WWE Inc: Will the WWE Network be a title pinfall or force the company to tap out?

This case study explores why World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE) has decided to back a transition to an online subscription service, examining wider media industry trends. It explores the potential benefits and hazards of the strategy.

Scope

Analysis of the current media landscape, and the factors which may have influenced the WWE to go online.

Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of transitioning to an online on-demand offering.

Discussion of how successful the WWE has been so far in implementing the network, and the consequences of the strategy.

Reasons to buy

How have changing consumption habits affected television broadcasters?

Why is the WWE going online with the network?

What are the advantages of the WWE network?

How successful has the WWE network been so far?

Companies mentioned

None

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW

Catalyst

Summary

WWE GOES ONLINE TO PRE-EMPT THE TREND

WWE’s recent performance

WWE’s stock has underperformed against the market

Online content consumption is increasing

Music: record companies turn to streaming royalties as sales continue to fall

Digital sales are usurping physical content, particularly streaming

Cable and Satellite providers are also losing ground to streaming services

WWE network was launched in February 2014

THE ADVANTAGES OF WWE NETWORK

A strong history of monetizing new platforms

WWE’s live action shows

WWE’s reach: Television and merchandise

WWE gains advertising and subscription revenues

WWE already possesses substantial content

The network appeals to WWE's core demographic

The network may offer better leverage in broadcasting deals

WWE Rogers deal: tag team champions of Canada

WWE can now diversify into other entertainment areas

WWE NETWORK EXPERIENCES DIFFICULTIES

Technical problems; network subscribers have stalled

Domestic growth begins to stall

WWE's largest international market has yet to receive the network

Netflix missed targets and saw share prices tumble

WWE Stock: Frog splashing into free-fall

The network could cannibalize TV and PPV revenues

WWE Network: clotheslining its tag team partner by harming PPV revenues?

Broadcasters clash with WWE

Could broadcasters cost the network money in the bank?

WWE Network enters an online royal rumble

WWE & Tout: a promising start falls short

Tout & WWE's initial success

2014: WWE goes to sleep on Tout

Scissor kick: will smaller revenues lead to declining talent?

CONCLUSIONS

Has WWE's showstopper been reversed?

APPENDIX

Definitions

Sources

Further Reading

Ask the analyst

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