alternative use. These charges are included as a component of Operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

8. Leases
Lease Adoption on January 1, 2019

The Company adopted the new lease standard and applied the new rules starting on January 1, 2019 and elected not to restate prior periods as provided by the transition rules of the standard. Upon the adoption of the new lease standard on January 1, 2019, we recorded a right-of-use asset of $39,266 and a lease liability of $40,458. Included as a component of the adoption entry is the immaterial out-of-period correction of previously omitted capital leases embedded in our service agreements that were identified during our lease portfolio review. These leases were comprised of a right-of-use asset of $16,620 and a lease liability of $17,812, with the resulting difference of $1,192 recorded as expense in the period. Based on quantitative and qualitative considerations, we do not believe the omitted capital leases were material to our historical consolidated financial statements.

F-24

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Information about the Nature of WWE’s Lease Portfolio

As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s lease portfolio consists of operating and finance real estate leases for its sales offices, performance centers, warehouses and corporate related facilities. In addition, we have various live event production service arrangements that contain operating and finance equipment leases. With the exception of our new global headquarters lease that commenced on July 1, 2019 (see additional details below), our other real estate leases have remaining lease terms of approximately one year to eight years, some of which may include options to extend the leases. Our equipment leases, which are included as part of various operating service arrangements, generally have remaining lease terms of approximately one year to three years. Generally, no covenants are imposed by our lease agreements.

As previously announced on March 18, 2019, the Company entered into a lease with Stamford Washington Office LLC (the “Landlord”) under which the Company will lease approximately 415,266 rentable square feet in an office complex located in Stamford, Connecticut. The new location will allow the Company to bring together its operations, including its production studios and corporate offices, at its new site.

﻿ The lease commenced on July 1, 2019 at which time the Company gained control of the leased premises. The lease provides the Company with an 18 month free rent period from the lease commencement date, followed by an initial base term of 15 years with base rental payments of $19,101 per year for the first five years, and increasing to $20,927 per year over the second five year term, and $22,754 per year over the third five year term. The lease includes five, five year renewal options, with the first three renewal options renewing at the lower of the then-escalated rent per the lease agreement or the fair market value rent, and the last two renewal options renewing at the fair market value rent. The lease is accounted for as a finance lease under the lease accounting guidance.
At lease commencement, the Company recorded a lease obligation of $325,453 and right-of-use asset of $285,762, net of tenant improvement allowances of $40,069 which are expected to be received from the landlord. The tenant improvement allowance is recorded within Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company expects to complete its move into the new space in early 2021.
Practical Expedient Elections

The Company applied the “package” of transition practical expedients which allows for the Company as of the adoption date on January 1, 2019 to (i) not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) to not reassess lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (iii) to not reassess treatment of initial direct costs, if any, for any expired or existing leases. The Company did not elect the “hindsight” practical expedient which would have allowed the Company to use hindsight when determining the remaining lease term as of the adoption date on January 1, 2019.
Key Estimates and Judgments
Key estimates and judgments made in applying the lease accounting rules include how the Company determines (i) the discount rate it uses to discount the unpaid lease payments to present value, (ii) lease term and (iii) lease payments. ASC 842 requires a lessee to discount its unpaid lease payments using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, its incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Company cannot readily determine the interest rate implicit in the lease and therefore uses the incremental borrowing rate for its leases. The incremental borrowing rate reflects the rate of interest that the Company would pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms. The incremental borrowing rates were generally determined by estimating the appropriate collateralized borrowing rates to be used for our leases and considered certain factors including, the lease term, economic environment and the assumed credit rating profile of the Company. The lease term for all of the Company’s lease arrangements include the noncancelable period of the lease plus, if applicable, any additional periods covered by an option to extend the lease that is reasonably certain to be exercised by the Company.

F-25

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Quantitative Disclosures Related to Leases

The following table provides quantitative disclosure about the Company’s operating and financing leases for the periods presented:

				
				
		For the year ended	
		December 31,	
		2019	
Lease costs				
Finance lease costs:				
Amortization of right-of-use assets		$	12,556	
Interest on lease liabilities			10,020	
Operating lease costs			8,693	
Other short-term and variable lease costs			1,914	
Sublease income (1)			(64)	
Total lease costs		$	33,119	
				
Other information				
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:				
Operating cash flows from finance leases		$	607	
Operating cash flows from operating leases		$	7,945	
Finance cash flows from finance leases		$	8,352	
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities (2)		$	286,330	
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (2)		$	6,283	
				
		As of	
		December 31,	
		2019	
Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases			29.8 years	
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases			4.3 years	
Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases			4.8%	
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases			4.6%	
(1)
Sublease income excludes rental income from owned properties.
(2)
Includes right-of-use assets for leases that commenced after January 1, 2019.

Maturity of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019 were as follows:

							
							
		Operating		Finance	
		Leases		Leases	
2020		$	7,510		$	8,292	
2021			6,348			20,883	
2022			3,396			19,345	
2023			1,917			19,255	
2024			1,613			19,205	
Thereafter			2,670			636,313	
Total lease payment			23,454			723,293	
Less: imputed interest			(2,297)			(379,883)	
Total future minimum lease payments		$	21,157		$	343,410	

F-26

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

9. Feature Film Production Assets, Net
Feature film production assets consisted of the following:

							
							
		As of December 31,	
		2019		2018	
In release		$	8,273		$	12,430	
In production			7,397			707	
In development			203			421	
Total		$	15,873		$	13,558	

Approximately 27% of “In release” film production assets are estimated to be amortized over the next 12 months and approximately 63% of “In release” film production assets are estimated to be amortized over the next three years. We anticipate amortizing 80% of our "In release" film production assets within five years as we receive revenues associated with television distribution of our licensed films. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we amortized $4,135, $3,106 and $11,748, respectively, of feature film production assets. During these periods, our films were released under a co-distribution model. Under the co-distribution model, third-party distribution partners control the distribution and marketing of co-distributed films, and as a result, we recognize our share of revenue after the third-party distribution partners recoup distribution fees and expenses and results are reported to us. Results are typically reported to us in periods subsequent to the initial release of the film. In certain arrangements, where worldwide film rights and interests are sold to third-party distribution partners, we recognize revenue upon delivery of the completed film to the third-party.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, one of our feature films, Fighting With My Family, was released via theatrical distribution. Additionally, during 2019, we recognized revenues of $1,250 associated with the sale of rights related to our feature film, Buddy Games.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we released one film via theatrical distribution, Blood Brother, and one film direct to DVD, The Marine 6: Close Quarters. These two films comprised $1,998 of our “In release” feature film assets as of December 31, 2018.
We currently have three film designated as "In production." We also have capitalized certain script development costs for various other film projects designated as “In development.” Capitalized script development costs are evaluated at each reporting period for impairment and to determine if a project is deemed to be abandoned. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we expensed $282, $851 and $157, respectively, related to previously capitalized development costs related to abandoned projects.
Unamortized feature film production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. We review and revise estimates of ultimate revenue and participation costs at each reporting period to reflect the most current information available. If estimates for a film’s ultimate revenue and/or costs are revised and indicate a significant decline in a film’s profitability or if events or circumstances change that indicate we should assess whether the fair value of a film is less than its unamortized film costs, we calculate the film’s estimated fair value using a discounted cash flows model. If fair value is less than unamortized cost, the film asset is written down to fair value.
We recorded impairment charges of $1,301, $4,865 and $5,472 related to our feature films during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These impairment charges represent the excess of the recorded net carrying value over the estimated fair value.

F-27

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

10. Television Production Assets, Net
Television production assets consisted of the following:

							
							
		As of December 31,	
		2019		2018	
In release		$	1,042		$	1,308	
Completed but not released			171			—	
In production			2,959			6,165	
Total		$	4,172		$	7,473	

Television production assets consist primarily of non-live event episodic television series we have produced for distribution through a variety of platforms, including on our WWE Network. Amounts capitalized include development costs, production costs, production overhead and employee salaries. Costs to produce episodic programming for television or distribution on WWE Network are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management's estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from exploitation, exhibition or sale.

Amortization of television production assets consisted of the following:

										
										
		For the year ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Television programming		$	24,815		$	22,312		$	17,399	
WWE Network programming			5,175			7,256			3,738	
Total		$	29,990		$	29,568		$	21,137	

Costs to produce our live event programming are expensed when the event is first broadcast, and are not included in the capitalized costs or amortization tables noted above.
Unamortized television production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. If conditions indicate a potential impairment, and the estimated future cash flows are not sufficient to recover the unamortized asset, the asset is written down to fair value. In addition, if we determine that a program will not likely air, we will expense the remaining unamortized asset. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we did not record any impairments related to our television production assets.
 
11. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:

							
							
		As of December 31,	
		2019		2018	
Trade related		$	9,282		$	12,198	
Staff related			8,651			10,255	
Management incentive compensation			6,481			37,103	
Talent related			8,184			8,799	
Accrued WWE Network related expenses			5,510			2,054	
Accrued event and television production			16,627			13,881	
Accrued legal and professional			5,716			4,906	
Accrued purchases of property and equipment			4,997			13,464	
Accrued film liability			5,986			2,774	
Accrued other			9,158			14,724	
Total		$	80,592		$	120,158	

F-28

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Accrued other includes accruals for our international and licensing business activities, as well as other miscellaneous accruals, none of which categories individually exceeds 5% of current liabilities.

12. Convertible Debt
In December 2016 and January 2017, we issued $215,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.375% convertible senior notes due 2023 (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes are due December 15, 2023, unless earlier repurchased by us or converted. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on June 15, 2017.
The Convertible Notes are governed by an Indenture between us, as issuer, and U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee. The Convertible Notes will be our general unsecured obligations and will rank senior in right of payment to any of our indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Convertible Notes; equal in right of payment to any of our unsecured indebtedness that is not so subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to any of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of our subsidiaries. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other winding up, our assets that secure secured debt will be available to pay obligations on the Convertible Notes only after all indebtedness under such secured debt has been repaid in full from such assets.
Upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, we will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of our Class A common stock or a combination of cash and shares of Class A common stock, at our election, at a conversion rate of approximately 40.1405 shares of common stock per $1 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, which corresponds to an initial conversion price of approximately $24.91 per share of Class A common stock. At any time, prior to the close on the business day immediately preceding June 15, 2023, the Convertible Notes will be convertible under the following circumstances:
a)
During any calendar quarter beginning after the calendar quarter ending on December 31, 2016 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of our Class A common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day;
b)
During the 5 business day period after any 10 consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1 principal amount of Convertible Notes for each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our Class A common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day;
c)
Upon the occurrence of specified corporate events; or
d)
On or after June 15, 2023 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert all or any portion of their Convertible Notes, in multiples of $1 principal amount, at the option of the holder regardless of the foregoing circumstances.
Pursuant to item (a) noted above, the Convertible Notes have been convertible since April 1, 2018, and holders of the Convertible Notes have the right to convert their notes at any time through at least March 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, since the Convertible Notes are convertible at the option of the holders, the Convertible Notes are reflected in current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2019, no actual conversions have occurred to date. See Note 3, Earnings Per Share, for a description of the dilutive nature of the Convertible Notes.
As a result of our cash conversion option, we separately accounted for the value of the embedded conversion option as a debt discount at its issuance date estimated fair value. The debt discount is amortized as additional non-cash interest expense over the term of the Convertible Notes using the effective interest method. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. In accounting for the transaction costs related to the Note issuances, we allocated the total amount of offering costs incurred to the debt and equity components based on their relative values. Offering costs attributable to the debt component are amortized as non-cash interest expense over the term of the Convertible Notes. Offering costs attributable to the equity component were netted with the equity component in stockholders' equity.

F-29

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

The Convertible Notes consisted of the following components:

							
							
		As of December 31,	
		2019		2018	
Debt component:							
Principal		$	215,000		$	215,000	
Less: Unamortized debt discount			(22,738)			(27,629)	
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs			(3,595)			(4,281)	
Net carrying amount		$	188,667		$	183,090	
							
Equity component (1)		$	35,547		$	35,547	
(1)
Recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets within additional paid-in capital.
The following table sets forth total interest expense recognized related to the Convertible Notes:

										
										
		For the year ended	
		December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
3.375% contractual coupon		$	7,256		$	7,256		$	7,232	
Amortization of debt discount			4,891			4,588			4,290	
Amortization of debt issuance costs			686			617			553	
Additional interest on Convertible Notes (1)			1,370			—			—	
Interest expense		$	14,203		$	12,461		$	12,075	
(1)
During the year ended December 31, 2019, additional nonrecurring interest expense was incurred pursuant to the notes’ indenture related to the removal of the restrictive legend and assignment of the unrestricted CUSIP on the Convertible Notes.

Convertible Note Hedge
In connection with the pricing of the Convertible Notes in December 2016 and January 2017, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions with respect to our Class A common stock (the “Note Hedge”) with three separate counterparties. The Note Hedge transactions cover approximately 8.63 million shares of our Class A common stock and are exercisable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes. The Note Hedge will expire on December 15, 2023, unless earlier terminated. The Note Hedge transactions have been accounted for as part of additional paid-in capital.
Warrant Transactions
In connection with entering into the Note Hedge transactions described above, we also concurrently entered into separate warrant transactions (the “Warrants”), to sell warrants to acquire approximately 8.63 million shares of our Class A common stock in connection with the Note Hedge transactions at an initial strike price of approximately $31.89 per share, which represented a premium of approximately 60.0% over the last reported sale price of our Class A common stock of $19.93 on December 12, 2016 (initial issuance date of the Convertible Notes). The Warrants transactions have been accounted for as part of additional paid-in capital.

F-30

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

13. Long-Term Debt and Credit Facility
Long-Term Debt

Included within Long-Term Debt are the following:

							
							
		As of	
		December 31,		December 31,	
		2019		2018	
Current portion of long-term debt:							
Aircraft financing		$	3,218		$	4,740	
Mortgage			395			378	
Total current portion of long-term debt			3,613			5,118	
							
Long-term debt:							
Aircraft financing		$	—		$	3,218	
Mortgage			22,098			22,478	
Total long-term debt			22,098			25,696	
							
Total		$	25,711		$	30,814	
Mortgage
In September 2016, the Company acquired real property and assumed future obligations under a loan agreement, dated June 8, 2015, in the principal amount of $23,000, which loan is secured by a mortgage on the property. The loan bears interest at the rate of 4.50% per annum and required monthly interest only payments of $86 until June 2018 and interest and principal payments of $117 per month thereafter, with a balloon payment on maturity on July 5, 2025. There is a significant yield maintenance premium for prepayments. Pursuant to the loan agreement, since the assets of WWE Real Estate, a subsidiary of the Company, represent collateral for the underlying mortgage, these assets will not be available to satisfy debts and obligations due to any other creditors of the Company.
As of December 31, 2019, the scheduled principal repayments under our mortgage obligation for the subsequent five years and the remaining term of the mortgage are as follows:

				
				
December 31, 2020		$	395	
December 31, 2021			412	
December 31, 2022			431	
December 31, 2023			451	
December 31, 2024			472	
Thereafter			20,332	
		$	22,493	
Aircraft Financing
In August 2013, the Company entered into a $31,568 promissory note (the “Aircraft Note”) with Citizens Asset Finance, Inc., for the purchase of a 2007 Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft and refurbishments. In August 2017, the Aircraft Note was assigned to Fifth Third Equipment Finance Company. The Aircraft Note bears interest at a rate of 2.18% per annum, is payable in monthly installments of $406, inclusive of interest, and has a final maturity of August 7, 2020. The Aircraft Note is secured by a first priority perfected security interest in the purchased aircraft.

F-31

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

As of December 31, 2019, the scheduled principal repayments under our Aircraft Note obligation for the subsequent year is as follows:

				
				
December 31, 2020		$	3,218	
		$	3,218	

The table above assumes that the Aircraft Note will not be prepaid prior to its maturity on August 7, 2020.
Credit Facility
Revolving Credit Facility
On May 24, 2019, the Company entered into an amended and restated $200,000 senior unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicated group of banks, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. acting as Administrative Agent (the “Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility”). The Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility replaced the previous $100,000 revolving credit facility and, among other things, extends the maturity date from July 29, 2021 to May 24, 2024. Applicable interest rates for the borrowings under the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility are based on the Company's current consolidated leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2019, the LIBOR-based rate plus margin was 3.16%. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee calculated at a rate per annum of 0.175% on the average daily unused portion of the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility. Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility, the Company is subject to certain financial covenants and restrictions, including restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and limitations with respect to our indebtedness, liens, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, investments, capital expenditures and transactions with affiliates.
As of December 31, 2019, the Company was in compliance with the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility, and had available debt capacity under the terms of the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility of $200,000. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no amounts outstanding under the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility.
 
14. Income Taxes
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the effective tax rate on income from continuing operations was 18.6%, 6.1% and 49.0%, respectively.
The components of our tax provision are as follows:

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Current taxes:										
Federal		$	(294)		$	81		$	7,785	
State and local			1,422			235			1,313	
Foreign			7,028			7,191			8,750	
Deferred taxes:										
Federal			8,015			(1,774)			13,177	
State and local			1,412			737			396	
Foreign			34			(21)			(1)	
Total income tax expense		$	17,617		$	6,449		$	31,420	

Within the current foreign tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 is $7,587, $7,350 and $8,453, respectively, of foreign withholding taxes paid on income included within the US pre-tax book income below. The federal deferred tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes a charge of $10,878 associated with the remeasurement of our deferred tax assets due to the revised corporate tax rate as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

F-32

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Components of income before income taxes are as follows:

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
United States		$	92,701		$	104,338		$	62,280	
Foreign			1,977			1,699			1,780	
Total income before income taxes		$	94,678		$	106,037		$	64,060	

The following sets forth the difference between the provision/(benefit) for income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% (for 2019 and 2018) and 35% (for 2017) and that reported for financial statement purposes:

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Statutory U.S. federal tax		$	19,880		$	22,268		$	22,421	
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit			3,962			4,915			1,472	
Foreign rate differential			(53)			(50)			(298)	
Tax exempt interest income			(16)			(32)			(86)	
Qualified production activity deduction			—			—			(1,750)	
Nondeductible executive compensation			1,669			2,672			136	
Unrecognized tax benefits			(23)			46			(146)	
Meals and entertainment			261			233			317	
Employee Stock Purchase Plan			(87)			248			44	
Deferred tax asset remeasurement			—			(111)			10,878	
Deemed repatriation transition tax			—			(19)			406	
Foreign-derived intangible income (FDII)			(422)			(1,346)			—	
Global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI)			273			122			—	
Excess tax benefits related to the vesting of share-based compensation			(9,394)			(22,473)			(1,604)	
Other			1,567			(24)			(370)	
Provision for income taxes		$	17,617		$	6,449		$	31,420	

F-33

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

The tax effects of temporary differences and net operating losses that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities consisted of the following:

							
							
		As of December 31,	
		2019		2018	
Deferred tax assets:							
Accounts receivable		$	110		$	145	
Inventory			1,702			1,329	
Deferred income			1,555			1,932	
Stock compensation			5,572			7,090	
Net operating loss carryforward			1,080			1,103	
Foreign tax credits			7,158			5,055	
Investments			695			2,193	
Intangible assets			1,750			1,619	
Capitalized feature film production costs			1,410			1,418	
Accrued liabilities and reserves			1,041			1,278	
Lease obligations			7,951			—	
Federal benefit related to uncertain tax positions			40			108	
Deferred tax assets, gross			30,064			23,270	
Valuation allowance			(1,080)			(1,103)	
Deferred tax assets, net			28,984			22,167	
Deferred tax liabilities:							
Property and equipment depreciation			(12,509)			(2,672)	
Deferred revenue			(1,664)			—	
Right-of-use assets			(4,470)			—	
Investments			(3,124)			(2,357)	
Deferred tax liabilities			(21,767)			(5,029)	
Total deferred tax assets, net		$	7,217		$	17,138	

The temporary differences described above represent differences between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years when the reported amounts of the assets or liabilities are recovered or settled. The Company received tax deductions from the vesting of restricted stock units and performance stock units of $65,885, $115,792 and $21,457 in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had $7,217 and $17,138, respectively, of deferred tax assets, net, included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The decrease in our net deferred tax asset balance was primarily driven by 100% bonus depreciation, the change in valuation of various equity investments and method changes related to the new revenue recognition standard, partially offset by the impact of the adoption of the new lease standard.
During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recognized $9,394, $22,473 and $1,604, respectively, of excess tax benefits related to the Company’s share-based compensation awards at vesting. Income tax effects of vested awards are included within the provision for income taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The tax benefit recorded is driven by the increase in the Company’s stock price between the original grant date of the awards and their subsequent vesting date. The corresponding offset of these tax benefits is included as a component of Prepaid expenses and other current assets within our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Discrete tax items, including the aforementioned excess tax benefits, resulted in a net tax benefit of $7,919 and $22,650 during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and a net tax expense of $9,160 during the year ended December 31, 2017. Excluding these items, our effective tax rate was 27%, 27% and 35% for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had valuation allowances of $1,080 and $1,103 respectively, to reduce our deferred tax assets to an amount more likely than not to be recovered. This valuation allowance relates to foreign income taxes and the resulting net operating losses in foreign jurisdictions where we have ceased operations.

F-34

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is required to reduce the net deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized in future periods. The Company believes that based on past performance, expected future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized. Changes in these factors may cause us to increase our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, which would impact our income tax expense in the period we determine that these factors have changed.
We are subject to periodic audits of our various tax returns by government agencies which could result in possible tax liabilities. Although the outcome of these matters cannot currently be determined, we believe the outcome of these audits will not have a material effect on our financial statements.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized $193 of previously unrecognized tax benefits. This primarily relates to the statute of limitations expiring in certain state and local jurisdictions. Included in the amount recognized was $8 of potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized $108 of previously unrecognized tax benefits relating to the statute of limitations expiring in certain state and local jurisdictions. Included in the amount recognized was $15 of potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The recognition of these amounts contributed to our effective tax rate of 18.6% for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to 6.1% for the year ended December 31, 2018.
At December 31, 2019, we had $251 of unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate, which is classified in Other non-current liabilities. At December 31, 2018, we had $420 of unrecognized tax benefits, which is classified in Other non-current liabilities.
Unrecognized tax benefit activity is as follows:

							
							
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018	
Beginning Balance- January 1		$	420		$	389	
Increase to unrecognized tax benefits recorded for positions taken during 
‎   the current year			7			64	
Increase to unrecognized tax benefits recorded for positions 
‎   taken during a prior period			9			65	
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits relating to settlements with taxing 
‎   authorities			—			(7)	
Decrease to unrecognized tax benefits resulting from a lapse of the 
‎   applicable statute of limitations			(185)			(91)	
Ending Balance- December 31		$	251		$	420	

We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. We have $63 of accrued interest and $31 of accrued penalties related to uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2019 classified in Other non-current liabilities. At December 31, 2018, we had $61 of accrued interest and $31 of accrued penalties related to uncertain tax positions classified in Other non-current liabilities.
Based upon the expiration of statutes of limitations and possible settlements in several jurisdictions, we believe it is reasonably possible that the total amount of previously unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $146 within 12 months after December 31, 2019.
We file income tax returns in the United States and various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. During 2019 and 2018, the Company settled audits with various state and local jurisdictions. We are generally subject to examination by the IRS for years ending on or after December 31, 2016. We are also subject to examination by various state and local jurisdictions for years ending on or after December 31, 2016.

F-35

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

15. Film and Television Production Incentives
The Company has access to various governmental programs that are designed to promote film and television production within the United States of America and certain international jurisdictions. Incentives earned with respect to expenditures on qualifying film production activities and qualifying capital projects are recorded as an offset to the related asset balances. Incentives earned with respect to television and other production activities are recorded as an offset to production expenses. The Company recognizes these benefits when we have reasonable assurance regarding the realizable amount of the incentives.
We recorded the following incentives during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Television production incentives		$	13,539		$	12,166		$	11,260	
Feature film production incentives			288			—			3,683	
Infrastructure improvement incentives on qualifying capital projects			1,438			—			—	
Total		$	15,265		$	12,166		$	14,943	

16. Commitments and Contingencies
We have certain commitments, including various service contracts with certain vendors and various talent. Our future commitments related to our operating and finance leases are separately disclosed in Note 8, Leases.
Future minimum payments as of December 31, 2019 under the agreements described above were as follows:

				
				
		Service Contracts	
		and Talent	
		Commitments	
2020		$	28,836	
2021			18,360	
2022			11,941	
2023			263	
2024			262	
Thereafter			177	
Total		$	59,839	
Legal Proceedings

On October 23, 2014, a lawsuit was filed in the U. S. District Court for the District of Oregon, entitled William Albert Haynes III, on behalf of himself and others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. This complaint was amended on January 30, 2015 and alleged that the Company ignored, downplayed, and/or failed to disclose the risks associated with traumatic brain injuries suffered by WWE’s performers and seeks class action status. On March 31, 2015, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the first amended class action complaint in its entirety or, if not dismissed, to transfer the lawsuit to the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut. Without addressing the merits of the Company's motion to dismiss, the Court transferred the case to Connecticut on June 25, 2015. The plaintiffs filed an objection to such transfer, which was denied on July 27, 2015. On January 16, 2015, a second lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, entitled Evan Singleton and Vito LoGrasso, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., alleging many of the same allegations as Haynes. On February 27, 2015, the Company moved to transfer venue to the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut due to forum-selection clauses in the contracts between WWE and the plaintiffs and that motion was granted on March 23, 2015. The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on May 22, 2015 and, following a scheduling conference in which the court ordered the plaintiffs to cure various pleading deficiencies, the plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint on June 15, 2015. On June 29, 2015, WWE moved to dismiss the second amended complaint in its entirety. On April 9, 2015, a third lawsuit was filed in the U. S. District Court for the Central District of California, entitled Russ McCullough, a/k/a “Big Russ McCullough,” Ryan Sakoda, and Matthew R. Wiese a/k/a “Luther Reigns,” individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., asserting similar allegations to Haynes. The Company again moved to transfer the lawsuit to Connecticut due to forum-selection

F-36

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

clauses in the contracts between WWE and the plaintiffs, which the California court granted on July 10, 2015. On September 21, 2015, the plaintiffs amended this complaint, and, on November 16, 2015, the Company moved to dismiss the amended complaint. Each of these suits sought unspecified actual, compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive relief, including ordering medical monitoring. The Haynes and McCullough cases purport to be class actions. On February 18, 2015, a lawsuit was filed in Tennessee state court and subsequently removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, entitled Cassandra Frazier, individually and as next of kin to her deceased husband, Nelson Lee Frazier, Jr., and as personal representative of the Estate of Nelson Lee Frazier, Jr. Deceased, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. A similar suit was filed in the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas entitled Michelle James, as mother and next friend of Matthew Osborne, minor child, and Teagan Osborne, a minor child v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. These lawsuits contain many of the same allegations as the other lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries and further allege that the injuries contributed to these former talents’ deaths. WWE moved to transfer the Frazier and Osborne lawsuits to the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut based on forum-selection clauses in the decedents’ contracts with WWE, which motions were granted by the respective courts. On November 23, 2015, amended complaints were filed in Frazier and Osborne, which the Company moved to dismiss on December 16, 2015 and December 21, 2015, respectively. On November 10, 2016, the Court granted the Company’s motions to dismiss the Frazier and Osborne lawsuits in their entirety. On June 29, 2015, the Company filed a declaratory judgment action in the U. S. District Court for the District of Connecticut entitled World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. v. Robert Windham, Thomas Billington, James Ware, Oreal Perras and various John and Jane Does seeking a declaration against these former performers that their threatened claims related to alleged traumatic brain injuries and/or other tort claims are time-barred. On September 21, 2015, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss this complaint, which the Company opposed. The Court previously ordered a stay of discovery in all cases pending decisions on the motions to dismiss. On January 15, 2016, the Court partially lifted the stay and permitted discovery only on three issues in the case involving Singleton and LoGrasso. Such discovery was completed by June 1, 2016. On March 21, 2016, the Court issued a memorandum of decision granting in part and denying in part the Company’s motions to dismiss the Haynes, Singleton/LoGrasso, and McCullough lawsuits. The Court granted the Company’s motions to dismiss the Haynes and McCullough lawsuits in their entirety and granted the Company’s motion to dismiss all claims in the Singleton/LoGrasso lawsuit except for the claim of fraud by omission. On March 22, 2016, the Court issued an order dismissing the Windham lawsuit based on the Court’s memorandum of decision on the motions to dismiss. On April 4, 2016, the Company filed a motion for reconsideration with respect to the Court’s decision not to dismiss the fraud by omission claim in the Singleton/LoGrasso lawsuit and, on April 5, 2016, the Company filed a motion for reconsideration with respect to the Court dismissal of the Windham lawsuit. On July 21, 2016, the Court denied the Company’s motion in the Singleton/LoGrasso lawsuit and granted in part the Company’s motion in the Windham lawsuit. On April 20, 2016, the plaintiffs filed notices of appeal of the Haynes and McCullough lawsuits. On April 27, 2016, the Company moved to dismiss the appeals for lack of appellate jurisdiction, which motions were granted, and the appeals were dismissed with leave to appeal upon the resolution of all of the consolidated cases. The Company filed a motion for summary judgment on the sole remaining claim in the Singleton/LoGrasso lawsuit, which was granted on March 28, 2018. The Company also filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings against the Windham defendants. Lastly, on July 18, 2016, a lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, entitled Joseph M. Laurinaitis, et al. vs. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and Vincent K. McMahon, individually and as the trustee of certain trusts. This lawsuit contains many of the same allegations as the other lawsuits alleging traumatic brain injuries and further alleges, among other things, that the plaintiffs were misclassified as independent contractors rather than employees denying them, among other things, rights and benefits under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), federal tax law, and various state Worker’s Compensation laws. This lawsuit also alleges that the booking contracts and other agreements between the plaintiffs and the Company are unconscionable and should be declared void, entitling the plaintiffs to certain damages relating to the Company’s use of their intellectual property. The lawsuit alleges claims for violation of RICO, unjust enrichment, and an accounting against Mr. McMahon. The Company and Mr. McMahon moved to dismiss this complaint on October 19, 2016. On November 9, 2016, the Laurinaitis plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. On December 23, 2016, the Company and Mr. McMahon moved to dismiss the amended complaint. On September 29, 2017, the Court issued an order on the motion to dismiss pending in the Laurinaitis case and on the motion for judgment on the pleadings pending in the Windham case. The Court reserved judgment on the pending motions and ordered that within thirty-five (35) days of the date of the order the Laurinaitis plaintiffs and the Windham defendants file amended pleadings that comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The Court further ordered that each of the Laurinaitis plaintiffs and the Windham defendants submit to the Court for in camera review affidavits signed and sworn under penalty of perjury setting forth facts within each plaintiff’s or declaratory judgment-defendant’s personal knowledge that form the factual basis of their claim or defense. On November 3, 2017, the Laurinaitis plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint. The Company and Mr. McMahon believe that the second amended complaint failed to comply with the Court’s September 29, 2017 order and otherwise remained legally defective for all of the reasons set forth in their motion to dismiss the amended complaint. Also on November 3, 2017, the Windham defendants filed a second answer. On November 17, 2017, the Company and Mr. McMahon filed a response that, among other things, urged the Court to grant the motion for judgment on the pleadings against the Windham defendants and dismiss the Laurinaitis plaintiffs’ complaint with prejudice and award sanctions against the Laurinaitis plaintiffs’ counsel because the amended pleadings failed to comply with the Court’s September 29, 2017 order and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. On September 17, 2018, the Court granted the motion to dismiss filed by the Company and Mr. McMahon in the Laurinaitis case in its

F-37

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

entirety, awarded sanctions against the Laurinaitis plaintiffs’ counsel, and granted the Company’s motion for judgment on the pleadings against the Windham defendants. The plaintiffs have attempted to appeal these decisions. On November 16, 2018, the Company moved to dismiss all of the appeals, except for the appeal of the dismissal of the Laurinaitis case, for being filed untimely. On April 4, 2019, the Second Circuit issued an order referring the Company’s motions to dismiss to the panel that will determine the merits of the appeals. The plaintiffs-appellants’ opening brief was filed on July 8, 2019. The Company and Mr. McMahon filed their appellees’ brief on October 7, 2019. The plaintiffs-appellants filed a reply brief on October 28, 2019. The Company believes all claims and threatened claims against the Company in these various lawsuits were prompted by the same plaintiffs’ lawyer and that all are without merit. The Company intends to continue to defend itself against the attempt to appeal these decisions vigorously.

In addition to the foregoing, from time to time we become a party to other lawsuits and claims. By its nature, the outcome of litigation is not known, but the Company does not currently expect this ordinary course litigation to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

17. Related Party Transactions
Vincent K. McMahon, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, controls a substantial majority of the voting power of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock. Through the beneficial ownership of a substantial majority of our Class B common stock, Mr. McMahon can effectively exercise control over our affairs.
As previously announced, in April 2018, the Company entered into transactions with Alpha Entertainment, LLC (“Alpha”), an entity controlled by Vincent K. McMahon, granting Alpha rights to launch a professional football league under the name “XFL”. Under these agreements, WWE received, among other things, an equity interest in Alpha without payment by, or other financial obligation on the part of, WWE. The investment will be accounted for under the equity method of accounting. WWE’s equity interest in the net assets of Alpha at the transaction closing date on April 3, 2018 was insignificant. After Alpha’s formation, we recorded our proportionate share of Alpha’s reported net losses which exceeded the carrying amount of the investment and reduced the investment value to zero as of June 30, 2018. Subsequent losses after that date are not required or provided for, after which we will resume accounting for the investment under the equity method if Alpha subsequently has net income and our share of that net income exceeds the share of net losses we did not recognize during the period the equity method of accounting was suspended. In addition, WWE entered into a support services agreement to provide Alpha with certain administrative support services with such services billed to Alpha on a cost-plus margin basis. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company billed Alpha $3,250 and $1,305, respectively, for services rendered under the support services agreement. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $236 and $474, respectively, of current receivables for amounts billed to Alpha.
 
18. Stockholders’ Equity
Stock Repurchase Program

In February 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $500,000 of our common stock. Repurchases may be made from time to time at management’s discretion subject to certain pre-approved parameters and in accordance with all applicable securities and other laws and regulations. The stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to repurchase any minimum dollar amount or number of shares and may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 1,398,385 shares of common stock in the open market at an average price of $59.67 for an aggregate amount of $83,441. All share repurchases have been retired. As of December 31, 2019, $416,559 of common stock may be repurchased under the stock repurchase program announced in February 2019.

Stock repurchases are accounted for under the cost method. All shares repurchased to date have been retired by the Company with no unsettled share repurchases as of December 31, 2019. When the Company retires its own common stock, the excess of the repurchase price over par value is allocated between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings, with certain limitations. The portion allocated to additional paid-in capital is determined by applying a percentage, determined by dividing the number of shares to be retired by the number of shares issued and outstanding as of the retirement date, to the balance of additional paid-in capital as of the retirement date. Direct costs incurred to repurchase the common stock were not material and were expensed in the period incurred. For the year ended December 31, 2019, $70,991 and $12,436 was deducted from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital, respectively, related to the common stock shares retired.

F-38

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Class B Convertible Common Stock
Our Class B common stock is fully convertible into Class A common stock, on a one for one basis, at any time at the option of the holder. The two classes are entitled to equal per share dividends and distributions and vote together as a class with each share of Class B entitled to ten votes and each share of Class A entitled to one vote, except when separate class voting is required by applicable law. If, at any time, any shares of Class B common stock are beneficially owned by any person other than Vincent McMahon, Linda McMahon, any descendant of either of them, any entity which is wholly owned and is controlled by any combination of such persons or any trust, all the beneficiaries of which are any combination of such persons, each of those shares will automatically convert into shares of Class A common stock. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, Class B shares were sold, resulting in their conversion to Class A shares. Through his beneficial ownership of a substantial majority of our Class B common stock, our controlling stockholder, Vincent McMahon, can effectively exercise control over our affairs, and his interests could conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock.
Dividends
We declared and paid quarterly dividends of $0.12 per share, totaling $37,431, $37,243, and $36,854 on all Class A and Class B shares for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
 
19. Stock-based Compensation
Our 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) provides for the grant of incentive or non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, other stock-based awards and performance awards to eligible participants as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Awards may be granted as incentives and rewards to encourage officers, employees, consultants, advisors and independent contractors of the Company and its affiliates and to non-employee directors of the Company to participate in our long-term success.
As of December 31, 2019, there were approximately 3.3 million shares available for future grants under the 2016 Plan. It is our policy to issue new shares to satisfy option exercises and the vesting of RSUs, PSUs and PSU-TSRs.
Stock-based compensation costs, which includes costs related to RSUs, PSUs and PSU-TSRs totaled $28,025, $37,323 and $23,875 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Restricted Stock Units
The Company grants RSUs to officers and employees under the 2016 Plan. Stock-based compensation costs associated with our RSUs are determined using the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of the grant. These costs are recognized over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method, net of estimated forfeitures. RSUs have a service requirement typically over a 3.5 years vesting schedule and vest in equal annual installments. We estimate forfeitures based on historical trends when recognizing compensation expense and adjust the estimate of forfeitures when they are expected to differ or as forfeitures occur. Unvested RSUs accrue dividend equivalents at the same rate as are paid on our shares of Class A common stock. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting schedule as the underlying RSUs.
The following tables summarize the RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2019:

						
						
		Units		Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value	
Unvested at January 1, 2019		409,665		$	26.52	
Granted		88,265		$	83.01	
Vested		(200,793)		$	23.72	
Forfeited		(27,210)		$	41.60	
Dividend equivalents		2,480		$	29.04	
Unvested at December 31, 2019		272,407		$	45.41	

F-39

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Tax benefits realized		$	13,813		$	16,272		$	2,920	
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of RSUs granted			7,327			6,872			6,054	
Fair value of RSUs vested			4,763			3,709			2,490	

As of December 31, 2019, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested RSUs net of estimated forfeitures, was $6,247 before income taxes, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 years.
Performance Stock Units
The Company grants PSUs to officers and employees under the 2016 Plan. Stock-based compensation costs associated with our PSUs are initially determined using the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date the awards are approved by our Compensation Committee (service inception date). The vesting of these PSUs are subject to certain performance conditions and a service requirement of typically 3.5 years. Until the performance conditions are met, stock compensation costs associated with these PSUs are re-measured each reporting period based upon the fair market value of the Company's common stock and the estimated performance attainment on the reporting date. The ultimate number of PSUs that are issued to an employee is the result of the actual performance of the Company at the end of the performance period compared to the performance conditions, and can range from 0% to 200% of the initial grant. Stock compensation costs for our PSUs are recognized over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method, net of estimated forfeitures. We estimate forfeitures based on historical trends when recognizing compensation expense and adjust the estimate of forfeitures when they are expected to differ or as forfeitures occur. Unvested PSUs accrue dividend equivalents once the performance conditions are met at the same rate as are paid on our shares of Class A common stock. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting schedule as the underlying PSUs.
The following tables summarize the PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2019:

						
						
		Units		Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value	
Unvested at January 1, 2019		1,116,085		$	39.98	
Granted		155,872		$	64.87	
Achievement adjustment		297,061		$	83.51	
Vested		(837,597)		$	38.83	
Forfeited		(16,344)		$	65.19	
Dividend equivalents		6,321		$	56.74	
Unvested at December 31, 2019		721,398		$	67.97	

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Tax benefits realized		$	52,072		$	99,520		$	18,538	
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of PSUs granted			10,111			27,635			16,833	
Fair value of PSUs vested			32,523			24,591			15,301	
During the year ended December 31, 2018 we granted 369,996 PSUs, which were subject to performance conditions. During the first quarter of 2019, it was determined that the performance conditions related to these PSUs were exceeded, which resulted in an achievement adjustment increase of 297,061 PSUs in 2019 relating to the initial 2018 PSU grant.
As of December 31, 2019, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested PSUs, net of estimated forfeitures, was $16,633 before income taxes, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.3 years.

F-40

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Performance Stock Units with a Market Condition Tied to Relative Total Shareholder Return
During the first quarter of 2018, the Compensation Committee approved certain agreements to grant PSU-TSRs with a market condition where vesting is conditioned upon the total shareholder return performance of the Company’s stock relative to the performance of a peer group over five distinct performance periods from 2018 through 2024. The payout for each performance period can vest at between 50% and 175% of the target award based on the percentile ranking of WWE’s total shareholder return performance with vesting capped at 100% if WWE’s absolute total shareholder return is negative. The grant date fair value of the award was calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation model which factors in the number of awards to be earned based on the achievement of the market condition. This model simulates the various stock price movements of the Company and peer group companies using certain assumptions, including the stock price of WWE and those of the peer group, stock price volatility, the risk-free interest rate, correlation coefficients, and expected dividend yield. The grant date fair value of the award totaled $16,168 and is being amortized as compensation cost over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method from March 2018 through July 2024.
The following tables summarize the PSU-TSR activity for the year ended December 31, 2019:

						
						
		Units		Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value	
Unvested at January 1, 2019		340,971		$	47.42	
Granted		—		$	—	
Vested		—		$	—	
Unvested at December 31, 2019		340,971		$	47.42	

							
							
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018	
Tax benefits realized		$	—		$	—	
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of PSU-TSRs granted			—			16,168	
Fair value of PSU-TSRs vested			—			—	
As of December 31, 2019, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested PSU-TSRs, net of estimated forfeitures, was $1,855 before income taxes, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.3 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
We provide a stock purchase plan for our employees. Under the plan, all eligible regular full-time employees may contribute up to 10% of their base compensation (subject to certain dollar limits) to the semi-annual purchase of shares of our common stock. The purchase price is 85% of the fair market value at certain plan-defined dates. As this plan is defined as compensatory, a charge is recorded to General and administrative expenses for the difference between the fair market value and the discounted price. During 2019, 2018 and 2017, employees purchased 34,001, 65,255 and 72,882 shares of our common stock which resulted in an expense of $488, $1,981, and $276, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, 1.5 million shares of the Company's common stock are available for issuance under the 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 
20. Employee Benefit Plans
We sponsor a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering substantially all employees. Under this plan, participants are allowed to make contributions based on a percentage of their salary, subject to a statutorily prescribed annual limit. We make matching contributions of 50% of each participant’s contributions, up to 6% of eligible compensation. We may also make additional discretionary contributions to the 401(k) plan. Our expense for matching contributions to the 401(k) plan was $2,977, $2,570 and $2,341 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company did not make any discretionary contributions for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 or 2017.

F-41

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

21. Segment Information
The Company currently classifies its operations into three reportable segments: Media, Live Events and Consumer Products. Segment information is prepared on the same basis that our chief operating decision maker manages the segments, evaluates financial results, and makes key operating decisions.
Certain business support functions including sales and marketing, our international offices and talent development are allocated to the three reportable segments based primarily on a percentage of revenue contribution. The remaining unallocated corporate expenses largely relate to corporate functions such as finance, legal, human resources, facilities and information technology. The Company does not allocate these costs to its business segments, as they do not directly relate to revenue generating activities. These unallocated corporate expenses will be shown, as applicable, as a reconciling item in tables where segment and consolidated results are both shown. Revenues from transactions between our operating segments are not material.
The Company presents Adjusted OIBDA as the primary measure of segment profit (loss). The Company defines Adjusted OIBDA as operating income before depreciation and amortization, excluding stock-based compensation, certain impairment charges and other non-recurring material items. Adjusted OIBDA includes amortization and depreciation expenses directly related to our revenue generating activities, including feature film and television production asset amortization, amortization of costs related to content delivery and technology assets utilized for our WWE Network, as well as amortization of right-of-use assts related to finance leases of equipment used to produce and broadcast our live events. The Company believes the presentation of Adjusted OIBDA is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view our segment performance in the same manner as the primary method used by management to evaluate segment performance and make decisions about allocating resources. Additionally, we believe that Adjusted OIBDA is a primary measure used by media investors, analysts and peers for comparative purposes.
We do not disclose assets by segment information. We do not provide assets by segment information to our chief operating decision maker, as that information is not typically used in the determination of resource allocation and assessing business performance of each reportable segment.
The following tables present summarized financial information for each of the Company's reportable segments:

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Net revenues:										
Media		$	743,099		$	683,351		$	535,570	
Live Events			125,585			144,203			151,705	
Consumer Products			91,758			102,606			113,684	
Total net revenues		$	960,442		$	930,160		$	800,959	
										
Depreciation and amortization:										
Media		$	12,592		$	11,863		$	11,884	
Live Events			—			—			—	
Consumer Products			—			—			—	
Corporate			21,535			13,206			14,166	
Total depreciation and amortization		$	34,127		$	25,069		$	26,050	
										
Adjusted OIBDA:										
Media		$	224,136		$	210,579		$	141,625	
Live Events			9,376			20,543			27,115	
Consumer Products			28,559			28,376			37,727	
Corporate			(82,038)			(80,647)			(70,389)	
Total Adjusted OIBDA		$	180,033		$	178,851		$	136,078	

F-42

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

Reconciliation of Total Operating Income to Total Adjusted OIBDA

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
Total operating income		$	116,510		$	114,478		$	75,578	
Depreciation and amortization			34,127			25,069			26,050	
Stock-based compensation			29,396			39,304			24,151	
Other adjustments (1)			—			—			10,299	
Total Adjusted OIBDA		$	180,033		$	178,851		$	136,078	

(1)
Other adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2017 include $5,586 of non-recurring legal matters and other contractual obligations, and $4,713 of certain impairment charges related to our feature films.

Geographic Information
Net revenues by major geographic region are based upon the geographic location of where our content is distributed. The information below summarizes net revenues to unaffiliated customers by geographic area:

										
										
		Year Ended December 31,	
		2019		2018		2017	
North America		$	656,642		$	612,322		$	599,697	
Europe/Middle East/Africa			223,471			237,196			125,639	
Asia Pacific			67,493			69,064			61,568	
Latin America			12,836			11,578			14,055	
Total net revenues		$	960,442		$	930,160		$	800,959	

The Company's property and equipment was almost entirely located in the United States at December 31, 2019 and 2018. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were two customers with revenues individually in excess of 10% of total consolidated net revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2017, there was one customer with revenues individually in excess of 10% of total consolidated net revenues. These revenues are primarily reflected in our Media segment.
 
22. Concentration of Credit Risk
We continually monitor our position with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions that are counterparties to our financial instruments. Our accounts receivable relate principally to a limited number of distributors, including our WWE Network, television, and pay-per-view distributors, and licensees. We closely monitor the status of receivables with these customers and maintain allowances for anticipated losses as deemed appropriate. At December 31, 2019 our largest receivable balance from customers was 49% of our gross accounts receivable. At December 31, 2018, our largest receivable balance from customers was 30% of our gross accounts receivable. No other customers individually exceeded 10% of our gross accounts receivable balance.

F-43

Table of Contents
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands, except share data)

23. Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

													
													
		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter	
2019		(1) (3)		(1) (2) (3)		(1) (2) (3)		(1) (2) (3)	
Net revenues		$	182,448		$	268,809		$	186,383		$	322,802	
Operating expenses		$	135,450		$	197,363		$	133,842		$	171,544	
Net income (loss)		$	(8,396)		$	10,414		$	5,790		$	69,253	
Net income (loss) per common share: basic		$	(0.11)		$	0.13		$	0.07		$	0.89	
2018													
Net revenues		$	187,721		$	281,542		$	188,391		$	272,506	
Operating expenses		$	120,061		$	198,891		$	120,797		$	169,433	
Net income		$	14,835		$	9,945		$	33,590		$	41,218	
Net income per common share: basic		$	0.19		$	0.13		$	0.43		$	0.55	

(1)
Operating expenses for the first, second, third and fourth quarter of 2019 includes impairment charges of $198, $246, $759 and $98, respectively, related to certain of our feature films. Operating expenses for the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2018 includes impairment charges of $925, $563, $1,325 and $2,052, respectively, related to certain of our feature films. See Note 9, Feature Film Production Assets, for further discussion.
(2)
Net income for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2019 includes a benefit of $669, $12,498 and $372, respectively, related to television production incentives. Net income for the third and fourth quarters of 2018 includes a benefit of $11,702 and $464, respectively, related to television production incentives.
(3)
Net income for the second quarter of 2019 includes a $1,151 investment gain related to favorable observable price adjustments related to two of our nonmarketable equity securities. Net income for the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2019 includes unrealized holding losses of $194, $3,597, $568 and $85, respectively, on a marketable equity security. Net income for the second and fourth quarters of 2018 includes impairment charges of $3,000 and $773, respectively, related to our nonmarketable equity investments. Net income for the third quarter of 2018 includes a $2,181 investment gain related to a favorable observable price adjustment related to a nonmarketable equity investment. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2018 includes a $2,474 favorable mark-to-market adjustment on a marketable equity security. See Note 5, Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments, for further discussion.

F-44

Table of Contents

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(in thousands)

													
													
				Charges to							
		Balance at		Expense/							
		Beginning		Against		Deductions/		Balance at	
Description		of Year		Revenues		Adjustments *		End of Year	
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019													
Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	651		$	31		$	(263)		$	419	
Home video allowance for returns			343			—			6			349	
Allowance for WWE Network refunds and chargebacks			15			410			(375)			50	
For the Year Ended December 31, 2018													
Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	1,342		$	(388)		$	(303)		$	651	
Home video allowance for returns			1,662			129			(1,448)			343	
Allowance for WWE Network refunds and chargebacks			30			230			(245)			15	
For the Year Ended December 31, 2017													
Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	5,945		$	537		$	(5,140)		$	1,342	
Home video allowance for returns			2,273			6,890			(7,501)			1,662	
Allowance for WWE Network refunds and chargebacks			40			353			(363)			30	

*   Includes deductions which are comprised primarily of write-offs of specific bad debts and returns of products, as well as certain adjustments to the allowance account, including reserves for amounts due from customers that have not been recognized as revenue.

F-45

Exhibit 4.3
DESCRIPTION OF REGISTRANT’S SECURITIES
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
﻿
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
The following is a summary of the material terms of our Class A common stock, which are our only securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is based upon our certificate of incorporation, as amended (“Certificate of Incorporation”), our Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended (“Bylaws”) and applicable provisions of law. The summary is subject to and qualified in its entirely by reference to the Certificate of Incorporation, and Bylaws, each of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of which this exhibit is a part. It also summarizes some relevant provisions of Delaware General Corporation Law, which we refer to as DGCL, and is subject to and qualified in its entirely by reference to the DGCL.
Authorized Capital Stock
Our authorized capital stock consists of 180,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, $.01 par value per share, 60,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, $.01 par value per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value.
The rights, preferences and powers of holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock, which we may designate and issue in the future. For example, if we issue a series of preferred stock that grants a liquidation preference to the holders of such preferred stock, the rights of holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock upon liquidation could be adversely affected. See “Preferred Stock.”
Common Stock
Voting Rights. Each holder of shares of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share, and each holder of shares of Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes per share, on all matters to be voted on by our stockholders. Holders of both classes of common stock generally will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable Delaware law. Holders of shares of our common stock are not entitled to cumulate votes in the election of directors.
Dividend Rights. The holders of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to dividends and other distributions if, as and when declared by our board of directors out of assets legally available therefor, subject to the rights of any holder of shares of preferred stock and any restrictions set forth in any of our indebtedness outstanding from time to time. The holders of the Class A and Class B common stock are entitled to equal per share dividends and distributions; provided that dividends payable in shares of Class A common stock will be paid to the holders of Class A common stock while dividends payable in shares of Class B common stock will be paid to the holders of Class B common stock.
Conversion Rights. If, at any time, any shares of Class B common stock are owned beneficially by any person other than Vincent K. McMahon, Linda E. McMahon, any descendent of either of them, any entity that is wholly-owned and controlled by any combination of such persons or any trust all the

 
beneficiaries of which are any combination of such persons, each of those shares will convert automatically into shares of Class A common stock. In addition, the Class B common stock is fully convertible into Class A common stock, on a one-for-one basis, at any time at the option of the holder.
      Rights Upon Liquidation. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock would be entitled to share pro rata in the distribution of all of our assets remaining after satisfaction of all our liabilities and the payment of the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock.
Preemptive and Subscription Rights.  The holders of the Class A common stock and Class B common stock have no preemptive or other subscription rights to purchase our capital stock.  No shares of our issued and outstanding common stock are subject to any further call or assessment.
Listing.  Our Class A common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WWE.”
﻿
Transfer Agent and Registrar.  The transfer agent and registrar for our Class A common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.
Preferred Stock
Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the number of shares, designation, voting rights, preferences and optional and other special rights and the restrictions or qualifications thereof. The rights, preferences, designations and powers of each series of preferred stock may differ with respect to dividends, amounts payable on liquidation, voting, conversion, redemption, sinking funds and other matters. The issuance of shares of preferred stock could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of shares of our common stock and could adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting powers, of holders of shares of our common stock. The existence of authorized and undesignated shares of preferred stock may also have an adverse effect on the market price of the Class A common stock. In addition, the issuance of any shares of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of us. No shares of preferred stock are outstanding.
Certain Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
Certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws could make it more difficult to acquire the company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, or to remove incumbent officers and directors. These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and takeover bids that our board of directors may consider inadequate and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of our company to first negotiate with our board of directors.
Dual Class Stock. Our Certificate of Incorporation provides for a dual class common stock structure. Under our Certificate of Incorporation we have Class A common stock and Class B common stock. The holders of Class A common stock generally have rights identical to holders of Class B common stock, except that holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share, and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes per share. Holders of both classes of common stock generally will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable Delaware law. A substantial majority of the issued and outstanding shares of Class B common stock is owned beneficially by Vincent K. McMahon. Through his beneficial ownership of a substantial majority of our Class B common stock, Mr. McMahon effectively can exercise control over

 
all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of our company or our assets.
Removal of Directors. Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that stockholders may remove a director with or without cause by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of voting common stock.
Size of Board and Vacancies. Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the number of directors on our board of directors will be not less than three members (subject to vacancies), with the exact number of directors to be fixed from time to time exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire board of directors, and subject to the rights of the holders of the preferred stock, if any, the exact number may be increased or decreased (but not to less than three). Subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of stock with special voting powers in connection with the election of directors, if any, any vacancies and newly created directorships created in our board of directors for any reason shall be filled by a majority of our board of directors then in office or by a sole remaining director.  Any director appointed to fill a vacancy on our board of directors shall have the same remaining term as that of his or her predecessor.
Special Stockholder Meetings. Our Bylaws provide that the chairman of our board of directors, the President or the board of directors may call a special stockholder meeting. Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that stockholders may not call special stockholder meetings.
Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals. Our Bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and nomination of candidates for election as directors other than nominations made by or at the direction of our board of directors or a committee of our board of directors.
No Cumulative Voting. The DGCL provides that cumulative voting is permitted only if a company’s certificate of incorporation expressly grants stockholders such right. Our Certificate of Incorporation does not grant stockholders the right to cumulative voting.
Certain Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law
We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL (“Section 203”). In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in various “business combination” transactions with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date of the transactions in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless:

	·		the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder is approved by the board of directors prior to the date the interested stockholder obtained such status;	
	·		upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares owned (a) by persons who are directors and also officers and (b) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or	

 

	·		on or subsequent to such date the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.	
A “business combination” is defined to include mergers, asset sales, and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder. In general, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or within three years, did own) 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock. The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts with respect to us and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us even though such a transaction may offer our stockholders the opportunity to sell their stock at a price above the prevailing market price.
﻿

 

Exhibit 21.1
﻿
SUBSIDIARIES OF WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
(All subsidiaries are wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, except where indicated)
﻿
WWE Real Estate Holdings, LLC (a Delaware limited liability company)
﻿
TSI Realty Company (a Delaware corporation)
﻿
Event Services, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)
	·		WM Labor MGT, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		Event Services (Nola), LLC (a Louisiana corporation)	
﻿
WWE Jet Services, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)
﻿
WWE Network, LLC (a Delaware limited liability company)
﻿
WWE Studios, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)
	·		Studios Originals, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		WWE Studios Finance Holding Corp. (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		WWE Studios Finance Corp. (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		Erebus Pictures, LLC (a Delaware limited liability company) (50 percent owned)	
	·		NOLA Temple, LLC (a Louisiana limited liability company)	
	·		Good and Bad Cop, LLC (a Louisiana limited liability company)	
	·		Temple Picture Holdings, LLC (a Delaware limited liability company) (50 percent owned)	
	·		Avaros Films, Inc (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		BG Films, Inc (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		The Marine 6 Films, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		WH2, LLC (a Louisiana limited liability company)	
	·		Hooked Movie, LLC (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		Main Event Films, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		Buddy Games Films, Inc. (a British Columbia company)	
	·		FWMF, LLC (a Delaware limited liability company)	
	·		Fighting Family Limited (a UK corporation)	
	·		Main Event Movie, Inc. (a British Columbia company)	
	·		CC Reality LLC (a Delaware limited liability company)	
	·		WWE Films Development, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		WWE Studios Production, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		Previous Films Production Corp. (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		Marine 3, LLC (a Louisiana limited liability company)	
	·		Incarnate Investments, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)	

 

 
	·		SLH Films, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)	
	·		Railway Films, Inc. (a British Columbia company)	
Marine Productions Australia Pty Limited (an Australia corporation)
	·		WWE Australia Pty Limited (an Australia limited liability company)	
﻿
WWE Properties International, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)
	·		XFL, LLC	
	·		WWE Middle East FZ-LLC (a Dubai Free Zone limited liability company)	
﻿
WWE Japan LLC (a Japanese limited liability company)
﻿
World Wrestling Entertainment (International) Limited (a UK corporation)
﻿
WWE UK Holdings, Ltd. (a UK corporation)
	·		WWE Saudi Arabian Management Company (a Saudi Arabia corporation)	
﻿
WWE Asia Pacific Pte, Ltd. (a Singapore corporation)
﻿
WWE Germany GmbH  (a German corporation)
﻿
﻿

Exhibit 23.1
﻿
﻿
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
﻿
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-210879, 333-181001 and 333-151022 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 6, 2020, relating to the consolidated financial statements of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company"), and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2019.
﻿
﻿
/s/ Deloitte & Touche, LLP
﻿
Stamford, CT 
February 6, 2020
﻿

Exhibit 31.1
﻿
Certification required by Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-14 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
﻿
I, Vincent K. McMahon certify that:
	1.		I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.;	
	2.		Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;	
	3.		Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;	
	4.		The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:	
	a)		Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;	
	b)		Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;	
	c)		Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and	
	d)		Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and	
	5.		The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):	
	a)		All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and	
	b)		Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.	
﻿
﻿	 	 	 	 	
﻿	
﻿	 	 	 	 	
Dated:	February 6, 2020	By: /s/	VINCENT K. MCMAHON	 	
 	 	 	Vincent K. McMahon	 	
 	 	 	Chairman of the Board and	 	
 	 	 	Chief Executive Officer	 	
﻿
﻿

Exhibit 31.2
﻿
Certification required by Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-14 as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
﻿
I, Frank A. Riddick III certify that:
	1.		I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.;	
	2.		Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;	
	3.		Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;	
	4.		The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:	
	a)		Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;	
	b)		Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;	
	c)		Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and	
	d)		Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and	
	5.		The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):	
	a)		All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and	
	b)		Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.	
﻿
﻿	 	 	 	 	
﻿	
﻿	 	 	 	 	
Dated:	February 6, 2020	By: /s/	FRANK A. RIDDICK III	 	
 	 	 	Frank A. Riddick III	 	
 	 	 	Interim Chief Financial Officer	 	
﻿

Exhibit 32.1
Certification of Chairman and CEO and CFO Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
﻿
In connection with the annual report on Form 10-K of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Vincent K. McMahon as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Frank A. Riddick III as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his or her knowledge:
﻿
	(1)		The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended; and	
﻿
	(2)		The information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material aspects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.	
﻿
﻿	 	 	 	 	
﻿	
﻿	 	 	 	 	
Dated:	February 6, 2020	By: /s/	VINCENT K. MCMAHON	 	
 	 	 	Vincent K. McMahon	 	
 	 	 	Chairman of the Board and	 	
 	 	 	Chief Executive Officer	 	
 	 	 	 	 	
Dated:	February 6, 2020	By: /s/	FRANK A. RIDDICK III	 	
 	 	 	Frank A. Riddick III	 	
 	 	 	Interim Chief Financial Officer	 	

﻿