From the start, WWE has promised theyre going to expand the WWE Network internationally. They promised it would be end of 2014/early 2015 and would roll out in UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Nordic Countries. However, since then, there has not been much more clarity. We don't know how much it will cost. Weve heard rumors they might also roll-out in non-English speaking countries such as Germany. Weve heard conflicting reports on whether or not the international WWE Network service will be identical to the domestic WWE Network service in terms of content and broadcasting live PPVs. Weve seen strong evidence that significant numbers (possibly representing 20%) of the current WWE Network base are actually overseas users accessing the service using a variety of work-arounds. Its a messy situation. And one that could use some clarification. Originally WWE published estimates of 1,000,000 US customers (out of 52M Broadband Fan Universe) for the domestic WWE Network and 250,000 International customers (out of 27M Broadband Fan Universe) as their low-end estimates. Its questionable whether WWE is going to hit a million subscribers as of 12/31/14. Will they revise their international estimates? Seeing that international PPV is already crumbling, will they acknowledge how large the existing international base is? How will letting those hardcore fans and early adopters sneak into the existing domestic launch affect the rate of adoption in international countries? Investors (and fans) are anxious to know more and updated guidance on this subject could go a long way to easing fears and establishing realistic expectations.
I'm a professional wrestling analyst, an improviser and an avid NES gamer. I live in Saint Paul, Minnesota and I'm working on my first book (#wrestlenomics). You can contact me at chris.harrington@gmail.com or on twitter (@mookieghana)
