WWE is Returning to Europe in 2018

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WWE recently released the dates and ticket information for their return trip to Europe in 2018.

Regardless of what United States wrestling fans may think of the current WWE product, international fans can’t get enough. The name of the game is an investment strategy known as “long-term growth” where a product or service is set up in such a way that it will continue to make money for an extended period of time. That’s exactly what the WWE is trying to accomplish with their expansion into more international markets. This plan was detailed in the Q3 2017 Results & Targets Record Results in 2018 released in October.

"“The monetization of WWE content is a fundamental element of the Company’s business model. Certain distribution agreements that represent a significant share of the Company’s television rights revenue will expire in 2019. These agreements include the licensing of its premier programs, Raw and SmackDown, in the U.S., which will expire on September 30, 2019, as well as in the U.K. and India, which will expire on December 31, 2019. Management currently expects to announce its plan for future distribution in the U.S. sometime between May 2018 and September 2018, for future distribution in the U.K. by year-end 2018, and for future distribution in India in the first half of 2019. Future distribution is subject to negotiations, which are expected to begin next year.”"

In 2016, international live event revenue and attendance both increased 16% from the previous year’s quarter and in 2017 live event revenue increased 10% overall from the previous year and 3d quarter revenue increased 14%. All of this means the WWE is making more money in part because they are expanding their product to different territories outside the United States and returning to other areas with a loyal fan base.

The company’s international tour was touted as the reason for the increase in OIBDA (Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization). If you’re like me you have no idea what OIBDA means but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Basically, OIBDA is a measure of the income generated by a company during a given period using fuzzy math and big numbers to make it appear more profitable. The confusing formula that determines the OIBDA is used to tell shareholders how efficiently a company is spending their money and is designed to make them feel good about their investment. No, seriously. If you’d like to know more about OIBDA (and I know you do), go ahead and click here.

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The WWE just completed a tour of Europe and has already announced their return in the spring of 2018. You can even buy tickets now if you happen to be in any of these countries or cities next year. Check out all the details – including dates and ticket information – from the official WWE press release.