# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001856031
**File Stem:** 0001193125-26-103023
**Filing Date:** 2026-3
**Character Count:** 827458
**Document Hash:** ad11821a936a54753b2e2de2bf442d39
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-26-103023.hdr.sgml**: 20260312

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-26-103023

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 10-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 138

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251231

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260312

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260312

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Vivid Seats Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001856031
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** SERVICES-MISCELLANEOUS AMUSEMENT & RECREATION [7990]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 07 Trade & Services
- **EIN:** 863355184
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-40926
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26745592

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 24 E. WASHINGTON STREET
- **STREET 2:** STE. 900
- **CITY:** CHICAGO
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60602
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 312-291-9966

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 24 E. WASHINGTON STREET
- **STREET 2:** STE. 900
- **CITY:** CHICAGO
- **STATE:** IL
- **ZIP:** 60602

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? 10-K

d

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, DC 20549**

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**FORM** 10-K

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(Mark One)

☒ **ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934** 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025

or

☐ **TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number: 001-40926

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Vivid Seats Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Delaware | 86-3355184 |
| (State or other jurisdiction of<br>incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer<br>Identification No.) |
| **24** E. Washington Street, Suite 900<br>Chicago**,** Illinois | 60602 |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |

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**(**312**)** 291-9966

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Trading<br>Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share | SEAT | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
| Warrants to purchase Class A common stock | SEATW | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) 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 an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☒ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
|  |  | Emerging growth company | ☒ |

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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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2025, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $123.3 million.

As of February 28, 2026, the registrant had outstanding 10,765,756 shares of Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, net of treasury shares (which figure reflects the Reverse Stock Split and the Corporate Simplification (each as defined herein)).

Documents incorporated by reference: Portions of the definitive proxy statement relating to the registrant's 2026 annual meeting of stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10-14 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Auditor Firm PCAOB ID: 34 Auditor Name: Deloitte & Touche LLP Auditor Location: Chicago, Illinois

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **TABLE OF CONTENTS** | **TABLE OF CONTENTS** | **TABLE OF CONTENTS** |
|  |  | **Page** |
| [<u>Forward-Looking Statements</u>](#forward_looking_statements) | [<u>Forward-Looking Statements</u>](#forward_looking_statements) | 1 |
| [<u>Risk Factors Summary</u>](#risk_factors_summary) | [<u>Risk Factors Summary</u>](#risk_factors_summary) | 3 |
| [**<u>PART I</u>**](#part_i) |  | 5 |
| Item 1. | [<u>Business</u>](#item1_business) | 5 |
| Item 1A. | [<u>Risk Factors</u>](#item1a_riskfactors) | 15 |
| Item 1B. | [<u>Unresolved Staff Comments</u>](#item1b_unresolvedstaffcomments) | 32 |
| Item 1C. | [<u>Cybersecurity</u>](#item1c_cybersecurity) | 32 |
| Item 2. | [<u>Properties</u>](#item2_properties) | 33 |
| Item 3. | [<u>Legal Proceedings</u>](#item3_legalproceedings) | 33 |
| Item 4. | [<u>Mine Safety Disclosures</u>](#item4_minesafetydisclosures) | 33 |
| [**<u>PART II</u>**](#part_ii) |  | 34 |
| Item 5. | [<u>Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities</u>](#item5_marketforregistrant) | 34 |
| Item 6. | [<u>\[Reserved\]</u>](#item6_reserved) | 34 |
| Item 7. | [<u>Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations</u>](#item7_mda) | 35 |
| Item 7A. | [<u>Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk</u>](#item7a_market_risk_disclosures) | 53 |
| Item 8. | [<u>Financial Statements and Supplementary Data</u>](#item8_fs_and_supplementarydata) | 54 |
| Item 9. | [<u>Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure</u>](#item9_changes_in_and_disagreements_with) | 109 |
| Item 9A. | [<u>Controls and Procedures</u>](#item9a_controls_and_procedures) | 109 |
| Item 9B. | [<u>Other Information</u>](#item9b_otherinformation) | 110 |
| Item 9C. | [<u>Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections</u>](#item9c_discregardingforeignjurisdictions) | 110 |
| [**<u>PART III</u>**](#part_iii) |  | 111 |
| Item 10. | [<u>Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance</u>](#item10_directors_executives_governance) | 111 |
| Item 11. | [<u>Executive Compensation</u>](#item11_executivecompensation) | 111 |
| Item 12. | [<u>Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters</u>](#item12_securityownership) | 111 |
| Item 13. | [<u>Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence</u>](#item13_certainrelationships) | 111 |
| Item 14. | [<u>Principal Accountant Fees and Services</u>](#item14_principalaccountantfees_services) | 111 |
| [**<u>PART IV</u>**](#part_iv) |  | 112 |
| Item 15. | [<u>Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules</u>](#item15_exhibits_and_fs_schedules) | 112 |
| Item 16. | [<u>Form 10-K Summary</u>](#item16_form10k_summary) | 115 |
| [<u>Signatures</u>](#signatures) | [<u>Signatures</u>](#signatures) | 116 |

---

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**forward-looking statements**

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this "<u>Report</u>") contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "<u>Exchange Act</u>"), regarding future events and trends and the future results of Vivid Seats Inc. ("<u>VSI</u>") and its subsidiaries, including Hoya Intermediate, LLC ("<u>Hoya Intermediate</u>"), Hoya Midco, LLC, and Vivid Seats LLC (collectively, "<u>we</u>," "<u>us</u>," and "<u>our</u>"). Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "can," "continue," "could," "design," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "goal," "intend," "likely," "may," "plan," "project," "propose," "seek," "should," "target," "will," and "would," as well as similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or do not relate to historical matters, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

We may use forward-looking statements when addressing our future operating results and financial performance and other topics such as:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The supply of and demand for live events;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The impact of adverse economic conditions and other factors affecting discretionary consumer and corporate spending;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our ability to develop and maintain relationships with ticket buyers, sellers, and partners;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The impact of changes to internet search engine algorithms and mobile app marketplace rules;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The impact of artificial intelligence ("<u>AI</u>") on how consumers search for live event tickets;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our ability to attract ticket sellers and buyers to our platform in the increasingly competitive ticketing industry;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our ability to continue to maintain and improve our platform;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The impact of extraordinary events, including disease epidemics;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our ability to identify suitable acquisition targets and to complete and realize the expected benefits of acquisitions and other strategic investments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our ability to attract, hire, motivate, and retain our senior management team and other highly skilled personnel;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our ability to comply with applicable laws and regulations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The ability of ticket holders to sell their tickets on the secondary market unencumbered;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The impact of unfavorable outcomes in legislation and legal proceedings;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our ability to maintain the integrity of our information systems and infrastructure, and to identify, assess, and manage relevant cybersecurity risks; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our ability to generate sufficient cash flows and/or obtain additional financing when necessary or desirable.

We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. While we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions, or results, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that can be difficult to predict and/or are outside of our control. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and

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Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of this Report, as well as in our press releases and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "<u>SEC</u>").

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Report (or, in the case of statements incorporated by reference herein, as of the date of the incorporated document). Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this Report, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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**RISK FACTORS SUMMARY**

You should carefully read this Report in its entirety, including the risks discussed in the "Risk Factors" section. Such risks include, but are not limited to, those set forth below.

**Risks Related to Our Business & Industry**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We are adversely affected by decreases in the supply of and/or demand for live events.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be adversely affected by adverse changes in our relationships with ticket buyers, sellers, and/or partners.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be adversely affected by changes to internet search engine algorithms and mobile app marketplace rules.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be adversely affected if we fail to adapt to the impact of AI on how consumers search for live event tickets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We face intense competition in the ticketing industry, and we may be adversely affected if we are unable to attract ticket buyers and sellers to our platform.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be adversely affected if we do not continue to maintain and improve our platform, or to successfully develop new and improved solutions and enhancements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain and enhance our reputation and brand.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be adversely affected by extraordinary events, including disease epidemics, or the effects of inflation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be adversely affected if any completed or future business acquisition is unsuccessful.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be adversely affected if we are unable to manage the risks associated with the growth of our international operations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our financial performance in certain periods may not be indicative of, or comparable to, our financial performance in other periods due to seasonality and other factors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Impairment of our goodwill and certain indefinite-lived trademarks has adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, our financial results and condition.

**Risks Related to Government Regulation & Litigation**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We depend on the ability of ticket holders to sell their tickets on the secondary market unencumbered, and our business and industry may be adversely affected by unfavorable legislative outcomes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our processing of personal data and other sensitive information could give rise to liabilities as a result of governmental regulation, litigation, and conflicting legal requirements, including those relating to personal privacy, data security, and AI.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be adversely affected by unfavorable outcomes in legal proceedings in which we, ticket sellers, or our partners are or may in the future be involved.

**Risks Related to Information Technology, Cybersecurity & Intellectual Property**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be adversely affected by system interruptions and the lack of integration and redundancy in our and third-party information systems and infrastructure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be adversely affected if our information technology systems, or those of third parties with whom we conduct business, are compromised.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our payment system depends on third-party providers and is subject to risks that may adversely affect our business.

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**Risks Related to Our Indebtedness**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our credit facility imposes restrictions that limit management's discretion in operating our business, which could impair our ability to satisfy our debt obligations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows and/or obtain additional financing when necessary or desirable.

**Risks Related to the Ownership of Our Securities & Organizational Structure**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The interests of our significant stockholders may conflict with those of us or our other stockholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our principal assets are the equity interests in our subsidiaries, and we are accordingly dependent upon our subsidiaries' cash flows to satisfy our obligations.

**Risks Related to Being a Public Company**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The market price and trading volume of our securities may be volatile.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We previously identified and remediated a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting ("<u>ICFR</u>"), and we may identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•We are an "emerging growth company" ("<u>EGC</u>") and a "smaller reporting company" ("<u>SRC</u>"), and our reliance on certain reporting requirement exemptions available to EGCs and/or SRCs could make our securities less attractive to investors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The issuance of new shares of Class A common stock, including upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, would increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market and dilute the ownership and voting power of our existing stockholders.

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**Part I**

**Item 1. Business**

**Overview**

We are an online ticket marketplace that utilizes our technology platform to connect fans of live events seamlessly with ticket sellers. We believe in the power of shared experiences to connect people with live events that deliver some of life's most exciting moments, and our mission is to empower and enable fans to *Experience It Live*.

For ticket buyers, we represent a differentiated value proposition. In addition to our compelling and easy-to-use mobile app and website: our 'Lowest Price Guarantee' is designed to ensure that we provide the most competitively priced tickets among our competitors; our '100% Buyer Guarantee' promotes safe and secure transactions; our Vivid Seats Rewards loyalty program allows enrolled buyers to earn reward credits to spend on future orders; and our in-app Game Center engages users with the opportunity to win free tickets or promotional discounts.

For ticket sellers, we offer a variety of products and services designed to help their businesses thrive. In particular, Skybox, our industry-leading enterprise resource planning ("<u>ERP</u>") tool, allows ticket sellers to seamlessly manage their operations. Built on years of transactional and engagement data, Skybox includes tools for inventory management, pricing, and order fulfillment across ticket marketplaces.

To generate brand recognition and drive traffic to our platform, we cultivate mutually beneficial partnerships with media partners, sports leagues, sports teams, and event venues, as well as other product, service, distribution, and supply partners.

**Our Business Model** 

We operate our business in two segments: Marketplace and Resale.

***Marketplace Segment***

In our Marketplace segment, we primarily act as an intermediary between ticket buyers, sellers, and partners, for which we earn revenue from processing ticket sales for live events and facilitating the booking of hotel rooms and packages through our:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Owned Properties*, which consist of: the Vivid Seats mobile app and website; Vegas.com, LLC ("<u>Vegas.com</u>"), an online ticket marketplace for shows, attractions, tours, flights, and hotels in Las Vegas, which we acquired in November 2023; and Wavedash Co., Ltd. ("<u>Wavedash</u>"), an online ticket marketplace headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, which we acquired in September 2023.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Private Label Offering*, which consists of numerous distribution partners.

Using our online platform, we facilitate buyer payments, coordinate ticket deliveries, and provide customer service. We do not hold ticket inventory in our Marketplace segment.

The amount of Marketplace revenue earned in a given period is primarily represented by service and delivery fees charged to buyers. We also earn Marketplace revenue from referral fees charged to third-party providers of event insurance that we offer to buyers. Until it ceased operations on July 18, 2025, we also earned Marketplace revenue from Vivid Picks, LLC ("<u>Vivid Picks</u>"), a real-money daily fantasy sports mobile app, which represented the difference between cash entry fees collected and cash amounts paid out to users for winning picks, less customer promotions and incentives.

The main costs we incur in our Marketplace segment relate to developing and maintaining our platform, providing back-office support and customer service, facilitating payments and deposits, and shipping non-electronic tickets. We also incur substantial marketing costs, primarily related to online advertising.

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The event tickets we sell through our Marketplace segment are diversified across and within three major event categories:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Concerts.* Includes musical acts of all genres touring across venues of all sizes, as well as music festivals.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Sports.* Includes the four major professional leagues (Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, and the National Hockey League), college sports, women's sports leagues (including the Women's National Basketball Association and the National Women's Soccer League), and a variety of other sports such as soccer, racing, and minor league baseball.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Theater.* Includes Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals, stage shows, comedy acts, speaker series, and other family entertainment events.

A diversified mix across and within these event categories broadens our opportunities, limits our exposure to any particular category, and reduces seasonal variation in order volumes.

***Resale Segment***

In our Resale segment, we primarily acquire tickets to resell on secondary ticket marketplaces, including our own. Our Resale segment also provides internal research and development support for Skybox and supplements our ongoing efforts to deliver industry-leading seller software and tools.

**Our Growth Strategies**

***Increase Awareness of Our Differentiated Value Proposition***

We seek to offer the best value in the secondary ticketing market, and we aim to efficiently maximize awareness of our differentiated value proposition, which includes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•An extensive breadth and depth of ticket listings on our compelling and easy-to-use mobile app and website;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our 'Lowest Price Guarantee,' which is designed to ensure that we provide the most competitively priced tickets among our competitors;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our '100% Buyer Guarantee,' which promotes safe and secure transactions, including delivery of valid tickets before an event, as well as award-winning customer service and compensation for late ticket deliveries and/or cancelled events; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our Vivid Seats Rewards loyalty program, which allows enrolled buyers to earn reward credits to spend on future orders – including a 'free 11th ticket' – and enables access to other perks and upgrades.

The more that buyers understand, trust, and develop an affinity for our differentiated value proposition, the more market share we expect to win.

***Continue to Attract, Retain & Engage Buyers***

Across our brands, we want to be the go-to ticketing marketplace for buyers when searching for and purchasing event tickets. Fans interested in attending live events frequently utilize internet search engines and, more recently, AI tools to search for tickets. With our proprietary digital marketing technology and real-time first-party data, we have historically captured customer search traffic within reasonable customer acquisition cost thresholds. We will continue to hone our performance marketing algorithms, refine our strategies for other marketing channels, and invest to acquire new customers where we identify positive lifetime value.

Once buyers transact with us, our goal is for them to return to make repeat future purchases. As buyers gain an appreciation of our differentiated value proposition relative to other ticketing marketplaces, we expect that they will increasingly return to us to make repeat future purchases. We typically incur lower marketing costs from repeat customers, especially those that have downloaded our mobile app.

Engagement allows us to know buyers better, fosters an affinity for our differentiated value proposition, and, ultimately, drives repeat purchases. We strive to improve the discovery process to help buyers know when their

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favorite artists or sports teams are performing or playing near them. We also provide customized content to enhance the buyer experience, including personalized recommendations, blog content, and industry news. Our in-app Game Center, which features free-to-play games through which users can earn entries into free ticket drawings and tokens toward promotional discounts, further promotes engagement with users of our mobile app in between purchases.

***Develop Additional Seller Tools & Services***

We enable ticket sellers to thrive by offering products and services that support their business needs. Our proprietary Skybox platform helps ticket sellers manage their inventory, set pricing, fulfill orders, and track sales. We have a proud history of innovating to support ticket sellers, and we will continue to develop additional tools and service offerings that address existing problems and/or make the sales and fulfillment process more efficient. As we increase the quality and depth of our seller tools and service offerings, we will attract additional sellers and listings to our platform, reinforce our existing seller relationships, and help sellers improve the efficiency of their business processes. We anticipate this will result in more transactions on our marketplace.

***Expand Our Partnerships***

Partnerships are an important and additive part of our ecosystem. They help generate ticket sales, drive traffic to our mobile app and websites, and build brand recognition. Our partner ecosystem includes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Media Partners*. We partner with well-known media companies to integrate our branding, promotions, and links to allow their customers to access and purchase tickets on our marketplace. This broadens our reach and cultivates brand awareness with high-value live event fans.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Sports Leagues, Sports Teams, Event Venues, and Other Rights Holders*. These partnerships provide us with certain marketing and advertising rights, which often include exclusive experiences for our ticket buyers (*e.g.*, guaranteed jumbotron time). We also typically receive ticket allotments, or the right to purchase tickets, from these partners to partially offset related marketing expenses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Product and Service Partners*. We partner with providers of related products and services when they are additive to our buyers' experiences. For example, we offer third-party event insurance and multiple payment options, including through partnerships with buy-now-pay-later payment service providers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Distribution Partners*. We allow our distribution partners to offer event tickets to their existing customers by leveraging our technology, fulfillment, and customer service capabilities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Supplier Partners.* Vegas.com is a key distribution partner for leading entertainment and hospitality brands in Las Vegas, including show producers, hotel and entertainment companies, and attraction and tour companies.

We will continue to seek out mutually beneficial partnerships in our existing ecosystem and related categories that improve our buyers' experience while leveraging our brand, traffic, and reputation.

**Our Platform**

***Modern Technology Delivering a Seamless Experience***

Our "built in the cloud" technology platform supports all elements of the user experience. Customers can search for an event, buy or sell a ticket, engage with curated content, and contact customer support. Our technology mission is to continually innovate and deliver market-leading products and services that support the evolving needs and preferences of ticket buyers, sellers, and partners. Our scalable, reliable, and performant systems power a consumer-facing platform that supports ticket buyers with ticket procurement while our dynamic tools power a partner-facing platform that supports ticket sellers and partners with ticket fulfillment and inventory management.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Buyer Technology and Products*. Our consumer systems are designed to respond to the dynamic, fast-paced landscape of the live events industry. Our marketplace, supported by proprietary digital marketing technology, is adept at capitalizing on demand opportunities by bringing ticket buyers to our platform for their desired event and seamlessly supporting their shopping and checkout experience. We continually invest in optimizing our consumer-facing technology across our website and mobile

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applications. We seek opportunities to create engaging and delightful experiences through a wide range of event ticket listings, relevant content, curated recommendations, and a seamless checkout process. We power these experiences through a host of technology systems that consider historical transactional and engagement behavior, proximity, and ticket buyer preferences. We leverage the latest technologies in search engine optimization, customer relationship management, and data analytics, all of which are incorporated into our advanced and flexible infrastructure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Seller Technology and Products*. A key component of our platform is Skybox, which is the most widely adopted ERP among professional ticket sellers. Skybox enables ticket sellers to manage ticket inventories, adjust pricing, and fulfill orders across multiple ticket resale marketplaces. Utilizing a cloud-based technology infrastructure and a web-based application interface, Skybox serves as an asset to the entire ticket seller ecosystem. We invest in building capabilities that serve the needs of small, medium, and large ticket sellers, including offering free integrations to other inventory distribution channels and third-party tools. Skybox is a free-to-use system that allows ticket sellers to more effectively move their inventory, which in turn helps to increase the number of transactions on our marketplace. In December 2024, we launched a powerful, subscription-based add-on to Skybox ("<u>Skybox Drive</u>"), which enables ticket sellers to dynamically adjust their ticket prices based on demand via access to real-time market data and other proprietary information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Partner Technology and Products*. Our platform allows distribution and supplier partners to bring additional ticket buyer demand into our ecosystem. Distribution partners can integrate our event feeds and ticket listings into their online properties through application programming interfaces ("<u>APIs</u>") and/or fully managed websites. We also provide turn-key checkout, customer service, and fulfillment services. This offering increases the number of ticket buyers and sellers that can access our platform, allowing us to leverage our scale to drive operational and marketplace efficiencies while enabling our partners to offer additional products to their customers.

We provide our Vegas.com supplier partners with a full suite of technology and services, including an efficient marketing channel for customer acquisition, a proprietary real-time inventory management platform, enhanced customer service, and tools that provide information about demand and price elasticity.

***Technology Infrastructure***

Our platform is extensible and flexible. We can integrate with new partners, target new customer channels, access new supply bases, and connect with complementary technologies. In 2024, we developed further capabilities to display currencies other than the U.S. dollar in order to serve customers located in new geographies.

We have scalable and reliable systems. We continue to build and modernize our technology infrastructure to support the growth of our marketplace. We can handle increases from unpredictable surges in site traffic across our ticket buyer, seller, and partner platform. We utilize a host of technology availability, monitoring, and scaling solutions to respond to rapid changes for a business that operates around the clock.

Our technology architecture is service-oriented, cloud-based, and modular. Each individual component of our architecture is independent. We can innovate quickly, increase development velocity, and leverage new development technologies that are available in the market. We can also scale our platform to meet changing levels of ticket buyer demand and evolving ticket seller and partner needs.

***Third-Party Integrations***

Our APIs allow a broad ecosystem of third-party tools and systems to integrate with our platform. Third-party tools integrate with our marketplace ticket broker API and portal to streamline and automate the sales and fulfillment process. Skybox and Skybox Drive integrate with numerous third-party automation and workflow management solutions, allowing ticket sellers to leverage other applications and functions to support their specific business needs.

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**Our Values**

Our passion and excitement for live events drives us to provide memorable experiences and services to our customers and partners. Our values ground us in all that we do:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*We Create Exceptional Experiences.* Whether we are engaging with a buyer, seller, partner, or teammate, we do not compromise when it comes to their experience. We hold ourselves accountable and lean into every connection to make the moment count.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*We Raise the Bar.* We shape our industry. We are ambitious and disciplined teammates who make smart plays and get better every day.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*We Commit as a Team.* We are one team that trusts and supports each other, and we are ready to tackle the most difficult challenges.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*We Embrace Change.* The only constant is change; we are ready for it. As a team, we are energized by working with speed and agility to anticipate both the known and unknown.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*We Enhance Communities.* Live events are all about showing up, and so is giving. We invest in our communities across Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Toronto through providing donations and performing volunteer work that supports healthcare, education, the arts and technology communities, and more. We are also proud to partner with national and local community organizations, including Make-A-Wish, MusiCares, and Chicago's Lurie Children's Hospital. Through Vivid Cheers, Inc., our charitable foundation, we have helped support and enrich the music community, satisfy life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, and share once-in-a-lifetime experiences with those in need.

**Employees & Human Capital**

We are intent on creating an engaging and positive work environment, which contributes to both our and our employees' success. In 2026, we were proud to be recognized by *Built In* as a "Best Place to Work" in each of the United States; Chicago, Illinois; and Dallas, Texas. We have also previously been named by *Fast Company* as one of "The World's Most Innovative Companies" and one of "The Best Workplaces for Innovators" – recognitions that shine a spotlight on businesses that are reshaping industries and culture.

To support our workforce, we have built, and strive to maintain, a company culture that empowers our employees to embrace challenges, collaborate freely, and seek to constantly evolve. We are committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and thoughts as a means toward achieving employee engagement, empowerment, innovation, and good decision-making. As of December 31, 2025, we had 565 total employees, 557 of whom were full-time and most of whom were based at one of our five office locations in Chicago, Illinois; Coppell, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; and Tokyo, Japan.

The primary objectives of our human capital resources are identifying, attracting, hiring, integrating, developing, motivating, and retaining employees to create teams that are driven towards the common goal of achieving consistently strong results. Our talent management team identifies key positions based on current and future business strategies and creates robust programs for talent development, including evaluating bench strength, building redundancy, and succession planning. We also provide robust employee benefits, including healthcare and retirement programs, flexible paid time off, paid parental leave, dependent care, wellness programs, in-office and remote working perks, and ticket discounts.

**Competition**

We face significant competition from other primary and secondary ticketing service providers for the acquisition and retention of ticket buyers, sellers, and partners. Our main competitive factors include: the availability and variety of ticket offerings; pricing, including in the primary ticket market; acquiring customer traffic, including by way of internet search engines, which impacts customer acquisition and marketing costs; brand recognition and loyalty; and technology, including the development of new product offerings and enhancements.

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We have several competitive advantages that enable us to maintain and grow our position as a leading ticket provider. Our main competitive advantages include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•A wide selection of listings and ticketing options;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Competitive pricing;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Our Vivid Seats Rewards loyalty program, which is the most comprehensive loyalty program among our key competitors;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•A full-service marketplace with excellent customer service;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Proprietary performance marketing algorithms supported by real-time first-party data;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•An engaging in-app experience with Game Center;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Local market authority and key supplier partnerships for our Vegas.com subsidiary;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Scalability, profitable unit economics, and a strong balance sheet; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Close relationships with, and excellent customer service and products provided to, professional ticket sellers including our free-to-use Skybox ERP, the most widely adopted ERP in the industry.

Our primary competitors are StubHub, Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and TicketNetwork. We also compete with other professional ticket resellers in our Resale segment, as well as with providers of other avenues for entertainment, including restaurants, movies, and television, for the discretionary spending of consumers.

**Government Regulation**

Federal, state, local, and international laws and regulations govern several key areas of our business, including advertising, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, competition, consumer protection, data protection, export taxation, intellectual property ("<u>IP</u>"), payments, privacy, ticketing, ticket resale, and unfair business practices. Governmental authorities and private individuals have in the past commenced, and may in the future commence, investigations, inquiries, litigation, and other proceedings with respect to our compliance with these laws.

Certain jurisdictions have regulated ticket resale by requiring disclosures and refund policies, enacting resale price caps, prohibiting the resale of tickets above their face value, and even banning ticket transferability. Such regulations restrict or inhibit the ability of ticket holders to resell their tickets, which directly affects our business.

In addition, privacy and the processing of personal data and other sensitive information is increasingly subject to legislation and regulations with which we must comply, including, but not limited to, the California Consumer Privacy Act (the "<u>CCPA</u>"), the Canadian Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act ("<u>PIPEDA</u>"), and the Japanese Act on the Protection of Personal Information Act No. 57 of 2003 (the "<u>APPI</u>").

We are also subject to laws and regulations that affect companies conducting business on the internet in many jurisdictions where we operate. With the continued adoption of internet sales tax and marketplace facilitator laws by U.S. states, more U.S. buyers will encounter sales tax on our platform in the future. The additional responsibilities and costs associated with complex tax collection, remittance, and audit requirements could create additional burdens for ticket buyers, sellers, and partners.

The promulgation of new laws and regulations, and/or changes to existing laws and regulations, could restrict or inhibit our ability to operate and the ability of ticket buyers, sellers, and partners to continue to use our ticket marketplace. Further, many of the laws and regulations to which we are subject are continuing to evolve and be tested in courts and could be interpreted in ways that could harm our business. In addition, their application and interpretation are often uncertain, particularly in our rapidly evolving industry. Compliance with these laws, regulations, and similar requirements may be complex, costly, and challenging, and variances and inconsistencies across jurisdictions may further increase the costs of compliance and doing business.

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**Intellectual Property**

Our business relies substantially on the creation, use, and protection of IP related to our platform and services. We seek to protect our IP through a combination of methods, including U.S. and foreign patents, trademarks, domain names, copyrights, and trade secrets, as well as through confidentiality agreements, IP assignment agreements, and other contractual restrictions with employees, customers, suppliers, partners, affiliates, and others.

**Seasonality**

Our financial results can be impacted by seasonality. Historically, we have experienced slightly increased activity in the fourth quarter when all major sports leagues are in season, concert on-sales begin for the following year, and theater event orders increase during the holiday season. However, these fluctuations have recently become less predictable. For more information, see the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Key Factors Affecting Our Performance—Seasonality" section of this Report.

**Corporate Information**

Vivid Seats was founded in 2001. In 2004, we launched our website, *www.vividseats.com*. In 2010, we launched our marketplace platform, which we rapidly scaled while developing and refining our proprietary systems. In 2014, we launched our free-to-use, cloud-based Skybox ERP tool for ticket sellers to manage their operations. In 2015, we deployed our mobile app. In 2019, we launched our Vivid Seats Rewards loyalty program. In 2023, we acquired Vegas.com and Wavedash. In 2024, we launched Skybox Drive for ticket sellers to optimize their pricing strategies. Throughout our history, we have focused on building long-term customer value through brand affinity and a differentiated value proposition.

VSI was incorporated in 2021 for the purpose of completing the transactions (collectively, the "<u>Merger Transaction</u>") contemplated by the transaction agreement, dated April 21, 2021, among VSI, Horizon Acquisition Corporation, a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company ("<u>Horizon</u>"), Hoya Intermediate, Horizon Sponsor, LLC, and Hoya Topco, LLC ("<u>Hoya Topco</u>"). Pursuant to the Merger Transaction, Horizon merged with and into VSI in October 2021 and, as a result, we became a publicly traded company. Our Class A common stock and warrants are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbols "SEAT" and "SEATW," respectively.

On October 19, 2025, we entered into the CSA (as defined herein), pursuant to which we consummated the Corporate Simplification (as defined herein), which simplified our corporate structure. In connection with the Corporate Simplification, among other things, (i) all outstanding shares of Class B common stock were exchanged for an equal number of shares of Class A common stock, following which we cancelled all outstanding shares of Class B common stock, and (ii) all rights and obligations under our former Tax Receivable Agreement entered into with the exiting unitholders of Hoya Intermediate (the "<u>TRA</u>") were terminated (other than certain terms thereof that expressly survived). See the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Recent Developments–Corporate Simplification" section of this Report for more information.

**Available Information**

Because we are subject to the requirements of the Exchange Act, we file periodic reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. This information is available on the SEC's website, *www.sec.gov*. We also use our Investor Relations website, *investors.vividseats.com*, as a means for disclosing information to investors, some of which may be material and previously non-public. We make available free of charge on our Investor Relations website a variety of information for investors, including 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, as soon as reasonably practicable after such information is filed with or furnished to the SEC.

Website addresses included in this Report are for convenience only. Information contained on or accessible through such website addresses is not incorporated by reference in, and does not constitute part of, this Report.

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**Information About Our Directors**

Information about each member of our Board of Directors (our "<u>Board</u>") as of December 31, 2025 is set forth below.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  | **Board Committees** | **Board Committees** | **Board Committees** |
| **Name** | **Age** | **Director Since** | **Audit** | **Compensation** | **Nominating and Corporate Governance** |
| Mark Anderson | 50 | 2021 |  |  |  |
| Todd Boehly | 52 | 2021 |  |  |  |
| Jane DeFlorio | 55 | 2021 | Chair | Member | Member |
| Craig Dixon | 50 | 2021 | Member | Member | Chair |
| David Donnini | 60 | 2021 |  |  |  |
| Lawrence Fey | 45 | 2025 |  |  |  |
| Julie Masino | 55 | 2021 | Member | Chair |  |
| Adam Stewart | 57 | 2024 |  |  | Member |

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***Mark Anderson***

Mr. Anderson joined GTCR LLC ("<u>GTCR</u>"), a private equity firm, in 2000 and currently serves as a Managing Director and Head of the Technology, Media & Telecommunications group. Prior to that, he worked at Gracie Capital and Bowles Hollowell Conner & Co. Mr. Anderson also serves on the boards of directors of several GTCR portfolio companies, including Gogo Inc. (Nasdaq: GOGO), where he is a member of the compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees, Cloudbreak, CommerceHub, Equiti, Jet Support Services, Inc., Lexipol, Once For All, Point Broadband, Rithum Corporation, and Tricentis. Mr. Anderson is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Harvard Business School.

***Todd Boehly***

Mr. Boehly co-founded Eldridge Industries, LLC ("<u>Eldridge</u>"), which employs more than 5,000 people and together with its affiliates has made investments in over 100 operating businesses across finance, technology, real estate, and entertainment, in 2015 and has since served as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ("<u>CEO</u>"). He is also the Chairman and owner of Chelsea Football Club and an owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Sparks, and Cloud9. From 2002 to 2015, Mr. Boehly served at Guggenheim Partners, most recently as President, and founded its credit business. He also previously served as the CEO and Chief Financial Officer ("<u>CFO</u>") and as a director of Horizon from 2020 to October 2021, Horizon Acquisition Corporation II from 2020 to May 2023, and Horizon Acquisition Corporation III from 2020 to May 2023. Mr. Boehly also serves on the boards of directors of Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KW), where he is a member of the capital markets committee, Chelsea Football Club, the Los Angeles Lakers, Flexjet, PayActiv, CAIS, and Cain International. He formerly served on the boards of directors of Accelerant Holdings (NYSE: ARX), DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG), and Truebill, Inc. Mr. Boehly is a graduate of The College of William & Mary, where he later founded the Boehly Center for Excellence in Finance, and studied at the London School of Economics.

***Jane DeFlorio***

Ms. DeFlorio served as Managing Director of Retail and Consumer Sector Investment Banking Coverage at Deutsche Bank AG (NYSE: DB) from 2007 to 2013. From 2002 to 2007, she was an Executive Director in the Investment Banking Consumer and Retail Group at UBS Group AG (NYSE: UBS). Ms. DeFlorio also serves on the boards of directors of Curbline Properties Corp. (NYSE: CURB), where she is chair of the audit committee and a member of the compensation committee, and the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology. She also serves on the Advisory Council for the School of Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. Ms. DeFlorio previously served on the boards of directors of SITE Centers Corp. (NYSE: SITE) and Perry Ellis International. Ms. DeFlorio is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Harvard Business School.

***Craig Dixon***

Mr. Dixon is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of The St. James, a leading developer and operator of premium performance, wellness, and lifestyle brands, technology experiences, and destinations. From 2006 to 2013, he

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served as Assistant Vice President, Senior Counsel, and Assistant Corporate Secretary at Smithfield Foods, Inc. Mr. Dixon began his legal career at McGuireWoods LLP and Cooley LLP and served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable James R. Spencer of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He also serves on the board of trustees of Episcopal High School. Mr. Dixon is a graduate of The College of William & Mary and William & Mary School of Law.

***David Donnini***

Mr. Donnini joined GTCR in 1991 and currently serves as a Managing Director and Head of the Business & Consumer Services group. Prior to that, he worked at Bain & Company. Mr. Donnini also serves on the boards of directors of several GTCR portfolio companies, including Consumer Cellular, Inc., Everon, LLC, PPC Flex Company Inc., and Senske, Inc. He previously served on the boards of directors of AssuredPartners, itel Laboratories, Inc., Kick Health Inc., Park Place Technologies, and Sotera Health Company (Nasdaq: SHC). Mr. Donnini is a graduate of Yale University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

***Lawrence Fey***

Mr. Fey has served as our CEO and as a member of our Board since November 2025, after having served as our CFO since 2020 and as a member of our Board from 2017 to 2020. From 2005 to 2020, Mr. Fey worked at GTCR, most recently serving as a Managing Director. While at GTCR, he served on the boards of directors of many successful investments, including Six3 Systems, CAMP Systems, Zayo Group, Cision, Park Place Technologies, GreatCall, and Simpli.fi. Mr. Fey is a graduate of Dartmouth College.

***Julie Masino***

Ms. Masino has served as the President and CEO and as a director of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL), a restaurant and retail concept with locations throughout the United States, since November 2023 after having served as CEO-Elect since August 2023. She served as President, International of Taco Bell, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), from 2020 to June 2023 and as President, North America of Taco Bell from 2018 to 2019. Ms. Masino previously held senior positions at Mattel, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAT) from 2017 to 2018 and at Sprinkles Cupcakes from 2014 to 2017. Ms. Masino previously served on the boards of directors of PhysicianOne Urgent Care and Cole Haan. Ms. Masino is a graduate of Miami University.

***Adam Stewart***

Mr. Stewart joined Google LLC, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG), a multinational technology company, in 2006 and currently serves as Vice President — Consumer, Government, and Entertainment. Prior to that, he served in various management roles at Screenvision, LLC, Discovery Communications, LLC, and Univision Communications, Inc. Mr. Stewart is a graduate of the University of Southern California.

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**Information About Our Executive Officers**

Information about each of our executive officers as of February 1, 2026 is set forth below.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Age** | **Executive Officer Since** | **Position** |
| Lawrence Fey | 45 | 2020 | Chief Executive Officer and Director |
| Joseph Thomas | 41 | 2026 | Chief Financial Officer |
| Stefano Langenbacher | 40 | 2024 | Chief Technology Officer |
| Austin Arnett | 38 | 2025 | General Counsel and Corporate Secretary |

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***Lawrence Fey***

See the "Information About Our Directors" section above.

***Joseph Thomas***

Mr. Thomas has served as our CFO since January 2026. From August 2023 to January 2026, he served as the CFO of Reliable Parts, a distributor and e-commerce retailer of appliance parts and accessories. Mr. Thomas' background is in private equity, also serving since 2016 as a Managing Member of Fountain Square Industries and from 2010 to 2016 as a Principal of Svoboda Capital Partners, where he focused on distribution and technology-enabled service investments. Mr. Thomas began his career as an investment banking analyst specializing in mergers and acquisitions. He is a graduate of Indiana University.

***Stefano Langenbacher***

Mr. Langenbacher has served as our Chief Technology Officer ("<u>CTO</u>") since joining Vivid Seats in March 2024. From 2018 to March 2024, he served as the CTO of Suitsupply B.V. From 2011 to 2018, Mr. Langenbacher served as the CTO of hom24 SE. Mr. Langenbacher is a graduate of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

***Austin Arnett***

Mr. Arnett has served as our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since December 2025, after having served as our Associate General Counsel – Corporate and Securities since June 2023. From June 2021 to June 2023, he served as Senior Counsel at McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD), a global restaurant operator and franchisor. Mr. Arnett began his career as a corporate attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School.

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**Item 1A. Risk Factors**

*Set forth below are certain risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this Report. These are not the only risks we face. Additional risks that are currently unknown or believed not to be material may also impact actual results. These risks should be carefully considered together with the other information set forth in this Report and our other filings with the SEC.*

**Risks Related to Our Business & Industry**

***We are adversely affected by decreases in the supply of and/or demand for live events.***

The supply of live events depends on several factors, many of which are outside of our control. We rely on artists and sports teams to perform and play at live events, and scenarios such as artists deciding to perform less frequently or at smaller venues, sports league lockouts, promoters or event venues failing to correctly anticipate demand for particular events, or negative trends in the entertainment and/or sporting industries that cause a reduction in the number or availability of live events adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our business also depends on demand for and attendance at live events, which is affected by, among other things, discretionary consumer and corporate spending. Many factors impact such spending, including economic conditions (*e.g.*, unemployment levels, interest rates, inflation, and commodity prices), changes to tax rates/laws, public safety concerns, and other extraordinary events. Reduced discretionary spending, as well as other negative business or industry conditions or trends, can decrease demand for and attendance at live events, as well as reduce ticket sales, which adversely affect our revenue and operating results.

All of these risks may become more acute during periods of economic slowdown, recession, and uncertainty. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic slowdown materially and adversely impacted our business, including due to event restrictions and cancellations. While live events are now generally held at pre-pandemic scope and scale, there can be no assurance that the supply of and/or demand for such events will not be negatively impacted by any future economic slowdown, recession, or uncertainty, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***We may be adversely affected by adverse changes in our relationships with ticket buyers, sellers, and/or partners.***

Our business depends on developing and maintaining deep and longstanding relationships with the parties that use our platform to buy and sell tickets, including ticket buyers, sellers, and partners. Any failure to do so on acceptable terms, or at all, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. For example, the loss of a significant Private Label Offering distribution partner in 2025 adversely affected both our Private Label Offering and total Marketplace order volumes and revenues.

***We may be adversely affected by changes to internet search engine algorithms or if we fail to adapt to the impact of AI on how consumers search for live event tickets.***

We rely heavily on internet search engines, such as Google, to generate traffic to our websites through a combination of organic and paid searches. Search engines frequently update and change the logic that determines the placement and display of a user's search results such that the purchased or algorithmic placement of links to our websites can be negatively affected. For example, a search engine could, for competitive or other purposes, alter its search algorithms or results in a manner that causes our websites to be placed lower in its organic search query results. If a major search engine changes its algorithms in a manner that negatively impacts its ranking of our or our partners' websites, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected. Further, our failure to successfully manage our search engine optimization could substantially decrease traffic to our websites, as well as increase costs if we were to replace free traffic with paid traffic, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

AI has recently begun to disrupt the methods by which consumers have traditionally searched for live event tickets, and we expect this trend to continue. A failure by us to successfully adapt to this evolving landscape could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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***We may be adversely affected by changes to mobile app marketplace rules.***

We rely on mobile app marketplaces, such as Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store, to enable downloads of our mobile apps. Such marketplaces have in the past made, and may in the future make, changes (including to security, privacy, disclosure, age verification, and other requirements) that may impede access to our mobile apps or limit the features we can offer. For example, our mobile apps may receive unfavorable promotion and/or placement treatment compared to those of competing apps, including the order in which they appear within these marketplaces. Further, our Apple iOS and Google Android mobile apps are an increasingly important distribution channel for ticket sales. If either marketplace were to charge commissions or fees on our mobile app-based revenue, and we failed to negotiate favorable terms, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, certain mobile app marketplace rules are subject to legal challenges, which can create uncertainty and further complicate our ability to comply therewith. Similarly, if problems arise in our relationships with these or other such marketplaces, access to our mobile apps could be impeded and our user growth could be harmed.

***We face intense competition in the ticketing industry, and we may be adversely affected if we are unable to attract ticket buyers and sellers to our platform.***

We operate in an increasingly competitive industry and face significant and continuous competition from other national, regional, local, and international primary and secondary ticketing service providers to acquire and retain ticket buyers, sellers, and partners. We also compete with other professional ticket resellers in our Resale segment, as well as with providers of other avenues for entertainment, including restaurants, movies, and television, for the discretionary spending of consumers. This competition could lead to decreased sale volumes and/or profit margins, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Competitive variables that could lead to a decrease in ticket orders, prices, fees, and/or profit margins, certain of which have adversely affected our past financial performance, include: competitive offerings that include more favorable terms or pricing; increased marketing spending by our competitors; consolidation among competitors resulting in their increased market share; technological changes and innovations, such as consumers' increasing use of AI to search for live event tickets, that we are unable to adopt or adapt to or are late in adopting or adapting to; other entertainment options or ticket inventory selections and varieties that we do not offer; increased pricing in the primary ticket marketplace, which could result in reduced profits for secondary ticket sellers; primary ticket marketplaces enacting policies that restrict or impede secondary ticket sales; and increased search engine marketing costs as competitors increase bid prices.

***We may be adversely affected if we do not continue to maintain and improve our platform, or to successfully develop new and improved solutions and enhancements.***

Our ability to attract and retain ticket buyers, sellers, and partners depends in large part on our ability to continue to provide a user-friendly and effective platform, develop and improve our platform, and introduce compelling new solutions and enhancements. Our industry is characterized by rapidly changing technology, service, and product introductions, and changing demands of ticket buyers, sellers, and partners. Technological innovation in areas such as AI and machine learning may further accelerate these changes. While we spend substantial time and resources understanding and responding to these changes and demands, if we fail to adapt, competitors may be able to more successfully enhance their platforms, improve operational efficiency, and/or deliver more personalized user experiences. Developing new and improved solutions and enhancements is costly and complex, and the timetable for commercial release is difficult to predict and may vary from our historical experience. Our ability to effectively develop, adopt, or integrate emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning, may also impact our ability to remain competitive.

In addition, after development, ticket buyers, sellers, and partners may not be satisfied with, or may perceive that their needs are not adequately addressed by, our solutions and enhancements. The success of a new solution or enhancement to our platform can depend on several factors, including timely completion and delivery, competitive pricing, adequate quality testing, platform integration, user awareness, and overall market acceptance and adoption. If we do not continue to maintain and improve our platform, or to successfully develop new and improved solutions and enhancements, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

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***We may be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain and enhance our reputation and brand.***

Maintaining and enhancing our reputation and brand as a differentiated ticketing marketplace is critical in our ability to retain existing, and attract new, ticket buyers, sellers, and partners. The successful promotion of our brand requires significant investments of time, money, and effort, which may increase as our marketplace continues to expand and become more competitive. To the extent these investments yield increased revenue, it may not offset the increased expenses we incur. If we do not successfully maintain and enhance our brand and differentiate our marketplace from competitive products and services, our business may not grow, we may be unable to compete effectively, and we could lose existing, or fail to attract new, ticket buyers, sellers, or partners, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

There are also many factors outside of our control that could undermine and/or harm our reputation and brand. A negative perception of our marketplace could adversely affect our business, including as a result of: complaints or negative publicity and our responsiveness thereto; our inability to timely comply with applicable laws, regulations, and/or consumer protection-related guidance; the use of our platform to sell fraudulent or counterfeit tickets; the timing of refunds and/or payment reversals through our platform; actual or perceived disruptions or defects in our platform; cybersecurity incidents; a lack of awareness of our policies; or changes to our policies that third parties perceive as overly restrictive, unclear, or inconsistent with our values.

If we are unable to maintain a reputable, user-friendly, and effective platform that provides tickets to desirable events, our ability to attract and retain ticket buyers, sellers, and partners could be impaired and our reputation, brand, and business could be adversely affected.

***We may be adversely affected by extraordinary events, including public safety concerns or disruptions, mass-casualty incidents, acts of civil unrest, terrorist attacks, military actions, disease epidemics or other public health concerns, natural disasters, and severe weather events.***

The occurrence and threat of extraordinary events, including public safety concerns or disruptions, intentional or unintentional mass-casualty incidents, acts of civil unrest, terrorist attacks, military actions, disease epidemics or other public health concerns (and governmental responses thereto), natural disasters, and severe weather events, may deter or prevent artists, sports teams, promoters, or event venues from performing, playing, or operating and substantially decrease the demand for live events. Because Vegas.com is concentrated in Southern Nevada, which has recently experienced water and electricity shortages, it is particularly exposed to certain of these risks. The occurrence of extraordinary events has in the past adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Event cancellations related to such events could also adversely affect our financial performance because we may be obligated to issue refunds or credits for previously purchased tickets.

The global COVID-19 pandemic and related economic shutdown resulted in significant disruption to our business, the entertainment and sporting industries, and the global economy in 2020 and 2021. The pandemic led governments and other authorities around the world to impose measures intended to control its spread, including travel bans, border closings and restrictions, business closures, quarantines, and vaccine requirements. During the height of the pandemic, many artists, sports teams, promoters, and event venues around the world ceased performances, games, and operations. Because we depend on live events in order to generate revenue from ticket sales, the decreased supply of and demand for such events during the pandemic negatively impacted our business and financial condition. While live events are now generally held at pre-pandemic scope and scale, it is difficult to predict any future outbreaks of disease epidemics and whether restrictions could again be imposed. Any of these circumstances could again adversely affect the live events industry and our business and financial condition.

***We may be adversely affected if any completed or future business acquisition is unsuccessful.***

Our strategy has involved, and our future growth may continue to depend in part on, our selective acquisition of complementary businesses. For example, we acquired Fanxchange Ltd. in 2019, Vivid Picks in 2021, Wavedash in September 2023, and Vegas.com in November 2023. However, we may be unable to identify suitable acquisition targets or make acquisitions at favorable prices in the future. Even if we identify a suitable acquisition target, our ability to successfully complete an acquisition depends on a variety of factors, which may include our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and requisite government approvals. Additionally, even if we complete an acquisition,

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our ability to successfully integrate the acquired business and realize the expected benefits of the acquisition is subject to additional risks and uncertainties. Further, our credit facility restricts our ability to make certain acquisitions. In connection with any future acquisition, we may take actions that could adversely affect our business, including: using a significant portion of our available cash; issuing equity securities, which would dilute the ownership and voting power of our existing stockholders; incurring substantial debt; incurring or assuming contingent liabilities, known or unknown; and incurring large accounting write-offs, impairments, or amortization expenses.

In addition, acquisitions involve inherent risks that, if realized, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, including those associated with: integrating the operations, financial reporting, technologies, and personnel of the acquired company; scaling of operations, systems and infrastructure and achieving synergies to meet the needs of the combined or acquired company; managing geographically dispersed operations; diverting management's attention from other business concerns; entering new markets or lines of business in which we have limited or no direct experience, including the impact of newly applicable laws and regulations; and the potential loss of key employees, customers, and partners of the acquired company. Any of these risks could significantly affect our ability to complete acquisitions and expand our business. For example, each of our prior acquisitions involved certain of these risks, including, as applicable, those associated with integrating new lines of business, operating in new markets, and adhering to new legal and regulatory regimes. The success of these and any future acquisitions is based, in part, on our ability to overcome these risks.

***We may be adversely affected if we are unable to manage the risks associated with the growth of our international operations.***

We have operations in Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom, and we continue to strategically expand our international operations. Accordingly, we are subject to risks associated with doing business internationally, including, but not limited to: complying with a variety of newly applicable, and often changing and/or conflicting, laws and regulations, including those relating to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, data protection, and privacy; obtaining required governmental approvals, permits, and licenses; obtaining and enforcing our IP rights; staffing and managing our foreign operations; financial risks such as longer payment cycles, difficulty collecting accounts receivable, the impact of local and regional financial crises, and exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; preferences by local consumers for local competitors; and political and economic instability.

We may also have difficulty expanding our business internationally because of the difficulties associated with obtaining local ticket supply and/or limited brand recognition, which could delay or limit the acceptance of our services by ticket buyers, sellers, and partners in new markets and increased marketing and other costs associated with establishing our brand. If we are unable to successfully expand internationally or manage the risks associated therewith, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.

***Our financial performance in certain periods may not be indicative of, or comparable to, our financial performance in other periods due to seasonality and other factors.***

Our financial results and cash needs vary from period to period depending on, among other things: the number, location, venue type, and timing of certain live events; the popularity of and demand for certain artists, sports teams, tours, and events; artists' decisions about when and where to perform; sports teams' performances, and the length and team composition of playoff series and championship games; event cancellations; weather, seasonal, and other fluctuations in our operating results; the timing of guaranteed payments, investments, acquisitions, and financing activities; competitive dynamics; and the timing of disbursements of accounts payable to ticket sellers and partners.

Because our results may vary significantly from period to period, our financial performance in one period may not be indicative of, or comparable to, our financial performance in other periods. Historically, we have experienced lower financial performance in the first, second, and third quarters, with slightly increased activity in the fourth quarter when all major sports leagues are in season, concert on-sales begin for the following year, and theater event orders increase during the holiday season. However, these fluctuations have recently become less predictable. In addition, the timing of top-grossing tours and events, as well as the number of sports games and the teams involved in playoff series and championship games, can impact the year-to-year comparability of quarterly results (and, in rare cases, annual results). The seasonality of our business could create cash flow management risks if we do not

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adequately anticipate and plan for periods of decreased activity, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations by negatively impacting our ability to execute on our strategy.

***We may be adversely affected if we are unable to attract, hire, motivate, and retain our senior management team and other highly skilled personnel.***

Our success depends upon the continued service of our senior management team and key technical employees, as well as our ability to continue to identify, attract, hire, integrate, develop, motivate, and retain highly skilled personnel for all areas of our organization. Each of our executive officers, key technical employees, and other personnel could terminate their relationship with us at any time. The loss of any member of our senior management team or key personnel could significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our business objectives and/or negatively impact our business and relationships. As such, effective succession planning and the execution of smooth personnel transitions is important to our long-term success. If we fail to effectively manage our hiring needs and execute smooth personnel transitions, our business may be adversely affected.

Competition in our industry for qualified employees is intense. To attract top talent, we must offer competitive compensation arrangements and benefits packages, as well as periodically increase compensation levels in response to competition and inflation. If we fail to successfully attract, hire, and integrate new personnel, our efficiency and ability to meet forecasts, as well as employee morale, productivity, and retention, could suffer, which may adversely affect our business.

***Impairment of our goodwill and certain indefinite-lived trademarks has adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, our financial results and condition.***

In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("<u>U.S. GAAP</u>"), we test our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of such assets might be impaired. If an asset's carrying amount exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss is recorded equal to the amount of the excess.

As a result of our interim impairment test in the second quarter of 2025, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $320.4 million, which comprises a $297.4 million impairment of our goodwill and a $23.0 million impairment of certain indefinite-lived trademarks. As a result of our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2025, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $402.6 million, which comprises a $363.3 million impairment of our goodwill and a $39.3 million impairment of certain indefinite-lived trademarks. For more detail, see Note 10, *Goodwill – Net and Intangible Assets – Net*, to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Report.

As of December 31, 2025, the balance of our (i) goodwill (net of accumulated impairment charges and foreign currency translation adjustments) was $283.9 million, which represented 44.6% of our total assets, and (ii) trademarks (net of accumulated impairment charges and foreign currency translation adjustments) was $48.1 million, which represented 7.6% of our total assets. Due to market volatility, economic uncertainty, and inflationary concerns, there can be no assurance that our goodwill and/or indefinite-lived intangible assets will not be impaired again in the future. Impairment may result from, among other things, a significant decline in our expected cash flows, an adverse change in general economic conditions, and slower growth rates in our industry. Any such future impairment could adversely affect our financial condition.

***We may be adversely affected by the effects of inflation.***

Inflation can negatively impact our business by increasing our overall costs, particularly if we are unable to achieve commensurate increases to revenues. Inflation has resulted, and may continue to result, in elevated interest rates and capital costs, increased costs of labor, weakened exchange rates, reduced discretionary consumer and corporate spending, and other similar effects. As a result of inflation, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, increased costs. Although we may take measures to mitigate the effects of inflation, such measures may not be effective and, even if such measures are effective, there could be a difference in timing between the effects of inflation and of such measures. As a result, our business, financial condition (including liquidity), and results of operations may be adversely affected.

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**Risks Related to Government Regulation & Litigation**

***We are subject to extensive governmental regulation, and we may be adversely affected if we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations.***

Our operations are subject to federal, state, local, and international laws and regulations governing key aspects of our business such as advertising, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, competition, consumer protection, data protection, export taxation, IP, payments, privacy, ticketing, ticket resale, and unfair business practices. While we strive to conduct our operations in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that a particular law or regulation will not be interpreted or enforced in a manner contrary to our understanding of it. The promulgation of new and sometimes conflicting laws and regulations, as well as changes to existing laws and regulations or their interpretation, can make compliance more complex, costly, and challenging. Our failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations could result in governmental investigations, inquiries, litigation, proceedings, and fines against us, and/or individual private actions which, if material, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***We depend on the ability of ticket holders to sell their tickets on the secondary market unencumbered.***

Our business depends on ticket holders' ability to sell their tickets on the secondary market. Certain jurisdictions have regulated ticket resale by enacting resale price caps, prohibiting the resale of tickets above their face value, and even banning ticket transferability. Some primary ticketing companies and rights holders have enacted policies that similarly restrict ticket resale, including using technology to limit where and how a ticket can be resold, charging incremental fees for the ability to resell a ticket, and partnering with other resale marketplaces on an exclusive basis. Such regulations and policies restrict or inhibit the ability of ticket holders to resell their tickets. This could result in reduced demand for our services, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***Our processing of personal data and other sensitive information could give rise to liabilities as a result of governmental regulation, litigation, and conflicting legal requirements, including those relating to personal privacy, data security, and AI.***

In the ordinary course of business, we collect, receive, store, protect, use, transmit, share, and dispose of (collectively, "<u>process</u>") personal data and other sensitive information. This subjects us to numerous federal, state, and international laws and regulations, industry standards, external and internal privacy and security policies, and contractual requirements addressing privacy, data protection, and the processing of such data and information.

Many U.S. states, and the federal and local governments, have adopted data protection and security legislation, including laws relating to personal data privacy and data breach notification. Many U.S. states have also enacted comprehensive privacy laws that impose obligations on covered businesses, such as requiring privacy disclosures and giving residents certain rights with respect to their personal data (*e.g.*, the right to access, correct, or delete such data and to opt out of certain data processing activities). Certain U.S. states also impose strict requirements on the processing of personal data, such as conducting data privacy impact assessments, and provide statutory fines for non-compliance. For example, the CCPA applies to the personal data of California residents and requires covered businesses to provide specific privacy notice disclosures and honor requests to exercise certain privacy rights. The CCPA provides for statutory penalties and a private right of action for data breaches resulting from a failure to implement reasonable security procedures and practices. U.S. state and federal legislators continue to consider and enact similar laws, reflecting a trend toward more stringent privacy legislation in the United States. These and any future similar laws are likely to increase our compliance costs, particularly when they have conflicting requirements and evolving judicial interpretations, and may require us to further modify our data processing practices and policies.

There has also been a noticeable uptick in U.S. class action litigation in which plaintiffs utilize laws, including the Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, state wiretapping laws, and other privacy laws and regulations, relating to the use of tracking technologies such as cookies and pixels, as well as AI-enabled 'chatbots' and customer service agents. This trend may lead legislatures to consider responsive regulation. Our inability or failure to obtain consent for these practices or to appropriately disclose them could result in adverse consequences, including class action litigation and mass arbitration demands.

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Personal and other user data is also increasingly subject to legislation and regulations in foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. For example, PIPEDA is a comprehensive Canadian privacy and security law for organizations collecting, using, or disclosing information about identified individuals for commercial purposes. Certain Canadian provinces also have their own data protection regulations. Similarly, the United Kingdom, the European Union (the "<u>EU</u>"), and countries in the European Economic Area (the "<u>EEA</u>") traditionally have taken broader views on, and imposed different legal obligations on companies as to, the types of data that are subject to privacy and data protection laws and regulations. For example, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (the "<u>GDPR</u>") applies to companies that collect and use personal data in connection with the offering of goods or services to individuals in the EEA or the monitoring of their behavior. The United Kingdom has its own General Data Protection Regulation. Under the GDPR, companies may face bans on data processing, other corrective actions, monetary fines, and/or private litigation related to the processing of personal data. The APPI, a Japanese law governing the handling of personal information, may also impose obligations on covered entities that are in addition to, or differ from, those in other jurisdictions (for example, it differs from the GDPR with respect to its approach to notifications and the cross-border transfer of personal data). Compliance with these and any other foreign data privacy laws and regulations may significantly increase our operational costs and our overall risk exposure.

In the ordinary course of business, we transfer personal data from one jurisdiction to another. Certain European jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, have enacted laws requiring that personal data be localized or limiting the transfer thereof to other jurisdictions, including the United States. Other jurisdictions have adopted or may adopt similar data localization and/or cross-border data transfer restrictions. Although there are various mechanisms that may be used to transfer such data from the United Kingdom and the EEA to the United States in compliance with these restrictions, they are subject to legal challenges and there can be no assurance that we can satisfy or rely on them. If there were no lawful manner for us to make such transfers, or if the requirements for doing so were too onerous, we could face adverse consequences, including the interruption of our operations, the need to relocate our data processing activities, and penalties such as fines and injunctions. In addition, companies that transfer personal data out of the United Kingdom and the EEA have faced increased scrutiny from regulators and litigants, and certain of such companies have been ordered by European regulators to suspend or cease certain such data transfers for allegedly violating the GDPR's cross-border data transfer restrictions.

Regulators in the United States are also increasingly scrutinizing personal data transfers and have proposed and enacted certain data localization or transfer requirements. For example, the U.S. Department of Justice has issued a rule that places additional restriction on certain data transactions involving countries of concern (*e.g.*, China, Russia, Iran) and covered persons (i.e., individuals and entities who are designated as such by the U.S. Attorney General or are considered "foreign persons" and are majority owned by, or organized under the laws of, a primary resident in, or a contractor of, a covered person or country of concern) that may impact certain business activities such as vendor, employee, and contractor engagements, data sharing, and investor agreements. Violations of the rule could lead to significant civil and criminal fines and penalties.

We must also comply with certain industry standards and contractual obligations related to personal privacy, data security, and AI. For example, certain privacy laws, including the CCPA and the GDPR, require the imposition of specific contractual restrictions on service providers. We also publish privacy policies, marketing materials, and other statements related to compliance with certain certifications or self-regulatory principles concerning data privacy and security. U.S. regulators are increasingly scrutinizing these materials, and if they are found to be deficient, unfair, misleading, or misrepresentative of our practices, we could be subject to governmental enforcement actions or other adverse consequences.

From time to time, our personnel use generative AI technologies in the course of their work. We use also use AI technologies in certain of our products. The disclosure and use of personal and/or confidential data in generative AI technologies, and the development and use of such technologies, present various privacy and data security risks and are subject to an increasing number of laws and regulations. Several jurisdictions, including in the United States and Europe, have enacted laws and regulations governing the development and use of AI, such as the EU's AI Act, Colorado's Artificial Intelligence Act, and the CCPA's automated decision-making regulations, and we expect other jurisdictions will adopt similar laws. Certain consumer rights extended by privacy laws (*e.g.*, the right to delete certain personal data and regulate automated decision-making) may also be incompatible with the use of AI technologies. Further, countries and states are applying their data and consumer protection laws to AI technologies, including

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generative AI and AI-enabled 'chatbots.' As a result, our use of these technologies could result in additional compliance costs, lawsuits, and regulatory actions. However, our inability to use these technologies, or limitations on such use, could result in a competitive disadvantage.

The interpretation and application of many privacy and data protection laws are, and will likely remain, uncertain, and it is possible that these laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with each other and with our existing data management practices, policies, or product features. If so, in addition to the possibility of fines, lawsuits (including class action claims), additional reporting requirements and/or oversight, bans or restrictions on processing personal data, orders to destroy or not use personal data, and other claims and penalties, we could be required to change our business activities and practices or to modify our practices, policies, or products, which could adversely affect our business. In addition to government regulation, privacy advocacy and industry groups may propose new and different self-regulatory standards that legally or contractually apply to us. Any inability by us, or our service providers and partners, to adequately address privacy, data protection, and data security concerns or comply with applicable privacy, data protection, or data security laws, regulations, policies, and other obligations, could result in additional costs and liability to us and adversely affect our reputation, sales, and business.

In addition, any compromise of our information security, including that results in the unauthorized access, acquisition, or release of personal or other user data, or the perception that such a compromise has occurred, could harm our brand and reputation, discourage ticket sellers, buyers, and partners from using our platform, and result in litigation (including class claims) and/or fines and proceedings by governmental agencies, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***We may be adversely affected by unfavorable outcomes in legal proceedings in which we, ticket sellers, or our partners are or may in the future be involved.***

Our results may be affected by the outcome of litigation. Unfavorable rulings in legal proceedings in which we, ticket sellers, or our partners may be involved could have a negative impact on us, including an impact that differs from expectations. We are currently, and from time to time in the future, we, ticket sellers, and our partners may be subject to various claims, investigations, legal and administrative cases, lawsuits, and similar proceedings (whether civil or criminal) by governmental agencies or private parties, the outcome of which can be difficult to predict. If we or they are unable to successfully defend against these proceedings, or if the results thereof are unfavorable, we or they may be required to pay significant monetary damages or be subject to fines, penalties, injunctions, or other censure that could directly or indirectly adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Even if we adequately address the issues raised by such a proceeding, or successfully defend a third-party lawsuit or counterclaim involving us, such proceeding, regardless of the outcome or merit thereof, could result in substantial costs and the diversion of management resources, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***Our business and industry may be adversely affected by unfavorable legislative outcomes.***

The secondary ticket market is regulated by federal, state, and international governments. This can include requiring certain disclosures and refund practices, enacting price caps, prohibiting the resale of tickets above their face value, and even banning ticket transferability. Future laws, regulations, or unfavorable legislative outcomes could impose additional restrictions and compliance costs on our business, as well as restrict ticket holders' ability to sell their tickets on the secondary market, any of which could adversely affect our industry, business, financial condition, and operating results.

***Our business may be subject to sales tax and other indirect taxes in various jurisdictions.***

The application of indirect taxes such as sales and use, amusement, value-added, goods and services, business, and gross receipts to businesses like ours, and to ticket buyers and sellers on our marketplace, is a complex and evolving issue. Because significant judgment is required to evaluate applicable tax obligations, amounts recorded are subject to adjustment. In many cases, the ultimate tax determination is uncertain because it is unclear how new and existing statutes might apply to our business. One or more jurisdictions may seek to impose additional reporting, recordkeeping, or indirect tax collection obligations on businesses like ours that facilitate online marketplaces. The imposition of information reporting or tax collection requirements could decrease ticket seller activity on our

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platform, which would adversely affect our business. New legislation could require us, or ticket sellers on our marketplace, to incur substantial compliance costs, including in connection with tax calculation, collection, remittance, as well as audit requirements, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

In addition, we could become subject to sales and use tax and value-added tax audits in the future, and federal, state, local, or international tax authorities could assert that we are obligated to collect additional amounts as taxes on behalf of ticket sellers and remit those taxes to the proper authorities. We could also be subject to audits and assessments with respect to jurisdictions for which we have not accrued tax liabilities. A successful assertion that we should be collecting additional sales or other taxes in jurisdictions where we have not historically done so, and where we do not accrue for such taxes, could result in substantial tax liabilities for past sales and otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

**Risks Related to Information Technology, Cybersecurity & Intellectual Property**

***We may be adversely affected by system interruptions and the lack of integration and redundancy in our and third-party information systems and infrastructure.***

The success of our operations depends, in part, on the integrity of our information systems and infrastructure, as well as affiliate and third-party computer systems, computer networks, and other communication systems. System interruptions and the lack of integration and redundancy in such information systems and infrastructure, both of our own ticketing and other computer systems and of affiliate and third-party software, computer networks, and other communications systems service providers on which we rely, may adversely affect our ability to operate our websites and mobile apps, process and fulfill transactions, respond to customer inquiries, and generally maintain cost-efficient operations. Similarly, due to our reliance on a network of technology systems, many of which are outside of our control, changes to interfaces upon which we rely, or a reluctance of our counterparties to continue supporting our systems, could lead, and in the past has led, to technology interruptions. Such interruptions could occur by virtue of a natural disaster, malicious action such as a cyberattack or intrusion, act of terrorism, military action, human error, or the other threats discussed in this "Risk Factors" section. In addition, the loss of certain key personnel could subject us to systems interruptions and require us to expend additional resources to continue to maintain our software and systems. The large infrastructure footprint that is required to operate our systems requires an ongoing investment of time, money, and effort to maintain or refresh hardware and software to ensure it remains at a level capable of servicing the demand and volume of our business. Failure to do so may result in system instability, degradation in performance, or unfixable security vulnerabilities that could adversely affect both our business and consumers.

While we have backup systems for certain aspects of our operations, disaster recovery planning by its nature may not be sufficient for all eventualities. In addition, our insurance coverage may not adequately compensate for losses stemming from an extended interruption. If any of these events were to occur, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***We may be adversely affected if our information technology systems, or those of third parties with whom we conduct business, are compromised.***

We process certain personal data and other sensitive or confidential information, including about ticket buyers and sellers and our employees. Penetration of our information technology systems, or the misappropriation or misuse of such data or information (including credit card and other personally identifiable information), could interrupt our operations and subject us to adverse consequences, including increased costs, litigation, and governmental enforcement actions. Cyberattacks, malicious internet-based activity, fraud, and similar evolving threats (including phishing attacks, malicious code, software bugs, malware attacks, ransomware attacks, denial-of-service attacks, credential stuffing attacks, and credential harvesting) threaten the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our information technology systems. Such threats come from a variety of sources and are increasingly prevalent and difficult to detect.

In addition, we rely on third parties to process certain information in a variety of contexts (*e.g.*, cloud-based infrastructure, encryption technology, and employee email) and to provide certain hardware, software, and applications. These third parties' information technology systems are subject to similar threats, and our ability to

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monitor their security practices is limited. If any of these third parties were to suffer a security incident or other interruption, we could experience adverse consequences. While we may be entitled to damages if a third party fails to satisfy its privacy- or security-related obligations to us, any award, assuming we are able to recover it, may be insufficient to cover our damages. Our past and future business acquisitions could also increase our exposure to these threats if our systems were negatively affected by vulnerabilities in an acquired entity's systems.

It may be difficult and/or costly to detect, investigate, mitigate, contain, and remediate a security incident, and our efforts to do so may not be successful. Actions taken by us or the third parties with whom we work to do so could result in outages, data losses, and business disruptions. Threat actors may also gain access to other networks and systems after a compromise of our networks and systems (for example, by using an initial compromise of one part of our environment to gain access to other parts of our environment, or by leveraging a compromise of our networks or systems to gain access to third-party networks or systems, such as through phishing or supply chain attacks).

We have devoted significant resources to the development of systems, practices, and policies designed to detect, mitigate, and remediate vulnerabilities in our information technology systems, protect against potential cybersecurity threats and their consequences, and protect sensitive information. However, such measures cannot provide absolute security or certainty. Advances in threat actor capabilities, technologies, methods, and tools, inadvertent violations of our practices or policies, or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of our systems and processes that are used to protect sensitive information. We may also experience delays in developing and deploying remedial measures designed to address identified vulnerabilities.

In addition, laws in certain of the jurisdictions in which we operate require, and laws in other jurisdictions in which we may operate in the future may require, businesses in certain instances to notify affected individuals, governmental entities, and/or credit reporting agencies of cybersecurity incidents, including those affecting personal information. Certain of our contractual obligations contain similar requirements. Such requirements are inconsistent, and compliance in the event of a widespread cybersecurity incident may be complex, costly, and difficult to implement. These risks may increase not only as we expand our operations in new jurisdictions, but also as our business continues to involve greater numbers of ticket buyers, sellers, and partners.

While we maintain general and cyber liability insurance policies, they may not cover, or may cover only a portion of, any response and remediation costs and potential claims related to cybersecurity incidents to which we are exposed, or they may be inadequate to indemnify us for all or any portion of liabilities that may be imposed. There can be no assurance that our existing insurance coverage will continue to be available on acceptable terms or in amounts sufficient to cover the potentially significant losses that may result from a cybersecurity incident or that the insurer will not deny coverage of any future claim.

Any of these or similar threats could lead to a security incident or other interruption that results in the unauthorized, unlawful, or accidental acquisition, modification, destruction, loss, or disclosure of, or access to, our information technology systems, or those of third parties with whom we conduct business. If we or such a third party experience (or are perceived to have experienced) a significant incident or interruption, it may have adverse consequences on us, including: governmental enforcement actions; lawsuits (including class action claims); additional reporting requirements and/or oversight; bans or restrictions on processing sensitive information; indemnification obligations; negative publicity and reputational harm; the diversion of management resources; the interruption of our operations (including data availability); financial losses; and incidents of ticketing fraud or counterfeit tickets. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***We may be adversely affected if we are unable to adequately protect or enforce our IP rights.***

Our proprietary technologies and information, including our software, informational databases, and other components that make up our products and services, are critical to our success. We seek to protect our proprietary technologies and information through a combination of methods, including IP rights such as U.S. and foreign patents, trademarks, domain names, copyrights, and trade secrets, as well as through confidentiality agreements, IP assignment agreements, and other contractual restrictions with employees, customers, suppliers, affiliates, partners, and others.

However, despite these efforts, there can be no assurance that our strategies to protect our IP rights will prevent the authorized use, infringement, misappropriation, dilution, or other violations thereof, particularly in foreign

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countries where laws may not protect such rights as fully as they do in the United States. A third party may also lawfully develop products or services substantially similar to ours. A failure to protect our IP rights in a meaningful manner, or challenges to our related contractual rights, could result in the erosion of our brand names or other IP, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our IP rights, protect our trade secrets, or determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights claimed by others. Any such litigation, regardless of the outcome or merit thereof, could result in substantial costs and divert the attention of management and other key technical resources, either of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***We may face liability and costs for legal claims alleging that we infringe upon third-party IP rights.***

There can be no assurance that we do not, or will not, infringe upon or otherwise violate third-party IP rights. From time to time, we have been, and may in the future be, subject to legal claims and proceedings alleging that we infringe upon or otherwise violate such rights. These claims and proceedings, regardless of the outcome or merit thereof, could result in substantial costs and divert the attention of management and other key technical resources, either of which could adversely affect our reputation and financial condition. In addition, the outcome of litigation is uncertain. As such, third parties asserting claims could secure a judgment against us awarding substantial damages, injunctive and/or other equitable relief, which could require us to rebrand, redesign, or reengineer our platform, products, or services, in addition to potentially blocking our ability to distribute, market, or sell our products and services.

***Our payment system depends on third-party providers and is subject to risks that may adversely affect our business.***

We rely on third-party providers to support our payment methods, as ticket buyers primarily use credit or debit cards to purchase tickets on our marketplace. Nearly all our revenue to date has been associated with payments processed through a single provider, which relies on banks and payment card networks to process transactions. If this payment processing provider or any of its vendors do not interoperate efficiently with our platform or if it or any of its vendors suffer any failure or experience a security incident, our payments systems and business could be adversely affected. Further, if this payment processing provider does not perform adequately, determines that certain types of transactions are prohibited, uses technology that does not interoperate efficiently with our platform, imposes new capital reserve requirements on us, or increases its fees, or if our relationship with it (or with the banks or payment card networks on which it relies) were to terminate or be suspended unexpectedly, our operating costs could increase, our margins could decrease, and ticket buyers may find our platform more difficult to use and, as a result, use our platform less.

Our payment processing provider requires us to comply with payment card network operating rules, which are set and interpreted by the payment card networks. These networks could adopt new, or modify or re-interpret existing, operating rules in ways that might prohibit us from providing certain services to ticket buyers or sellers, be costly to implement, or be difficult to follow. We are required to reimburse our provider for fines assessed by payment card networks if we, or ticket buyers or sellers using our platform, violate these rules (*e.g.*, processing various types of transactions that may be interpreted as a violation of certain payment card network operating rules). Changes to these rules and requirements, or any change in our designation by payment card networks, could require a change in our business operations and limit or eliminate our ability to accept payment cards, any of which could adversely affect our business.

We are also subject to the Payment Card Industry ("<u>PCI</u>") Data Security Standard, which is designed to protect credit card account data as mandated by PCI entities. The PCI Data Security Standard requires companies to adopt certain measures to ensure the security of cardholder information, including using and maintaining firewalls, adopting proper password protections for certain devices and software, and restricting data access. We rely on vendors to handle PCI matters and to ensure PCI compliance. Despite our compliance efforts, we may become subject to claims that we have violated the PCI Data Security Standard based on past, present, or future business practices. Our actual or perceived failure to comply with the PCI Data Security Standard could subject us to fines, terminated banking relationships, and increased transaction fees.

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Under current credit, debit, and payment card practices and network rules, we are liable for fraudulent activity on the majority of our credit and debit card transactions. We are also exposed to financial crime risk, against which we do not currently carry insurance. Additionally, while we deploy sophisticated technology to detect fraudulent purchase activity, we may incur losses if we fail to prevent the use of fraudulent payment information on transactions. Fraudulent schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and common, and our ability to detect and combat such schemes may be negatively impacted by the adoption of new payment methods and technology platforms. If we or our payment processing provider fail to identify fraudulent activity, are unable to effectively combat the use of fraudulent payments on our platform, or otherwise experience increased levels of disputed credit card payments or transactions, and/or if we are unable to adequately mitigate these risks, our business, financial condition, and results of operations, as well as our brand, reputation, and ability to accept payments, could be adversely affected.

Finally, the laws and regulations that govern payment methods and processing are complex and subject to change, and we may be required to expend considerable time and effort to determine their applicability. There can be no assurance that we will be able to meet all compliance obligations, including obtaining any required licenses in the jurisdictions we service, and, even if we are able to do so, there could be costs and potential product changes involved in compliance that could negatively impact our business. Any actual or alleged non-compliance by us with existing or new laws and regulations could lead to reputational damage, litigation, increased costs or liabilities, damages, and/or the loss of our ability to offer payment services in certain markets. We cannot predict whether governments may take actions or impose restrictions that affect our ability to process payments or conduct our business in certain jurisdictions. A failure to predict how a given law or regulation related to money transmission, prepaid access, or similar topics will be applied to us could result in licensure, registration requirements, and administrative enforcement actions, as well as materially interfere with our ability to offer certain payment methods or to conduct our business in particular jurisdictions. Further, we may become subject to changing payment regulations and requirements that could affect the compliance of our current payment processes and increase the operational costs we incur to support payments. The foregoing could impose substantial additional costs, considerably delay the development or provision of our solutions, require significant and costly operational changes, or prevent us from providing our solutions in any given market.

**Risks Related to Our Indebtedness**

***Our credit facility imposes restrictions that limit management's discretion in operating our business, which could impair our ability to satisfy our debt obligations.***

Our credit facility includes restrictive covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to: incur additional debt; pay dividends and make distributions; make certain investments; prepay certain debt; create liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; modify the nature of our business; transfer and sell assets, including material IP; amend our organizational documents; and merge or consolidate. It also contains a springing financial covenant that requires compliance with a leverage ratio when borrowings under our revolving credit facility exceed certain levels. Our failure to comply with any of these covenants could lead to a default under our credit facility, which would entitle our lenders to accelerate and declare due and payable all amounts owed thereunder.

As of December 31, 2025, our total debt, excluding unamortized debt discounts and debt issuance costs, was $390.1 million. Because our debt has a variable interest rate, we incur higher interest costs if interest rates increase. Interest rates increased significantly in 2023, with only a slight decrease in 2024 and 2025, and may remain elevated in the future. Any increase in interest costs could adversely affect our financial condition.

Our current debt and any future increases thereto could adversely affect our financial condition by: making it more difficult to satisfy our obligations; increasing our vulnerability to negative economic, regulatory, and industry conditions; limiting our ability to obtain additional financing for future net working capital, capital expenditures, strategic investments, acquisitions, and other purposes; requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operating activities to fund payments on our debt, thereby reducing funds available for operations and other purposes; limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry; making us more vulnerable to interest rate increases; and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.

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***We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows and/or obtain additional financing when necessary or desirable.***

As of December 31, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of $102.7 million, which is available to us to fund our operating, investing, and financing activities. There can be no assurance that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operating activities, or that we will be able to obtain financing, in an amount sufficient to fund our future operations or other liquidity needs.

In the future, we may need and be unable to obtain additional debt or equity financing on favorable terms, if at all, which could hinder our ability to successfully compete and adversely affect our business. Specifically, we may be unable to, among other things: further develop and enhance our platform and solutions; continue to invest in our technology and marketing efforts; attract, hire, develop, motivate, and retain employees; respond to competitive pressures and/or unanticipated working capital requirements; or pursue acquisition opportunities. Our ability to obtain financing will depend on several factors, including general economic and capital market conditions (*e.g.*, interest rates and inflationary concerns), credit availability from banks or other lenders, investor confidence, and our results of operations. Further, if we were to raise additional equity financing, it would dilute the ownership and voting power of our existing stockholders, and any new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences, and privileges superior to those of our Class A common stock.

**Risks Related to the Ownership of Our Securities & Organizational Structure**

***The interests of our significant stockholders may conflict with those of us or our other stockholders.***

Affiliates of GTCR and Eldridge beneficially own approximately 35% and 25%, respectively, of our outstanding Class A common stock. For so long as they continue to do so, they will be able to exert significant influence over, and, acting together, may be able to cause or prevent a change of control and/or unsolicited acquisition of, our company. This ownership concentration could deprive our securityholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their securities as part of a potential acquisition and, ultimately, may affect the market price of our securities.

In addition, we are party to a Stockholders' Agreement, dated October 18, 2021 (as amended, the "<u>Stockholders' Agreement</u>"), that gives affiliates of GTCR and Eldridge the right to designate the following number of nominees to our Board:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•GTCR's affiliates have the right, but not the obligation, to nominate: (i) five directors, so long as they beneficially own at least 24% of the total number of shares of our common stock that were issued and outstanding on October 18, 2021 (the "<u>Closing Amount</u>") (ii) four directors, so long as they beneficially own at least 18% but less than 24% of the Closing Amount; (iii) three directors, so long as they beneficially own at least 12% but less than 18% of the Closing Amount; (iv) two directors, so long as they beneficially own at least 6% but less than 12% of the Closing Amount; and (v) one director, until the date on which they beneficially own less than 5% of the number of shares of our common stock that they held on October 18, 2021.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Eldridge's affiliates have the right, but not the obligation, to nominate: (i) three directors, so long as they beneficially own at least 12% of the Closing Amount; (ii) two directors, so long as they beneficially own at least 6% but less than 12% of the Closing Amount; and (iii) one director, until the date on which they own less than 5% of the number of shares of our common stock that they held on October 18, 2021.

If the size of our Board is increased beyond nine members, GTCR's affiliates will have the right to designate a number of nominees that give them the same percentage of total directors as set forth above (rounded up to the next whole number). Pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement, affiliates of GTCR and Eldridge have designated four and three, respectively, of our current eight directors, which enables them to exert significant influence over our business and affairs.

GTCR, Eldridge, and their respective affiliates engage in a broad spectrum of activities and investments, including in our industry. In the ordinary course of their business, they may engage in activities where their interests conflict with those of us or our other stockholders, such as investing in or advising businesses that are our competitors, suppliers, or customers. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (as amended, our "<u>Charter</u>") provides that GTCR, Eldridge, their respective affiliates, and each of their respective directors, partners, principals,

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officers, members, managers, and employees (including any such person who serves as one of our directors and/or officers) have no duty to refrain from engaging in the same or similar business activities or lines of business in which we operate. In addition, GTCR, Eldridge, and their respective affiliates may pursue acquisition opportunities that are complementary to our business (and therefore would not be available to us), in addition to pursuing acquisitions, divestitures, and other transactions that they believe could enhance their respective investments, even though such transactions may involve risks to our other security holders and/or prove not to be beneficial.

***Our principal assets are the equity interests in our subsidiaries, and we are accordingly dependent upon our subsidiaries' cash flows to satisfy our obligations.***

As a holding company, our principal assets are the equity interests in our subsidiaries, through which we conduct substantially all of our operations. Our ability to satisfy our obligations, including taxes, debt payments, and other expenses, is therefore dependent upon our subsidiaries' earnings and their distribution of those earnings, or of loans or other payments, to us. If our subsidiaries are unable to make such distributions, loans, or other payments, including because of their status as guarantors under our credit facility, restrictions under any other debt they may incur, and/or applicable laws and regulations related to the availability of sufficient surplus funds, our financial condition (including our liquidity) could be adversely affected and we may be unable to satisfy our obligations.

**Risks Related to Being a Public Company**

***The market price and trading volume of our securities may be volatile.***

Securities markets worldwide experience significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market, or political conditions, could reduce the market price of our securities despite our operating performance. The market price of our securities may fluctuate widely or decline significantly in the future in response to several factors, including, but not limited to: the realization of any of the risks discussed elsewhere in this Report; unfavorable market and economic conditions; the loss of investor confidence in the global financial markets and investing in general; adverse market reactions to indebtedness we may incur or securities we may issue in the future, including under our 2021 Incentive Award Plan (as amended, the "<u>Incentive Award Plan</u>"); adverse market reactions to changes in our ownership or capital structure, including as a result of the Corporate Simplification and the Reverse Stock Split (each as defined herein); unanticipated declines or variations in our financial condition or results of operations; a failure to meet securities analysts' earnings estimates; the publication of negative or inaccurate research reports about our business, industry, or securities and/or the failure of securities analysts to provide adequate coverage of our business or securities; changes in the market valuations of similar companies; speculation in the press or investment community about our business or industry; the trading activity of our largest stockholders; the number of shares of Class A common stock that are available for public trading; short sales, hedging, and other derivative transactions involving our securities; enacted or proposed changes to laws or regulations affecting our business or industry, or differing interpretations thereof; and increases in compliance or enforcement inquiries and investigations by regulatory authorities.

***We may be subject to securities class action litigation, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.***

Other companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their securities and changes in their capital structure have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future, which could result in substantial costs and divert the attention of management and other key resources that are needed to successfully run our business, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***We previously identified and remediated a material weakness in our ICFR, and we may identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls.***

We are required to comply with SEC rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("<u>SOX</u>"), which require management to certify financial and other information in our periodic reports and provide an annual report on the effectiveness of our ICFR.

Effective ICFR is necessary for us to provide reliable and timely financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, is designed to reasonably detect and prevent fraud. However, internal controls

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may not detect and prevent all misstatements due to inherent limitations such as the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, and/or fraud. Therefore, effective internal controls, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements.

We are also required to report any material weaknesses in our ICFR. A material weakness is a deficiency or combination of deficiencies in ICFR such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company's financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

In connection with the audit of our financial statements for each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020, we identified deficiencies in our ICFR related to the implementation of segregation of duties as part of our control activities, the establishment of clearly defined roles within our finance and accounting functions, and the number of personnel in those functions with an appropriate level of technical accounting and SEC reporting experience, which, in the aggregate, constituted a material weakness. As of December 31, 2025, we concluded that the material weakness had been remediated.

Although the material weakness in ICFR described above has been remediated, new material weaknesses could be identified in the future that, if not timely remediated, could result in errors in our financial statements that require a restatement or cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations, any of which could adversely affect investor confidence in us and the market price of our securities and/or lead to litigation or regulatory enforcement actions.

Further, once we cease to be an EGC under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "<u>JOBS Act</u>"), unless we are a "non-accelerated filer" (as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act), we will be required to have our independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our ICFR pursuant to Section 404 of SOX. This independent assessment could detect problems that our assessment might not. Undetected material weaknesses in our ICFR could lead to financial statement restatements and require us to incur significant remediation expenses. An adverse report may be issued if our independent registered public accounting firm is not satisfied with the level at which our internal controls are documented, designed, or operating.

***We are an EGC and an SRC, and our reliance on certain reporting requirement exemptions available to EGCs and/or SRCs could make our securities less attractive to investors.***

For as long as we continue to qualify as an EGC under the JOBS Act, we are permitted to utilize certain reporting requirement exemptions that are available to EGCs. These exemptions include: not being required to have our independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our ICFR pursuant to Section 404 of SOX; reduced executive compensation disclosure in our annual reports and proxy statements; and not being required to hold a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation or golden parachute payments that were not previously approved. Similarly, for as long as we continue to qualify as an SRC, we are permitted to utilize certain reporting requirement exemptions that are available to SRCs. These exemptions include: reduced financial statement disclosure requirements in our periodic reports; reduced executive compensation disclosure in our annual reports and proxy statements; and not being required to include quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk in our periodic reports. If investors find our securities less attractive because of our reliance on these exemptions, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the market price of our securities may be more volatile.

The JOBS Act also exempts EGCs from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies are required to do so. The JOBS Act provides that an EGC can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-EGCs, but that any such election is irrevocable. We have not elected to opt out of the extended transition period, which means that we are permitted to adopt new or revised financial accounting standards at the same time as private companies. This may make the comparison of our financial statements with those of a non-EGC, or an EGC that has elected to opt out of the extended transition period, difficult because of the potential differences in financial accounting standards used.

We will remain an EGC until December 31, 2026 or such earlier date on which we have, during the preceding three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities. We will cease to be eligible to qualify

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as an SRC beginning with the periodic report covering the first quarter of the fiscal year subsequent to our public float equaling or exceeding $250 million as of the last business day of our second fiscal quarter.

***We may not realize all of the expected benefits of the Corporate Simplification.***

We expect to realize certain benefits as a result of the Corporate Simplification, which was consummated over the two business days ending on October 31, 2025, including: retaining 100% of the future realized tax savings that, but for its termination, would have been payable to the other parties to the TRA; and realizing annual savings from reduced compliance and financial reporting costs associated with a single-class stock structure. However, these benefits are dependent on a number of factors, including applicable laws and the amount of our future taxable income. We may not ultimately realize all of the expected benefits of the Corporate Simplification on the anticipated timeline, or at all.

***The issuance of new shares of Class A common stock, including upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, would increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market and dilute the ownership and voting power of our existing stockholders.***

As of December 31, 2025, the following warrants to purchase Class A common stock were outstanding and exercisable: (i) warrants to purchase 325,989 shares at an exercise price of $230.00 per share; (ii) warrants to purchase 950,000 shares at an exercise price of $200.00 per share; (iii) warrants to purchase 950,000 shares at an exercise price of $300.00 per share; and (iv) public warrants to purchase 338,342 shares at an exercise price of $230.00 per share.

The issuance of new shares of Class A common stock (either on its own, such as the issuance in connection with the Corporate Simplification, or upon the exercise of these warrants) would increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market and dilute the ownership and voting power of our existing stockholders. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares, or the fact that such shares may be issued, could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.

***Securities analysts may not publish favorable, or any, research reports about us, which could adversely affect the market price or trading volume of our securities.***

The trading market for our securities will be influenced to some extent by the research reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us. We do not control these analysts, and the analysts who publish information about us may have relatively little experience with our business or industry, which could affect their ability to accurately forecast our results and increase the likelihood that we fail to meet their estimates. If analysts provide inaccurate reports, issue unfavorable opinions regarding our business, industry, or securities, cease coverage of us, or fail to regularly publish reports regarding us or our securities, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could adversely affect the market price or trading volume of our securities.

***Provisions in our organizational documents may deter, delay, or prevent our acquisition by a third party.***

Provisions in our Charter and our amended and restated bylaws (as amended, our "<u>Bylaws</u>") may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire control of us without the approval of our Board. These provisions, which may deter, delay, or prevent a merger, acquisition, tender offer, proxy contest, or other transaction that stockholders may consider favorable, include: (i) the sole ability of directors to fill a vacancy on our Board; (ii) advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations; (iii) limitations on stockholders' ability to call special meetings and act by written consent; (iv) our Board's ability to issue and designate the terms of new series of preferred stock without stockholder approval, which could be used, among other things, to institute a rights plan that would have the effect of significantly diluting the ownership of a potential hostile acquirer, likely preventing acquisitions that have not been approved by our Board; (v) the division of our Board into three classes, each of which serves staggered three-year terms; and (vi) the lack of cumulative voting for the election of directors. These provisions could discourage potential takeover attempts and reduce the price that investors are willing to pay for our securities.

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***The exclusive forum provisions of our Charter may discourage lawsuits against our directors and officers.***

Our Charter further provides that the U.S. federal district courts are the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. These exclusive forum provisions may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers. By becoming our stockholder, you are deemed to have notice of and consented to these exclusive forum provisions.

There is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a provision relating to causes of action arising under the Securities Act, and investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. The enforceability of similar provisions in other companies' certificates of incorporation has been challenged in legal proceedings and it is possible that, in connection with any applicable action brought against us, a court could find such provisions to be inapplicable or unenforceable in such action.

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**Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments**

None.

**Item 1C. Cybersecurity**

**Cybersecurity Risk Management & Strategy**

We recognize the importance of maintaining the safety and security of our critical systems, information, products, services, and broader information technology environment (collectively, our "<u>Information Systems and Data</u>"), and we have developed, implemented, and maintained a cybersecurity risk management program intended to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability thereof.

Cybersecurity risks are addressed as a component of our overall enterprise risk management program. As such, our information security team works with management to prioritize our risk management processes and to mitigate those cybersecurity threats that are more likely to lead to a material impact on our business. Features of our cybersecurity risk management program include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Periodic risk assessments designed to help identify cybersecurity risks that could materially impact our Information Systems and Data;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•A security incident response team that is principally responsible for managing our cybersecurity risk assessment processes, information security controls, and response to any cybersecurity incident;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•A cyber and data security incident response plan that establishes policies and procedures for identifying, managing, and recovering from a cybersecurity incident, including escalating tiers of notification depending on an incident's nature and severity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Periodic tabletop exercises with management and other employees to discuss, prepare for, and simulate our responses to potential cybersecurity incidents;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The use of third-party service providers, as appropriate, to assess, test, and assist with aspects of our information security controls;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The use of a third-party risk management process for our service providers, suppliers, and partners;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Cybersecurity insurance designed to reduce the risk of loss resulting from cybersecurity incidents;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Cybersecurity policies and procedures, including those governing encryption standards, antivirus protection, remote access, multifactor authentication, confidential information, and the use of the internet, social media, email, and wireless devices; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Required annual privacy and cybersecurity training (including spear phishing and other awareness exercises) for employees.

Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable/degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently, we have invested and continue to invest in the security and resiliency of our systems and networks to help protect our Information Systems and Data. For a discussion of cybersecurity-related risks that may materially affect us and how they may do so, see the "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Information Technology, Cybersecurity & Intellectual Property" section of this Report.

**Cybersecurity Governance**

Our Board is responsible for overseeing our overall enterprise risk management program, and each of its committees assists in this risk oversight role. Our Board has delegated the monitoring and oversight of risks relating to data privacy, technology, information security, and cybersecurity to its Audit Committee (our "<u>Audit Committee</u>"), which regularly reports to our Board regarding its activities, including those related to the management of these risks. Our Board also receives periodic briefings from management regarding our cybersecurity risk management program, including presentations on cybersecurity topics from our CTO, our information security team, and other third-party experts.

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Our Audit Committee oversees management's implementation of our cybersecurity risk management program. It receives regular updates from our CTO and other members of management on cybersecurity trends and developments, the cybersecurity risks that are most relevant to our business, and our cybersecurity strategy, as well as other updates, as appropriate, regarding certain cybersecurity incidents.

A cross-functional management team, including members of our information security, technical infrastructure, engineering, and legal departments, is responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing the risks from cybersecurity threats that are relevant to our business, as well as managing our response to any cybersecurity incident (and, depending on an incident's potential nature and severity, reporting it to our Audit Committee and considering with management whether public disclosure is appropriate or required). This team has primary responsibility for our cybersecurity risk management program, including our cyber and data security incident response plan, supervises our internal personnel and third-party service providers, and communicates our cybersecurity risk management processes to management, our Board, and our Audit Committee. This team reports to our CTO, who has more than 16 years of experience in the technology sector, and possesses nearly 60 years of combined experience in cybersecurity matters, including threat assessment and detection, mitigation technologies, incident response, cyber forensics, and regulatory compliance. In addition to relevant educational and industry experience, members of this team, including the heads of our information security and technical infrastructure departments, hold relevant cyber and information security certifications, including from ISACA (Certified Information Security Manager and Certified Information Systems Auditor) and ISC2 (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). This team supervises efforts to prevent, detect, mitigate, and remediate cybersecurity risks and incidents through various means, including, as appropriate, the operation of our cyber and data security incident response plan, briefings from internal security personnel, threat intelligence, and other information obtained from governmental, public, or private sources, including our third-party service providers, and alerts and reports produced by security tools deployed in the information technology environment.

**Item 2. Properties**

As of December 31, 2025, we leased approximately 53,000 square feet of space in Chicago, Illinois for our headquarters under a lease agreement that runs through December 31, 2033 with a five-year renewal option, unless terminated sooner, as well as facilities in Coppell, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Ontario; and Tokyo, Japan.

**Item 3. Legal Proceedings**

None.

**Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures**

Not applicable.

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**Part II**

**Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities**

**Market Information**

Our Class A common stock and warrants are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbols "SEAT" and "SEATW," respectively.

**Stockholders**

As of February 28, 2026, there were 53 holders of record of our Class A common stock. However, the actual number of our stockholders is greater than this because it includes beneficial owners whose shares are held in "street name" by banks, brokers, and other nominees.

**Dividends**

We did not pay any cash dividends on our Class A common stock during the year ended December 31, 2025. We intend to retain future earnings for operations, development, expansion, and debt repayment, as well as potential acquisitions, strategic investments, and share repurchases. As a result, we have no current intention to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock for the foreseeable future. Any future decision to do so will be made at the discretion of our Board and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual restrictions (including those under our credit facility and/or any future indebtedness we may incur), business prospects, and other factors that our Board may deem relevant.

**Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities**

Other than as previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K, we did not sell any equity securities during the year ended December 31, 2025 that were not registered under the Securities Act.

**Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer & Affiliated Purchasers**

The following table provides information related to repurchases of Class A common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2025 (in thousands, except share and per share data):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Period** | **Total Number of Shares Purchased** | **Average Price Paid Per Share** | **Total Number of Shares Purchased As Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs** | **Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs**<sup>(1)</sup> |
| October 1-31, 2025 |  | $— |  | $59080 |
| November 1-30, 2025 |  |  |  | 59080 |
| December 1-31, 2025 |  |  |  | 59080 |
| **Total** |  | $**—** |  | $**59080** |

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(1)On February 29, 2024, our Board authorized a share repurchase program for up to $100.0 million of Class A common stock (the "<u>Share Repurchase Program</u>"). The Share Repurchase Program was publicly announced on March 5, 2024, does not have a fixed expiration date, and does not obligate us to purchase any minimum number of shares. Under the Share Repurchase Program, we may repurchase shares in privately negotiated or open market transactions, including under plans complying with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act.

**Item 6. [Reserved]**

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**Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations**

*This discussion should be read together with our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in the "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" sections of this Report.*

**Overview**

We are an online ticket marketplace that utilizes our technology platform to connect fans of live events seamlessly with ticket sellers. We believe in the power of shared experiences to connect people with live events that deliver some of life's most exciting moments, and our mission is to empower and enable fans to *Experience It Live*.

For ticket buyers, we represent a differentiated value proposition. In addition to our compelling and easy-to-use mobile app and website: our 'Lowest Price Guarantee' is designed to ensure that we provide the most competitively priced tickets among our competitors; our '100% Buyer Guarantee' promotes safe and secure transactions; our Vivid Seats Rewards loyalty program allows enrolled buyers to earn reward credits to spend on future orders, and our in-app Game Center engages users with the opportunity to win free tickets or promotional discounts.

For ticket sellers, we offer a variety of products and services designed to help their businesses thrive. In particular, Skybox, our industry-leading ERP tool, allows ticket sellers to seamlessly manage their operations. Built on years of transactional and engagement data, Skybox includes tools for inventory management, pricing, and order fulfillment across ticket marketplaces.

To generate brand recognition and drive traffic to our platform, we cultivate mutually beneficial partnerships with media partners, sports leagues, sports teams, and event venues, as well as other product, service, distribution, and supply partners.

The following table summarizes our Marketplace Gross Order Value ("<u>Marketplace GOV</u>"), revenues, net income (loss), and adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Marketplace GOV\* | $2704573 | $3892645 | $3920526 |
| Revenues | 570776 | 775586 | 712879 |
| Net income (loss) | (721490) | 14302 | 113141 |
| Adjusted EBITDA\* | $41822 | $151419 | $141982 |

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\* See the "Key Business Metrics & Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measure" section below for more information on Marketplace GOV and adjusted EBITDA, which is a financial measure not defined under U.S. GAAP.

**Our Business Model**

We operate our business in two segments: Marketplace and Resale.

***Marketplace Segment***

In our Marketplace segment, we primarily act as an intermediary between ticket buyers, sellers, and partners, for which we earn revenue from processing ticket sales for live events and facilitating the booking of hotel rooms and packages through our:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Owned Properties*, which consist of: the Vivid Seats mobile app and website; Vegas.com, an online ticket marketplace for shows, attractions, tours, flights, and hotels in Las Vegas, which we acquired in 2023; and Wavedash, an online ticket marketplace headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, which we acquired in 2023.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Private Label Offering*, which consists of numerous distribution partners.

Using our online platform, we facilitate buyer payments, coordinate ticket deliveries, and provide customer service. We do not hold ticket inventory in our Marketplace segment.

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The amount of Marketplace revenue earned in a given period is primarily represented by service and delivery fees charged to buyers. We also earn Marketplace revenue from referral fees charged to third-party providers of event insurance that we offer to buyers. Until it ceased operations on July 18, 2025, we also earned Marketplace revenue from Vivid Picks, a real-money daily fantasy sports mobile app, which represented the difference between cash entry fees collected and cash amounts paid out to users for winning picks, less customer promotions and incentives.

The main costs we incur in our Marketplace segment relate to developing and maintaining our platform, providing back-office support and customer service, facilitating payments and deposits, and shipping non-electronic tickets. We also incur substantial marketing costs, primarily related to online advertising.

The event tickets we sell through our Marketplace segment are diversified across and within three major event categories:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Concerts.* Includes musical acts of all genres touring across venues of all sizes, as well as music festivals.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Sports.* Includes the four major professional leagues (Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, and the National Hockey League), college sports, women's sports leagues (including the Women's National Basketball Association and the National Women's Soccer League), and a variety of other sports such as soccer, racing, and minor league baseball.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Theater.* Includes Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals, stage shows, comedy acts, speaker series, and other family entertainment events.

A diversified mix across and within these event categories broadens our opportunities, limits our exposure to any particular category, and reduces seasonal variation in order volumes.

***Resale Segment***

In our Resale segment, we primarily acquire tickets to resell on secondary ticketing marketplaces, including our own. Our Resale segment also provides internal research and development support for Skybox and supplements our ongoing efforts to deliver industry-leading seller software and tools.

**Key Business Metrics & Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measure**

We use the following metrics to evaluate our performance, identify trends, formulate financial projections, and make strategic decisions. We believe these metrics provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our results of operations in the same manner as management.

The following table summarizes our key business metrics and non-U.S. GAAP financial measure for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Marketplace GOV<sup>(1)</sup> | $2704573 | $3892645 | $3920526 |
| Marketplace orders<sup>(2)</sup> | 8336 | 11556 | 10898 |
| Resale orders<sup>(3)</sup> | 428 | 431 | 380 |
| Adjusted EBITDA<sup>(4)</sup> | $41822 | $151419 | $141982 |

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(1)Marketplace GOV represents the total transactional amount of Marketplace orders processed on our online platform during a period, inclusive of fees, exclusive of taxes, and net of event cancellations. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, event cancellations negatively impacted Marketplace GOV by $60.7 million, $95.9 million, and $43.6 million, respectively.

(2)Marketplace orders represent the total volume of Marketplace segment transactions processed on our online platform during a period, net of event cancellations. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, our Marketplace segment experienced 163,919, 222,472, and 99,078 event cancellations, respectively.

(3)Resale orders represent the total volume of Resale segment transactions processed on a given platform (including our own) during a period, net of event cancellations. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, our Resale segment experienced 4,702, 5,286, and 2,910 event cancellations, respectively.

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(4)Adjusted EBITDA is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure that we believe provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our results of operations and serves as a useful measure for making period-to-period comparisons of our business performance. See the "Adjusted EBITDA" section below for more information, including a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.

***Marketplace GOV***

Marketplace GOV is a key driver of Marketplace revenue. Marketplace GOV represents the total transactional amount of Marketplace orders processed on our online platform during a period, inclusive of fees, exclusive of taxes, and net of event cancellations. Marketplace GOV reflects our ability to attract and retain customers and provides insight into overall health of the industry.

Marketplace GOV can be impacted by seasonality. Historically, we have experienced slightly increased activity in the fourth quarter when all major sports leagues are in season, concert on-sales begin for the following year, and theater event orders increase during the holiday season. However, these fluctuations have recently become less predictable. Quarterly fluctuations in Marketplace GOV can result from, among other things:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Event supply;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The popularity of and demand for certain artists, sports teams, tours, and events;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The mix of concert venue types between stadiums, arenas, and amphitheaters;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The length and team composition of sports playoff series and championship games; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Event cancellations.

Marketplace GOV decreased by $1,188.1 million, or 31%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in Marketplace orders.

***Marketplace Orders***

Marketplace orders represent the total volume of Marketplace segment transactions processed on our online platform during a period, net of event cancellations. A Marketplace order can include one or more tickets, hotel rooms, or parking passes. Marketplace orders allow us to monitor transaction volume and better identify trends within our Marketplace segment.

Marketplace orders decreased by 3.2 million, or 28%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from lower activity in our Marketplace segment.

***Resale Orders***

Resale orders represent the total volume of Resale segment transactions processed on a given platform (including our own) during a period, net of event cancellations. A Resale order can include one or more tickets or parking passes. Resale orders allow us to monitor transaction volume and better identify trends within our Resale segment.

Resale orders decreased by less than 0.1 million, or 1%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from lower activity in our Resale segment.

***Adjusted EBITDA***

We present adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, because it is a key measure used by analysts, investors, and others to evaluate companies in our industry. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by management to make operating decisions, including those related to analyzing operating expenses, evaluating performance, and performing strategic planning and annual budgeting.

We believe adjusted EBITDA is useful for understanding, evaluating, and highlighting trends in our operating results and for making period-to-period comparisons of our business performance because it excludes the impact of items that are outside of our control and/or not reflective of ongoing performance related directly to the operation of our business.

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Adjusted EBITDA is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect all amounts associated with our operating results as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and specifically excludes certain recurring costs such as income tax expense (benefit), interest expense – net, depreciation and amortization, sales tax liabilities, transaction costs, equity-based compensation, litigation, settlements, and related costs, change in fair value of the Intermediate Warrants (as defined herein), loss on asset disposals, change in fair value of derivative asset, foreign currency loss (gain) – net, adjustment of liabilities under the TRA, loss on extinguishment of debt, impairment charges, severance compensation, and change in fair value of contingent consideration. In addition, other companies may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, thereby limiting its usefulness as a comparative tool. We compensate for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the U.S. GAAP amounts that are excluded from our presentation of adjusted EBITDA.

The following table presents a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Net income (loss)** | $**(721490)** | $**14302** | $**113141** |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax expense (benefit) | 69385 | 8417 | (42199) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense – net | 23741 | 23172 | 13505 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 49392 | 44238 | 17178 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Sales tax liability<sup>(1)</sup> | (842) | 5760 | 3172 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Transaction costs<sup>(2)</sup> | 10752 | 9528 | 12779 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Equity-based compensation<sup>(3)</sup> | 36734 | 50429 | 27614 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Litigation, settlements, and related costs<sup>(4)</sup> | 944 | 650 | 215 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of Intermediate Warrants<sup>(5)</sup> | (5924) | (4044) | (971) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on asset disposals<sup>(6)</sup> | 555 | 277 | 685 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of derivative asset<sup>(7)</sup> | 2201 | 800 | (536) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency loss (gain) – net<sup>(8)</sup> | (126) | 4056 | (2177) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustment of liabilities under TRA<sup>(9)</sup> | (150719) | (6166) | 574 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on extinguishment of debt<sup>(10)</sup> | 801 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment charges<sup>(11)</sup> | 723023 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Severance compensation<sup>(12)</sup> | 3395 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of contingent consideration<sup>(13)</sup> |  |  | (998) |
| **Adjusted EBITDA** | $**41822** | $**151419** | $**141982** |

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(1)During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we accrued for additional uncollected indirect tax liabilities in jurisdictions where we believed it was probable we should remit payment to U.S. and foreign governmental tax authorities before all required amounts are collected from the customer. We also received abatements and recognized other reductions to the balance of the liability related to uncollected indirect taxes (including sales taxes).

(2)Consists of (i) legal, accounting, tax, and other professional fees, (ii) personnel costs related to retention bonuses, (iii) integration costs, and (iv) other transaction-related expenses, none of which are considered indicative of our core operating performance. Costs in the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily related to the February 2025 refinancing of the 2024 First Lien Loan (as defined herein), repurchases of Class A common stock, the Reverse Stock Split (as defined herein), the Corporate Simplification, and various strategic transactions and investments. Costs in the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily related to the June 2024 refinancing of the 2022 First Lien Loan (as defined herein), repurchases of Class A common stock, and various strategic transactions and investments. Costs in the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily related to our acquisitions of Vegas.com and Wavedash and Hoya Topco's public offerings of Class A common stock, as well as various strategic transactions and investments.

(3)Costs in the year ended December 31, 2025 primarily related to equity granted by us pursuant to the Incentive Award Plan, which is not considered indicative of our core operating performance. Costs in the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 primarily related to equity granted by us pursuant to the Incentive Award Plan, as

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well as profits interests issued by Hoya Topco prior to the Merger Transaction, neither of which are considered indicative of our core operating performance.

(4)Relates to external legal costs, settlement costs, and insurance recoveries, none of which are considered indicative of our core operating performance.

(5)Relates to the revaluation of warrants issued in connection with the Merger Transaction (the "<u>Intermediate Warrants</u>") that entitled Hoya Topco to purchase common units of Hoya Intermediate ("<u>Intermediate Units</u>"), which revaluations are not considered indicative of our core operating performance (the Intermediate Warrants were amended in October 2025 as described in the "Recent Developments–Corporate Simplification" section of this Report).

(6)Relates to disposals of fixed assets, which are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.

(7)Relates to the revaluation of derivatives recorded at fair value, which revaluations are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.

(8)Relates to net losses (gains) resulting from the impact of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in non-functional currencies, which are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.

(9)Relates to the remeasurement and settlement of the TRA liability, which are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.

(10)Relates to losses incurred in connection with the extinguishment of the 2024 First Lien Loan, which are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.

(11)Relates to non-cash impairment charges related to our goodwill and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets triggered by the effects of recent declines in our financial performance, near-term outlook, and Class A common stock price, among other factors.

(12)Relates to severance-related payments made to terminated employees as a result of a reduction in employee headcount and the departure of certain members of our leadership team, which are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.

(13)Relates to the revaluation of cash earnouts included in the total consideration for our acquisition of Vivid Picks, which revaluations are not considered indicative of our core operating performance.

**Key Factors Affecting Our Performance**

Our operational and financial results have been, and will continue to be, affected by a number of factors that present significant opportunities, as well as risks and challenges, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Report, particularly in the "Risk Factors" section. The key factors discussed below impacted our 2025 results and/or are anticipated to impact our 2026 results.

***Acquisition and Retention of Ticket Buyers, Sellers & Partners***

Our revenue growth primarily depends on acquiring and retaining customers. We strive to have ticket buyers, sellers, and partners view us as the go-to ticketing marketplace when searching for, purchasing, and selling event tickets. We differentiate ourselves from our competitors by offering an extensive breadth and depth of ticket listings at a competitive value, providing an industry-leading loyalty program, and facilitating a reliable and secure experience for ticket buyers. We acquire new ticket buyers through various marketing channels, partnerships, brand advertisements, and word-of-mouth. Performance marketing channels are highly competitive, and we must continue to be effective in these acquisition channels.

We seek to retain ticket buyers by cultivating brand awareness and affinity for our differentiated product offering. We provide an optimal customer experience, additional avenues for engagement, and outreach through customized emails, our in-app Game Center, and, most importantly, our Vivid Seats Rewards loyalty program.

Likewise, we must preserve our longstanding relationships with ticket sellers and partners to maintain extensive ticket listing options at competitive prices. We recognize the importance of ticket seller and partner relationships in the ticketing ecosystem and offer products and services designed to support their needs.

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***Macroenvironment Environment & Demand for Live Events***

Consumer demand for live events is affected by discretionary consumer and corporate spending, which is impacted by, among other things, macroeconomic factors (*e.g.*, unemployment levels, fuel prices, interest rates, and inflation) and changes to tax rates and tax laws. Changes to trade policy can also indirectly affect demand for live events. Recently enacted and proposed tariffs and trade policies of the United States and other countries have introduced uncertainty in the global economy. During periods of such uncertainty, or of actual or perceived unfavorable economic conditions, consumers have reallocated their discretionary spending or determined they have fewer funds available for discretionary spending. When this has occurred, it has decreased demand for and attendance at live events, as well as reduced ticket sales, which adversely affects our revenue and operating results. In addition, any decrease in tourism to the United States as a result of perceptions of U.S. policies could disproportionately affect our business, as many tourists are consumers of live events and substantially all of our sales occur in the United States.

***Ticketing Industry Competition***

We face significant competition from other primary and secondary ticketing service providers for the acquisition and retention of ticket buyers, sellers, and partners. Our main competitive factors include: the availability and variety of ticket offerings; pricing, including in the primary ticket market; acquiring customer traffic, including by way of internet search engines, which impacts customer acquisition and marketing costs; brand recognition and loyalty; and technology, including the development of new product offerings and enhancements. To combat such competitive dynamics, we continue to refine our customer acquisition and retention strategies and to innovate our product offerings to provide customers with a differentiated value proposition. We also compete with other professional ticket resellers in our Resale segment, as well as with providers of other avenues for entertainment, including restaurants, movies, and television, for the discretionary spending of consumers.

***Supply of Live Events***

The supply of live events has a significant effect on our revenue and operating income. Many of the factors that affect the number, location, venue type, timing, and popularity of the live events schedule are outside of our control.

***Attracting & Retaining Talent***

Our success depends on our ability to continue to identify, attract, hire, integrate, develop, motivate, and retain highly skilled personnel for all areas of our organization. Offering employees an engaging and positive work environment, in addition to competitive compensation arrangements and benefits packages, contributes to both their and our success. We are committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and thoughts as a means toward achieving employee engagement, empowerment, innovation, and good decision-making.

***Seasonality***

Our operational and financial results can be impacted by seasonality. Historically, we have experienced slightly increased activity in the fourth quarter when all major sports leagues are in season, concert on-sales begin for the following year, and theater event orders increase during the holiday season. However, these fluctuations have recently become less predictable. In addition, our financial results and growth rates can vary from period to period depending on, among other things:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The number, location, venue type, and timing of certain live events;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The popularity of and demand for certain artists, sports teams, tours, and events;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Artists' decisions about when and where to perform;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Sports teams' performances, and the length and team composition of playoff series and championship games;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Event cancellations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Weather, seasonal, and other fluctuations in our operating results;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The timing of guaranteed payments, investments, acquisitions, and financing activities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Competitive dynamics; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•The timing of disbursements of Accounts payable to ticket sellers and partners.

**Recent Developments**

***Reverse Stock Split***

On August 5, 2025, we effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of our common stock, pursuant to which every 20 shares of Class A and Class B common stock were combined into one share of Class A and Class B common stock, respectively (the "<u>Reverse Stock Split</u>"). All share and per share amounts included in this Report have been adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split.

The Reverse Stock Split affected all stockholders uniformly and did not affect any such holder's percentage ownership interest in our company or proportionate voting power. However, if the Reverse Stock Split would have resulted in a stockholder holding fractional shares because the number of shares they held before the Reverse Stock Split was not evenly divisible by the split ratio, we instead repurchased such fractional shares for cash and retired them from circulation, resulting in a less than $0.1 million cash outlay. The repurchase and retirement of such fractional shares is recorded as a separate component of both Class A common stock (for the number of shares that were repurchased and retired) and Additional paid-in capital (for the amount of the cash payment) in the Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit). The Reverse Stock Split did not affect the number of authorized shares or the par value of our common stock.

***Corporate Simplification***

On October 19, 2025, we entered into a Corporate Simplification Agreement (the "<u>CSA</u>") with Hoya Intermediate and the TRA Parties named therein (including Hoya Topco). Pursuant to the CSA and the ancillary agreements described therein, a series of transactions was consummated over the two business days ending on October 31, 2025 that, among other things, simplified our corporate structure (such transactions, collectively, the "<u>Corporate Simplification</u>"). In connection with the Corporate Simplification, among other things: (i) three Blocker Corporations (as defined in the CSA) merged with and into three of our wholly owned subsidiaries, respectively, such that the Blocker Corporations became our wholly owned subsidiaries; (ii) all outstanding shares of Class B common stock (and corresponding Intermediate Units) were exchanged for an equal number of shares of Class A common stock, following which we cancelled all outstanding shares, and instruments representing the right to purchase shares, of Class B common stock; (iii) the warrant agreements relating to the Intermediate Warrants were amended to, in lieu of providing for the right to purchase Intermediate Units and allowing for cash redemption at the discretion of the holder, instead provide for the right to purchase equal numbers of shares of Class A common stock at equal exercise prices and not allow for cash redemption; (iv) all rights and obligations under the TRA and Hoya Intermediate's Limited Liability Company Agreement were terminated (in each case other than certain terms thereof that expressly survived); and (v) we issued an aggregate of 403,022 shares of Class A common stock to the TRA Parties.

***Current Environment & Cost Reduction Program***

While we continue to view live events as an attractive long-term opportunity supported by durable supply and demand tailwinds, recent industry trends have been challenging and our Marketplace order volumes were under pressure during the year ended December 31, 2025. We attribute this to a combination of economic uncertainty affecting discretionary consumer spending and competitive intensity in performance marketing channels. In response to this evolving industry landscape, during the year ended December 31, 2025 we implemented a cost reduction program designed to right-size our business for the current environment and drive enhanced long-term efficiency.

**Income Taxes**

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has a framework to implement a global minimum corporate tax of 15% for companies with global revenues and profits above certain thresholds (referred to as "<u>Pillar Two</u>"). While certain aspects of Pillar Two were effective as of January 1, 2024, other aspects of Pillar Two were not effective until January 1, 2025. While it is uncertain whether the United States will enact legislation to

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adopt Pillar Two, certain countries in which we operate (i.e., Canada and Japan) have either already introduced Pillar Two or are in the process of introducing legislation to implement Pillar Two. As of December 31, 2025, we have not met the worldwide consolidated revenue threshold for Pillar Two to yet be applicable to us. While there were no material impacts to our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 as a result of this legislation, we will continue to assess Pillar Two going forward.

**Results of Operations**

A discussion of the year ended December 31, 2023 and a comparison of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 can be found in the [<u>"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"</u>](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000095017025037612/seat-20241231.htm#item7_mda) section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 12, 2025, which section is incorporated by reference herein.

***Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024***

The following table presents our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |  |  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **Change** | **% Change** |
| **Revenues** | $**570776** | $**775586** | $**(204810)** | **(26)%** |
| Costs and expenses: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) | 173438 | 201854 | (28416) | (14)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Marketing and selling | 230562 | 285146 | (54584) | (19)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;General and administrative | 173880 | 202123 | (28243) | (14)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 49392 | 44238 | 5154 | 12% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment charges | 723023 |  | 723023 | 100% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total costs and expenses | 1350295 | 733361 | 616934 | 84% |
| **Income (loss) from operations** | **(779519)** | **42225** | **(821744)** | **(1946)%** |
| Interest expense – net | 23741 | 23172 | 569 | 2% |
| Other income – net | (151956) | (3666) | (148290) | (4045)% |
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 801 |  | 801 | 100% |
| **Income (loss) before income taxes** | **(652105)** | **22719** | **(674824)** | **(2970)%** |
| Income tax expense | 69385 | 8417 | 60968 | 724% |
| **Net income (loss)** | **(721490)** | **14302** | **(735792)** | **(5145)%** |
| Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (292189) | 4877 | (297066) | (6091)% |
| **Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common stockholders** | $**(429301)** | $**9425** | $**(438726)** | **(4655)%** |

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***Revenues***

*Total Revenues*

The following table presents total revenues by segment for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |  |  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **Change** | **% Change** |
| Marketplace revenues | $450509 | $647891 | $(197382) | (30)% |
| Resale revenues | 120267 | 127695 | (7428) | (6)% |
| **Total revenues** | $**570776** | $**775586** | $**(204810)** | **(26)%** |

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Total revenues decreased by $204.8 million, or 26%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in Marketplace revenues.

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*Marketplace Revenues*

The following table presents Marketplace revenues by event category for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |  |  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **Change** | **% Change** |
| Concert revenues | $186139 | $283192 | $(97053) | (34)% |
| Sport revenues | 142564 | 202220 | (59656) | (30)% |
| Theater revenues | 102108 | 137715 | (35607) | (26)% |
| Other revenues | 19698 | 24764 | (5066) | (20)% |
| **Marketplace revenues** | $**450509** | $**647891** | $**(197382)** | **(30)%** |

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Marketplace revenues decreased by $197.4 million, or 30%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from, and was relatively consistent with, the 28% decrease in Marketplace orders during the same period.

Marketplace cancellation charges, which generally have a negative impact on Marketplace revenues, represented a reduction to Marketplace revenues of $15.2 million and $29.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease resulted primarily from lower payment-related chargeback activity primarily due to a decrease in Marketplace orders and fewer event cancellations, partly offset by lower Marketplace revenues recognized from customer credit breakage.

The following table presents Marketplace revenues by business model for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |  |  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **Change** | **% Change** |
| Owned Properties revenues | $393521 | $533086 | $(139565) | (26)% |
| Private Label Offering revenues | 56988 | 114805 | (57817) | (50)% |
| **Marketplace revenues** | $**450509** | $**647891** | $**(197382)** | **(30)%** |

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The decrease in both Owned Properties and Private Label Offering revenues during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 resulted primarily from a decrease in Marketplace orders, as well as the loss of a significant Private Label Offering distribution partner.

We also earn Marketplace revenues in the form of referral fees charged to third-party insurance providers in exchange for offering event insurance to ticket buyers. Marketplace revenues earned from referral fees were $17.7 million and $26.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in Marketplace orders.

*Resale Revenues*

Resale revenues decreased by $7.4 million, or 6%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from lower average revenue per Resale order, while Resale orders remained nearly the same.

Resale cancellation charges, which generally have a negative impact on Resale revenues, represented a reduction to Resale revenues of $1.9 million and $1.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in average revenue per event cancellation, despite a lower number of event cancellations, in our Resale segment.

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***Cost of Revenues***

*Total Cost of Revenues*

The following table presents total cost of revenues by segment for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |  |  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **Change** | **% Change** |
| Marketplace cost of revenues | $72084 | $99460 | $(27376) | (28)% |
| Resale cost of revenues | 101354 | 102394 | (1040) | (1)% |
| **Total cost of revenues** | $**173438** | $**201854** | $**(28416)** | **(14)%** |

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Total cost of revenues decreased by $28.4 million, or 14%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in Marketplace cost of revenues.

*Marketplace Cost of Revenues*

Marketplace cost of revenues decreased by $27.4 million, or 28%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease, which was primarily due to a decrease in Marketplace orders, was relatively consistent with the 31% decrease in Marketplace GOV during the same period.

*Resale Cost of Revenues*

Resale cost of revenues decreased by $1.0 million, or 1%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was not consistent with the 6% decrease in Resale revenues during the same period, primarily due to lower margins for certain Resale event categories.

***Marketing and Selling***

*Total Marketing and Selling*

The following table presents total marketing and selling expenses, which relate entirely to our Marketplace segment, by advertising category for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |  |  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **Change** | **% Change** |
| Online advertising | $208507 | $261187 | $(52680) | (20)% |
| Offline advertising | 22055 | 23959 | (1904) | (8)% |
| **Total marketing and selling** | $**230562** | $**285146** | $**(54584)** | **(19)%** |

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Total marketing and selling expenses decreased by $54.6 million, or 19%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was not consistent with the 30% decrease in Marketplace revenues during the same period, primarily due to higher investment intensity in digital performance marketing channels.

*Online Advertising*

Online advertising costs decreased by $52.7 million, or 20%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. Since online marketing spend is largely performance-based and fluctuates with order volume, the decrease was driven mainly by a decrease in Marketplace orders, partly offset by greater investment in digital performance marketing channels.

*Offline Advertising*

Offline advertising costs decreased by $1.9 million, or 8%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from lower spending in traditional brand marketing channels.

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***Contribution Margin***

*Total Contribution Margin*

The following table presents total contribution margin by segment for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |  |  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **Change** | **% Change** |
| Marketplace contribution margin | $147863 | $263285 | $(115422) | (44)% |
| Resale contribution margin | 18913 | 25301 | (6388) | (25)% |
| **Total contribution margin** | $**166776** | $**288586** | $**(121810)** | **(42)%** |

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Total contribution margin decreased by $121.8 million, or 42%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in Marketplace contribution margin.

*Marketplace Contribution Margin*

Marketplace contribution margin decreased by $115.4 million, or 44%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in Marketplace orders and higher investment intensity in digital performance marketing channels.

*Resale Contribution Margin*

Resale contribution margin decreased by $6.4 million, or 25%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from lower margins for certain Resale event categories.

***General and Administrative***

*Total General and Administrative*

The following table presents total general and administrative expenses by category for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except percentages):

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |  |  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **Change** | **% Change** |
| Personnel expenses | $121030 | $142192 | $(21162) | (15)% |
| Non-income tax expense | 512 | 7443 | (6931) | (93)% |
| Other general and administrative | 52338 | 52488 | (150) | (0)% |
| **Total general and administrative** | $**173880** | $**202123** | $**(28243)** | **(14)%** |

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Total general and administrative expenses decreased by $28.2 million, or 14%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in personnel expenses due to lower equity-based compensation expenses as well as a reduction in employee headcount as part of our strategic cost reduction program, for which we incurred general and administrative expenses of $3.4 million related to severance compensation during the year ended December 31, 2025.

*Personnel Expenses*

Personnel expenses decreased by $21.2 million, or 15%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in equity-based compensation expenses and other personnel cost savings associated with the reduction in employee headcount under our strategic cost reduction program, for which we incurred personnel expenses of $3.4 million related to severance compensation during the year ended December 31, 2025. The year ended December 31, 2024 also included equity-based compensation related to the redemption, repurchase, and cancellation by Hoya Topco of all of its outstanding profits interests and phantom units held by our employees on June 10, 2024.

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*Non-Income Tax Expense*

Non-income tax expense decreased by $6.9 million, or 93%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from receiving higher abatements and recognizing other reductions to the balance of the liability related to uncollected indirect taxes (including sales taxes).

*Other General and Administrative*

Other general and administrative expenses decreased by $0.2 million, or 0%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, representing an insignificant change.

***Depreciation and Amortization***

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $5.2 million, or 12%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in amortization related to capitalized development activities for our online platform.

***Impairment Charges***

Impairment charges were $723.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to zero during the year ended December 31, 2024. The impairment charges resulted entirely from the effects of recent declines in our financial performance, near-term outlook, and Class A common stock price, among other factors, during the year ended December 31, 2025 that resulted in a reduction of the fair values of our goodwill and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets.

***Interest Expense – Net***

Interest expense – net increased by $0.6 million, or 2%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase resulted primarily from lower interest income earned on our cash balances.

***Other Income – Net***

Other income – net increased by $148.3 million, or 4,045%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase resulted primarily from income related to the remeasurement and settlement of the TRA liability, net gains resulting from the impact of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in non-functional currencies, and higher unrealized gains related to the fair value remeasurement of the Intermediate Warrants.

***Loss on Extinguishment of Debt***

Loss on extinguishment of debt was $0.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to zero during the year ended December 31, 2024. Loss on extinguishment of debt resulted entirely from the February 2025 refinancing of the 2024 First Lien Loan with the 2025 First Lien Loan (each as defined herein).

***Income Tax Expense***

Income tax expense increased by $61.0 million, or 724%, during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase resulted primarily from an increase to the valuation allowance during the year ended December 31, 2025.

**Liquidity & Capital Resources**

We have historically financed our operations primarily through cash generated from operations. Our primary short-term requirements for liquidity and capital are to fund general working capital, capital expenditures, and debt service requirements. Our primary long-term liquidity needs are related to debt repayment and potential acquisitions.

Our primary source of funds is cash generated from operations. Our existing cash and cash equivalents are sufficient to fund our liquidity needs for the next 12 months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2025, we had $102.7 million of cash and cash equivalents, which consists of interest-bearing deposit accounts, money market accounts managed by financial institutions, and highly liquid investments with maturities of three

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months or less. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we generated negative cash flows from operating activities, primarily due to lower Marketplace and Resale orders causing a contraction in Accounts payable and Accrued expenses and other current liabilities at the end of the period.

***Loan Agreements***

*2022 First Lien Loan & Revolving Facility*

In 2022, we refinanced the outstanding balance of our former first lien debt facility with a $275.0 million term loan (the "<u>2022 First Lien Loan</u>") and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility with a maturity date of February 3, 2027 (the "<u>Revolving Facility</u>"). As of December 31, 2025, availability under the Revolving Facility was reduced by $5.0 million due to outstanding letters of credit.

*2024 First Lien Loan*

On June 14, 2024, we refinanced the outstanding balance of the 2022 First Lien Loan with a $395.0 million term loan (the "<u>2024 First Lien Loan</u>"). The 2024 First Lien Loan carried an interest rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate ("<u>SOFR</u>") (subject to a 0.5% floor) plus a margin of 3.00%.

*2025 First Lien Loan*

On February 5, 2025, we refinanced the outstanding balance of the 2024 First Lien Loan with a $393.0 million term loan with a maturity date of February 3, 2029 (the "<u>2025 First Lien Loan</u>"). The 2025 First Lien Loan carries an interest rate of SOFR (subject to a 0.5% floor) plus a margin of 2.25%; provided that such margin may be reduced to 2.00% if the corporate rating assigned to us by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and S&P Global Ratings is at least Ba3/BB- (in each case, stable or better). The 2025 First Lien Loan requires quarterly principal payments of $1.0 million. The Revolving Facility, which was unaffected by the 2022, June 2024, and February 2025 refinancings, does not require periodic payments. All obligations under the 2025 First Lien Loan are unconditionally guaranteed by Hoya Intermediate and, subject to certain exceptions provided for therein, substantially all of Hoya Intermediate's direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the "<u>Guarantors</u>"). All obligations under the 2025 First Lien are secured, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, by first-priority perfected security interests in substantially all of our and the Guarantors' assets.

*Shoko Chukin Bank Loan*

In connection with our acquisition of Wavedash, we assumed long-term debt owed to Shoko Chukin Bank (the "<u>Shoko Chukin Bank Loan</u>") of JPY 458.3 million (approximately $3.1 million), which had an original maturity date of June 24, 2026 and was subject to a fixed interest rate of 1.3% per annum. On April 4, 2024, we paid off the Shoko Chukin Bank Loan balance in its entirety.

*Outstanding Debt*

As of December 31, 2025, we had the 2025 First Lien Loan outstanding and we had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Facility.

***Share Repurchase Program***

On February 29, 2024, our Board authorized the Share Repurchase Program for up to $100.0 million of Class A common stock. The Share Repurchase Program was publicly announced on March 5, 2024, does not have a fixed expiration date, and does not obligate us to purchase any minimum number of shares.

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we repurchased 0.4 million and 0.2 million shares of Class A common stock, respectively, under the Share Repurchase Program, for which we paid $18.1 million and $22.8 million, respectively, and incurred commissions and excise taxes of $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, we recognized a liability of $0.1 million for unpaid excise taxes related to repurchases of Class A common stock.

Cumulatively as of December 31, 2025, we have repurchased 0.6 million shares of Class A common stock under the Share Repurchase Program, for which we have paid $40.9 million and incurred commissions and excise taxes of $0.4

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million. As of December 31, 2025, $59.1 million remained available for future repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program.

***Tax Distributions to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests***

Pursuant to its Limited Liability Company Agreement, Hoya Intermediate is required to make pro rata tax distributions to its members, of which $1.9 million was distributed to redeemable noncontrolling interests during the year ended December 31, 2025. As previously mentioned, all outstanding shares of Class B common stock (and corresponding Intermediate Units) were exchanged for an equal number of shares of Class A common stock in connection with the Corporate Simplification, following which we cancelled all outstanding shares, and instruments representing the right to purchase shares, of Class B common stock. Thus, there will be no tax distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest holders going forward.

***TRA***

In connection with the Merger Transaction, we entered into the TRA with the existing Hoya Intermediate unitholders that provided for our payment to such unitholders of 85% of the amount of any tax savings that we realize (or, under certain circumstances, are deemed to realize) as a result of, or attributable to: (i) increases in the tax basis of assets owned directly or indirectly by Hoya Intermediate or its subsidiaries from, among other things, any redemptions or exchanges of Intermediate Units; (ii) existing tax basis (including depreciation and amortization deductions arising from such tax basis) in long-lived assets owned directly or indirectly by Hoya Intermediate or its subsidiaries; and (iii) certain other tax benefits (including deductions in respect of imputed interest) related to us making payments under the TRA.

As of June 30, 2025, we determined that it was no longer probable that we will generate sufficient future taxable income to support a significant amount of the balance of the TRA liability previously recorded. After evaluating all available positive and negative evidence, we determined that significant negative objective and verifiable evidence (including cumulative losses generated by our domestic operations) existed to change our conclusion regarding the future realization of our deferred tax assets, which therefore significantly impacts the amount of future TRA payments that are probable to be made. As a result, the TRA liability was reduced by $149.2 million.

In connection with the Corporate Simplification, all rights and obligations under the TRA were terminated (other than certain terms thereof that expressly survived), including $5.8 million of cash payments that would have otherwise been due in the first quarter of 2026, in exchange for the issuance of 403,022 shares of Class A common stock. As a result of the Corporate Simplification, we will no longer have a TRA liability. The termination of the TRA liability resulted in the recognition of a $0.9 million gain. See the "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Recent Developments–Corporate Simplification" section of this Report for more information.

**Cash Flows**

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $(91599) | $53922 |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (20174) | (26742) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (29369) | 86079 |

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***Net Cash Provided by (Used In) Operating Activities***

Net cash used in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2025 was $91.6 million, which was primarily related to a net loss of $721.5 million, net non-cash charges of $735.8 million, and net cash outflows from a $105.9 million change in operating assets and liabilities. The net cash outflows from the change in operating assets and liabilities were primarily due to a decrease in Accounts payable resulting from a decrease in amounts payable to ticket sellers as a result of lower Marketplace GOV and a decrease in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (specifically accrued marketing expense) as a result of lower Marketplace GOV, as well as the timing of disbursements.

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Net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $53.9 million, which was primarily related to net income of $14.3 million, net non-cash charges of $92.6 million, and net cash outflows from a $53.0 million change in operating assets and liabilities. The net cash outflows from the change in operating assets and liabilities were primarily due to a decrease in Accounts payable resulting from a decrease in amounts payable to ticket sellers as a result of lower Marketplace GOV and a decrease in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (specifically accrued marketing expense) as a result of lower Marketplace GOV, as well as the timing of disbursements.

***Net Cash Used in Investing Activities***

Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2025 was $20.2 million, which was primarily related to capital spending on development activities for our online platform.

Net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $26.7 million, which was primarily related to capital spending on development activities for our online platform and capital expenditures for our office locations in Chicago and Las Vegas.

***Net Cash Provided by (Used In) Financing Activities***

Net cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2025 was $29.4 million, which was primarily related to repurchases of Class A common stock under the Share Repurchase Program and the payment of liabilities under the TRA.

Net cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 was $86.1 million, which was primarily related to the June 2024 refinancing of the 2022 First Lien Loan with the 2024 First Lien Loan.

**Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements**

As of December 31, 2025, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have had or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

**Critical Accounting Policies & Estimates**

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs and expenses, and related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The estimates and assumptions associated with revenue recognition, equity-based compensation, warrants and earnouts, recoverability of our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, definite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets, and valuation allowances have the greatest potential impact on our consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, these are the policies that are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our consolidated financial statements.

***Revenue Recognition***

Revenue from our Marketplace segment primarily consists of service and delivery fees from ticketing operations, reduced by incentives provided to ticket buyers, as well as service and delivery fees from travel reservations and other marketplace transactions we facilitate. We also recognize revenue for referral fees charged to third-party insurance providers in exchange for offering event insurance to ticket buyers.

We recognize revenue from live event tickets when the ticket seller confirms an order with the ticket buyer, at which point control of the ticket is transferred because the seller is then obligated to deliver the tickets to the buyer in accordance with the original marketplace listing. We recognize revenue from hotel reservations and tours at the time of check-in as the buyer does not have control of the asset prior to that point. Revenue from Marketplace transactions is recognized on a net basis because we act as an agent for these transactions.

We estimate and reserve for future cancellation charges based on historical trends, with the corresponding charge reducing revenue. This reserve, known as accrued future customer compensation, is recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with a corresponding asset for expected recoveries from ticket sellers and distribution partners recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Specific judgments and assumptions considered when estimating future cancellation charges include historical cancellation charges as a percentage of sales, the average length of time to realize such charges, and the potential exposure based on the volume of recent sales activity. Estimates for future cancellation charges resulting from event cancellations are determined based on historical event cancellation rates and the volume of sales for events that have not yet occurred.

To the extent that actual cancellation charges are materially different than previously estimated amounts, or changes in recent trends require updates to previously reserved amounts, revenue may be materially impacted. In extreme circumstances, should actual cancellation charges exceed previous estimates by a significant amount, we may experience negative overall revenue.

When an event is cancelled, ticket buyers may receive either a cash refund or credit for future purchases in our marketplace. Credits issued to buyers for cancellations are classified as accrued customer compensation and recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When a credit is redeemed, revenue is recognized for the newly placed order. Breakage income from customer credits that are not expected to be used, and are not subject to escheatment, is estimated and recognized as revenue in proportion to the pattern of redemption for the customer credits that are used. We estimate breakage based on historical usage trends for credits issued by us and available data on comparable programs. To the extent that actual usage differs materially from expected usage, that trends in usage rates differ materially from those used to establish our breakage estimate, or that the volume of credits subject to escheatment changes, revenue may be materially impacted. Our recorded breakage estimates exclude credits subject to escheatment and are further constrained by our limited history of customer credits and exposure to events outside of our control.

We also offer customers the opportunity to participate in our Vivid Seats Rewards loyalty program, through our Marketplace segment, which allows them to earn and redeem credits on Vivid Seats transactions. We defer revenue associated with these credits, which is recorded in Deferred revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The deferred amount is based on expected future usage, including the frequency with which buyers reach the threshold for reward credit conversions and the rate of credit redemptions, and is recognized as revenue when the credits are redeemed. To the extent that actual usage differs materially from expected usage, or that recent trends require a change in the estimated usage rate of unexpired credits, revenue may be materially impacted by the change.

Revenue from our Resale business primarily consists of sales of tickets to customers through online secondary ticket marketplaces (including our own). We recognize Resale revenue when an order is confirmed. We recognize Resale revenue on a gross basis because we act as a principal in these transactions.

***Equity-Based Compensation***

We account for restricted stock units ("<u>RSUs</u>"), stock options, and profits interests at their grant date fair value. We award RSUs to certain employees, directors, and consultants. We also award stock options to certain employees and consultants. The equity incentive awards are subject to the recipient's continued service through the applicable vesting date. The grant date fair value of stock options is estimated using an option pricing model, which requires us to make assumptions and judgments about the variables used in the calculation related to the expected term, volatility, dividend yield, and risk-free interest rate. We estimate the fair value of profits interests using the Black-Scholes model, which includes assumptions related to the expected term, volatility, dividend yield, and risk-free interest rate. We account for forfeitures of outstanding, but unvested grants in the period they occur. Expense related to grants of equity incentive awards is recognized as equity-based compensation and recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

***Recoverability of Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets & Long-Lived Assets***

*Goodwill – Net*

We account for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at the date of acquisition at their respective fair values. Our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are held in our Marketplace segment.

Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. We assess goodwill for impairment at the

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reporting unit level. Since our goodwill relates entirely to our Marketplace segment, there is only one reporting unit (the "<u>Marketplace Reporting Unit</u>") that is relevant for the purpose of performing impairment assessments. Goodwill is considered impaired if the carrying value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit exceeds its estimated fair value, with a non-cash impairment charge recognized for the difference.

When reviewing goodwill for impairment, we begin by performing a qualitative assessment, which includes, but is not limited to, reviewing factors such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, entity-specific financial performance, and other events, including changes in our management. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit is less than its carrying value, we then perform a quantitative assessment. Depending upon the results of that assessment, the recorded goodwill may be written down, and a non-cash impairment charge is recognized when the carrying value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit exceeds its estimated fair value.

At June 30, 2025, we performed a qualitative impairment assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit was less than its carrying value by evaluating relevant events and circumstances. After considering declines in our financial performance during the six months ended June 30, 2025, reductions in our financial outlook to reflect those declines, and changes in our Class A common stock price, among other factors, we concluded that it was no longer more likely than not that the fair value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit exceeded its carrying value as of June 30, 2025. As a result, we concluded that a triggering event had occurred and we performed a quantitative impairment test.

As part of our annual impairment testing, we again performed a qualitative assessment of our goodwill at October 31, 2025 to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit was less than its carrying value by evaluating relevant events and circumstances. Our financial outlook as of October 31, 2025, which reflected financial performance through October 31, 2025, was meaningfully lower than our financial outlook as of June 30, 2025, reflecting challenging industry trends extending into the fourth quarter of 2025 and declines in Private Label Offering order volume. After considering the reduced financial outlook and changes in our Class A common stock price, among other factors, we concluded that it was no longer more likely than not that the fair value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit exceeded its carrying value as of October 31, 2025. As a result, we performed a quantitative impairment test.

The fair value of goodwill in the quantitative impairment tests performed as of June 30, 2025 and October 31, 2025 was determined using a combination of an income approach, which estimates fair value based upon projections of future revenues, expenses, and cash flows discounted to their respective present values, and a market approach. The valuation methodology and underlying financial information included in our determination of fair value required significant judgments by management. The principal assumptions used in our discounted cash flow analysis were (i) long-term projections of our financial performance and (ii) the weighted average cost of capital of market participants, adjusted for the risk attributable to our business and industry. The principal assumption used in the market approach was an estimate of a market-based multiple to determine estimated fair value.

The fair value estimates used in our interim and annual quantitative impairment tests were based on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain, including estimates of future growth rates and operating margins and assumptions about the overall economic and competitive environment. There can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions used at the time of our interim and annual assessments will not change over time. If fiscal year 2026 profitability trends decline below what is expected, it is possible that a future interim or annual assessment could result in an additional impairment of our goodwill.

Based on our impairment analysis, we determined that the estimated fair value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit was lower than its carrying value as of both June 30, 2025 and October 31, 2025, indicating that the goodwill had been impaired. Consequently, we recognized a non-cash impairment expense of $660.7 million related to our goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2025, $297.4 million of which was recognized as of June 30, 2025 and $363.3 million of which was recognized as of October 31, 2025. Impairment charges related to our goodwill are recorded in Impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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*Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets*

Similar to goodwill, our indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization and are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

At June 30, 2025, we performed a qualitative impairment assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks was less than their carrying value by evaluating relevant events and circumstances. After considering recent declines in our financial performance and near-term outlook, among other factors, we concluded that it was no longer more likely than not that the fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks exceeded their carrying value as of June 30, 2025. As a result, we concluded that a triggering event had occurred and we performed a quantitative impairment test.

As part of our annual impairment testing, we again performed a qualitative assessment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets at October 31, 2025 to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks was less than their carrying value by evaluating relevant events and circumstances. After considering recent declines in our financial performance and near-term outlook, among other factors, we concluded that it was no longer more likely than not that the fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks exceeded their carrying value as of October 31, 2025. As a result, we performed a quantitative impairment test.

The fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks in the quantitative impairment tests performed as of June 30, 2025 and October 31, 2025 was determined using the relief-from-royalty method, a detailed valuation methodology that involves the application of reasonable royalty rates to a net sales stream using the discounted cash flow method.

Based on our impairment analysis, we determined that the estimated fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks was lower than their carrying value as of both June 30, 2025 and October 31, 2025, indicating that certain indefinite-lived trademarks had been impaired. Consequently, we recognized a non-cash impairment expense of $62.3 million related to certain indefinite-lived trademarks during the year ended December 31, 2025, $23.0 million of which was recognized as of June 30, 2025 and $39.3 million of which was recognized as of October 31, 2025. Impairment charges related to our indefinite-lived intangible assets are recorded in Impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The fair value estimates used in our interim and annual quantitative impairment tests were based on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain, including estimates of future growth rates and operating margins and assumptions about the overall economic and competitive environment. There can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions used at the time of our interim and annual assessments will not change over time. If fiscal year 2026 profitability trends decline below what is expected, it is possible that a future interim or annual assessment could result in an additional impairment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Each reporting period, we perform an evaluation of the remaining useful life of our indefinite-lived intangible assets to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite life. As a result of this evaluation, we consider the determination of our trademarks as indefinite-lived to be appropriate for the year ended December 31, 2025.

*Long-Lived Assets – Net*

Our definite-lived intangible assets consist of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Supplier relationships;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Customer relationships;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Acquired developed technology;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Capitalized development costs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Capitalized development costs – work in progress; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Domain names.

------

Our other long-lived assets consist of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Property and equipment – net;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Right-of-use assets – net; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•Personal seat licenses.

We assess our definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets (collectively, our "<u>long-lived assets</u>") for impairment periodically to determine whether events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. No impairment charges related to our long-lived assets were recognized during the year ended December 31, 2025.

Each reporting period, we perform an evaluation of the remaining useful life of our long-lived assets to determine whether events and circumstances continue to support the established useful life of each applicable long-lived asset. As a result of this evaluation, we consider the useful life of our long-lived assets to be appropriate for the year ended December 31, 2025.

***Tax Valuation Allowance***

We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized. As of December 31, 2025, we maintained a $200.3 million valuation allowance against the tax benefits of our U.S. net deferred tax assets because we determined these assets are not more likely than not to be realized as of December 31, 2025. In making this determination, we considered all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income (loss), tax planning strategies, and recent results of operations.

**Recent Accounting Pronouncements**

See Note 2, *Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,* to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Report for a description of recently adopted accounting pronouncements and issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted.

**JOBS Act Accounting Election**

Section 107 of the JOBS Act exempts EGCs from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies are required to do so. The JOBS Act provides that an EGC can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-EGCs, but that any such election is irrevocable. We have elected not to opt out of the extended transition period, which means that when a new or revised financial accounting standard has different application dates for public and private companies, we are permitted to adopt such standard at the same time as private companies.

**Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk**

As an SRC, we are not required to provide this information.

------

**Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data**

**Index to Consolidated Financial Statements**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| [<u>Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm</u>](#report_of_independentfirm) | 55 |
| [<u>Consolidated Balance Sheets</u>](#consolidated_balance_sheets) | 56 |
| [<u>Consolidated Statements of Operations</u>](#consolidated_statements_of_operations) | 57 |
| [<u>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)</u>](#consolidated_stmts_of_income_loss) | 58 |
| [<u>Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit)</u>](#consolidated_stmts_of_equitydeficit) | 60 |
| [<u>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</u>](#consolidated_statements_of_cash_flows) | 61 |
| [<u>Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements</u>](#notes_to_consolidated_financial_stmts) | 63 |

---

------

**Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Vivid Seats Inc.

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Vivid Seats Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity (deficit), and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes (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, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

**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 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

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.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 12, 2026

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS**

**(in thousands, except share and per share data)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Assets** |  |  |
| Current assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $102702 | $243482 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted cash | 604 | 1166 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable – net | 30664 | 48315 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Inventory – net | 18166 | 19601 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 26336 | 32607 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current assets | 178472 | 345171 |
| Property and equipment – net | 12373 | 12567 |
| Right-of-use assets – net | 10515 | 12008 |
| Intangible assets – net | 141528 | 233116 |
| Goodwill – net | 283915 | 943119 |
| Deferred tax assets – net | 1123 | 77967 |
| Investments | 5365 | 6929 |
| Other assets | 3575 | 5219 |
| **Total assets** | $**636866** | $**1636096** |
| **Liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and shareholders' equity (deficit)** |  |  |
| Current liabilities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | $153418 | $232984 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | 125957 | 165047 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred revenue | 19973 | 23804 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Current maturities of long-term debt | 3930 | 3950 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current liabilities | 303278 | 425785 |
| Long-term debt – net | 383431 | 384960 |
| Long-term lease liabilities | 16452 | 18731 |
| TRA liability |  | 155720 |
| Other liabilities | 18834 | 36865 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities | 721995 | 1022061 |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 18) |  |  |
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests |  | 352922 |
| Shareholders' equity (deficit): |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 11,712,157 and 7,190,975 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively | 23 | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized, zero and 3,811,250 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively |  | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Additional paid-in capital | 1368067 | 1267710 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Treasury stock, at cost, 949,665 and 571,687 shares at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively | (93920) | (75568) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated deficit | (1359472) | (930171) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | 173 | (880) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total shareholders' equity (deficit) | (85129) | 261113 |
| **Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and shareholders' equity (deficit)** | $**636866** | $**1636096** |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS** 

**(in thousands, except share and per share data)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Revenues** | $**570776** | $**775586** | $**712879** |
| Costs and expenses: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) | 173438 | 201854 | 182184 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Marketing and selling | 230562 | 285146 | 274096 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;General and administrative | 173880 | 202123 | 159081 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 49392 | 44238 | 17178 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment charges | 723023 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of contingent consideration |  |  | (998) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total costs and expenses | 1350295 | 733361 | 631541 |
| **Income (loss) from operations** | **(779519)** | **42225** | **81338** |
| Interest expense – net | 23741 | 23172 | 13505 |
| Other income – net | (151956) | (3666) | (3109) |
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 801 |  |  |
| **Income (loss) before income taxes** | **(652105)** | **22719** | **70942** |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 69385 | 8417 | (42199) |
| **Net income (loss)** | **(721490)** | **14302** | **113141** |
| Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (292189) | 4877 | 38605 |
| **Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common stockholders** | $**(429301)** | $**9425** | $**74536** |
| **Net income (loss) per Class A common stock:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | $(59.20) | $1.42 | $16.08 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | $(69.20) | $1.12 | $5.15 |
| **Weighted average Class A common stock outstanding:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | 7252290 | 6616546 | 4633926 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | 10426591 | 10457132 | 9943873 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)**

**(in thousands)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Net income (loss)** | $**(721490)** | $**14302** | $**113141** |
| Other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation adjustment | 1502 | (2672) | 1152 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Unrealized gain (loss) on Note | (120) | 119 | 196 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 1382 | (2553) | 1348 |
| **Comprehensive income (loss)** | **(720108)** | **11749** | **114489** |
| Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (292189) | 4877 | 38605 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 496 | (970) | 511 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Unrealized gain (loss) on Note attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (14) | 44 | 90 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 482 | (926) | 601 |
| **Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Class A common stockholders** | $**(428401)** | $**7798** | $**75283** |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)**

**(in thousands, except share/unit data)**

---

| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **Class A common stock** | **Class A common stock** | **Class B common stock** | **Class B common stock** |  | **Treasury stock** | **Treasury stock** |  |  |  |
|  | **Redeemable noncontrolling interests** | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Additional paid-in capital** | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Accumulated deficit** | **Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)** | **Total shareholders' equity (deficit)** |
| **Balances at January 1, 2023** | $**862860** | **4120539** | $**8** | **5910000** | $**12** | $**663908** | **(217124)** | $**(32494)** | $**(1014132)** | $**—** | $**(382698)** |
| Net income | 38605 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 74536 |  | 74536 |
| Issuances of Class A common stock |  | 61414 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Deemed contributions from former parent | 1898 |  |  |  |  | 1598 |  |  |  |  | 1598 |
| Equity-based compensation |  |  |  |  |  | 24546 |  |  |  |  | 24546 |
| Repurchases of Class A common stock |  |  |  |  |  |  | (147451) | (20092) |  |  | (20092) |
| Tax distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (14304) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Other comprehensive income | 601 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 747 | 747 |
| Secondary Offerings | (307732) | 2098750 | 4 | (2098750) | (4) | 307732 |  |  |  |  | 307732 |
| Establishment of liabilities under TRA, net of tax and other tax impact of Secondary Offerings (Note 20) |  |  |  |  |  | (95849) |  |  |  |  | (95849) |
| Issuance of Class A common stock related to acquisition |  | 777663 | 2 |  |  | 95495 |  |  |  |  | 95497 |
| Termination of Option Contingent Warrants | 1094 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Subsequent remeasurement of redeemable noncontrolling interests, net of tax impacts | (101280) |  |  |  |  | 99000 |  |  |  |  | 99000 |
| **Balances at December 31, 2023** | **481742** | **7058366** | **14** | **3811250** | **8** | **1096430** | **(364575)** | **(52586)** | **(939596)** | **747** | **105017** |
| Net income | 4877 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 9425 |  | 9425 |
| Issuances of Class A common stock |  | 142994 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Deemed contributions from former parent | 3512 |  |  |  |  | 6073 |  |  |  |  | 6073 |
| Equity-based compensation |  |  |  |  |  | 41604 |  |  |  |  | 41604 |
| Repurchases of Class A common stock, net of tax impacts |  |  |  |  |  | (1952) | (207112) | (22982) |  |  | (24934) |
| Tax distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (10014) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Other comprehensive loss | (926) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1627) | (1627) |
| Net settlement of equity incentive awards |  | (10385) |  |  |  | (714) |  |  |  |  | (714) |
| Subsequent remeasurement of redeemable noncontrolling interests | (126269) |  |  |  |  | 126269 |  |  |  |  | 126269 |
| **Balances at December 31, 2024** | **352922** | **7190975** | **14** | **3811250** | **8** | **1267710** | **(571687)** | **(75568)** | **(930171)** | **(880)** | **261113** |
| Net loss | (292189) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (429301) |  | (429301) |
| Issuances of Class A common stock |  | 357979 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Equity-based compensation |  |  |  |  |  | 37384 |  |  |  |  | 37384 |
| Repurchases of Class A common stock |  |  |  |  |  |  | (377978) | (18352) |  |  | (18352) |
| Tax distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (1928) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Other comprehensive income | 482 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 900 | 900 |
| Net settlement of equity incentive awards |  | (50880) |  |  |  | (1886) |  |  |  |  | (1886) |
| Repurchase and retirement of fractional shares resulting from Reverse Stock Split |  | (189) |  |  |  | (5) |  |  |  |  | (5) |
| Subsequent remeasurement of redeemable noncontrolling interests | (11989) |  |  |  |  | 11989 |  |  |  |  | 11989 |
| Mergers and exchange of Class B common stock for Class A common stock in connection with Corporate Simplification | (47298) | 3811250 | 8 | (3811250) | (8) | 47562 |  |  |  | 153 | 47715 |
| Issuance of Class A common stock to terminate TRA |  | 403022 | 1 |  |  | 5001 |  |  |  |  | 5002 |
| Reclassification of Intermediate Warrants from liability instruments to equity instruments |  |  |  |  |  | 312 |  |  |  |  | 312 |

---

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)**

**(in thousands, except share/unit data)**

---

| | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Balances at December 31, 2025** | $**—** | **11712157** | $**23** | $**—** | $**1368067** | **(949665** | $**(93920** | $**(1359472** | $**173** | $**(85129** |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS**

**(in thousands)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Cash flows from operating activities** |  |  |  |
| Net income (loss) | $(721490) | $14302 | $113141 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 49392 | 44238 | 17178 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of leases | 1514 | 1697 | 818 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of deferred financing costs | 970 | 988 | 924 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Equity-based compensation | 36734 | 50429 | 27614 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of Intermediate Warrants | (5924) | (4044) | (971) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on asset disposals | 555 | 277 | 685 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of derivative asset | 2201 | 800 | (536) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 74746 | 1246 | (44859) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Non-cash interest expense (income) – net | 651 | (890) | (261) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency loss (gain) – net | (126) | 4056 | (2177) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustment of liabilities under TRA | (150719) | (6166) | 574 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on extinguishment of debt | 801 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Impairment charges | 723023 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Write-off of Sponsorship Loan | 2024 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in fair value of contingent consideration |  |  | (998) |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable – net | 17545 | 9776 | (17129) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Inventory – net | 1434 | 1413 | (8184) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 5820 | 1161 | (1176) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | (79463) | (23691) | 53817 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | (35787) | (30164) | 1336 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred revenue | (3831) | (10870) | 827 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Long-term lease liabilities | (2302) | (994) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other assets and liabilities – net | (9367) | 358 | 6697 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities** | **(91599)** | **53922** | **147320** |
| **Cash flows from investing activities** |  |  |  |
| Purchases of property and equipment | (2164) | (4227) | (895) |
| Purchases of personal seat licenses | (983) | (737) | (542) |
| Investments in developed technology | (16108) | (19014) | (11339) |
| Purchases of seat images | (919) | (347) |  |
| Disbursement of Sponsorship Loan |  | (2000) |  |
| Payments toward Acquired Domain Name Obligation |  | (417) |  |
| Transfer of cash consideration during 2023 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired |  |  | (206865) |
| Investment in Note and Warrant |  |  | (6000) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Net cash used in investing activities** | **(20174)** | **(26742)** | **(225641)** |
| **Cash flows from financing activities** |  |  |  |
| Payments of 2022 First Lien Loan |  | (689) | (2750) |
| Payments of Shoko Chukin Bank Loan |  | (2655) | (279) |
| Proceeds from 2024 First Lien Loan |  | 125500 |  |
| Repurchases of Class A common stock | (18295) | (22982) | (20092) |
| Tax distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (1689) | (10014) | (14304) |
| Payments of taxes related to net settlement of equity incentive awards | (1886) | (714) |  |
| Payment of deferred financing costs and other debt-related expenses | (162) | (315) |  |
| Payment of liabilities under TRA | (4005) | (77) |  |
| Payments of 2024 First Lien Loan | (76986) | (1975) |  |
| Proceeds from 2025 First Lien Loan | 76986 |  |  |
| Payments of 2025 First Lien Loan | (2948) |  |  |
| Payments toward Acquired Domain Name Obligation | (2000) |  |  |
| Mergers and exchange of Class B common stock for Class A common stock in connection with Corporate Simplification | 1621 |  |  |
| Repurchase and retirement of fractional shares resulting from Reverse Stock Split | (5) |  |  |
| Cash paid for milestone payments |  |  | (6005) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities** | **(29369)** | **86079** | **(43430)** |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | (200) | (1045) | 1895 |
| **Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash** | **(141342)** | **112214** | **(119856)** |
| **Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – beginning of period** | **244648** | **132434** | **252290** |
| **Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – end of period** | $**103306** | $**244648** | $**132434** |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS**

**(in thousands)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information** |  |  |  |
| Cash paid for interest | $27681 | $19498 | $19330 |
| Cash paid for income taxes | $6369 | $5469 | $4021 |
| Cash paid for operating lease liabilities | $3360 | $3377 | $1165 |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities | $— | $4663 | $— |
| **Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities** |  |  |  |
| Equity-based compensation expense related to capitalized development costs | $650 | $766 | $428 |
| Excise taxes related to repurchases of Class A common stock recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | $57 | $— | $— |
| Issuance of Class A common stock to terminate TRA | $5001 | $— | $— |
| Reclassification of Intermediate Warrants from liability instruments to equity instruments | $312 | $— | $— |
| Tax distribution to redeemable noncontrolling interests recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets | $239 | $— | $— |
| Property and equipment obtained through tenant improvement allowance | $— | $651 | $— |
| Domain obtained through Acquired Domain Name Obligation | $— | $17348 | $— |
| Reduction of deferred tax assets under the repurchases of Class A common stock, net of tax impacts | $— | $1952 | $— |
| Transfer of non-cash consideration during Vegas.com Acquisition | $— | $— | $95497 |
| Establishment of liabilities under TRA | $— | $— | $165202 |
| Establishment of deferred tax assets under Secondary Offerings and other equity transactions | $— | $— | $67073 |

---

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**1. Background and Basis of Presentation**

Vivid Seats Inc. ("<u>VSI</u>") and its subsidiaries, including Hoya Intermediate, LLC ("<u>Hoya Intermediate</u>"), Hoya Midco, LLC, and Vivid Seats LLC (collectively, "<u>we</u>," "<u>us</u>," and "<u>our</u>"), provide an online ticket marketplace that enables consumers to easily discover and purchase tickets to live events and attractions and book hotel rooms and packages. In our Marketplace segment, we primarily act as an intermediary between ticket buyers, sellers, and partners, while offering products and services that allow ticket sellers to seamlessly manage their operations. In our Resale segment, we primarily acquire tickets to resell on secondary ticket marketplaces, including our own.

We have prepared these consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("<u>U.S. GAAP</u>"). These consolidated financial statements include all of our accounts, including those of our consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

**The Merger Transaction**

VSI was incorporated in March 2021 for the purpose of completing the transactions (collectively, the "<u>Merger Transaction</u>") contemplated by the transaction agreement, dated April 21, 2021, among VSI, Horizon Acquisition Corporation, a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, Hoya Intermediate, Horizon Sponsor, LLC ("<u>Horizon Sponsor</u>"), and Hoya Topco, LLC ("<u>Hoya Topco</u>"). The Merger Transaction was consummated in October 2021 and, as a result, we became a publicly traded company.

The Merger Transaction was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, with Hoya Intermediate treated as the accounting acquirer. Accordingly, our consolidated financial statements represent a continuation of Hoya Intermediate's financial statements with the net assets of Hoya Intermediate stated at historical cost.

In connection with the Merger Transaction, we:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•issued shares of Class A common stock, which are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbol "SEAT";

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•issued shares of Class B common stock to Hoya Topco, which provided the legacy Hoya Intermediate unitholders with a controlling interest in VSI, and all of which shares were subsequently exchanged for shares of Class A common stock and cancelled in connection with the Corporate Simplification (as defined herein);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•issued several series of warrants (as described in Note 15, *Financial Instruments*); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•entered into a Tax Receivable Agreement (the "<u>TRA</u>") with the existing Hoya Intermediate unitholders, which was subsequently terminated in connection with the Corporate Simplification (as described under "TRA" in Note 2, *Summary of Significant Accounting Policies*, and in Note 20, *Income Taxes)*.

**Reverse Stock Split**

On August 5, 2025, we effected a 1-for-20 reverse stock split of our common stock, pursuant to which every 20 shares of Class A and Class B common stock were combined into one share of Class A and Class B common stock, respectively (the "<u>Reverse Stock Split</u>"). All share and per share amounts included in this Report have been adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split.

The Reverse Stock Split affected all stockholders uniformly and did not affect any such holder's percentage ownership interest in our company or proportionate voting power. However, if the Reverse Stock Split would have resulted in a stockholder holding fractional shares because the number of shares they held before the Reverse Stock Split was not evenly divisible by the split ratio, we instead repurchased such fractional shares for cash and retired them from circulation, resulting in a less than $0.1 million cash outlay. The repurchase and retirement of such fractional shares is recorded as a separate component of both Class A common stock (for the number of shares that were repurchased and retired) and Additional paid-in capital (for the amount of the cash payment) in the Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit). The Reverse Stock Split did not affect the number of authorized shares or the par value of our common stock.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Corporate Simplification**

On October 19, 2025, we entered into a Corporate Simplification Agreement (the "<u>CSA</u>") with Hoya Intermediate and the TRA Parties named therein (including Hoya Topco). Pursuant to the CSA and the ancillary agreements described therein, a series of transactions was consummated over the two business days ending on October 31, 2025 that, among other things, simplified our corporate structure (such transactions, collectively, the "<u>Corporate Simplification</u>").

In connection with the Corporate Simplification, among other things: (i) three Blocker Corporations (as defined in the CSA) merged with and into three of our wholly owned subsidiaries, respectively, such that the Blocker Corporations became our wholly owned subsidiaries; (ii) all outstanding shares of Class B common stock (and corresponding common units of Hoya Intermediate ("<u>Intermediate Units</u>")) were exchanged for an equal number of shares of Class A common stock, following which we cancelled all outstanding shares, and instruments representing the right to purchase shares, of Class B common stock; (iii) the warrant agreements relating to the Intermediate Warrants (as defined herein) were amended to, in lieu of providing for the right to purchase Intermediate Units and allowing for cash redemption at the discretion of the holder, instead provide for the right to purchase equal numbers of shares of Class A common stock at equal exercise prices and not allow for cash redemption; (iv) all rights and obligations under the TRA and Hoya Intermediate's Limited Liability Company Agreement were terminated (in each case other than certain terms thereof that expressly survived); and (v) we issued an aggregate of 403,022 shares of Class A common stock to the TRA Parties.

**2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies**

**Use of Estimates**

We use estimates and assumptions in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual financial results could differ significantly from these estimates. The significant estimates underlying our consolidated financial statements include: the accrual for future customer compensation and the related recovery of our future customer compensation asset; breakage rates related to customer credits; usage assumptions for our rewards loyalty program (the "<u>Vivid Seats Rewards Program</u>"); inventory valuation; valuation of equity-based compensation; valuation of certain financial instruments; valuation of acquired intangible assets and goodwill; valuation of earnouts issued in connection with our acquisitions of Betcha Sports, Inc. ("<u>Betcha</u>," which we rebranded as Vivid Picks, LLC, or "<u>Vivid Picks</u>"); useful life of definite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets; recoverability of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, definite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets; income taxes and valuation allowances.

**Cash and Cash Equivalents**

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash balances and highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less. Our cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of domestic and foreign bank accounts, interest-bearing deposit accounts and money market accounts managed by third-party financial institutions. Cash and cash equivalents are valued by us based on quoted prices in an active market, which represent a Level 1 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.

Cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. To reduce credit risk, we monitor the credit standing of the financial institutions that hold our cash and cash equivalents. However, balances could be impacted in the future if the underlying financial institutions fail. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we have not experienced any loss or lack of access to our cash and cash equivalents.

**Restricted Cash**

Restricted cash includes cash and cash equivalents that are restricted through legal contracts or regulations and letters of credit required by certain vendors.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments**

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations denominated in local currencies are translated at the spot rate in effect at the applicable reporting date. Revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated at the weighted average rate of exchange during the applicable period. The resulting cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within Shareholders' equity (deficit). Net gains and losses resulting from the impact of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in non-functional currencies are recorded in Other income – net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period in which they occur.

**Business Combinations**

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method. Under this method, the purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets and assumed liabilities based on their estimated fair values at the time of the acquisition. This allocation involves a number of assumptions, estimates, and judgments that could materially affect the timing or amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements. As a result, we may record adjustments to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed within the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date) with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Critical estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include but are not limited to future expected cash flows from customer and buyer relationships, trade names, acquired developed technology and discount rates.

Acquisition-related costs, including advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other similar costs, are expensed in the periods in which they are incurred. The results of operations of acquired businesses are included in our consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date.

**Accounts Receivable – Net**

Accounts receivable consist primarily of uncollateralized payment processor obligations due under normal trade terms typically requiring payment within three business days, amounts due from marketplace sellers and distribution partners for cancelled events and commissions due from insurance purchased by ticket buyers. Credit risk with respect to accounts receivable from payment processing entities is limited due to the consolidation of those receivables with large financial institutions and the frequency with which the receivables turn over. Accounts receivable balances are stated net of allowance for credit losses and bad debt expense is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a reduction of Revenues.

**Inventory – Net**

Inventory consists primarily of tickets to live events purchased by our Resale segment. All inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, determined by the specific identification method. A provision is recorded to adjust inventory to its estimated realizable value when inventory is determined to be in excess of anticipated demand. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we incurred inventory write-downs of $6.0 million, $7.0 million, and $4.7 million, respectively, which are recorded in Cost of revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

**Property and Equipment – Net**

Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Asset Class** | **Estimated Useful Life** |
| Computer equipment | 5 years |
| Purchased software | 3 years |
| Furniture and fixtures | 7 years |

---

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or the improvements' estimated useful lives.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Leases**

We determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception and classify each lease as operating or financing. 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 lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and rent expense for these short-term leases is recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We have applied the practical expedient which allows us to not separate lease and non-lease components for all leases.

**Goodwill – Net and Intangible Assets – Net**

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Intangible assets other than goodwill primarily consist of customer and supplier relationships, acquired developed technology, capitalized development costs, and trademarks.

We evaluate goodwill and our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually on October 31 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. We have the option to assess goodwill and our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or the indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than its carrying value. If it is determined that the reporting unit's or the indefinite-lived intangible assets' fair value is more likely than not less than its carrying value, or if we do not elect the option to perform an initial qualitative assessment, we perform a quantitative assessment of the reporting unit's or the indefinite-lived intangible assets' fair value. If the fair value of the reporting unit or the indefinite-lived intangible assets is in excess of its carrying value, the related goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible assets are not impaired. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, we recognize an impairment equal to the difference between the carrying value of the reporting unit and its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill. If the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than the carrying value, we recognize an impairment equal to the difference. We determined a triggering event had occurred during the year ended December 31, 2025, which is further discussed in Note 10, *Goodwill - Net and Intangible Assets - Net.* No impairment triggering events to our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets were identified during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

We review our definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a definite-lived intangible asset or its asset group to be held and used be tested for possible impairment, we first compare the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that definite-lived intangible asset or asset group to the corresponding carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the definite-lived intangible asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds fair value. No impairment charges related to our definite-lived intangible assets were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated period of benefit, over the following estimated useful lives:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Asset Class** | **Estimated Useful Life** |
| Supplier relationships | 4-5 years |
| Customer relationships | 2-5 years |
| Acquired developed technology | 3-5 years |
| Capitalized development costs | 3 years |
| Acquired Domain Name | 15 years |
| Seat images | 3 years |

---

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Capitalized Development Costs & Cloud Computing Arrangements Implementation Costs**

We incur costs related to internal-use software and website development. Costs incurred in both the preliminary project and post-implementation stages of development are expensed as incurred. Qualifying development costs, including those incurred for upgrades and enhancements that result in additional functionality to existing software, are capitalized. Capitalized development costs are recorded in Intangible assets – net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized using the straight-line method over the three-year useful life of the applicable software. The accompanying amortization is recorded in Depreciation and amortization expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

**Accounts Payable**

Accounts payable primarily consists of amounts due to ticket sellers across our platform. These amounts are recorded at the time the Marketplace orders are confirmed and are payable following the event, or as otherwise agreed upon.

**Accrued Customer Credits**

We may issue credits to customers for cancelled events or travel services that can be applied to future purchases on our platform. The amount recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets represents the balance of credits issued to these customers. Breakage income from customer credits that are not expected to be used, and are not subject to escheatment, is estimated and recognized as revenue in proportion to the pattern of redemption for the customer credits that are used. We estimate breakage based on historical usage trends for credits issued by us and available data on comparable programs. These estimates could be impacted by changes in credit usage rates, or in the determination of which credits are subject to escheatment, the effects of which could be material to our consolidated financial statements. When customer credits are used to make a purchase, revenue is recognized for the new transaction.

**Accrued Future Customer Compensation**

Provisions for accrued future customer compensation are recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and represent compensation to be paid to customers for event cancellations or other service issues related to previously recorded sales transactions. The expected recoveries of these obligations are recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These provisions, which are based on historic experience, revenue volumes for future events, and our estimate of the likelihood of future event cancellations, are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of Revenues. This estimated accrual could be impacted by future activity differing from our estimates, the effects of which could be material to our consolidated financial statements.

**Income Taxes**

Following the Merger Transaction, our legal parent entity is VSI. We are subject to income taxes at the U.S. federal, state, and local levels for income tax purposes, including with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income (loss) of Hoya Intermediate.

For periods prior to the Corporate Simplification, Hoya Intermediate was treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and was generally not subject to entity level income taxes. During those periods, Hoya Intermediate's taxable income (loss) was passed through to its members, including VSI and Hoya Topco, each of whom were responsible for their own U.S. federal and state income taxes. Following the Corporate Simplification, Hoya Intermediate continued to be treated as a partnership, with VSI now indirectly holding all of its units. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation*, for more information.

During the three months and year ended December 31, 2025, VSI also completed an internal legal entity restructuring to further simplify its organizational structure and align its U.S. operations within a single U.S. consolidated tax group. The restructuring included a series of stock and partnership interest contributions leading to the conversion of Hoya Intermediate from a partnership to a disregarded entity for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes, with VSI continuing to hold all of its units. As a result, we now account for our deferred taxes related to the operations of Hoya Intermediate based on the financial accounting to income tax basis differences of the

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

assets and liabilities held by Hoya Intermediate where prior to the Corporate Simplification and the legal entity restructuring, we accounted for our deferred taxes related to the operations of Hoya Intermediate based on the financial accounting to income tax basis differences of our investment in Hoya Intermediate.

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income (loss) in the period when the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent on the amount of our future taxable income (loss).

Interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes are recorded in Income tax expense (benefit) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. To date, interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes have not been material.

**TRA**

In connection with the Merger Transaction, we entered into the TRA with the existing Hoya Intermediate unitholders that provides for our payment to such unitholders of 85% of the amount of any tax savings that we realize (or, under certain circumstances, are deemed to realize) as a result of, or attributable to: (i) increases in the tax basis of assets owned directly or indirectly by Hoya Intermediate or its subsidiaries from, among other things, any redemptions or exchanges of Intermediate Units; (ii) existing tax basis (including depreciation and amortization deductions arising from such tax basis) in long-lived assets owned directly or indirectly by Hoya Intermediate or its subsidiaries; and (iii) certain other tax benefits (including deductions in respect of imputed interest) related to us making payments under the TRA.

In connection with the Corporate Simplification, all rights and obligations under the TRA were terminated (other than certain terms thereof that expressly survived), including $5.8 million of cash payments that would have otherwise been due in the first quarter of 2026, in exchange for the issuance of 403,022 shares of Class A common stock. As a result of the Corporate Simplification, we will no longer have a TRA liability. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation*, and Note 20, *Income Taxes*, for more information.

**Long-Term Debt – Net**

Long-term debt is carried at the outstanding principal balance, less debt issuance costs and any unamortized discount or premium. Deferred borrowing costs and discounts are amortized over the terms of the respective borrowings using the effective interest method and are recorded in Interest expense – net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Upon the refinancing of our term debt on February 5, 2025, we (i) recognized an expense for certain third-party fees incurred in relation to the modification of existing debt, which is recorded in Other income – net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (ii) recognized an expense for losses incurred in relation to the extinguishment of historical debt, which is recorded in Loss on extinguishment of debt in the Consolidated Statements of Operations; and (iii) capitalized certain third-party fees incurred in relation to the issuance of new debt, which is recorded in Long-term debt – net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 13, *Long-Term Debt – Net*, for more information.

**Fair Value Measurements**

We measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("<u>ASC</u>") Topic 820, *Fair Value Measurements* ("<u>ASC 820</u>"), which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. To increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•***Level 1*** — Measurements that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•***Level 2*** — Measurements that include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•***Level 3*** — Measurements derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. These fair value measurements require significant judgment.

Our financial assets and liabilities (i.e., investments, long-term debt, and certain long-term financial instruments) are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and presented in Note 11, *Investments and Fair Value Measurements*, Note 13, *Long-Term Debt – Net,* and Note 15, *Financial Instruments*. Our non-financial assets (i.e., goodwill, intangible assets, and certain long-lived assets) are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs and presented in Note 10, *Goodwill – Net and Intangible Assets – Net*. Other short-term financial instruments (i.e., accounts receivable and accounts payable) are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value. We did not have any transfers of financial instruments between valuation levels during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

**Warrants**

In connection with the Merger Transaction and the Corporate Simplification, we issued and amended several types of warrants, as described in Note 15, *Financial Instruments*. We separately evaluate the terms for each of these outstanding warrants in accordance with ASC Topic 480, *Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity* ("<u>ASC 480</u>"), and ASC Topic 815*, Derivatives and Hedging* ("<u>ASC 815</u>") to determine the appropriate classification and accounting treatment. Because the Intermediate Warrants (as defined herein) allowed for cash redemption at the discretion of the holder, they met the criteria to be classified as liability instruments and were recorded in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The warrant liability was subject to a fair value remeasurement each period with an offsetting adjustment recorded in Other income – net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Conversely, because the Public Warrants, Private Warrants, Exercise Warrants, and Amended Intermediate Warrants (each as defined herein) do not allow for cash redemption at the discretion of the holder, they meet the criteria to be classified as equity instruments.

**Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests**

Prior to the Corporate Simplification, Hoya Topco held 100% of our Class B common stock and 36.9% of the Intermediate Units, which represented a redeemable noncontrolling interest in VSI. At its discretion, Hoya Topco had the right to exchange its Intermediate Units for shares of Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis or for cash proceeds of equal value at the time of redemption. See Note 16, *Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests*, for additional detail on Hoya Topco's former right to exchange its Intermediate Units. As the redeemable noncontrolling interests were redeemable upon the occurrence of an event not solely within our control, we classified them as temporary equity. Our redeemable noncontrolling interests were initially measured as Hoya Topco's share in the net assets of Hoya Intermediate upon consummation of the Merger Transaction. Subsequent remeasurements of our redeemable noncontrolling interests (which were based on the fair value of the Class A common stock) were recorded as a deemed dividend each reporting period, which reduced Retained earnings, if any, or Additional paid-in capital in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In connection with the Corporate Simplification, all of the Intermediate Units previously held by Hoya Topco (and corresponding shares of Class B common stock) were exchanged for an equal number of shares of Class A common stock. As a result, our redeemable noncontrolling interests were extinguished and Hoya Intermediate is now a wholly owned subsidiary of VSI.

**Equity-Based Compensation**

We account for restricted stock units ("<u>RSUs</u>") and stock options at their grant date fair value. We award RSUs to our employees, directors, and certain consultants. We award stock options to certain of our employees and consultants. We account for forfeitures of outstanding but unvested grants in the period they occur. The awards are subject to the recipient's continued service through the applicable vesting date. The grant date fair value of stock options is estimated using an option pricing model, which requires us to make assumptions and judgments about the variables used in the calculation related to the expected term, the expected volatility of our common stock, the risk-free interest rate, and the expected dividend yield. Expenses related to grants of equity-based awards are

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

recognized as equity-based compensation and recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Prior to the Merger Transaction, certain members of management received equity-based compensation awards for profits interests in Hoya Topco and phantom units in a cash bonus pool funded by Hoya Topco. Under ASC 480 and ASC Topic 718, *Compensation – Stock Compensation*, the grants of profits interests meet the criteria to be recognized as equity-classified awards, whereas the grants of phantom units meet the criteria to be recognized as liability-classified awards.

For the profits interests and phantom units, we used a market-based approach to determine the total equity value of Hoya Topco and allocated the resulting value between share classes using the Black-Scholes model to determine the grant date fair value of employee grants. The exercise prices used are based on various scenarios considering the waterfall payout structure of the units that exists at the Hoya Topco level. For phantom units with service and performance conditions, we recognize a liability for the fair value of the outstanding units only when we conclude it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.

On June 10, 2024, the Board of Managers of Hoya Topco (the "<u>Hoya Topco Board</u>") approved the redemption, repurchase, and cancellation by Hoya Topco of all of its outstanding profits interests held by our current employees (including the Class B-1, Class D, and Class E Units discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). Accordingly, we recognized equity-based compensation expense related to the profits interests of $4.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. See Note 21, *Equity-Based Compensation*, for more information.

On June 10, 2024, the Hoya Topco Board also approved the repurchase and cancellation by Hoya Topco of all of its outstanding phantom units held by our employees. The phantom units held service and performance conditions, requiring us to recognize a liability for the fair value the outstanding phantom units only when we conclude it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved. Accordingly, we recognized equity-based compensation expense related to the phantom units of $5.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. There was no equity-based compensation expense previously recognized related to the phantom units.

Hoya Topco had no outstanding profits interests or phantom units held by our employees, and we had no unrecognized equity-based compensation expense related thereto, as of December 31, 2025.

**Revenue Recognition**

We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, *Revenue from Contracts with Customers* ("<u>ASC 606</u>"). We record revenue on a gross or net basis based on our assessment of whether we are acting as a principal or agent in the transaction. Revenue is reported net of sales taxes. The timing of revenue recognition, and the determination of whether we are acting as a principal or an agent in a transaction, is based on the evaluation of control over the asset being transferred.

***Marketplace Segment***

In our Marketplace segment, we primarily act as an intermediary between ticket buyers, sellers, and partners, for which we earn revenue from processing ticket sales for live events and facilitating the booking of hotel rooms and packages through: (a) our Owned Properties, which consist of (i) the Vivid Seats mobile app and website, (ii) Wavedash (as defined herein), and (iii) Vegas.com (as defined herein); and (b) our Private Label Offering, which consists of numerous distribution partners. Using our online platform, we facilitate customer payments, coordinate ticket deliveries, and provide customer service. We do not hold ticket inventory in our Marketplace segment.

The amount of Marketplace revenue earned in a given period is primarily represented by service and delivery fees charged to ticket buyers. We also earn Marketplace revenue from referral fees charged to third-party providers of event insurance that we offer to ticket buyers. Until it ceased operations on July 18, 2025, we also earned Marketplace revenue from Vivid Picks, a real-money daily fantasy sports mobile app, which represented the difference between cash entry fees collected and cash amounts paid out to users for winning picks, less customer promotions and incentives.

Our performance obligation for Marketplace transactions relates to facilitating ticket sales between buyers, sellers, and partners. For live events, our performance obligation is satisfied at the time the Marketplace order is confirmed,

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

as control of the asset and the related rights of ownership transfer to the ticket buyer at that time. For hotels and tours, our performance obligation is satisfied at the time of check-in, as the ticket buyer is unable to control the asset until that point. For event insurance, our performance obligation is satisfied at the time the customer makes a purchase from the third-party insurance provider during customer checkout, as control of the asset and the related rights of ownership transfer to the ticket buyer at that time. In all of these transactions, we act as an agent due to the fact that we do not control the asset prior to satisfying our performance obligation.

Payment from the ticket buyer is generally due at the time of sale. Our sales terms generally provide that we will compensate the ticket buyer for the total amount of the purchase if an event is cancelled, the ticket is invalid, or the ticket is delivered after the promised time. In certain circumstances for travel reservations, we may allow ticket buyers to initiate returns or cancel. We have determined this is considered a stand-ready obligation to provide a return that is not a separate performance obligation, but is an element of variable consideration, which results in a reduction to revenue. The revenue reversal is recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when the ticket buyer has yet to be compensated. We estimate the future customer compensation liability and the corresponding charge against revenue using the expected value method, which best predicts customer compensation for future event cancellations. To the extent we estimate that a portion of the refund is recoverable from ticket sellers or partners, we record the recovery as revenue to align with the net presentation of the original transaction. In extreme circumstances such as the COVID-related shutdowns that occurred during 2020, the timing of event cancellations versus new sales transactions can result in customer compensation costs exceeding current period sales, resulting in negative Marketplace revenue for that period. For event insurance, payment from the third-party provider is due to us within 30 days from being invoiced. This revenue is included within all categories of Marketplace disaggregated revenue described in Note 4, *Revenue Recognition*.

In certain instances, ticket buyers are compensated with credit to be used on future purchases. When a credit is redeemed, revenue is recognized for the newly placed order. Breakage income from customer credits that are not expected to be used, and not subject to escheatment, is estimated and recognized as revenue in proportion to the pattern of redemption for the customer credits that are used.

***Resale Segment***

In our Resale segment, we primarily acquire tickets to resell on secondary ticket marketplaces, including our own.

The amount of Resale revenue earned in a given period is primarily represented by the gross value of the ticket.

Our performance obligation for Resale transactions relates to transferring control of live event tickets to buyers. Our performance obligation is satisfied at the time the Resale order is confirmed in the secondary ticket marketplace, as control of the asset and the related rights of ownership transfer to the ticket buyer at that time. In all of these transactions, we act as a principal due to the fact that we control the asset prior to satisfying our performance obligation.

Payment from the secondary ticket marketplace is typically due upon delivery of the ticket or after the event has passed.

Secondary ticket marketplace terms and conditions require ticket sellers to repay amounts received for events that are cancelled or tickets that are invalid or delivered after the promised time. We have determined that this is considered a stand-ready obligation to provide a return that is not a separate performance obligation, but is an element of variable consideration, which results in a reduction to revenue. The revenue reversal is recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when the ticket buyer has yet to be compensated. We estimate the future customer compensation liability and the corresponding charge against revenue using the expected value method, which best predicts customer compensation for future event cancellations. To the extent we estimate that a portion of the charge is recoverable from the event host, we record the recovery of future customer compensation asset in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

When our Resale segment sells a ticket on our own secondary ticket marketplace, the service fee is recorded in Marketplace revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the sales price of the ticket is recorded in Resale revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Deferred Revenue**

Deferred revenue consists of fees received related to unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of the period. The majority of unsatisfied performance obligations are related to the Vivid Seats Rewards Program, which allows enrolled Vivid Seats ticket buyers to earn stamps for each ticket purchased. These buyers can convert those stamps into credits upon reaching certain thresholds and then redeem those credits on future transactions. The credits earned in the program represent a material right to the ticket buyer and constitute an additional performance obligation for us. As such, we defer revenue based on expected future usage and recognize the deferred revenue as credits are redeemed.

Deferred revenue also consists of service fees on hotel and tour transactions where check-in has not yet occurred. In addition, revenue from sales of contingent events such as postseason sporting events is initially recorded as Deferred revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is recognized when the contingency is resolved.

**Sales & Indirect Taxes**

Sales and indirect taxes are imposed by country, state, county, and city governmental authorities. In most jurisdictions, we collect sales and indirect taxes from ticket buyers in our Marketplace segment where required and remit to the appropriate governmental agency. For these jurisdictions where we collect and remit taxes, they are recorded as a liability until remitted and there is no impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as revenues are recorded net of sales taxes. We also remit sales and indirect taxes on certain Resale segment transactions. The uncollected indirect tax liability, which is recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, increases when accruals are made in jurisdictions where we believed it was probable we should remit payment to U.S. and foreign governmental tax authorities before all required amounts are collected from the customer and decreases when we receive abatements and/or recognize other reductions to the balance. The net expense/benefit recognized related to the liability for uncollected indirect taxes (including sales taxes) is recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

**Advertising Costs**

We utilize various forms of advertising, including paid search, brand partnerships, email marketing and other forms of media. Advertising costs, which are expensed as incurred and recorded in Marketing and selling expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, were $231.3 million, $284.7 million, and $273.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

**Shipping & Handling**

Shipping and handling charges to customers are recorded in Revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Shipping and handling costs incurred by us are treated as fulfillment activities and therefore are recorded in Cost of revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. These costs are accrued upon the recognition of revenue.

**Recent Accounting Pronouncements**

As an "emerging growth company" under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, we are provided the option to comply with new or revised accounting guidance within the same time periods as those applicable to either public or non-public companies, including early adoption when permissible. The following provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements:

***Issued Accounting Standards Adopted***

*Financial Instruments – Credit Losses*

In 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "<u>FASB</u>") issued Accounting Standard Update ("<u>ASU</u>") 2016-13, *Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments*, which changes how entities will measure credit losses for financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The new expected credit loss impairment model requires immediate recognition of estimated credit losses expected to occur. Additional disclosures are required regarding assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the credit losses. ASU 2019-10, *Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326),* 

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

*Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates*, deferred the effective date for non-public companies. The standard is effective for non-public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. We adopted these requirements as of January 1, 2023 with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

*Reference Rate Reform*

In 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, *Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting*, as modified in 2021. The ASU is intended to help stakeholders during the global market-wide reference rate transition period. The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("<u>LIBOR</u>") or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The guidance also establishes (1) a general contract modification principle that entities can apply in other areas that may be affected by reference rate reform and (2) certain elective hedge accounting expedients. We adopted these requirements as of January 1, 2023 with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

*Acquired Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities*

In 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, *Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers.* The ASU requires contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination to be recognized and measured by the acquirer on the acquisition date in accordance with ASC 606, as if it had originated the contracts. Under the previous guidance, such assets and liabilities were recognized by the acquirer at fair value on the acquisition date. The ASU allows for immediate adoption on a retrospective basis for all business combinations that have occurred since the beginning of the annual period that includes the interim period of adoption. We elected to adopt these requirements during the three months ended December 31, 2023 with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

*Segment Reporting – Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures*

On November 27, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, *Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures*, which updates reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in an entity's financial statements. We adopted the amendments during the year ended December 31, 2024 with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements, other than the impact thereof on our segment reporting footnote. See Note 5, *Segment Reporting*, for more information.

*Income Taxes*

On December 14, 2023*,* the FASB issued ASU 2023-09*, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures* ("ASU 2023-09")*,* which requires that an entity, on an annual basis, disclose additional income tax information, primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The amendments are intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. We adopted the amendments during the year ended December 31, 2025 with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements, other than the impact thereof on our income taxes footnote. See Note 20, *Income Taxes*, for more information.

***Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted***

*Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses*

On November 4, 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, *Income Statement Reporting — Comprehensive Income — Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses*. The amendments are intended to improve the disclosures about a public business entity's expenses by requiring more detailed information about the types of expenses (including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and amortization) included within income statement expense captions. The amendments will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments are to be applied prospectively with the option for

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

retrospective application. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the amendments on our future consolidated financial statements.

*Software Costs*

On September 18, 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, *Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software*, which amends certain aspects of the accounting for and disclosure of software costs under ASC Subtopic 350-40, *Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software*. The amendments will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027 and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments may be applied prospectively, retrospectively, or via a modified prospective transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the amendments on our future consolidated financial statements.

*Interim Reporting*

On December 8, 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, *Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements*, which updates the guidance in ASC Topic 270, *Interim Reporting*, by improving navigability of the required interim disclosures, clarifying when that guidance is applicable and adding a principle that requires entities to disclose events since the last annual reporting period that have a material impact on the entity. The amendments will be effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The amendments may be applied prospectively, or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the amendments on our future condensed consolidated financial statements, but do not expect the impact to result in incremental interim financial statement disclosures.

**3. Business Acquisitions**

During 2023, we acquired VDC Holdco, LLC, the parent company of Vegas.com, LLC (together, "<u>Vegas.com</u>") and WD Holdings Co., Ltd., the parent company of Wavedash Co., Ltd. (together, "<u>Wavedash</u>"). These transactions have been accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 805*, Business Combinations*.

**Vegas.com Acquisition**

On November 3, 2023 (the "<u>Vegas.com Acquisition Date</u>"), we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Vegas.com (the "<u>Vegas.com Acquisition</u>"). The purchase price was $248.3 million, consisting of $152.8 million in cash and $95.5 million in equity (for which we issued 15.6 million shares of Class A common stock). We financed the cash portion of the purchase price at closing with cash on hand, as well as cash balances acquired. The acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of a business in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting.

The goodwill acquired in the Vegas.com Acquisition was not deductible for income tax purposes. The goodwill, which is included in our Marketplace segment, is primarily attributable to revenue opportunities with the Vegas.com service offerings and the assembled workforce.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized an expense of $1.9 million for direct costs incurred in relation to the Vegas.com Acquisition, which is recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table summarizes the final allocation (described in further detail below) of the purchase price amongst Vegas.com's tangible and intangible assets and liabilities as of the Vegas.com Acquisition Date (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $1868 |
| Accounts receivable | 2469 |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 2175 |
| Property and equipment | 264 |
| Intangible assets | 130549 |
| Goodwill | 185276 |
| Right-of-use assets | 779 |
| Other assets | 449 |
| Accounts payable | (34589) |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | (11291) |
| Deferred revenue | (1864) |
| Long-term lease liabilities | (69) |
| Deferred tax liability | (27721) |
| **Purchase price** | $**248295** |

---

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we finalized the purchase price allocation of the Vegas.com Acquisition upon the expiration of the one-year remeasurement period that began on the Vegas.com Acquisition Date. The sole difference between the preliminary purchase price allocation and the final purchase price allocation presented above relates to a reclassification adjustment that increased the balance of Goodwill – net by $0.5 million and decreased the balance of Prepaid expenses and other current assets by $0.5 million.

The following table sets forth the components of identifiable intangible assets acquired (in thousands) and their estimated useful lives (in years) as of the Vegas.com Acquisition Date:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Cost** | **Estimated Useful Life** |
| Trade name | $43669 | Indefinite |
| Supplier relationships | 37160 | 4 years |
| Customer relationships | 27590 | 3 years |
| Acquired developed technology | 22130 | 4 years |
| **Acquired intangible assets** | $**130549** |  |

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***Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information***

Assuming the Vegas.com Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2022, the unaudited pro forma Revenues and Income before income taxes presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 would have been $797.9 million and $79.0 million, respectively.

The unaudited pro forma financial information presented above is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that might have occurred had the Vegas.com Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2022, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results. The unaudited pro forma information presented above reflects the following adjustments, where applicable, assuming the Vegas.com Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2022: (i) incremental amortization expenses related to the long-lived intangible assets acquired in the Vegas.com Acquisition; (ii) reclassification of transaction costs incurred in connection with the Vegas.com Acquisition; (iii) alignment of Vegas.com's revenue recognition with our policies; and (iv) elimination of interest expenses incurred by Vegas.com prior to the Vegas.com Acquisition.

**Wavedash Acquisition**

On September 8, 2023 (the "<u>Wavedash Acquisition Date</u>"), we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Wavedash, an online ticket marketplace headquartered in Tokyo, Japan (the "<u>Wavedash Acquisition</u>" and, together with the Vegas.com Acquisition, the "<u>2023 Acquisitions</u>"). The purchase price was JPY 10,946.1 million, or $74.3 million based on the exchange rate in effect on the Wavedash Acquisition Date, before considering the net effect of cash acquired equal to the amount in the table below. We financed the purchase price at closing with cash on hand.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

The acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of a business in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting.

In connection with the Wavedash Acquisition, we also assumed long-term debt owed to Shoko Chukin Bank (the "<u>Shoko Chukin Bank Loan</u>") of JPY 458.3 million (approximately $3.1 million), which had an original maturity date of June 24, 2026 and was subject to a fixed interest rate of 1.3% per annum. On April 4, 2024, we paid off the Shoko Chukin Bank Loan balance in its entirety. See Note 13, *Long-Term Debt – Net,* for more information.

The goodwill recognized in the Wavedash Acquisition was not deductible for income tax purposes. The goodwill, which is included in our Marketplace segment, is primarily attributable to revenue opportunities associated with Wavedash's service offerings and assembled workforce.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized an expense of $2.7 million for direct costs incurred in relation to the Wavedash Acquisition, which is recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table summarizes the final allocation (described in further detail below) of the purchase price amongst Wavedash's tangible and intangible assets and liabilities as of the Wavedash Acquisition Date (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $18390 |
| Accounts receivable | 2182 |
| Inventory | 49 |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 259 |
| Property and equipment | 67 |
| Right-of-use assets | 1927 |
| Other assets | 675 |
| Intangible assets | 31846 |
| Goodwill | 45351 |
| Accounts payable | (7427) |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | (3901) |
| Current maturities of long-term debt | (566) |
| Long-term debt | (2546) |
| Other liabilities | (11981) |
| **Purchase price** | $**74325** |

---

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we finalized the purchase price allocation of the Wavedash Acquisition upon the expiration of the one-year remeasurement period that began on the Wavedash Acquisition Date. There were no differences between the preliminary purchase price allocation and the final purchase price allocation presented above.

The following table sets forth the components of identifiable intangible assets acquired (in thousands) and their estimated useful lives (in years) as of the Wavedash Acquisition Date:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Cost** | **Estimated Useful Life** |
| Trade name | $2173 | Indefinite |
| Supplier relationships | 19963 | 5 years |
| Customer relationships | 5500 | 4 years |
| Acquired developed technology | 4210 | 3 years |
| **Acquired intangible assets** | $**31846** |  |

---

Pro forma financial information for the Wavedash Acquisition was not considered material to our consolidated financial statements and has not been presented.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Vivid Picks Acquisition**

On December 13, 2021 (the "<u>Vivid Picks Acquisition Date</u>"), we acquired 100% ownership of Betcha (the "<u>Vivid Picks Acquisition</u>"). In August 2022, we rebranded Betcha as Vivid Picks. Until it ceased operations on July 18, 2025, Vivid Picks was a real-money daily fantasy sports app with social and gamification features that enhance fans' connection with their favorite live sports. The Vivid Picks Acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of a business in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting.

The Vivid Picks Acquisition Date fair value of the consideration consisted of $0.8 million in cash and 2.1 million shares of Class A common stock. The total consideration included cash earnouts of $3.4 million (the "<u>Vivid Picks Earnouts</u>") as of the Vivid Picks Acquisition Date representing the estimated fair value that we would be obligated to pay if Vivid Picks met certain earnings objectives. The Vivid Picks Earnouts are measured at fair value using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The change in fair value of the Vivid Picks Earnouts is recorded in Change in fair value of contingent consideration in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2025, the estimated fair value of the Vivid Picks Earnouts was zero. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the estimated fair value of the Vivid Picks Earnouts decreased by $1.0 million. There was no change in the estimated fair value of the Vivid Picks Earnouts during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. We made no payments related to the Vivid Picks Earnouts during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

In addition, the consideration included future milestone payments of $9.5 million (collectively, the "<u>Vivid Picks Milestone Payments</u>") as of the Vivid Picks Acquisition Date representing the estimated fair value that we would be obligated to pay upon the achievement of certain integration objectives. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we paid Vivid Picks Milestone Payments of $6.0 million. We did not pay any Vivid Picks Milestone Payments during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the integration objectives were fully met and we had no further liabilities related to the Vivid Picks Milestone Payments.

As part of the Vivid Picks Acquisition, we agreed to pay cash bonuses to certain Vivid Picks employees over three years following the anniversary of the employee start date. The payouts are subject to continued service, and therefore treated as compensation and expensed.

**4. Revenue Recognition**

We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC 606. As discussed in Note 5, *Segment Reporting*, we have determined that we have two operating and reportable segments: Marketplace and Resale.

The following tables present Marketplace revenues by business model and event category for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Owned Properties revenues | $393521 | $533086 | $462263 |
| Private Label Offering revenues | 56988 | 114805 | 135125 |
| **Marketplace revenues** | $**450509** | $**647891** | $**597388** |

---

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Concert revenues | $186139 | $283192 | $308507 |
| Sport revenues | 142564 | 202220 | 199837 |
| Theater revenues | 102108 | 137715 | 83273 |
| Other revenues | 19698 | 24764 | 5771 |
| **Marketplace revenues** | $**450509** | $**647891** | $**597388** |

---

During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recognized Resale revenues of $120.3 million, compared to Resale revenues of $127.7 million and $115.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

At December 31, 2025, Deferred revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets was $20.0 million, which primarily relates to the Vivid Seats Rewards Program. Stamps earned under the Vivid Seats Rewards Program expire in two to three years, if not converted to credits, and credits expire in two to four years, if not redeemed. We expect to recognize all outstanding deferred revenue within the next seven years.

At December 31, 2024, $23.8 million was recorded as Deferred revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, of which $15.4 million was recognized as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2025.

At December 31, 2023, $34.7 million was recorded as Deferred revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, of which $25.8 million was recognized as revenue during the year ended December 31, 2024.

**5. Segment Reporting**

Operating segments are defined as components of an entity for which discrete financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by the entity's Chief Operating Decision Maker ("<u>CODM</u>") in making decisions regarding resource allocation and performance assessment. Our CODM is our Chief Executive Officer ("<u>CEO</u>").

We have determined that we have two operating and reportable segments: Marketplace and Resale. In our Marketplace segment, we primarily act as an intermediary between ticket buyers, sellers, and partners within our online ticket marketplace, through which we earn revenue processing ticket sales for live events and attractions and from facilitating the booking of hotel rooms and packages. In our Resale segment, we primarily acquire tickets to resell on secondary ticket marketplaces, including our own.

For both segments, our CODM uses contribution margin (defined as revenues less cost of revenues and marketing and selling expenses) as a means to allocate resources, evaluate performance, and make strategic decisions during the annual budgeting and forecasting process. Contribution margin forms the basis for measuring trends in performance and comparing the relative potential of various initiatives.

Cost of revenues largely consist of payment processing fees for our Marketplace segment and ticket costs for our Resale segment. Marketing and selling expenses, which relate entirely to our Marketplace segment, consist almost entirely of advertising costs. Most advertising costs are aimed towards acquiring new customers online through paid search engine marketing, fees paid to our advertising affiliates and distributors, and other various digital marketing activities. However, to a lesser extent, advertising costs are also aimed towards acquiring new customers offline through traditional media channels, advertising agency costs, and partnership expenses with sports teams and other media partners.

We do not report assets, capital expenditures, general and administrative expenses, or depreciation and amortization expenses by segment because our CODM does not use this information to evaluate the performance of our operating segments.

The following tables summarize our segment information for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** |
|  | **Marketplace** | **Resale** | **Total** |
| **Revenues** | $**450509** | $**120267** | $**570776** |
| Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) | 72084 | 101354 | 173438 |
| Marketing and selling: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Online advertising | 208507 |  | 208507 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Offline advertising | 22055 |  | 22055 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total marketing and selling | 230562 |  | 230562 |
| **Contribution margin** | **147863** | **18913** | **166776** |
| General and administrative |  |  | 173880 |
| Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 49392 |
| Impairment charges |  |  | 723023 |
| **Loss from operations** |  |  | **(779519)** |
| Interest expense – net |  |  | 23741 |
| Other income – net |  |  | (151956) |
| Loss on extinguishment of debt |  |  | 801 |
| **Loss before income taxes** |  |  | $**(652105)** |

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** |
|  | **Marketplace** | **Resale** | **Total** |
| **Revenues** | $**647891** | $**127695** | $**775586** |
| Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) | 99460 | 102394 | 201854 |
| Marketing and selling: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Online advertising | 261188 |  | 261188 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Offline advertising | 23958 |  | 23958 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total marketing and selling | 285146 |  | 285146 |
| **Contribution margin** | **263285** | **25301** | **288586** |
| General and administrative |  |  | 202123 |
| Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 44238 |
| **Income from operations** |  |  | **42225** |
| Interest expense – net |  |  | 23172 |
| Other income – net |  |  | (3666) |
| **Income before income taxes** |  |  | $**22719** |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** |
|  | **Marketplace** | **Resale** | **Total** |
| **Revenues** | $**597388** | $**115491** | $**712879** |
| Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) | 94557 | 87627 | 182184 |
| Marketing and selling: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Online advertising | 239335 |  | 239335 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Offline advertising | 34761 |  | 34761 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total marketing and selling | 274096 |  | 274096 |
| **Contribution margin** | **228735** | **27864** | **256599** |
| General and administrative |  |  | 159081 |
| Depreciation and amortization |  |  | 17178 |
| Change in fair value of contingent consideration |  |  | (998) |
| **Income from operations** |  |  | **81338** |
| Interest expense – net |  |  | 13505 |
| Other income – net |  |  | (3109) |
| **Income before income taxes** |  |  | $**70942** |

---

Substantially all of our sales occur and assets reside in the United States.

**6. Accounts Receivable – Net**

The following table presents the major components of accounts receivable at December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Uncollateralized payment processor obligations | $11938 | $28740 |
| Due from ticket sellers for cancellation charges | 7600 | 6835 |
| Due from distribution partners for cancellation charges | 14139 | 13308 |
| Event insurance and other commissions receivable | 3481 | 4980 |
| Other trade receivables | 6369 | 6437 |
| **Accounts receivable** | **43527** | **60300** |
| Less: allowance for credit losses | (12863) | (11985) |
| **Accounts receivable – net** | $**30664** | $**48315** |

---

Accounts receivable is recorded net of the cumulative allowance for credit losses. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we recorded a cumulative allowance for credit losses of $12.9 million and $12.0 million, respectively, to reflect potential challenges in collecting funds from distribution partners and ticket sellers, particularly for amounts due upon usage of store credit previously issued to ticket buyers. The cumulative allowance for credit losses increased between December 31, 2024 and 2025, primarily due to an increase in amounts due from distribution partners that are unlikely to be collected based on actual store credit usage.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

We wrote off $0.2 million, $0.2 million, and $0.3 million for uncollectible accounts receivable balances during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

**7. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets**

The following table presents the major components of prepaid expenses and other current assets at December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Recovery of future customer compensation | $13021 | $20335 |
| Prepaid expenses | 9807 | 7388 |
| Other current assets | 3508 | 4884 |
| **Prepaid expenses and other current assets** | $**26336** | $**32607** |

---

Recovery of future customer compensation represents expected recoveries of compensation to be paid to customers for event cancellations or other service issues related to previously recorded sales transactions. Recovery of future customer compensation costs decreased by $7.3 million between December 31, 2024 and 2025, primarily due to a decrease in estimated future event cancellations. A related provision for expected compensation to customers is recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

**8. Property and Equipment – Net**

The following table presents the major classes of property and equipment at December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Computer equipment | $3470 | $3145 |
| Furniture | 2936 | 1996 |
| Leasehold improvements | 11181 | 8692 |
| Construction in progress | 55 | 2165 |
| **Property and equipment** | **17642** | **15998** |
| Less: accumulated depreciation | (5269) | (3431) |
| **Property and equipment – net** | $**12373** | $**12567** |

---

Property and equipment is recorded net of accumulated depreciation. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had recorded accumulated depreciation of $5.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we recognized an expense of $2.2 million, $1.7 million, and $1.4 million, respectively, for depreciation related to property and equipment, which is recorded in Depreciation and amortization expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we recognized a loss of $0.2 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million, respectively, for asset disposals related to property and equipment, which is recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. There were no impairment charges related to property and equipment during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**9. Leases**

The following table presents the lease-related assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Right-of-use assets – net** | $**10515** | $**12008** |
| Current operating lease liabilities included in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | $2307 | $1973 |
| Long-term lease liabilities | 16452 | 18731 |
| Operating lease liabilities | $**18759** | $**20704** |

---

We entered into all of our lease contracts as a lessee. We are not acting as a lessor under any of our leasing arrangements. The vast majority of our lease contracts are real estate leases for office space. All of our leases are classified as operating. None of our leases contain any material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.

Most leases have one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can initially extend the lease term for various periods up to five years. The exercise of renewal options is at our discretion and are included if they are reasonably certain to be exercised.

The following table presents the weighted average remaining minimum lease term and the weighted average incremental borrowing rate at December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Weighted average remaining minimum lease term | 7.2 years | 8.2 years |
| Weighted average incremental borrowing rate | 7.7% | 8.5% |

---

In 2021, we entered into a lease agreement for our new corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. The lease commenced in 2022 when we obtained control of the premises, and runs through December 31, 2033 with a five-year renewal option. The aggregate lease payments for the initial term were approximately $16.2 million, with no rent due until March 2024. The lease agreement provides for a tenant improvement allowance from the landlord in an amount equal to $6.5 million towards the design and construction on the leased premises. On the commencement date, we recorded the right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability of $3.4 million in Right-of-use assets — net and Long-term lease liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In April 2024, we amended our lease agreement to provide for the expansion of our corporate headquarters. The amendment commenced in the fourth quarter of 2024 when we obtained control of the new premises, and runs through December 31, 2033 with a five-year renewal option. The aggregate lease payments for the initial term are approximately $1.5 million, with no rent due until November 2025. The lease agreement provides for a tenant improvement allowance from the landlord in an amount equal to $0.6 million towards the design and construction on the leased premises. As of December 31, 2024, we incurred leasehold improvement costs of $0.6 million related to the tenant improvement allowance. This amount is recorded in Property and equipment **–** net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. On the commencement date, we recorded the right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability of $0.3 million in Right-of-use assets — net and Long-term lease liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Operating and variable lease expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 were $3.1 million, $3.0 million, and $2.0 million, respectively.

Cash payments for operating lease liabilities, which are recorded as a component of cash flows from operating activities within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, were $3.4 million, $3.4 million, and $1.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table presents the present value of our operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2025 (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Operating Leases** |
| 2026 | $3637 |
| 2027 | 3459 |
| 2028 | 3246 |
| 2029 | 3318 |
| 2030 | 2707 |
| Thereafter | 8309 |
| **Total future lease payments** | **24676** |
| Less: imputed interest | (5917) |
| **Present value of lease liabilities** | $**18759** |

---

**10. Goodwill – Net and Intangible Assets – Net**

**Goodwill – Net**

Goodwill, which derives from our business combinations, is recorded net of accumulated impairment charges and foreign currency translation adjustments. Since our goodwill relates entirely to our Marketplace segment, there is only one reporting unit (the "<u>Marketplace Reporting Unit</u>") that is relevant for the purpose of performing impairment assessments.

At June 30, 2025, we performed a qualitative impairment assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit was less than its carrying value by evaluating relevant events and circumstances. After considering declines in our financial performance during the six months ended June 30, 2025, reductions in our financial outlook to reflect those declines, and changes in our Class A common stock price, among other factors, we concluded that it was no longer more likely than not that the fair value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit exceeded its carrying value as of June 30, 2025. As a result, we concluded that a triggering event had occurred and we performed a quantitative impairment test.

As part of our annual impairment testing, we again performed a qualitative assessment of our goodwill at October 31, 2025 to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit was less than its carrying value by evaluating relevant events and circumstances. Our financial outlook as of October 31, 2025, which reflected financial performance through October 31, 2025, was meaningfully lower than our financial outlook as of June 30, 2025, reflecting challenging industry trends extending into the fourth quarter of 2025 and declines in Private Label Offering order volume. After considering the reduced financial outlook and changes in our Class A common stock price, among other factors, we concluded that it was no longer more likely than not that the fair value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit exceeded its carrying value as of October 31, 2025. As a result, we performed a quantitative impairment test.

The fair value of goodwill in the quantitative impairment tests performed as of June 30, 2025 and October 31, 2025 was determined using a combination of an income approach, which estimates fair value based upon projections of future revenues, expenses, and cash flows discounted to their respective present values, and a market approach. The valuation methodology and underlying financial information included in our determination of fair value required significant judgments by management. The principal assumptions used in our discounted cash flow analysis were (i) long-term projections of our financial performance and (ii) the weighted average cost of capital of market participants, adjusted for the risk attributable to our business and industry. The principal assumption used in the market approach was an estimate of a market-based multiple to determine estimated fair value.

Based on our impairment analysis, we determined that the estimated fair value of the Marketplace Reporting Unit was lower than its carrying value as of both June 30, 2025 and October 31, 2025, indicating that the goodwill had been impaired. Consequently, we recognized a non-cash impairment expense of $660.7 million related to our goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2025, $297.4 million of which was recognized as of June 30, 2025 and $363.3 million of which was recognized as of October 31, 2025. Impairment charges related to our goodwill are recorded in Impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Gross goodwill balance at January 1, 2024** | $**1324459** |
| Accumulated impairment charges | (377100) |
| **Goodwill – net balance at January 1, 2024** | **947359** |
| Vegas.com Acquisition (Note 3) | 536 |
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | (4776) |
| **Goodwill – net balance at December 31, 2024** | **943119** |
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | 1467 |
| Impairment charges | (660671) |
| **Goodwill – net balance at December 31, 2025** | $**283915** |

---

At December 31, 2025 and 2024, accumulated impairment charges related to our goodwill were $1,037.8 million and $377.1 million, respectively.

**Intangible Assets – Net**

The following tables summarize the carrying amount and weighted average remaining life (in years, if applicable) of our intangible assets at December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** | **Weighted Average** |
|  | **2025** | **Remaining Life** |
| **Definite-lived intangible assets** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Supplier relationships | $57123 | 2.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Customer relationships | 34620 | 1.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquired developed technology | 29290 | 1.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Capitalized development costs | 63835 | 2.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Capitalized development costs – work in progress | 5931 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquired Domain Name | 17348 | 14.5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Seat images | 1266 | 3.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation adjustment | (1936) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total gross book value** | **207477** |  |
| **Less: accumulated amortization** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Supplier relationships | (29266) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Customer relationships | (24603) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquired developed technology | (18109) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Capitalized development costs | (41098) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquired Domain Name | (1292) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Seat images | (267) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation adjustment | 620 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total accumulated amortization** | **(114015)** |  |
| **Indefinite-lived intangible assets** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Trademarks | 110538 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation adjustment | (120) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated impairment charges | (62352) |  |
| **Intangible assets – net** | $**141528** |  |

---

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** | **Weighted Average** |
|  | **2024** | **Remaining Life** |
| **Definite-lived intangible assets** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Supplier relationships | $57123 | 3.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Customer relationships | 34620 | 2.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquired developed technology | 29240 | 2.6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Capitalized development costs | 46293 | 1.6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Capitalized development costs – work in progress | 6839 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquired Domain Name | 17348 | 15.4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Seat images | 347 | 3.0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquired Domain Name | (1891) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total gross book value** | **189919** |  |
| **Less: accumulated amortization** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Supplier relationships | (16048) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Customer relationships | (14053) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquired developed technology | (10025) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Capitalized development costs | (27325) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquired Domain Name | (88) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Seat images | (26) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquired Domain Name | 357 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total accumulated amortization** | **(67208)** |  |
| **Indefinite-lived intangible assets** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Trademarks | 110538 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Acquired Domain Name | (133) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Less: accumulated amortization |  |  |
| **Intangible assets – net** | $**233116** |  |

---

***Definite-Lived Intangible Assets***

Definite-lived intangible assets, which primarily derive from acquisitions and internal strategic investments, are recorded net of accumulated amortization and foreign currency translation adjustments.

On October 22, 2024, we acquired a domain name that we had previously licensed (the "<u>Acquired Domain Name</u>"). In exchange for the Acquired Domain Name, we are required to disburse monthly interest-free cash payments totaling $31.4 million through June 2040 (the "<u>Acquired Domain Name Obligation</u>").

We account for the Acquired Domain Name as a definite-lived intangible asset under ASC Topic 350, *Intangibles—Goodwill and Other*. The purchase price of the Acquired Domain Name was $17.3 million, which will be amortized over a total period of 15.6 years (the "<u>Acquired Domain Name Term</u>"). As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Acquired Domain Name had a carrying value of $16.1 million and $17.3 million, respectively, which is recorded in Intangible assets – net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We account for the Acquired Domain Name Obligation as a liability, for which interest will accrue over the Acquired Domain Name Term at an effective interest rate of 8.6% per annum. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Acquired Domain Name Obligation had a carrying value of $16.6 million and $17.2 million, respectively, of which $0.6 million is recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the remainder is recorded in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we recognized an expense of $1.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for interest incurred in relation to the Acquired Domain Name Obligation, which is recorded in Interest expense – net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we recognized an expense of $46.8 million, $42.4 million, and $15.7 million, respectively, for amortization related to our definite-lived intangible assets. Amortization expenses related to our definite-lived intangible assets are recorded in Depreciation and amortization expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we recognized a loss of $0.4 million, $0.2 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, for asset disposals related to our definite-lived intangible assets. Losses on asset disposals are recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense related to our definite-lived intangible assets (other than work in progress capitalized development costs) at December 31, 2025 (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Definite-Lived Intangible Assets** |
| 2026 | $42241 |
| 2027 | 26345 |
| 2028 | 6211 |
| 2029 | 1107 |
| 2030 | 1107 |
| Thereafter | 10520 |
| **Estimated future amortization expense** | $**87531** |

---

***Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets***

Similar to goodwill, our indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization and are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

At June 30, 2025, we performed a qualitative impairment assessment to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks was less than their carrying value by evaluating relevant events and circumstances. After considering recent declines in our financial performance and near-term outlook, among other factors, we concluded that it was no longer more likely than not that the fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks exceeded their carrying value as of June 30, 2025. As a result, we concluded that a triggering event had occurred and we performed a quantitative impairment test.

As part of our annual impairment testing, we again performed a qualitative assessment of our indefinite-lived intangible assets at October 31, 2025 to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks was less than their carrying value by evaluating relevant events and circumstances. After considering recent declines in our financial performance and near-term outlook, among other factors, we concluded that it was no longer more likely than not that the fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks exceeded their carrying value as of October 31, 2025. As a result, we performed a quantitative impairment test.

The fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks in the quantitative impairment tests performed as of June 30, 2025 and October 31, 2025 was determined using the relief-from-royalty method, a detailed valuation methodology that involves the application of reasonable royalty rates to a net sales stream using the discounted cash flow method.

Based on our impairment analysis, we determined that the estimated fair value of certain indefinite-lived trademarks was lower than their carrying value as of both June 30, 2025 and October 31, 2025, indicating that certain indefinite-lived trademarks had been impaired. Consequently, we recognized a non-cash impairment expense of $62.3 million related to certain indefinite-lived trademarks during the year ended December 31, 2025, $23.0 million of which was recognized as of June 30, 2025 and $39.3 million of which was recognized as of October 31, 2025. Impairment charges related to our indefinite-lived intangible assets are recorded in Impairment charges in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

At December 31, 2025 and 2024, accumulated impairment charges related to our indefinite-lived intangible assets were $141.0 million and $78.7 million, respectively.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**11. Investments and Fair Value Measurements**

**Investments**

In July 2023, we invested $6.0 million in a privately held company in the form of a convertible promissory note (the "<u>Note</u>") and a warrant to purchase up to 1,874,933 shares of the company's stock (the "<u>Warrant</u>"). Interest on the Note accrues at 8.0% per annum, and outstanding principal and accrued interest on the Note is due and payable at the earlier of July 3, 2030 or a change in control of the company. The Warrant is exercisable until the date that is three years after the Note is repaid, subject to certain accelerating events.

We account for the Note in accordance with ASC Topic 320, *Investments – Debt and Equity Securities*, pursuant to which the Note is classified as an available-for-sale security and recognized at fair value. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, the Note had an unrealized loss of $0.1 million, an unrealized gain of $0.1 million, and an unrealized gain of $0.2 million, respectively. Unrealized gains and losses related to differences between the fair value of the Note and the carrying value of the Note are recorded as a separate component of Other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) on a recurring basis until realized. The Note's amortized cost was $4.0 million and $3.0 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. We did not recognize any credit losses related to the Note during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

We account for the Warrant in accordance with ASC 815, pursuant to which the Warrant is classified as a derivative instrument and recognized at fair value. During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, the fair value of the Warrant decreased by $2.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for which we recognized a loss in both periods. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the fair value of the Warrant increased by $0.5 million, for which we recognized a gain in the period. Unrealized gains and losses related to changes in the fair value of the Warrant are recorded in Other income – net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a recurring basis until realized. The presentation of the Warrant, including whether it should be classified as an asset or a liability, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period.

**Fair Value Measurements**

We measure certain financial assets (i.e., investments) and non-financial assets (i.e., goodwill, intangible assets, and long-lived assets) in accordance with ASC 820, pursuant to which we disclose fair values as Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 based on the fair value hierarchy.

***Recurring Fair Value Measurements***

The following tables present the recurring fair value measurements of our financial assets by hierarchy level at December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** |
|  | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| **December 31, 2025** |  |  |  |  |
| Note | $— | $— | $4241 | $4241 |
| Warrant |  |  | 1124 | 1124 |
|  | $**—** | $**—** | $**5365** | $**5365** |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** |
|  | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| **December 31, 2024** |  |  |  |  |
| Note | $— | $— | $3604 | $3604 |
| Warrant |  |  | 3325 | 3325 |
|  | $**—** | $**—** | $**6929** | $**6929** |

---

The fair value of the Note is determined using the income approach, which consists entirely of Level 3 inputs. The estimated fair value of the Warrant is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires us to make assumptions and judgments about the variables used in the calculation related to the expected term, the

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

expected volatility, the risk-free rate of interest, and the expected dividend yield. Because of the inherent uncertainty of these valuations, the estimated fair values of the Note and the Warrant may differ significantly from the fair values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, the effects of which could be material.

The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs applied to the recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of our financial assets at December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
| **Asset** | **Significant Unobservable Inputs** | **2025** | **2024** |
| Note | Expected term (years) | 4.5 | 5.5 |
|  | Implied yield | 21.7% | 21.0% |
| Warrant | Expected term (years) | 4.5 | 5.5 |
|  | Expected volatility | 62.0% | 59.0% |
|  | Risk-free rate | 3.7% | 4.4% |
|  | Expected dividend yield | 0.0% | 0.0% |

---

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amounts of the Note and the Warrant (both of which are measured at fair value using Level 3 significant unobservable inputs) during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Note** | **Warrant** |
| **Balances at January 1, 2024** | $**2868** | $**4125** |
| Accretion of discount | 116 |  |
| Interest paid-in-kind | 501 |  |
| Unrealized gains (losses): |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Recorded in Net income (loss) |  | (800) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) | 119 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total unrealized gains (losses) | 119 | (800) |
| **Balances at December 31, 2024** | **3604** | **3325** |
| Accretion of discount | 218 |  |
| Interest paid-in-kind | 539 |  |
| Unrealized losses: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Recorded in Net income (loss) |  | (2201) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) | (120) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total unrealized losses | (120) | (2201) |
| **Balances at December 31, 2025** | $**4241** | $**1124** |

---

***Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements***

The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs applied to the nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements of our non-financial assets as of October 31, 2025, which was the latest annual quantitative impairment test date of the following non-financial assets:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Asset** | **Significant Unobservable Inputs** | **Range (Weighted Average)** |
| Goodwill | Discount rate | 15.6% |
|  | Long-term growth rate | 3.0% |
| Trademarks | Discount rate | 13.9% - 17.2% (15.2%) |
|  | Long-term growth rate | 3.0% - 3.0% (3.0%) |
|  | Royalty rate | 1.0% - 4.0% (2.2%) |

---

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table presents the sensitivities to changes in the significant unobservable inputs as of October 31, 2025, which was the latest annual quantitative impairment test date of the following non-financial assets (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Goodwill** | **Trademarks** |
| 50 basis point increase in discount rate | $(4507) | $(957) |
| 50 basis point decrease in long-term growth rate | (1653) | (443) |
| 50 basis point decrease in royalty rate |  | (14156) |

---

See Note 2, *Summary of Significant Accounting Policies*, and Note 10, *Goodwill – Net and Intangible Assets – Net*, for more information regarding the fair value methodologies of our non-financial assets.

**12. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities**

The following table presents the major components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities at December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| Accrued marketing expense | $21159 | $30573 |
| Accrued customer credits | 52321 | 55785 |
| Accrued future customer compensation | 15771 | 26614 |
| Accrued payroll | 10463 | 10128 |
| Accrued operating expenses | 11800 | 16193 |
| Other current liabilities | 14443 | 25754 |
| **Accrued expenses and other current liabilities** | $**125957** | $**165047** |

---

Accrued customer credits represent credits issued and outstanding for event cancellations or other service issues related to previously recorded sales transactions. The accrued amount is reduced by the amount of credits estimated to go unused, or breakage, provided that the credits are not subject to escheatment. We estimate breakage based on historical usage trends and available data on comparable programs, and we recognize breakage in proportion to the pattern of redemption for customer credits. Our breakage estimates could be impacted by future activity that differs from our estimates, the effects of which could be material.

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, $13.7 million, $18.5 million, and $15.1 million of accrued customer credits were redeemed, respectively, and we recognized revenue from breakage of $4.4 million, $12.2 million, and $20.6 million, respectively. Breakage amounts are recorded net of reductions in associated accounts receivable balances.

Accrued future customer compensation represents an estimate of the amount of customer compensation due from future event cancellation charges. These provisions, which are based on historic experience, revenue volumes for future events, and our estimate of the likelihood of future event cancellations, are recognized as a component of Revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The expected recoveries of these obligations are recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our estimated accrual could be impacted by future activity that differs from our estimates, the effects of which could be material.

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we recognized a net decrease in revenue of $0.2 million, a net increase in revenue of $1.1 million, and a net increase in revenue of $0.1 million, respectively, from reversals of previously recorded revenue and changes to accrued future customer compensation related to event cancellations where our performance obligations were satisfied in prior periods.

Accrued future customer compensation decreased by $10.8 million between December 31, 2024 and 2025, primarily due to a decrease in estimated future event cancellations. A related provision for the expected recovery of compensation from customers is recorded in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**13. Long-Term Debt – Net**

The following table presents the major components of long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and current maturities, at December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| 2024 First Lien Loan | $**—** | $**393025** |
| 2025 First Lien Loan | 390077 |  |
| **Outstanding debt** | **390077** | **393025** |
| Less: unamortized debt issuance costs | (2716) | (4115) |
| **Long-term debt** | **387361** | **388910** |
| Less: current maturities of long-term debt | (3930) | (3950) |
| **Long-term debt – net** | $**383431** | $**384960** |

---

**2022 First Lien Loan & Revolving Facility**

In 2022, we refinanced the outstanding balance of our former first lien debt facility with a $275.0 million term loan (the "<u>2022 First Lien Loan</u>") and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility with a maturity date of February 3, 2027 (the "<u>Revolving Facility</u>"). As of December 31, 2025, availability under the Revolving Facility was reduced by $5.0 million due to outstanding letters of credit.

**2024 First Lien Loan**

On June 14, 2024, we refinanced the outstanding balance of the 2022 First Lien Loan with a $395.0 million term loan (the "<u>2024 First Lien Loan</u>"). The Revolving Facility was not impacted by the refinancing.

The 2024 First Lien Loan carried an interest rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate ("<u>SOFR</u>") (subject to a 0.5% floor) plus a margin of 3.00%. The effective interest rate on the 2024 First Lien Loan was 7.9% per annum at December 31, 2024. Other than with respect to the interest rate, the 2024 First Lien Loan had the same material terms (including with respect to maturity, prepayment, security, covenants, and events of default) as the 2025 First Lien Loan (as defined in the "2025 First Lien Loan" section below).

At December 31, 2024, the fair value of the 2024 First Lien Loan approximated its carrying value.

**2025 First Lien Loan**

On February 5, 2025, we refinanced the outstanding balance of the 2024 First Lien Loan with a $393.0 million term loan with a maturity date of February 3, 2029 (the "<u>2025 First Lien Loan</u>"). The Revolving Facility was not impacted by the refinancing.

The terms of the 2025 First Lien Loan specify a SOFR-based floating interest rate and contain a springing financial covenant that requires compliance with a first lien net leverage ratio when borrowings under the Revolving Facility exceed certain levels. All obligations under the 2025 First Lien Loan are unconditionally guaranteed by Hoya Intermediate and, subject to certain exceptions provided for therein, substantially all of Hoya Intermediate's direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the "<u>Guarantors</u>"). The 2025 First Lien Loan requires quarterly principal payments of $1.0 million. All obligations under the 2025 First Lien Loan are secured, subject to permitted liens and other exceptions, by first-priority perfected security interests in substantially all of our and the Guarantors' assets.

The 2025 First Lien Loan carries an interest rate equal to SOFR (subject to a 0.5% floor) plus a margin of 2.25%; provided that such margin may be reduced to 2.00% if the corporate rating assigned to us by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and S&P Global Ratings is at least Ba3/BB- (in each case, stable or better). The effective interest rate on the 2025 First Lien Loan was 6.3% at December 31, 2025.

The 2025 First Lien Loan is held by third-party financial institutions and is carried at the outstanding principal balance, less debt issuance costs and any unamortized discount or premium. At December 31, 2025, the estimated fair value and carrying value of the 2025 First Lien Loan were $220.4 million and $387.4 million, respectively. If measured at

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

fair value, the 2025 First Lien Loan would be classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy because its fair value would be estimated using quoted market prices that are directly observable in the marketplace. See Note 2, *Summary of Significant Accounting Policies*, and Note 11, *Investments and Fair Value Measurements*, for more information regarding our approach and accounting treatment of recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements.

We are subject to certain reporting and compliance-related covenants to remain in good standing under the 2025 First Lien Loan. These covenants, among other things, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness and, in certain circumstances, to enter into transactions with affiliates, create liens, merge or consolidate, and make certain payments. Non-compliance with these covenants and a failure to remedy any such non-compliance could result in the acceleration of the loans or foreclosure on the collateral. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we were in compliance with all debt covenants related to the 2025 First Lien Loan and the 2024 First Lien Loan, respectively, and had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Facility.

In accordance with ASC Topic 470, *Debt*, we analyzed our outstanding balances with each lender both immediately before and immediately after refinancing the 2024 First Lien Loan with the 2025 First Lien Loan and determined that the refinancing is partly accounted for as a debt modification (the "<u>First Lien Loan Modification</u>"), partly accounted for as a debt extinguishment (the "<u>First Lien Loan Extinguishment</u>"), and partly accounted for as an issuance of new debt (the "<u>First Lien Loan Issuance</u>").

During the year ended December 31, 2025, we (i) recognized an expense of $0.6 million for third-party fees incurred in relation to the First Lien Loan Modification, which is recorded in Other income – net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (ii) recognized an expense of $0.8 million for losses incurred in relation to the First Lien Loan Extinguishment, which is recorded in Loss on extinguishment of debt in the Consolidated Statements of Operations; and (iii) capitalized $0.2 million of third-party fees incurred in relation to the First Lien Loan Issuance, which is recorded in Long-term debt – net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

**Shoko Chukin Bank Loan**

In connection with the Wavedash Acquisition, we assumed the Shoko Chukin Bank Loan of JPY 458.3 million (approximately $3.1 million), which had an original maturity date of June 24, 2026 and was subject to a fixed interest rate of 1.3% per annum. On April 4, 2024, we paid off the Shoko Chukin Bank Loan balance in its entirety.

**Future Maturities of Outstanding Debt**

The following table presents the future maturities of our outstanding debt, which entirely consists of the 2025 First Lien Loan, at December 31, 2025 (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **2025 First Lien Loan** |
| 2026 | $3930 |
| 2027 | 3930 |
| 2028 | 3930 |
| 2029 | 378287 |
| **Future maturities of outstanding debt** | $**390077** |

---

**14. Employee Benefit Plan**

We have a defined contribution and profit-sharing 401(k) plan that covers substantially all employees who meet eligibility requirements. Participants may contribute to the plan, through regular payroll deductions, an amount subject to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. The plan also provides for discretionary profit-sharing contributions and matching contributions. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we provided matching contributions of $2.1 million, $2.2 million, and $1.6 million, respectively, which is recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We did not provide any discretionary profit-sharing contributions during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**15. Financial Instruments**

In connection with the Reverse Stock Split, proportionate equitable adjustments were made to the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants, Private Warrants, Exercise Warrants, Mirror Warrants, and Intermediate Warrants (each as defined below), as well as to the exercise and redemption prices thereof, as applicable. All share, per share, unit, and per unit amounts set forth below reflect these adjustments. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation*, for more information.

**Public Warrants**

We issued certain warrants that entitle the holders thereof (including Horizon Sponsor) to purchase shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $230.00 per share (the "<u>Public Warrants</u>") . The Public Warrants are traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "SEATW."

We may, in our sole discretion, reduce the exercise price of the Public Warrants to induce early exercise, provided that we provide at least five days' advance notice. The exercise price and number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants may also be adjusted in certain circumstances, including in the event of a share dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, or consolidation. In no event are we required to net cash settle the Public Warrants.

The Public Warrants expire at the earliest of the date that is five years following the Merger Transaction, the date of our liquidation, or the date of our optional redemption thereof, provided that the value of our Class A common stock exceeds $360.00 per share. There is an effective registration statement and prospectus relating to the shares issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants.

Under certain circumstances, we may elect to redeem the Public Warrants at a redemption price of $0.20 per Public Warrant at any time during the term of the Public Warrants in which the trading price of our Class A common stock has been at least $360.00 per share for 20 trading days within a 30 trading-day period. If we elect to redeem the Public Warrants, we must notify the Public Warrant holders in advance, who would then have at least 30 days from the date of such notification to exercise their respective Public Warrants. Any Public Warrants not exercised within that 30-day period will be redeemed pursuant to this provision.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were Public Warrants to purchase 338,342 shares of Class A common stock outstanding.

**Private Warrants**

We issued certain warrants that entitle Horizon Sponsor to purchase shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $230.00 per share (the "<u>Private Warrants</u>"). The Private Warrants have similar terms to the Public Warrants, but are not redeemable by us.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were Private Warrants to purchase 325,989 shares of Class A common stock outstanding.

**Exercise Warrants**

We issued certain warrants that entitle Horizon Sponsor to purchase shares of Class A common stock at exercise prices of $200.00 and $300.00 per share (the "<u>Exercise Warrants</u>"). The Exercise Warrants have similar terms to the Public Warrants, but have different exercise prices, an initial term of 10 years, are not redeemable by us, and are fully transferable.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were Exercise Warrants to purchase 1,700,000 shares of Class A common stock outstanding (850,000 at an exercise price of $200.00 per share and 850,000 at an exercise price of $300.00 per share).

**Mirror Warrants**

Hoya Intermediate issued certain warrants that entitled us to purchase Intermediate Units at exercise prices of $200.00, $300.00, and $230.00 per unit (the "<u>Mirror Warrants</u>"). The Mirror Warrants had nearly identical terms to

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

the Public Warrants, Private Warrants, and Exercise Warrants. If a Public Warrant, Private Warrant, or Exercise Warrant were exercised or tendered, an equivalent number of Mirror Warrants would be exercised or tendered.

As of December 31, 2024, there were Mirror Warrants to purchase 2,364,331 Intermediate Units outstanding (850,000 at an exercise price of $200.00 per unit, 850,000 at an exercise price of $300.00 per unit, and 664,331 at an exercise price of $230.00 per unit).

On October 31, 2025, the Mirror Warrants were terminated in connection with the Corporate Simplification. As a result, as of December 31, 2025, there were zero Mirror Warrants outstanding. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation*, for more information.

**Intermediate Warrants**

In connection with the Merger Transaction, Hoya Intermediate issued certain warrants that entitled Hoya Topco to purchase Intermediate Units at exercise prices of $200.00 and $300.00 per unit (the "<u>Intermediate Warrants</u>").

Because the Intermediate Warrants allowed for cash redemption at the discretion of the holder, they met the criteria to be classified as liability instruments and were recorded in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon consummation of the Merger Transaction, the fair value of the Intermediate Warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes model and estimated at $18.8 million, for which we recorded a warrant liability.

As of December 31, 2024, there were Intermediate Warrants to purchase 200,000 Intermediate Units outstanding (100,000 at an exercise price of $200.00 per share and 100,000 at an exercise price of $300.00 per share).

On October 31, 2025, the Intermediate Warrants were replaced by the Amended Intermediate Warrants (as defined in the "Amended Intermediate Warrants" section below) in connection with the Corporate Simplification. As a result, as of December 31, 2025, there were zero Intermediate Warrants outstanding. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation*, for more information.

***Option Contingent Intermediate Warrants***

A portion of the Intermediate Warrants that were issued in connection with the Merger Transaction entitled Hoya Topco to purchase 50,000 Intermediate Units at an exercise price of $200.00 per unit and 50,000 Intermediate Units at an exercise price of $300.00 per unit (the "<u>Option Contingent Intermediate Warrants</u>"). The Option Contingent Intermediate Warrants were issued in tandem with stock options that we issued to members of our management team (the "<u>Management Options</u>") and were exercisable only if a Management Option were forfeited or expired unexercised.

Upon consummation of the Merger Transaction, the fair value of the Option Contingent Intermediate Warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes model and estimated at $1.6 million, for which we recorded a warrant liability. The estimated fair value of the Option Contingent Intermediate Warrants was adjusted to reflect the probability of forfeiture of the Management Options based on historical forfeiture rates for Hoya Topco profits interests.

On December 7, 2023, Hoya Topco voluntarily terminated the Option Contingent Intermediate Warrants. Immediately before such termination, the fair value of the liability related to the Option Contingent Intermediate Warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes model and estimated at $1.1 million. Upon such termination, this liability was reduced to zero, with an equivalent increase recorded in Redeemable noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As a result, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were zero Option Contingent Intermediate Warrants outstanding.

***Amended Intermediate Warrants***

In connection with the Corporate Simplification, the Intermediate Warrants were amended to, in lieu of providing for the right to purchase Intermediate Units and allowing for cash redemption at the discretion of the holder, instead provide for the right to purchase equal numbers of shares of Class A common stock at equal exercise prices and not allow for cash redemption (as amended, the "<u>Amended Intermediate Warrants</u>"). As a result, the Amended Intermediate Warrants now have substantially similar terms to the Private Warrants.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

Because the Amended Intermediate Warrants no longer allow for cash redemption at the discretion of the holder, they meet the criteria to be classified as equity instruments and, accordingly, were reclassified from Other liabilities to Additional paid-in capital in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025. Immediately before the reclassification, the fair value of the Intermediate Warrants was $0.3 million.

As of December 31, 2025, there were Amended Intermediate Warrants to purchase 200,000 shares of Class A common stock outstanding (100,000 at an exercise price of $200.00 per share and 100,000 at an exercise price of $300.00 per share).

***Fair Value Measurements***

The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable assumptions applied to the final fair value measurement of the Intermediate Warrants as of October 31, 2025 (the date on which the Intermediate Warrants were reclassified from liability instruments to equity instruments) and the recurring fair value measurement of the Intermediate Warrants as of December 31, 2024:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **October 31,** | **December 31,** |
| **Significant Unobservable Inputs** | **2025** | **2024** |
| Expected term (years) | 6.0 | 6.8 |
| Expected volatility | 71.0% | 52.0% |
| Risk-free rate | 3.8% | 4.5% |
| Expected dividend yield | 0.0% | 0.0% |

---

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, the fair value of the Intermediate Warrants decreased by $5.9 million, $4.0 million, and $1.0 million, respectively, for which we recognized a gain in all periods. Gains related to changes in the fair value of the Intermediate Warrants are recorded in Other income – net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

**16. Redeemable noncontrolling Interests**

Prior to the Corporate Simplification, Hoya Topco held 100% of our Class B common stock and 36.9% of the Intermediate Units, which represented a redeemable noncontrolling interest in VSI. At its discretion, Hoya Topco had the right to exchange its Intermediate Units for shares of Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis or for cash proceeds of equal value at the time of redemption.

For periods through the consummation of the Corporate Simplification, net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests is calculated by multiplying Hoya Intermediate's net income (loss) incurred in the period by Hoya Topco's weighted average percentage allocation of Intermediate Units during the period. See Note 22, *Earnings Per Share*, for computation of net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests.

In connection with the Corporate Simplification, all of the Intermediate Units previously held by Hoya Topco (and corresponding shares of Class B common stock) were exchanged for an equal number of shares of Class A common stock. As a result, our redeemable noncontrolling interests were extinguished, Hoya Intermediate is now a wholly owned subsidiary of VSI, and the net income (loss) attributable to Hoya Topco's redeemable noncontrolling interests for the year ended December 31, 2025 only pertains to the period from January 1, 2025 through October 31, 2025. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation* for more information.

**17. Equity**

**Corporate Simplification**

Prior to the Corporate Simplification, VSI held a 63.1% interest in Hoya Intermediate, and Hoya Topco held the remainder. Hoya Topco's interest in Hoya Intermediate represented a redeemable noncontrolling interest. At its discretion, Hoya Topco had the right to exchange its Intermediate Units for shares of Class A common stock on a one-to-one basis or for cash proceeds of equal value at the time of redemption. See Note 16, *Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests*, for additional detail on Hoya Topco's former right to exchange its Intermediate Units. As the redeemable noncontrolling interests were redeemable upon the occurrence of an event not solely within our control, we classified them as temporary equity. Our redeemable noncontrolling interests were initially measured

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

at Hoya Topco's share in the net assets of Hoya Intermediate upon consummation of the Merger Transaction. Subsequent remeasurements of our redeemable noncontrolling interests (which were based on the fair value of our Class A common stock) were recorded as a deemed dividend each reporting period, which reduced Retained earnings, if any, or Additional paid-in capital in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In connection with the Corporate Simplification, all of the Intermediate Units previously held by Hoya Topco (and corresponding shares of Class B common stock) were exchanged for an equal number of shares of Class A common stock. As a result, our redeemable noncontrolling interests were extinguished and Hoya Intermediate is now a wholly owned subsidiary of VSI. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation* for more information.

**Share Repurchase Program**

On February 29, 2024, our Board authorized a share repurchase program for up to $100.0 million of Class A common stock (the "<u>Share Repurchase Program</u>"). The Share Repurchase Program was publicly announced on March 5, 2024, does not have a fixed expiration date, and does not obligate us to purchase any minimum number of shares.

During the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, we repurchased 0.4 million and 0.2 million shares of Class A common stock, respectively, under the Share Repurchase Program, for which we paid $18.1 million and $22.8 million, respectively, and incurred commissions and excise taxes of $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, we recognized a liability of $0.1 million for unpaid excise taxes related to repurchases of Class A common stock, which is recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balanced Sheets.

Cumulatively as of December 31, 2025, we have repurchased 0.6 million shares of Class A common stock under the Share Repurchase Program, for which we have paid $40.9 million and incurred commissions and excise taxes of $0.4 million. As of December 31, 2025, $59.1 million remained available for future repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program.

All of the above share repurchases were accounted for as equity transactions and are recorded in Treasury stock in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

**2023 Secondary Offerings**

In 2023, Hoya Topco, as selling stockholder, completed the following public offerings of shares of Class A common stock:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•On May 22, 2023, it sold 0.8 million shares, and on June 15, 2023, it sold 0.1 million shares pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares (collectively, the "<u>June 2023 Secondary Offering</u>"). The shares were purchased by the underwriters for $153.60 per share and sold at a public offering price of $160.00 per share. Hoya Topco exchanged 0.9 million shares of Class B common stock and 0.9 million Intermediate Units for the shares that it sold. We did not receive any proceeds from Hoya Topco's sale of shares in the June 2023 Secondary Offering.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•On December 12, 2023, it sold 1.2 million shares, which included 0.2 million shares sold pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares and 0.1 million shares repurchased by us (collectively, the "<u>December 2023 Secondary Offering</u>" and, together with the June 2023 Secondary Offering, the "<u>2023 Secondary Offerings</u>"). The shares were purchased by the underwriters for $124.80 per share and, other than the 0.1 million shares that we repurchased, sold at a public offering price of $130.00 per share. Hoya Topco exchanged 1.2 million shares of Class B common stock and 1.2 million Intermediate Units for the shares that it sold. We did not receive any proceeds from Hoya Topco's sale of shares in the December 2023 Secondary Offering.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recognized an expense of $2.2 million for fees incurred in relation to the 2023 Secondary Offerings, which is recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)**

The following table summarizes the changes in each major component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Class A common stockholders during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Accumulated Unrealized Gain on Note** | **Accumulated Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment** | **Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)** |
| **Balances at January 1, 2024** | $**106** | $**641** | $**747** |
| Recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) | 75 | (1702) | (1627) |
| **Balances at December 31, 2024** | **181** | **(1061)** | **(880)** |
| Recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss) | (106) | 1006 | 900 |
| Mergers and exchange of Class B common stock for Class A common stock in connection with Corporate Simplification | 120 | 33 | 153 |
| **Balances at December 31, 2025** | $**195** | $**(22)** | $**173** |

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**18. Commitments and Contingencies**

**Purchase Obligations**

We enter into non-cancelable arrangements, primarily related to the purchase of marketing services and tickets at an agreed upon price. Our purchase obligations are $8.9 million payable in the next 12 months and $12.7 million payable thereafter.

**Litigation**

From time to time, we are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, none of which, in management's opinion, could have a material effect on our business, financial position, or results of operations other than those matters discussed below.

We were a co-defendant in a class action lawsuit in Canada alleging a failure to disclose service fees prior to checkout. A final order approving the settlement of this lawsuit was entered by the court in 2020. In 2022, certain class members were issued coupons and other class members were notified that they were eligible to submit a claim for a coupon. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, a liability of $0.9 million was recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to expected claim submissions and credit redemptions as of the measurement date.

We were a defendant in a class action lawsuit regarding customer compensation for cancellations related to COVID-19 restrictions. A final order approving the settlement of this lawsuit was entered by the court on January 31, 2023, pursuant to which we paid $3.3 million (after insurance) to cover legal and administrative fees and approved claims, payments for which were made in August 2023. We had no accrued liability as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 related to this matter.

We were a defendant in a lawsuit related to an alleged violation of the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. A final order approving the settlement of this lawsuit was entered by the court on January 29, 2025, pursuant to which $0.3 million was paid to cover approved claims and legal and administrative fees. This amount, which was covered in full by insurance, was paid on March 28, 2025. As of December 31, 2025, we had no accrued liability related to this matter. As of December 31, 2024, a liability of $0.3 million was recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to this matter.

**Indirect Taxes**

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in *South Dakota v. Wayfair Inc.*, which overturned previous case law that had precluded state and local governments from imposing sales tax collection requirements on retailers without a physical presence. In response, most jurisdictions have adopted laws that attempt to impose tax collection obligations on out-of-state companies, and we have registered and begun collecting tax where required by statute.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

It is reasonably possible that state or local governments will continue to adopt or interpret laws such that we will be required to calculate, collect, and remit taxes on sales in their jurisdictions. A successful assertion by one or more jurisdictions could result in material tax liabilities, including uncollected taxes on past sales, as well as penalties and interest. Based on our analysis of certain state and local regulations, specifically related to marketplace facilitators and event ticket sales, we have recorded liabilities in all jurisdictions where we believe a risk of loss is probable and reasonably estimable. We will continuously monitor state and local regulations and will implement required collection and remittance procedures if and when we are subject thereto.

To the extent we have sales for international events, we may be required to register with various foreign jurisdictions and to collect and remit indirect taxes. It is reasonably possible that foreign jurisdictions may continue to adopt or interpret laws that impact the amount we are required to collect and remit. A successful assertion by one or more such jurisdictions could result in material tax liabilities, including uncollected taxes on past sales, as well as penalties and interest. Based on our analysis of certain foreign indirect tax regulations, specifically related to marketplace facilitators and event ticket sales, we have recorded liabilities in all jurisdictions where we believe a risk of loss is probable and reasonably estimable. We will continuously monitor foreign regulations and will implement required collection and remittance procedures if and when we are subject thereto.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we recognized a liability of $3.4 million and $7.5 million, respectively, related to uncollected indirect taxes (including sales taxes). This uncollected indirect tax liability, which is recorded in Accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, increases when accruals are made in jurisdictions where we believed it was probable we should remit payment to U.S. and foreign governmental tax authorities before all required amounts are collected from the customer and decreases when we receive abatements and/or recognize other reductions to the balance.

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 we recognized a net benefit of $0.8 million, a net expense of $5.8 million, and a net expense of $3.2 million, respectively, related to the liability for uncollected indirect taxes (including sales taxes). The net expense/benefit related to the liability for uncollected indirect taxes (including sales taxes) is recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

**Sponsorship Loan**

On August 23, 2024, we and a privately held company entered into a sponsorship and custom content partnership agreement providing us with various marketing services in exchange for our issuance of an interest-free loan payable in installments that could total a maximum of $5.0 million (the "<u>Sponsorship Loan</u>"). We account for the Sponsorship Loan as a note receivable in accordance with ASC Topic 310, *Receivables*. On August 26, 2024, we disbursed $2.0 million of the Sponsorship Loan. While there is no stated maturity date for the Sponsorship Loan, we are entitled to a portion of advertising revenue received by the counterparty until it is repaid in full.

On June 30, 2025, we recorded a full write-off on the outstanding balance of the Sponsorship Loan as a result of the counterparty filing for bankruptcy. The Sponsorship Loan's carrying amount was written down to zero, reflecting the expectation of no recoverable amount under ASC Topic 326, *Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments*. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recognized a loss of $2.0 million in connection to the write-off of the Sponsorship Loan, which is recorded in Other income – net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

**19. Related–Party Transactions**

**Viral Nation**

Viral Nation Inc. ("<u>Viral Nation</u>") is a marketing agency that creates viral and social media influencer campaigns and provides advertising, marketing, and technology services. Todd Boehly, a member of our Board, serves on the board of directors of Viral Nation and is the Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Eldridge Industries, LLC ("<u>Eldridge</u>"), which owns greater than 10% of Viral Nation. For Viral Nation's services, we recognized an expense of $0.3 million and $1.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which is recorded in Marketing and selling expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We did not recognize an expense for Viral Nation's services during the year ended December 31, 2025.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Rolling Stone**

Rolling Stone, LLC ("<u>Rolling Stone</u>") is a high-profile magazine and media platform that focuses on music, film, television, and news coverage. Todd Boehly, a member of our Board, is the Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Eldridge, which owns greater than 10% of Rolling Stone. In relation to a strategic partnership with Rolling Stone, we recognized an expense of $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. We did not recognize an expense in relation to the strategic partnership with Rolling Stone during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

**Los Angeles Dodgers**

The Los Angeles Dodgers are a Major League Baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. Todd Boehly, a member of our Board, owns greater than 10% of the Los Angeles Dodgers. In relation to a strategic partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers, including our designation as the official ticket marketplace of the Los Angeles Dodgers and certain other advertising, marketing, promotional, and sponsorship benefits, we recognized an expense of $2.2 million and $1.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which is recorded in Marketing and selling expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We did not recognize an expense in relation to the strategic partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers during the year ended December 31, 2025.

**Mabl**

Mabl, Inc. ("<u>Mabl</u>") is a software company that uses its proprietary AI-powered platform to provide automation support and other similar technology services. Martin Taylor, a former member of our Board, is a Senior Managing Director at Vista Equity Partners, which is an investor in Mabl. For Mabl's services, we recognized an expense of $0.2 million, less than $0.1 million, and zero during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, which is recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

**TRA**

In connection with the Merger Transaction, we entered into the TRA with the existing Hoya Intermediate unitholders. See "TRA" in Note 20, *Income Taxes*, for more information.

In connection with the Corporate Simplification, all rights and obligations under the TRA were terminated (other than certain terms thereof that expressly survived), including $5.8 million of cash payments that would have otherwise been due in the first quarter of 2026, in exchange for the issuance of 403,022 shares of Class A common stock. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation* and "TRA" in Note 20, *Income Taxes* for more information.

**Share Repurchase**

On December 12, 2023, we repurchased 0.1 million shares of Class A common stock from the underwriters of the December 2023 Secondary Offering. The shares were initially purchased by the underwriters from Hoya Topco, the selling stockholder, at a price of $124.80 per share. We paid the same price per share to the underwriters, which was funded with cash on hand. See Note 17, *Equity*, for more information.

**20. Income Taxes**

VSI is subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income (loss) of Hoya Intermediate, other subsidiaries of VSI, and any standalone income (loss) we generate. Hoya Intermediate is organized as a limited liability company, whereas the other subsidiaries of VSI are treated as corporations and will separately file and pay taxes apart from VSI in various jurisdictions, including the United States (federal, state, and local), Canada, Japan, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom.

For periods prior to the Corporate Simplification, Hoya Intermediate was treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and was generally not subject to entity level income taxes. During those periods, Hoya Intermediate's taxable income (loss) was passed through to its members, including VSI and Hoya Topco, each of whom were responsible for their own U.S. federal and state income taxes. Following the Corporate Simplification, Hoya Intermediate continued to be treated as a partnership, with VSI now indirectly holding all of its units. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation*, for more information.

During the three months and year ended December 31, 2025, VSI also completed an internal legal entity restructuring to further simplify its organizational structure and align its U.S. operations within a single U.S.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

consolidated tax group. The restructuring included a series of stock and partnership interest contributions leading to the conversion of Hoya Intermediate from a partnership to a disregarded entity for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes, with VSI continuing to hold all of its units. As a result, we now account for our deferred taxes related to the operations of Hoya Intermediate based on the financial accounting to income tax basis differences of the assets and liabilities held by Hoya Intermediate, where prior to the Corporate Simplification and the legal entity restructuring, we accounted for our deferred taxes related to the operations of Hoya Intermediate based on the financial accounting to income tax basis differences of our investment in Hoya Intermediate.

The following table presents the major components of income (loss) before income taxes and income tax expense (benefit) during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| United States | $(603367) | $22838 | $68166 |
| Foreign | (48738) | (119) | 2776 |
| **Income (loss) before income taxes** | $**(652105)** | $**22719** | $**70942** |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| U.S. federal income tax expense (benefit) | $(6816) | $3048 | $1084 |
| State and local income tax expense | 423 | 256 | 326 |
| Foreign federal income tax expense | 1333 | 3867 | 1250 |
| **Current income tax expense (benefit)** | **(5060)** | **7171** | **2660** |
| U.S. federal income tax expense (benefit) | 66543 | 2650 | (38915) |
| State and local income tax expense (benefit) | 10084 | 2696 | (5572) |
| Foreign federal income tax benefit | (2182) | (4100) | (372) |
| **Deferred income tax expense (benefit)** | **74445** | **1246** | **(44859)** |
| **Income tax expense (benefit)** | $**69385** | $**8417** | $**(42199)** |

---

We adopted ASU 2023-09 on a prospective basis beginning with the year ended December 31, 2025. The following table presents the required disclosure pursuant to ASU 2023-09 and reconciles the U.S. federal statutory income tax expense and rate to our actual global effective income tax expense and rate for the year ended December 31, 2025 (in thousands, except percentages):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Amount** | **Percent** |
| U.S. federal statutory income tax rate | $(136942) | 21.0% |
| State and local income taxes, net of federal<sup>(1)</sup> | 8394 | (1.3)% |
| Foreign tax effects | 9352 | (1.4)% |
| Effect of cross-border tax laws | 86 | (0.0)% |
| Tax credits | (628) | 0.1% |
| Change in valuation allowance | 139437 | (21.4)% |
| Nontaxable or nondeductible items: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 49195 | (7.5)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Changes to TRA liability | (31651) | 4.9% |
| Changes in unrecognized tax benefits | (9105) | 1.4% |
| Other items: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred tax adjustment | 37380 | (5.7)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 3867 | (0.6)% |
| **Income tax expense** | $**69385** | **(10.6)%** |

---

(1)State and local income taxes in California, Illinois, and New York made up more than 50% of the tax effect in this category.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table presents the required disclosures prior to our adoption of ASU 2023-09 and reconciles the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% to our actual global effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2024** | **2023** |
| U.S. federal statutory income tax rate | 21.0% | 21.0% |
| State and local income taxes, net of federal | 3.1% | 2.2% |
| Foreign rate differential | (1.9)% | 0.4% |
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests | (1.9)% | (10.9)% |
| Change in valuation allowance | (21.6)% | (131.9)% |
| Deferred tax adjustment | 6.8% | 30.8% |
| Research and development credit | (4.6)% | (1.1)% |
| Impact of restructuring | 0.0% | 28.6% |
| Limitation on compensation deductions | 13.1% | 1.5% |
| Equity-based compensation | 6.5% | 0.0% |
| Tax rate change | 13.1% | 0.0% |
| Other | 3.4% | (0.1)% |
| **Income tax expense (benefit)** | **37.0%** | **(59.5)%** |

---

The following table presents cash paid for income taxes by jurisdiction for the year ended December 31, 2025 (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Cash paid for U.S. income taxes: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | $2415 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;State and local | 331 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total cash paid for U.S. income taxes | 2746 |
| Cash paid for foreign federal income taxes: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Canada | 610 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Japan | 3013 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total cash paid for foreign federal income taxes | 3623 |
| **Cash paid for income taxes** | $**6369** |

---

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table summarizes our deferred tax balances at December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** | **December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Deferred tax assets – net** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net operating loss | $40049 | $12487 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Equity-based compensation | 6574 | 3797 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest carryforwards | 13541 | 20126 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Intangible assets and goodwill | 116092 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued customer compensation | 12661 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cancellation reserve | 4229 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease liabilities | 4686 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Investment in partnership |  | 28446 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;TRA |  | 38232 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 12661 | 3037 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total deferred tax assets** | **210493** | **106125** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Less: valuation allowance | (200312) | (26182) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total deferred tax assets – net** | **10181** | **79943** |
| **Deferred tax liabilities** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Intangible assets | 4881 | 6779 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Right-of-use assets | 2715 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 4238 | 61 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total deferred tax liabilities** | **11834** | **6840** |
| **Net deferred tax asset / (liabilities)** | $**(1653)** | $**73103** |

---

We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized. As of December 31, 2025, we maintained a $200.3 million valuation allowance against the tax benefits of our U.S. net deferred tax assets because we determined these assets are not more likely than not to be realized as of December 31, 2025. In making this determination, we considered all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income (loss), tax planning strategies, and recent results of operations.

Excluded from the deferred tax asset for investment in partnership at December 31, 2024 is a portion of the income tax basis in the partnership investment that will only reverse upon sale as a capital loss. As we do not expect to have sufficient sources of future capital gains to offset this future capital loss, we have not disclosed a deferred tax asset for this portion of the basis difference in the investment in the partnership, nor the associated valuation allowance. We disclose the deferred tax asset associated with items expected to be recovered through ordinary business operations; however, the portion of deferred tax asset disclosed for which no ordinary tax benefit is expected due to partnership allocation rules is offset by a valuation allowance.

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of our deferred tax asset valuation allowance during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Valuation allowance at beginning of year | $26182 | $32318 | $118734 |
| Prior period adjustments<sup>(1)</sup> |  |  | (14536) |
| Charged (credited) to costs and expenses | 159819 | (4897) | (72968) |
| Charged (credited) to other accounts | 14311 | (1239) | 1088 |
| **Valuation allowance at end of year** | $**200312** | $**26182** | $**32318** |

---

(1) In 2023, there was an adjustment to the investment in partnership and net operating loss deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance. This adjustment had no net impact to income tax benefit during the year ended December 31, 2023.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

As of June 30, 2023, in part because in the current year we entered into a cumulative income position in the U.S. federal tax jurisdiction, we determined that there was sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it was more likely than not that deferred tax assets of $31.3 million associated with our investment in partnership, U.S. net operating losses, interest expense limitations, and tax credit carryforwards were realizable. We therefore reduced the valuation allowance accordingly.

As of December 31, 2024, after reassessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets, we reduced the valuation allowance by $6.1 million associated with the investment in partnership deferred tax asset.

As of June 30, 2025, in part because during the three months ended June 30, 2025 we (i) recorded a significant impairment of our goodwill and certain indefinite-lived intangible assets, (ii) entered into a cumulative loss position, and (iii) had a negative trend in earnings in the United States, we determined that there was sufficient negative evidence to conclude that our U.S. deferred tax assets associated with our investment in partnership, TRA, U.S. net operating losses, interest expense limitations, and tax credit carryforwards were not realizable. We therefore increased the valuation allowance accordingly. As of December 31, 2025, we maintained a valuation allowance against our net U.S. deferred tax assets of $200.3 million, as these assets are not more likely than not to be realized.

At December 31, 2025, we had U.S. federal and state deferred interest carryforwards totaling $60.8 million, U.S. state operating loss carryforwards totaling $50.5 million, and U.S. federal operating loss carryforwards totaling $161.2 million. Certain of the U.S. federal and state operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2029 with the remainder of the U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards having no expiration date. Certain tax attributes remain subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended, the "<u>Code</u>"), as a result of the historical acquisitions.

At December 31, 2025, with respect to our operations outside the United States, we had foreign operating loss carryforwards totaling $2.7 million, which begin to expire in 2037.

At December 31, 2025, we were not indefinitely reinvested on undistributed earnings from our foreign operations. The deferred tax liability associated with the future repatriation of these earnings was $0.1 million.

ASC Topic 740, *Income Taxes*, prescribes a recognition threshold of more likely than not to be sustained upon examination as it relates to the accounting for uncertainty in income tax benefits recognized in an enterprise's financial statements. The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of our unrecognized benefits related to a tax refund during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year | $7500 | $7500 | $7500 |
| Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations | (7500) |  |  |
| **Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year** | $**—** | $**7500** | $**7500** |

---

We are subject to routine audits by taxing jurisdictions. The periods subject to tax audits are 2021 through 2025. There are currently no audits for any tax periods in progress.

**TRA**

In connection with the Merger Transaction, we entered into the TRA with the existing Hoya Intermediate unitholders that provided for our payment to such unitholders of 85% of the amount of any tax savings that we realize (or, under certain circumstances, are deemed to realize) as a result of, or attributable to: (i) increases in the tax basis of assets owned directly or indirectly by Hoya Intermediate or its subsidiaries from, among other things, any redemptions or exchanges of Intermediate Units; (ii) existing tax basis (including depreciation and amortization deductions arising from such tax basis) in long-lived assets owned directly or indirectly by Hoya Intermediate or its subsidiaries; and (iii) certain other tax benefits (including deductions in respect of imputed interest) related to us making payments under the TRA.

In connection with the 2023 Secondary Offerings, Hoya Topco exchanged Intermediate Units and, as a result, we recorded a liability of $165.2 million, a deferred tax asset of $75.2 million related to the 2023 Secondary Offerings and projected payments under the TRA, a decrease to Additional paid-in capital of $95.8 million, and a $5.8 million income tax benefit related to valuation allowance releases on the portion of the deferred tax asset associated with

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

the basis difference in the investment in the partnership excluded from the disclosure of deferred tax asset and valuation allowance. We also recognized an income tax benefit of $14.0 million related to the release of valuation allowances at the time of the 2023 Secondary Offerings.

As of June 30, 2025, we determined that it was no longer probable that we will generate sufficient future taxable income to support a significant amount of the balance of the TRA liability previously recorded. After evaluating all available positive and negative evidence, we determined that significant negative objective and verifiable evidence (including cumulative losses generated by our domestic operations) existed to change our conclusion regarding the future realization of our deferred tax assets, which therefore significantly impacts the amount of future TRA payments that are probable to be made. As a result, the TRA liability was reduced by $149.2 million, which is recorded in Other income – net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In connection with the Corporate Simplification, all rights and obligations under the TRA were terminated (other than certain terms thereof that expressly survived), including $5.8 million of cash payments that would have otherwise been due in the first quarter of 2026, in exchange for the issuance of 403,022 shares of Class A common stock. As a result of the Corporate Simplification, we will no longer have a TRA liability. The termination of the TRA liability resulted in the recognition of a $0.9 million gain, which is recorded in Other income – net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation*, for more information.

**OBBB Act**

On July 4, 2025, a reconciliation bill commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the "<u>OBBB Act</u>") was signed into law, which included a broad range of tax reform provisions that may affect our financial results. The OBBB Act allows an elective deduction for domestic research and development, a reinstatement of elective 100% first-year bonus depreciation, and modifications to the calculation for excess business interest expense limitations under Section 163(j) of the Code. Our analysis shows that the OBBB Act did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements during the year ended December 31, 2025. We will continue to monitor regulatory guidance and interpretations as they are issued.

**21. Equity-Based Compensation**

Our 2021 Incentive Award Plan (as amended, the "<u>Incentive Award Plan</u>") was approved and adopted in order to facilitate the grant of equity incentive awards to our employees, directors, non-employee directors, and consultants. The Incentive Award Plan became effective in 2021 upon consummation of the Merger Transaction, and the First Amendment to the Incentive Award Plan became effective on February 5, 2024.

In connection with the Reverse Stock Split, proportionate equitable adjustments were made to the number of shares of Class A common stock issuable under the Incentive Award Plan, as well as to the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying outstanding RSUs and stock options (and the exercise prices thereof). All share and per share amounts set forth reflect these adjustments. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation*, for more information.

**RSUs**

RSUs are awards that are denominated in a hypothetical equivalent number of shares of Class A common stock. The value of each RSU is equal to the fair value of our Class A common stock on the grant date. Each RSU converts into shares of Class A common stock upon vesting.

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we granted to certain employees 1.9 million, 0.6 million, and 0.1 million RSUs, respectively, at a weighted average grant date fair value of $23.90 per share, $106.00 per share, and $143.60 per share, respectively. RSUs granted to employees vest over three years, with one-third vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remaining portion vesting on a quarterly basis thereafter, subject to the employee's continued employment through the applicable vesting date.

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we granted to our directors less than 0.1 million RSUs at a weighted average grant date fair value of $30.40 per share, $104.80 per share, and $153.60 per share, respectively. RSUs granted to directors fully vest on the earlier of (i) one day prior to the date of our first annual

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

meeting of stockholders following the grant date and (ii) the one-year anniversary of the grant date, subject to the director's continued service on our Board.

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, we granted to certain consultants less than 0.1 million RSUs at a weighted average grant date fair value of $14.94 per share, $74.00 per share, and $159.60 per share, respectively. RSUs granted to consultants either fully vest on the first anniversary of the grant date or in equal annual installments over three years, in each case subject to the consultant's continued service through the applicable vesting date.

As of December 31, 2025, 0.4 million forfeited RSUs, previously held by certain former executives prior to their departure, were subject to reissuance and immediate vesting in the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Incentive Award Plan) occurring within 12 months of their respective separation dates.

The following table summarizes the total activity for RSUs during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except per RSU data):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **RSUs** | **Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per RSU** |
| **Unvested at December 31, 2023** | **194** | $**167.00** |
| Granted | 569 | 105.80 |
| Forfeited | (30) | 148.20 |
| Vested | (143) | 158.60 |
| **Unvested at December 31, 2024** | **590** | **112.24** |
| Granted | 1918 | 24.02 |
| Forfeited | (464) | 72.65 |
| Vested | (342) | 116.33 |
| **Unvested at December 31, 2025** | **1702** | $**22.81** |

---

**Stock Options**

Stock options provide for the purchase of shares of Class A common stock in the future at an exercise price set on the grant (or modification) date. Our stock option awards vest over three years, with one-third vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and the remaining options vesting on a quarterly basis thereafter. Stock options granted to employees have a contractual term of ten years from the grant date, subject to the employee's continued service through the applicable vesting date. Stock options granted to consultants have a contractual term of seven years from the grant date, subject to the consultant's continued service through the applicable vesting date.

***2021 Stock Options***

On October 19, 2021, we granted to certain employees 0.2 million stock options at an exercise price of $261.80 per share and 0.1 million stock options at an exercise price of $300.00 per share (collectively, the "<u>2021 Stock Options</u>"). The fair value of the 2021 Stock Options was estimated on the grant date using the Hull-White model.

Our Board declared a special dividend of $4.60 per share to holders of Class A common stock on October 18, 2021, which we paid on November 2, 2021. On November 2, 2021, the exercise price of the outstanding 2021 Stock Options with an exercise price of $261.80 per share was modified and reduced by $4.60 per share to $257.20 per share (the "<u>2021 Stock Option Modification</u>").

***2022 Stock Options***

On March 11, 2022, we granted to certain employees 0.1 million stock options at an exercise price of $205.20 per share and a grant date fair value of $79.80 per option (the "<u>March 2022 Stock Options</u>"). The fair value of the March 2022 Stock Options was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes model.

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

On November 11, 2022, we granted to certain employees less than 0.1 million stock options at an exercise price of $164.40 per share and a grant date fair value of $73.20 (the "<u>November 2022 Stock Options</u>" and, together with the March 2022 Stock Options, the "<u>2022 Stock Options</u>"). The fair value of the November 2022 Stock Options was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes model.

***2023 Stock Options***

On March 10, 2023, we granted to certain employees 0.2 million stock options at an exercise price of $143.40 per share and a grant date fair value of $66.00 per option (the "<u>March 2023 Stock Options</u>"). The fair value of the March 2023 Stock Options was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes model.

On June 14, 2023, we granted to certain consultants less than 0.1 million stock options, divided into three tranches, at exercise prices of $159.60, $340.00 and $460.00 per share, respectively, and grant date fair values of $64.40, $37.40 and $28.80 per option, respectively (the "<u>June 2023 Stock Options</u>" and, together with the March 2023 Stock Options, the "<u>2023 Stock Options</u>"). The fair value of the June 2023 Stock Options was estimated on the grant date using the Hull-White model.

***Stock Option Cancellation & Repricing***

On December 7, 2023 (the "<u>Stock Option Cancellation and Repricing Date</u>"), (i) 44,742 of the 2021 Stock Options with an exercise price of $300.00 per share and 44,742 of the 2021 Stock Options with an exercise price of $257.20 per share were cancelled and (ii) the exercise price of the remaining 2021 Stock Options, as well as all outstanding 2022 Stock Options, was reduced to $135.20 per share, the closing price of the Class A common stock on the Stock Option Cancellation and Repricing Date, *provided* that if any of such stock options were exercised prior to the one-year anniversary of the Stock Option Cancellation and Repricing Date, the holder would be required to pay the original exercise price (the "<u>Stock Option Cancellation and Repricing</u>"). The Stock Option Cancellation and Repricing was treated as a modification of the affected stock options. The incremental fair value of the modification, which was calculated based on the difference between the fair value of each affected stock option immediately before and after the Stock Option Cancellation and Repricing using the Hull-White model, was less than $0.1 million. The cancelled 2021 Stock Options had a grant date fair value of $6.6 million, of which $3.0 million had not yet been recognized as of the Stock Option Cancellation and Repricing Date and will instead be recognized over the remaining requisite service period of the remaining 2021 Stock Options and March 2022 Stock Options.

The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used to calculate the fair value of the 2023 Stock Options and the Stock Option Cancellation and Repricing:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Significant Unobservable Inputs** | **December 7, 2023** | **June 14, 2023** | **March 10, 2023** |
| Expected term (years) | 7.9 - 8.9 | 7.0 | 5.9 |
| Expected volatility | 47.0% - 48.0% | 42.0% | 42.0% |
| Risk-free rate | 4.2% | 4.0% | 3.9% |
| Expected dividend yield | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |

---

No stock options were granted during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

As of December 31, 2025, less than 0.1 million forfeited stock options, previously held by certain former executives prior to their departure, were subject to reissuance and immediate vesting in the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Incentive Award Plan) occurring within 12 months of their respective separation dates.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table summarizes the total activity for stock options during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands, except price per stock option data):

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Stock Options** | **Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Stock Option** | **Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)** | **Aggregate Intrinsic Value** |
| **Outstanding at December 31, 2023** | **440** | $**160.40** | 8.7 | $**—** |
| Forfeited | (28) | 140.20 |  |  |
| Expired | (7) | 138.00 |  |  |
| **Outstanding at December 31, 2024** | **405** | **162.20** | 7.7 | $**—** |
| Forfeited | (16) | 143.40 |  |  |
| **Outstanding at December 31, 2025** | **389** | $**162.97** | 6.6 | $**—** |
| **Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2025** | **369** | $**155.67** |  |  |

---

The weighted average grant date fair value for stock options outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $68.88, $68.80, and $57.60, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value for stock options forfeited during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $66.00, $70.60, and zero, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value for stock options vested during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $70.09, $71.60, and $77.80, respectively. The weighted average grant date fair value for stock options cancelled during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $73.60. No stock options were cancelled during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

**Hoya Topco Profits Interests & Phantom Units**

Prior to the Merger Transaction, certain members of management received equity-based compensation awards for profits interests in Hoya Topco in the form of incentive units, phantom units, Class D Units, and Class E Units. Each incentive unit vests ratably over five years and accelerates upon a change in control of Hoya Topco. The fair value of the incentive units granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes model.

The Black-Scholes model requires certain subjective inputs and assumptions, including the fair value Hoya Topco's equity, the expected term, risk-free interest rates, and expected equity volatility. The fair value of incentive units is recognized as equity-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We account for forfeitures as they occur. Changes in assumptions made on expected term, the risk-free rate of interest, and expected volatility can materially impact the estimate of fair value and, ultimately, how much equity-based compensation expense is recognized. The expected term is estimated based on the timing and probabilities until a major liquidity event. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant and corresponds to the expected term. The expected volatility is estimated on the date of grant based on the average historical stock price volatility of comparable publicly traded companies.

On June 10, 2024, the Hoya Topco Board approved the redemption, repurchase and cancellation by Hoya Topco of all of its outstanding profits interests held by our then current employees (including the Class B-1, Class D, and Class E Units discussed elsewhere in this Report). Accordingly, we recognized equity-based compensation expense related to the profits interests of $4.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2024.

On June 10, 2024, the Hoya Topco Board also approved the repurchase and cancellation by Hoya Topco of all of its outstanding phantom units held by our then employees. The phantom units held service and performance conditions, requiring us to recognize a liability for the fair value of the outstanding phantom units only when we conclude it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved. Accordingly, we recognized equity-based compensation expense related to the phantom units of $5.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. There was no equity-based compensation expense previously recognized related to the phantom units.

As part of the Corporate Simplification, the remaining Class D units held by former employees were cancelled. As of December 31, 2025, there were no profits interests outstanding. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation*, for more information.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table summarizes the total activity for the Hoya Topco incentive units, Class D Units, and Class E Units during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Incentive Units** | **Incentive Units** | **Class D Units** | **Class D Units** | **Class E Units** | **Class E Units** |
|  | **Units** | **Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit** | **Units** | **Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit** | **Units** | **Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Unit** |
| **Outstanding at December 31, 2023** | **41800** | $**46.40** | **97617** | $**92.00** | **25038** | $**509.20** |
| Repurchased | (41030) | 46.40 |  |  |  |  |
| Cancelled |  |  | (95213) | 86.20 | (25038) | 509.20 |
| Forfeited | (770) | 46.40 |  |  |  |  |
| **Outstanding at December 31, 2024** | **—** | **—** | **2404** | **321.80** | **—** | **—** |
| Cancelled |  |  | (2404) | 321.80 |  |  |
| **Outstanding at December 31, 2025** | **—** | $**—** | **—** | $**—** | **—** | $**—** |

---

**Equity-Based Compensation Expense**

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, equity-based compensation expense related to RSUs was $31.8 million, $31.0 million, and $14.3 million, respectively. Unrecognized equity-based compensation expense related to unvested RSUs as of December 31, 2025 was $31.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately one year.

During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, equity-based compensation expense related to stock options was $5.7 million, $10.7 million, and $10.2 million, respectively. Unrecognized equity-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options as of December 31, 2025 was $0.5 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of less than one year.

During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, equity-based compensation expense related to profits interests was $4.6 million and $3.5 million, respectively. We did not recognize any equity-based compensation expense related to profits interests during the year ended December 31, 2025 and there was no unrecognized equity-based compensation expense related to profits interests as of December 31, 2025.

Equity-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 excludes capitalized development costs of $0.7 million, $0.8 million, and $0.4 million, respectively.

**22. Earnings Per Share**

We calculate basic and diluted net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock in accordance with ASC Topic 260, *Earnings per Share*. Because our Class B common stock does not have economic rights in VSI, it is not considered a participating security for basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, and we do not present basic and diluted net income (loss) per share of Class B common stock. However, holder of Class B common stock are allocated income (loss) from Hoya Intermediate (our operating entity) according to their weighted average percentage ownership of Intermediate Units during each quarter.

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests for a period is calculated by multiplying Hoya Intermediate's net income (loss) in each quarterly period by Hoya Topco's weighted average percentage ownership of Intermediate Units during the period. See Note 16, *Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests,* for more information regarding Hoya Topco's right to exchange its Intermediate Units.

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table presents the net income (loss) attributable to Hoya Topco's redeemable noncontrolling interests for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Net income (loss)—Hoya Intermediate | $(806054) | $13427 | $69420 |
| Hoya Topco's weighted average % allocation of Hoya Intermediate's net income (loss) | 36.2% | 36.3% | 55.6% |
| **Net income (loss) attributable to Hoya Topco's redeemable noncontrolling interests** | $**(292189)** | $**4877** | $**38605** |

---

In connection with the Corporate Simplification, all of the Intermediate Units previously held by Hoya Topco (and corresponding shares of Class B common stock) were exchanged for an equal number of shares of Class A common stock on October 31, 2025. As a result, the net income (loss) attributable to Hoya Topco's redeemable noncontrolling interests in the table above for the year ended December 31, 2025 only pertains to the period from January 1, 2025 through October 31, 2025. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation* for more information.

Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common stockholders–basic is calculated by subtracting the portion of Hoya Intermediate's net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests from our total net income (loss), which includes our net income (loss) for activities outside of our investment in Hoya Intermediate, including income tax expense (benefit) for VSI's portion of income (loss), as well as the full results of Hoya Intermediate on a consolidated basis.

Net income (loss) per Class A common stock–diluted is based on the average number of shares of Class A common stock used for the basic earnings per share calculation, adjusted for the weighted average number of Class A common share equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury stock and if-converted methods, as applicable. All share and per share amounts included in the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock have been adjusted to reflect the Reverse Stock Split. See Note 1, *Background and Basis of Presentation*, for more information. Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common stockholders–diluted is adjusted for (i) our share of Hoya Intermediate's consolidated net income (loss) after giving effect to Intermediate Units that convert into potential shares of Class A common stock, to the extent it is dilutive, and (ii) the impact of changes in the fair value of the Intermediate Warrants, to the extent they are dilutive.

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 (in thousands, except share and per share data):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Numerator—basic** |  |  |  |
| Net income (loss) | $(721490) | $14302 | $113141 |
| Less: net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 292189 | (4877) | (38605) |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common stockholders—basic | (429301) | 9425 | 74536 |
| **Denominator—basic** |  |  |  |
| Weighted average Class A common stock outstanding—basic | 7252290 | 6616546 | 4633926 |
| **Net income (loss) per Class A common stock—basic** | $**(59.20)** | $**1.42** | $**16.08** |
| **Numerator—diluted** |  |  |  |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common stockholders—basic | $(429301) | $9425 | $74536 |
| Weighted average effect of dilutive securities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Redeemable noncontrolling interests | (292189) | 2310 | (23401) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RSUs |  | 8 | 79 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Class A common stockholders—diluted | (721490) | 11743 | 51214 |
| **Denominator—diluted** |  |  |  |
| Weighted average Class A common stock outstanding—basic | 7252290 | 6616546 | 4633926 |
| Weighted average effect of dilutive securities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 3174301 | 3811250 | 5288699 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RSUs |  | 29336 | 21248 |
| Weighted average Class A common stock outstanding—diluted | 10426591 | 10457132 | 9943873 |
| **Net income (loss) per Class A common stock—diluted** | $**(69.20)** | $**1.12** | $**5.15** |

---

------

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

**NOTES to the Consolidated Financial Statements**

Potential shares of Class A common stock are excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock if their effect would have been anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 or if the issuance of shares is contingent upon events that did not occur by the end of the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. The dilution reflected in diluted net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock during the year ended December 31, 2023 relates primarily to an assumed conversion of redeemable noncontrolling interests to shares of Class A common stock, which would not have had a commensurate effect on net income, primarily due to the release of the valuation allowance which benefit is attributable to VSI only. The Vegas.com Acquisition and the subsequent pushdown of the acquired entity to Hoya Intermediate primarily resulted in the recognition of incremental deferred tax expense, which is recognized in Income tax expense (benefit) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table presents the number of shares of common stock issuable under securities that were excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 and could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** | **Years Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| RSUs | 156659 | 228445 | 36729 |
| Stock Options | 389223 | 370089 | 440392 |
| Public Warrants | 338342 | 338342 | 338342 |
| Private Warrants | 325989 | 325989 | 325989 |
| Exercise Warrants | 1700000 | 1700000 | 1700000 |
| Intermediate Warrants |  | 200000 | 200000 |
| Amended Intermediate Warrants | 200000 |  |  |

---

------

**Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure**

None.

**Item 9A. Controls and Procedures**

**Disclosure Controls and Procedures**

***Limitations on Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures***

In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

***Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures***

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Management, with the participation of our principal executive and financial officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive and financial officers concluded that as of December 31, 2025, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

**Internal Control Over Financial Reporting**

***Material Weakness Remediation***

We previously identified and disclosed (most recently in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024) a material weakness related to the implementation of segregation of duties as part of our control activities, the establishment of clearly defined roles within our finance and accounting functions, and the number of personnel in those functions with an appropriate level of technical accounting and SEC reporting experience. In response, management, with the participation of our Board and Audit Committee, designed and implemented additional internal controls, which included implementing segregation of duties over business process and information technology control activities, establishing clearly defined roles within our finance and accounting functions, and increasing the number of personnel in our finance and accounting functions that have an appropriate level of technical accounting and SEC reporting experience. Because the applicable controls have operated for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded that such controls were operating effectively as of December 31, 2025, this material weakness has been remediated.

***Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting***

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for us. Our 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 U.S. GAAP.

Management has evaluated, with the participation of our principal executive and principal financial officers, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025 based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on such evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2025.

***Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting***

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended December 31, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

------

**Item 9B. Other Information**

**Insider Trading Arrangements**

None.

**Employment Agreement**

On March 11, 2026, our Board's Compensation Committee approved a new employment agreement for Lawrence Fey in connection with his appointment as our CEO. Pursuant to the employment agreement, dated March 11, 2026, Mr. Fey is entitled to: (i) an annual base salary equal to the applicable minimum base salary in effect for Fair Labor Standards Act exemptions (approximately $36,000); (ii) no annual bonus opportunity; (iii) an annual equity award in such form and amount as is determined by our Board; and (iv) participation in our benefit plans and programs. Mr. Fey remains entitled to the same termination and change in control benefits to which he was previously entitled (as described in the "Executive & Director Compensation—Potential Payments Upon Termination" section of the definitive proxy statement relating to our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed with the SEC on April 21, 2025). In addition, the employment agreement provides that upon a Qualifying Termination (as defined therein), Mr. Fey will be entitled to receive, subject to his execution and non-revocation of a release of claims, accelerated vesting of his then-outstanding unvested equity awards that otherwise would have vested within the period ending six months following such Qualifying Termination.

**Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections**

None.

------

**PART III**

**Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance**

Certain information about our directors and executive officers is included in Part I, Item 1 of this Report.

Our Board has adopted a written Code of Business Conduct & Ethics (the "<u>Code of Conduct</u>"), which applies to all of our directors, officers, and employees and is available on our Investor Relations website, *investors.vividseats.com*. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements regarding any applicable amendment to or waiver from the Code of Conduct by posting such information on our Investor Relations website rather than by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K.

All other information required by this item will be included in the definitive proxy statement relating to our 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "<u>2026 Annual Meeting</u>") and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 11. Executive Compensation**

The information required by this item will be included in the definitive proxy statement relating to the 2026 Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters**

The information required by this item will be included in the definitive proxy statement relating to the 2026 Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence**

The information required by this item will be included in the definitive proxy statement relating to the 2026 Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services**

The information required by this item will be included in the definitive proxy statement relating to the 2026 Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.

------

**PART IV**

**Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules**

**Financial Statements**

See Part II, Item 8 of this Report.

**Financial Statement Schedules**

All financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or the information is shown in our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report.

**Exhibits**

The following table lists the documents that are required to be filed or furnished as exhibits to this Report.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit**<br>**Number** | **Description** | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Incorporated by Reference** | **Filed / Furnished Herewith** |
| **Exhibit**<br>**Number** | **Description** | **Form** | **Exhibit** | **Filing Date** | **Filed / Furnished Herewith** |
| 2.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Transaction Agreement, dated April 21, 2021, among Horizon Acquisition Corporation, Horizon Sponsor, LLC, Hoya Topco, LLC, Hoya Intermediate, LLC, and Vivid Seats Inc.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521175583/d447259ds4.htm#ii447259_10) | S-4 | 2.1 | 5/28/2021 |  |
| 2.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Purchase, Sale and Redemption Agreement, dated April 21, 2021, among Hoya Topco, LLC, Hoya Intermediate, LLC, Vivid Seats Inc., Crescent Mezzanine Partners VIB, L.P., Crescent Mezzanine Partners VIC, L.P., NPS/Crescent Strategic Partnership II, LP, CM7C VS Equity Holdings, LP, Crescent Mezzanine Partners VIIB, L.P., CM6B Vivid Equity, Inc., CM6C Vivid Equity, Inc., CM7C VS Equity, LLC, CM7B VS Equity, LLC, Crescent Mezzanine Partners VI, L.P., Crescent Mezzanine Partners VII, L.P., Crescent Mezzanine Partners VII (LTL), L.P., CBDC Universal Equity, Inc., Crescent Capital Group, LP, and Horizon Acquisition Corporation</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000119312521175583/d447259dex22.htm) | S-4 | 2.2 | 5/28/2021 |  |
| 2.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Plan of Merger, dated October 18, 2021, among Horizon Acquisition Corporation, Horizon Sponsor, LLC, Hoya Topco, LLC, Hoya Intermediate, LLC, and Vivid Seats Inc.</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000095017021004585/seat-ex2_3.htm) | 10-Q | 2.3 | 11/15/2021 |  |
| 2.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 3, 2023, among Vivid Seats Inc., Viva Merger Sub I, LLC, Viva Merger Sub II, LLC, VDC Holdco, LLC, the Unitholders named therein, and the Unitholders' Representative named therein</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017023059730/seat-ex2_1.htm) | 8-K | 2.1 | 11/7/2023 |  |
| 3.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521305506/d216055dex31.htm) | 8-K | 3.1 | 10/22/2021 |  |
| 3.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000119312525267993/seat-ex3_2.htm) | 10-Q | 3.2 | 11/6/2025 |  |
| 3.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amended and Restated Bylaws</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521305506/d216055dex32.htm) | 8-K | 3.2 | 10/22/2021 |  |
| 3.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>First Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017022008705/seat-ex3_2.htm) | 10-Q | 3.2 | 5/10/2022 |  |
| 4.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement, dated October 14, 2021, between Horizon Acquisition Corporation and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521305506/d216055dex107.htm) | 8-K | 10.7 | 10/22/2021 |  |
| 4.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Private Warrant Agreement, dated October 15, 2021, between Hoya Acquisition Corporation and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521305506/d216055dex108.htm) | 8-K | 10.8 | 10/22/2021 |  |

---

------

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 4.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Private Warrant Agreement, dated October 15, 2021, between Horizon Acquisition Corporation and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521305506/d216055dex109.htm) | 8-K | 10.9 | 10/22/2021 |
| 4.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Private Warrant Agreement, dated October 31, 2025, between Vivid Seats Inc. and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000119312525267994/seat-ex10_2.htm) | 8-K | 10.2 | 11/06/2025 |
| 4.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017022003749/seat-ex4_2.htm) | 10-K | 4.2 | 3/15/2022 |
| 4.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Specimen Warrant Certificate</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017022003749/seat-ex4_3.htm) | 10-K | 4.3 | 3/15/2022 |
| 4.7 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Description of Securities Registered Under Section 12 of the Exchange Act</u>](seat-ex4_7.htm) |  |  | \* |
| 10.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Corporate Simplification Agreement, dated October 19, 2025, among Vivid Seats Inc., Hoya Intermediate, LLC, and the TRA Parties named therein</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000114036125038568/ef20057412_ex10-1.htm) | 8-K | 10.1 | 10/20/2025 |
| 10.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Stockholders' Agreement, dated October 18, 2021, among Vivid Seats Inc., Hoya Topco, LLC, and Horizon Sponsor, LLC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521305506/d216055dex101.htm) | 8-K | 10.1 | 10/22/2021 |
| 10.3 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amendment No. 1 to Stockholders' Agreement, dated October 1, 2024, among Vivid Seats Inc., Hoya Topco, LLC, and Horizon Sponsor, LLC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017025037612/seat-ex10_3.htm) | 10-K | 10.3 | 3/12/2025 |
| 10.4 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 18, 2021, among Vivid Seats Inc., Hoya Topco, LLC, and Horizon Sponsor, LLC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521305506/d216055dex102.htm) | 8-K | 10.2 | 10/22/2021 |
| 10.5 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Registration Rights and Lockup Agreement, dated November 3, 2023, among Vivid Seats Inc., TZP Capital Partners III-A (Blocker), L.P., TZP Capital Partners III, L.P., Michael Reichartz, and Adam White</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017023059730/seat-ex10_1.htm) | 8-K | 10.1 | 11/7/2023 |
| 10.6 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Form of Subscription Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000119312521280500/d447259ds4a.htm#ii447259_13) | S-4/A | 10.4 | 9/23/2021 |
| 10.7# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Form of Indemnification Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521305506/d216055dex105.htm) | 8-K | 10.5 | 10/22/2021 |
| 10.8# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>2021 Incentive Award Plan</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521301134/d48086dex991.htm) | S-8 | 99.1 | 10/18/2021 |
| 10.9# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>First Amendment to 2021 Incentive Award Plan</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000114036124006725/ef20020800_ex10-1.htm) | 8-K | 10.1 | 2/9/2024 |
| 10.10# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521301134/d48086dex992.htm) | S-8 | 99.2 | 10/18/2021 |
| 10.11# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521301134/d48086dex993.htm) | S-8 | 99.3 | 10/18/2021 |
| 10.12# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice and Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521301134/d48086dex994.htm) | S-8 | 99.4 | 10/18/2021 |
| 10.13# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Form of Stock Option Grant Notice and Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521301134/d48086dex995.htm) | S-8 | 99.5 | 10/18/2021 |
| 10.14# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Form of Stock Option Cancellation Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017024028243/seat-ex10_43.htm) | 10-K | 10.43 | 3/8/2024 |
| 10.15# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy</u>](seat-ex10_15.htm) |  |  | \* |
| 10.16# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Employment Agreement, dated March 11, 2026, among Lawrence Fey, Vivid Seats Inc., and Vivid Seats LLC</u>](seat-ex10_16.htm) |  |  | \* |
| 10.17# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Employment and Restrictive Covenants Agreement, dated April 1, 2020, between Lawrence Fey and Vivid Seats LLC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000119312521246893/d447259dex1019.htm) | S-4/A | 10.19 | 8/16/2021 |
| 10.18# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Employment Agreement, dated January 14, 2026, among Joseph Thomas, Vivid Seats Inc., and Vivid Seats LLC</u>](seat-ex10_18.htm) |  |  | \* |
| 10.19# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Employment Agreement, dated January 31, 2024, among Stefano Langenbacher, Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC</u>](seat-ex10_19.htm) |  |  | \* |
| 10.20# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated June 26, 2024, among Stefano Langenbacher, Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC</u>](seat-ex10_20.htm) |  |  | \* |

---

------

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 10.21# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Employment Agreement, dated June 26, 2024, among Edward Pickus, Vivid Seats Inc., and Vivid Seats LLC</u>](seat-ex10_21.htm) |  |  | \* |
| 10.22# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Employment Agreement, dated August 9, 2021, among Stanley Chia, Vivid Seats Inc., and Vivid Seats LLC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521246893/d447259dex1014.htm) | S-4/A | 10.14 | 8/16/2021 |
| 10.23# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated June 26, 2024, among Stanley Chia, Vivid Seats Inc., and Vivid Seats LLC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017024091203/seat-ex10_2.htm) | 10-Q | 10.2 | 8/6/2024 |
| 10.24# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Employment Agreement, dated August 13, 2021, among Riva Bakal, Vivid Seats Inc., and Vivid Seats LLC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017025037612/seat-ex10_30.htm) | 10-K | 10.30 | 3/12/2025 |
| 10.25# | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated June 26, 2024, among Riva Bakal, Vivid Seats Inc., and Vivid Seats LLC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017025037612/seat-ex10_31.htm) | 10-K | 10.31 | 3/12/2025 |
| 10.26 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Form of Redemption, Repurchase and Cancellation Agreement</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017024091203/seat-ex10_4.htm) | 10-Q | 10.4 | 8/6/2024 |
| 10.27 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Office Lease, dated December 21, 2021, between Vivid Seats LLC and BSREP II SS Chicago LLC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017021005329/seat-ex10_1.htm) | 8-K | 10.1 | 12/22/2021 |
| 10.28 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>First Amendment to Office Lease, dated April 16, 2024, between Vivid Seats LLC and BSREP II SS Chicago LLC</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017025037612/seat-ex10_34.htm) | 10-K | 10.34 | 3/12/2025 |
| 10.29 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>First Lien Credit Agreement, dated June 30, 2017, among Hoya Midco, LLC, Hoya Intermediate, LLC, Barclays Bank PLC, and the lenders and loan parties from time to time party thereto</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521209032/d447259dex107.htm) | S-4/A | 10.7 | 7/7/2021 |
| 10.30 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amendment No. 1 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated March 28, 2018, among Hoya Midco, LLC, Hoya Intermediate, LLC, Barclays Bank PLC, and the lenders and loan parties from time to time party thereto</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521209032/d447259dex108.htm) | S-4/A | 10.8 | 7/7/2021 |
| 10.31 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amendment No. 2 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated July 2, 2018, among Hoya Midco, LLC, Hoya Intermediate, LLC, Barclays Bank PLC, and the lenders and loan parties from time to time party thereto</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521209032/d447259dex109.htm) | S-4/A | 10.9 | 7/7/2021 |
| 10.32 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amendment No. 3 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated May 22, 2020, among Hoya Midco, LLC, Hoya Intermediate, LLC, Barclays Bank PLC, and the lenders and loan parties from time to time party thereto</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000119312521209032/d447259dex1010.htm) | S-4/A | 10.10 | 7/7/2021 |
| 10.33 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amendment No. 4 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated February 3, 2022, among Hoya Midco, LLC, Hoya Intermediate, LLC, Barclays Bank PLC, and the lenders and loan parties from time to time party thereto</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017022000833/seat-ex10_1.htm) | 8-K | 10.1 | 2/7/2022 |
| 10.34 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amendment No. 5 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated June 14, 2024, among Hoya Midco, LLC, Hoya Intermediate, LLC, Barclays Bank PLC, and the lenders and loan parties from time to time party thereto</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000114036124030734/ef20031291_ex10-1.htm) | 8-K | 10.1 | 6/20/2024 |
| 10.35 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Amendment No. 6 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated February 5, 2025, among Hoya Midco, LLC, Hoya Intermediate, LLC, Barclays Bank PLC, and the lenders and loan parties from time to time party thereto</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001856031/000114036125003838/ef20042962_ex10-1.htm) | 8-K | 10.1 | 2/11/2025 |
| 19.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Insider Trading Policy](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017025037612/seat-ex19_1.htm) | 10-K | 19.1 | 3/12/2025 |
| 21.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Subsidiaries</u>](seat-ex21_1.htm) |  |  | \* |
| 23.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP</u>](seat-ex23_1.htm) |  |  | \* |
| 24.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Power of Attorney (included on the signature page of this Report)</u> |  |  | \* |

---

------

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 31.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer</u>](seat-ex31_1.htm) |  |  |  | \* |
| 31.2 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer</u>](seat-ex31_2.htm) |  |  |  | \* |
| 32.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer</u>](seat-ex32_1.htm) |  |  |  | \*\* |
| 97.1 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[<u>Compensation Recovery Policy</u>](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1856031/000095017024028243/seat-ex97_1.htm) | 10-K | 97.1 | 3/8/2024 |  |
| 101.INS | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |  |  |  | \* |
| 101.SCH | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |  |  |  | \* |
| 101.CAL | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |  |  |  | \* |
| 101.DEF | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |  |  |  | \* |
| 101.LAB | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |  |  |  | \* |
| 101.PRE | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |  |  |  | \* |
| 104 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |  |  |  | \* |

---

\* Filed herewith.

\*\* Furnished herewith.

# Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

The documents filed as exhibits to this Report are not intended to provide factual information other than with respect to the terms of the documents themselves, and should not be relied on for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties contained in any such document were made solely within the context of such document and do not apply in any other context or at any time other than the date on which they were made.

**Item 16. Form 10-K Summary**

None.

------

**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, thereunto duly authorized.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| VIVID SEATS INC. | VIVID SEATS INC. |
| By: | /s/ Lawrence Fey |
|  | Lawrence Fey |
|  | Chief Executive Officer |
|  | (principal executive officer) |
| Date: | March 12, 2026 |

---

**Power of Attorney**

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Lawrence Fey and Joseph Thomas, jointly and severally, as their attorney-in-fact, with the power of substitution, in any and all capacities, to sign and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission any amendments to this report, together with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, hereby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute(s), may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

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.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>Signature</u>** | **<u>Title</u>** | **<u>Date</u>** |
| /s/ Lawrence Fey | Chief Executive Officer and Director  | March 12, 2026 |
| Lawrence Fey | (principal executive officer) |  |
| /s/ Joseph Thomas | Chief Financial Officer  | March 12, 2026 |
| Joseph Thomas | (principal financial officer) |  |
| /s/ Edward Pickus | Chief Accounting Officer  | March 12, 2026 |
| Edward Pickus | (principal accounting officer)  |  |
| /s/ Mark Anderson | Director | March 12, 2026 |
| Mark Anderson |  |  |
| /s/ Todd Boehly | Director | March 12, 2026 |
| Todd Boehly |  |  |
| /s/ Jane DeFlorio | Director | March 12, 2026 |
| Jane DeFlorio |  |  |
| /s/ Craig Dixon | Director | March 12, 2026 |
| Craig Dixon |  |  |
| /s/ David Donnini | Director | March 12, 2026 |
| David Donnini |  |  |
| /s/ Julie Masino | Director | March 12, 2026 |
| Julie Masino |  |  |
| /s/ Adam Stewart | Director | March 12, 2026 |
| Adam Stewart |  |  |

---

------

## Exhibit 4.7

**Exhibit 4.7**

**DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES REGISTERED UNDER SECTION 12 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT**

*This description is a summary of the material terms of the securities of Vivid Seats Inc. ("<u>we</u>," "<u>us</u>," and "<u>our</u>") that are registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "<u>Exchange Act</u>"), and is not intended to be a complete description thereof. This description is subject in all respects to the applicable provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the "<u>DGCL</u>"), our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (as amended, our "<u>Charter</u>"), and our Amended and Restated Bylaws (as amended, our "<u>Bylaws</u>").*

**Background**

***Merger Transaction***

We were incorporated in March 2021 for the purpose of completing the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, dated April 21, 2021, among us, Horizon Acquisition Corporation, a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company ("<u>Horizon Acquisition</u>"), Hoya Intermediate, LLC ("<u>Hoya Intermediate</u>"), Horizon Sponsor, LLC ("<u>Horizon Sponsor</u>"), and Hoya Topco, LLC ("<u>Hoya Topco</u>"). Such transactions were consummated in October 2021 and, as a result, we became a publicly traded company.

***Corporate Simplification***

On October 19, 2025, we entered into a Corporate Simplification Agreement (the "<u>CSA</u>") with Hoya Intermediate, Hoya Topco, GTCR Management XI, LLC (the "<u>TRA Holder Representative</u>"), and each other party thereto under the heading "TRA Holders" on the signature pages thereto (collectively with Hoya Topco and the TRA Holder Representative, the "<u>TRA Parties</u>"). Pursuant to the CSA and the ancillary agreements described therein, a series of transactions was consummated over the two business days ending on October 31, 2025 that, among other things, simplified our corporate structure (such transactions, collectively, the "<u>Corporate Simplification</u>"). In connection with the Corporate Simplification, among other things: (i) three Blocker Corporations (as defined in the CSA) merged with and into three of our wholly owned subsidiaries, respectively, such that the Blocker Corporations became our wholly owned subsidiaries; (ii) all outstanding shares of Class B common stock (and corresponding common units of Hoya Intermediate) were exchanged for an equal number of shares of Class A common stock, following which we cancelled all outstanding shares, and instruments representing the right to purchase shares, of Class B common stock; (iii) the warrant agreements for the issuance of warrants to purchase common units of Hoya Intermediate were amended to, in lieu of providing for the right to purchase such units and allowing for cash redemption at the discretion of the holder, instead provide for the right to purchase equal numbers of shares of Class A common stock at equal exercise prices and not allow for cash redemption; (iv) all rights and obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement, dated October 18, 2021, and Hoya Intermediate's Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated October 18, 2021, were terminated (in each case other than certain terms thereof that expressly survived); and (v) we issued an aggregate of 403,022 shares of Class A common stock to the TRA Parties.

**Authorized Capital Stock**

Our Charter authorizes the issuance of 800,000,000 shares of capital stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of which (i) 500,000,000 are shares of Class A common stock, (ii) 250,000,000 are shares of Class B common stock, and (iii) 50,000,000 are shares of preferred stock. As of the consummation of the Corporate Simplification, there are no issued and outstanding shares (and we do not intend to issue any shares) of Class B common stock.

**Class A Common Stock**

***Voting***

Except as otherwise required by our Charter, Class A common stockholders vote as a single class on all matters on which stockholders are generally entitled to vote. Each Class A common stockholder is entitled to one vote per share. Pursuant to our Charter, Class A common stockholders are entitled to vote separately as a class on any amendment to our Charter (including by merger, consolidation, reorganization or similar event, or otherwise) that would alter or change the powers, preferences, or special rights of our Class A common stock so as to affect them adversely.

***Dividends***

Class A common stockholders are entitled to receive dividends, if and as declared by our Board of Directors (our "<u>Board</u>"), out of our assets that are by law available for such use.

***Liquidation or Dissolution***

Upon our liquidation or dissolution or the winding up of our affairs, after payment or provision for the payment of our debts and other liabilities as required by law and of the preferential and other amounts, if any, to which any preferred stockholders are entitled, Class A common stockholders are entitled to receive our remaining assets available for distribution ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by each such stockholder.

***Other Provisions***

None of our Class A common stock has any pre-emptive or other subscription rights.

------

**Preferred Stock**

Our Board is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by law, to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred stock in one or more series and, with respect to each series, to establish the number of shares and any designations, powers (including voting powers), preferences, and relative, participating, optional, or other special rights, as well as any qualifications, limitations, or restrictions, thereof. Such powers, preferences, and rights, as well as such qualifications, limitations, or restrictions, may differ among each series of preferred stock that may at any time be outstanding. Subject to the rights of any preferred stockholders, the number of authorized shares of preferred stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the approval of our Board and the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in an election of directors, without a separate vote of preferred stockholders as a class, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL.

**Public Warrants**

We issued certain warrants that entitle the holders thereof (including Horizon Sponsor) to purchase shares of Class A common stock at an exercise price of $230.00 per share (subject to adjustment as described under "—Anti-Dilution Adjustments" below) (the "<u>Public Warrants</u>"). Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Warrant Agreement, dated October 14, 2021 (the "<u>Public Warrant Agreement</u>"), between Horizon Acquisition and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, Public Warrants may be exercised only for a whole number of shares of Class A common stock, meaning that only a whole Public Warrant may be exercised at a given time. The Public Warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on October 18, 2026 or upon their earlier redemption or liquidation.

No Public Warrant is exercisable unless (i) a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>"), covering the shares of Class A common stock underlying such Public Warrant is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to our satisfying our obligations described below with respect to registration, or a valid exemption from registration is available, and (ii) the shares of Class A common stock underlying such Public Warrant have been registered, qualified, or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the registered holder thereof. In the event that these conditions are not satisfied, the Public Warrants are not exercisable and may have no value and expire worthless. In no event are we required to net cash settle any Public Warrant.

We have agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain (and we do maintain) an effective registration statement under the Securities Act covering the shares of Class A common stock underlying the Public Warrants, and a current prospectus relating thereto, until the expiration of the Public Warrants. During any period in which we fail to maintain such an effective registration statement, the Public Warrant holders may, until such time as there is such an effective registration statement, exercise their Public Warrants on a "cashless basis" in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption. In such event, each Public Warrant holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering their Public Warrant for that number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying such Public Warrant, multiplied by the excess of the "fair market value" (defined below) less the exercise price of such Public Warrant by (y) the fair market value. As used in this paragraph, "fair market value" means the volume weighted average price per share of Class A common stock during the 10-trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the date on which the notice of exercise is received by the warrant agent.

***Redemption Under Certain Circumstances***

We may call the outstanding Public Warrants for redemption (i) in whole and not in part, (ii) at a price of $0.20 per Public Warrant, (iii) upon a minimum of 30 days' prior written notice of redemption (the "<u>Redemption Period</u>") to each holder thereof, (iv) if the closing price per share of Class A common stock equals or exceeds $360.00 for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which we send the notice of redemption to the holders thereof, and (v) if a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the shares of Class A common stock underlying the Public Warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current throughout the Redemption Period. If the Public Warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the shares of Class A common stock underlying the Public Warrants for sale under all applicable state securities laws.

We established the redemption criteria in clause (iv) above to prevent a redemption call unless there is at the time thereof a significant premium to the exercise price of the Public Warrants. If the above conditions are satisfied and we issue a notice of redemption to the Public Warrant holders, each such holder will be entitled to exercise their Public Warrants prior to the scheduled redemption date. However, the price per share of Class A common stock may fall below the $360.00 redemption trigger price and the $230.00 exercise price after the notice of redemption is issued.

***Maximum Percentage***

A Public Warrant holder may notify us in writing in the event they elect to be subject to a requirement that they will not have the right to exercise their Public Warrants if, after giving effect to such exercise, they (together with their affiliates), to the warrant agent's actual knowledge, would beneficially own in excess of 4.9% or 9.8% (or such other amount as specified by such holder) of the shares of Class A common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise.

------

***Anti-Dilution Adjustments***

If the number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock is increased by a share capitalization or dividend payable in shares of Class A common stock, or by a split-up of shares of Class A common stock or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such share capitalization or dividend, split-up, or similar event, the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying each Public Warrant will be increased in proportion to such increase. A rights offering to Class A common stockholders entitling them to purchase shares of Class A common stock at a price less than the "historical fair market value" (as defined below) will be deemed a share capitalization of a number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Class A common stock actually sold in such rights offering (or issuable under any other equity securities sold in such rights offering that are convertible into or exercisable for shares of Class A common stock) multiplied by (ii) one minus the quotient of (x) the price per share of Class A common stock paid in such rights offering and divided by (y) the historical fair market value. For these purposes, if the rights offering is for securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of Class A common stock, in determining the price payable for shares of Class A common stock, there will be taken into account any consideration received for such rights, as well as any additional amount payable upon exercise or conversion. As used in this paragraph, "historical fair market value" means the volume weighted average price per share of Class A common stock during the 10-trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the first date on which the shares of Class A common stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such rights.

In addition, if we, at any time while the Public Warrants are outstanding and unexpired, pay a dividend or make a distribution in cash, securities, or other assets to Class A common stockholders on account of such shares (or other securities into which the Public Warrants are convertible), other than (a) as described above or (b) any cash dividends or distributions which, when combined on a per-share basis with all other cash dividends and distributions paid on our Class A common stock during the 365-day period ending on the date of declaration of such dividend or distribution (as adjusted to appropriately reflect any other adjustments and excluding cash dividends or distributions that resulted in adjustments to the exercise price or the number of shares issuable upon exercise) does not exceed $10.00, then the Public Warrant exercise price will be decreased, effective immediately after the effective date of such event, by the amount of cash and/or the fair market value of any securities or other assets paid on each share of Class A common stock in respect of such event.

If the number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock is decreased by a consolidation, combination, reverse share sub-division, reclassification of shares, or similar event, then, on the effective date of such consolidation, combination, reverse share sub-division, reclassification, or similar event, the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying each Public Warrant will be decreased in proportion to such decrease.

Whenever the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying the Public Warrants is adjusted as described above, the Public Warrant exercise price will be adjusted by multiplying such exercise price immediately prior to such adjustment by a fraction (x) the numerator of which is the number of shares of Class A common stock purchasable upon exercise of the Public Warrants immediately prior to such adjustment, and (y) the denominator of which is the number of shares of Class A common stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Public Warrants immediately after such adjustment.

In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock (other than those described above or that solely affect the par value of such shares), or in the case of any merger or consolidation of us with or into another corporation (other than a merger or consolidation in which we are the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of the issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another entity of our assets or other property as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which we are dissolved, the Public Warrant holders will thereafter have the right to purchase and receive, upon the terms and conditions specified in the Public Warrants and in lieu of the shares of Class A common stock immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented thereby, the kind and amount of shares of Class A common stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, merger, consolidation, or dissolution, that such holders would have received if they had exercised their Public Warrants immediately prior to such event. However, if Class A stockholders were entitled to exercise a right of election as to the kind or amount of securities, cash, or other assets receivable upon such event, then the kind and amount of securities, cash, or other assets for which each Public Warrant will become exercisable will be deemed to be the weighted average of the kind and amount received per share by such Class A stockholders in such event that affirmatively make such election. Additionally, if less than 70% of the consideration receivable by the Class A common stockholders in such an event is payable in the form of shares of the successor entity that are listed for trading on a national securities exchange or quoted in an established over-the-counter market, or are to be so listed for trading or quoted immediately following such event, and if the Public Warrant is properly exercised within 30 days following public disclosure of such event, then the Public Warrant exercise price will be reduced based on the Black-Scholes Warrant Value (as defined in the Public Warrant Agreement) of the Public Warrant. The purpose of such reduction is to provide additional value to Public Warrant holders when an extraordinary transaction occurs during the exercise period of the Public Warrants pursuant to which the holders thereof do not otherwise receive the full potential value of the Public Warrants.

***Amendment***

The Public Warrant Agreement provides that the terms of the Public Warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder thereof to cure any ambiguity or correct any mistake, but the approval of the holders of at least 65% of the then-outstanding Public Warrants is required to make any change that adversely affects their interests.

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***Other Provisions***

The Public Warrants may be exercised upon surrender of the applicable warrant certificate on or prior to their expiration date at the offices of the warrant agent, with the exercise form on the reverse side of such warrant certificate completed and executed as indicated, accompanied by full payment of the exercise price (or on a cashless basis, if applicable), by certified or official bank check payable to us, for the number of Public Warrants being exercised. The Public Warrant holders do not have any of the rights (including voting rights) or privileges of Class A common stockholders until they exercise their Public Warrants and receive shares of Class A common stock. After the issuance of shares of Class A common stock upon exercise of the Public Warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by Class A common stockholders.

**Choice of Forum**

Our Charter further provides that the U.S. federal district courts are the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. These exclusive forum provisions may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers. By becoming our stockholder, you are deemed to have notice of and consented to these exclusive forum provisions.

There is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a provision relating to causes of action arising under the Securities Act, and investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. The enforceability of similar provisions in other companies' certificates of incorporation has been challenged in legal proceedings and it is possible that, in connection with any applicable action brought against us, a court could find such provisions to be inapplicable or unenforceable in such action.

**Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Our Charter & Bylaws**

Certain provisions in our Charter and our Bylaws and the DGCL may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire control of us without the approval of our Board. These provisions, which may delay, defer, or prevent a merger, reorganization, tender offer, sale or transfer of substantially all of our assets, liquidation, or other change in control transaction that stockholders may consider favorable, could discourage potential takeover attempts and reduce the price that investors are willing to pay for our securities. These provisions include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Action by Written Consent; Special Meetings of Stockholders*. Our Charter provides that stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and cannot be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting. Our Charter and our Bylaws also provide that, subject to any special rights of any preferred stockholders and except as otherwise required by law, special meetings of stockholders may be called only (i) by or at the direction of our Board or the Chair of our Board pursuant to a written resolution adopted by the majority of the total number of directors that we would have if there were no vacancies or (ii) prior to the date on which GTCR, LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, "<u>GTCR</u>") cease to beneficially own at least 30% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in an election of directors, voting together as a single class, by the Chair of our Board at the written request of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote generally in an election of directors, voting together as a single class in the manner provided for in our Bylaws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Advance Notice Procedures*. Our Bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, and for stockholder nominations of persons for election to our Board to be brought before an annual or special meeting of stockholders. Stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of such meeting or brought before such meeting (i) by or at the direction of our Board or (ii) by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record on the record date for such meeting, is entitled to vote at such meeting, and has given our Corporate Secretary timely written notice, in proper form, of their intention to bring such business or nomination before such meeting. Although our Bylaws do not give our Board the power to approve or disapprove stockholder nominations of candidates or proposals regarding other business to be conducted at a special or annual meeting of stockholders, as applicable, our Bylaws may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at such a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed or may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Advance Notice Procedures*. Our Bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, and for stockholder nominations of persons for election to our Board to be brought before an annual or special meeting of stockholders. Stockholders at an annual meeting may only consider proposals or

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nominations specified in the notice of such meeting or brought before such meeting (i) by or at the direction of our Board or (ii) by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record on the record date for such meeting, is entitled to vote at such meeting, and has given our Corporate Secretary timely written notice, in proper form, of their intention to bring such business or nomination before such meeting. Although our Bylaws do not give our Board the power to approve or disapprove stockholder nominations of candidates or proposals regarding other business to be conducted at a special or annual meeting of stockholders, as applicable, our Bylaws may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at such a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed or may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Authorized but Unissued Shares*. Our authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock and preferred stock will be available for future issuance without stockholder approval. These additional shares may be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions, and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of a majority of our Class A common stock by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger, or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Business Combinations with Interested Stockholders*. Our Charter provides that we are not subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, an anti-takeover law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination, such as a merger, with an "interested stockholder" (which includes a person or group owning 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock) for a period of three years following the date on which such person became an interested stockholder, unless (with certain exceptions) the business combination or transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder is approved in a prescribed manner. Accordingly, we are not subject to any anti-takeover effects of Section 203 of the DGCL. Nevertheless, our Charter contains provisions that have a similar effect to Section 203 of the DGCL, except that they provide that GTCR, Horizon Sponsor, and their respective affiliates and successors and their direct and indirect transferees will not be deemed to be "interested stockholders," regardless of the percentage of our voting stock owned by them, and accordingly will not be subject to such restrictions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*Director Designees; Classes of Directors*. Pursuant to our Charter, our Board is divided into three classes, each of which serves staggered three-year terms. The existence of a classified board of directors could discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us because it is more difficult and time consuming for stockholders to replace a majority of a classified board of directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•*No Cumulative Voting for Directors*. The DGCL provides that stockholders are not entitled to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless a corporation's certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our Charter does not provide for cumulative voting. As a result, Class A common stockholders representing a majority of the voting power of all of the outstanding shares of our capital stock of will be able to elect all of the directors then standing for election.

**Limitations on Liability & Indemnification of Officers and Directors**

Our Charter limits the liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL and provides that we will provide them with customary indemnification and advancement of expenses. We have also entered into customary indemnification agreements with each of our executive officers and directors that provide them, in general, with customary indemnification in connection with their service to us or on our behalf.

**Corporate Opportunities**

Our Charter provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, (a) we renounce any interest or expectancy in a transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity for us and (b) GTCR, Horizon Sponsor, their respective affiliates, and each of their respective directors, partners, principals, officers, members, managers, and employees (including any such person who serves as one of our directors and/or officers) have no duty to present such corporate opportunity to us.

**Transfer Agent & Registrar**

The transfer agent for our Class A common stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

**Listing of Class A Common Stock & Public Warrants**

Our Class A common stock and the Public Warrants are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the trading symbols "SEAT" and "SEATW," respectively.

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## Exhibit 10.15

**Exhibit 10.15**

**Vivid Seats Inc.<br>Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy**

(As of February 14, 2025)

Non-employee members of the board of directors (the "***Board***") of Vivid Seats Inc. (the "***Company***") shall be eligible to receive cash and equity compensation as set forth in this Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy (this "***Policy***"). The cash and equity compensation described in this Policy shall be paid or be made, as applicable, automatically and without further action of the Board, to each member of the Board who is not an employee of the Company or any parent or subsidiary thereof (each, a "***Non-Employee Director***"), unless such Non-Employee Director declines the receipt of such compensation by written notice to the Company. This Policy originally became effective upon the effectiveness of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 on September 23, 2021, was most recently amended and restated as of the date first written above, and shall remain in effect until it is amended, modified or terminated by the Board (or a duly authorized committee thereof) at any time in its sole discretion. This Policy shall supersede any prior cash and/or equity compensation arrangements for service as a member of the Board between the Company and any Non-Employee Director.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.<u>Cash Compensation</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Annual Retainers</u>. Each Non-Employee Director shall receive an annual retainer of $40,000 for service on the Board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Additional Annual Retainers</u>. In addition, a Non-Employee Director shall receive the following annual retainers:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;i.*<u>Audit Committee</u>*. A Non-Employee Director serving as a member of the Board's Audit Committee shall receive an additional annual retainer of $10,000 for such service; *provided* that the Chair of such committee shall instead receive $20,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ii.*<u>Compensation Committee</u>*. A Non-Employee Director serving as a member of the Board's Compensation Committee shall receive an additional annual retainer of $7,500; *provided* that the Chair of such committee shall instead receive $15,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;iii.*<u>Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee</u>*. A Non-Employee Director serving as a member of the Board's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall receive an additional annual retainer of $7,500; *provided* that the Chair of such committee shall instead receive $15,000.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Payment of Retainers</u>. The annual retainers described in <u>Sections 1(a)</u> and <u>1(b)</u> (the "***Cash Retainers***") shall be earned on a quarterly basis, based on a calendar quarter, and shall be paid by the Company in arrears not later than the 15<sup>th</sup> day following the end of each calendar quarter. In the event a Non-Employee Director does not serve in such capacity, or in the applicable positions described in <u>Section 1(b)</u>, for an entire calendar quarter, such Non-Employee Director shall receive a prorated portion of the Cash Retainers otherwise payable to him or her for such calendar quarter pursuant to <u>Sections 1(a)</u> and <u>1(b)</u>, with such prorated portion determined by multiplying such otherwise payable Cash Retainers by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days during which such Non-Employee Director served in such capacity, or in the applicable positions described in <u>Section 1(b)</u>, during the applicable calendar quarter, and the denominator of which is the total number of days in the applicable calendar quarter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.<u>Stock Election</u>. A Non-Employee Director may elect to have all or a portion of Cash Retainers to which such Non-Employee Director becomes entitled paid in fully vested shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock (the "***Common Stock***") in lieu of cash (such election, a "***Stock Election***"). Any Stock Election must be made on or prior to the last trading day of the calendar quarter with respect to which the applicable Cash Retainers will be paid. A Stock Election shall not be effective with respect to Cash Retainers to be paid for any calendar quarter during which a Non-Employee Director ceases to serve in such capacity prior to the end of such calendar quarter. If a Non-Employee Director is subject to tax withholding as a non-U.S. person with regard to any Cash Retainers, a Stock Election made by such Non-Employee Director will apply only with respect to the portion of such Cash Retainers to which such Non-Employee Director is entitled after such tax withholding. The number of shares of Common Stock granted will be determined by dividing the amount of the applicable Cash Retainers by the closing price of the Common Stock on the last trading day of the calendar quarter with respect to which such Cash Retainers will be paid (rounded down to nearest whole share). Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) once a Stock Election has been made, such Stock Election shall remain in effect until revoked in writing in accordance with this Policy, and (ii) a Non-Employee Director may not make a Stock Election or revoke a previously made Stock Election during a trading black-out period (as defined in the Company's Insider Trading Policy) or when such Non-Employee Director is otherwise in possession of material non-public information.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.<u>Equity Compensation</u>. Each Non-Employee Director shall be granted the equity awards described in this <u>Section 2</u>. The awards described below shall be granted under, and shall be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Company's 2021 Incentive Award Plan or any other applicable equity incentive plan then maintained by the Company (such plan, as may be amended from time to time, the "***Equity Plan***") and shall be granted subject to the execution and delivery of award agreements, including any attached exhibits, in substantially the forms previously approved by the Board. All applicable terms of the Equity Plan apply to this Policy as if fully set forth herein, and all awards granted hereunder are subject in all respects to the terms of the Equity Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.<u>Annual Awards</u>. Each Non-Employee Director who (i) serves on the Board as of the date of any annual meeting of the Company's stockholders (an "***Annual Meeting***") and (ii) will continue to serve as a Non-Employee Director immediately following such Annual Meeting shall be automatically granted, on the date of such Annual Meeting, an award of restricted stock units ("***RSUs***") (unless otherwise determined by the Board) that has an aggregate grant date fair value of $200,000 (as determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 718 ("***ASC 718***") and subject to adjustment as provided in the Equity Plan), *provided* that on a Non-Employee Director's first Annual Meeting following the date on which such Non-Employee Director is initially elected or appointed to the Board (the "***First Annual Meeting***"), such Non-Employee Director shall be automatically granted, on the date of such First Annual Meeting, an award of RSUs (unless otherwise determined by the Board) that has an aggregate grant date fair value equal to the product of (i) $200,000 (as determined in accordance with ASC 718 and subject to adjustment as provided in the Equity Plan) and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the period beginning on the date of such Non-Employee Director's initial election or appointment to the Board (such Non-Employee Director's "***Start Date***") and ending on the date of such First Annual Meeting, and the denominator of which is 365. The awards described in this <u>Section 2(a)</u> shall be referred to as the "***Annual Awards***."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.<u>Initial Awards</u>. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, each Non-Employee Director whose Start Date is any date other than the date of an Annual Meeting shall be automatically granted, on such Start Date, an award of RSUs that has an aggregate grant date fair value of $200,000 (as determined in accordance with ASC 718 and subject to adjustment as provided in the Equity Plan). The awards described in this <u>Section 2(b)</u> shall be referred to as "***Initial Awards****.*" For the avoidance of doubt, no Non-Employee Director shall be granted more than one Initial Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.<u>Termination of Employment of Employee Directors</u>. Members of the Board who are employees of the Company (or any parent or subsidiary thereof) who subsequently terminate such employment and who remain on the Board will not receive an Initial Award, but to the extent that they are otherwise eligible, will be eligible to receive, after such termination of employment, Annual Awards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.<u>Black-Out Periods</u>. If any Annual Award or Initial Award would be granted on a date that falls within a trading black-out period (as defined in the Company's Insider Trading Policy), such grant will be delayed until the date on which such black-out period ends.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.<u>Vesting of Awards Granted to Non-Employee Directors</u>. Each Annual Award shall vest on the earlier of (i) the day immediately preceding the date of the first Annual Meeting following the date of grant and (ii) the first anniversary of the date of grant, subject in each case to the applicable Non-Employee Director continuing to serve on the Board through the applicable vesting date. Each Initial Award shall vest in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to the Non-Employee Director continuing in service on the Board through the applicable vesting date. No portion of an Annual Award or Initial Award that is unvested at the time of a Non-Employee Director's termination of service on the Board shall vest thereafter. All Annual Awards and Initial Awards shall vest in full immediately prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the Equity Plan), to the extent outstanding at such time.

\* \* \* \* \*

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## Exhibit 10.16

**Exhibit 10.16**

March 11, 2026

Lawrence Fey

Re: <u>Employment with Vivid Seats</u>

Dear Larry:

Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (as such companies' names may change from time to time, together with each such company's successors and assigns, and any subsidiary or affiliate that may employ you from time to time, collectively, the "***Company***") are pleased to offer you employment on the terms set forth below. This letter sets forth the terms of your employment by the Company.

1. You will be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, reporting to the Board of Directors of Vivid Seats Inc. (the "***Board***"), effective as of November 3, 2025. In this capacity, you will have the responsibilities and duties consistent with such position.

2. Your base salary will initially be the applicable minimum base salary in effect for Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exemptions (approximately $36,000 per year) (the "***Base Salary***"), less deductions and withholdings required by law or authorized by you. Your Base Salary may be redetermined from time to time by the Board or its Compensation Committee. Your Base Salary will be paid by the Company in regular installments in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices as in effect from time to time.

You will initially not be eligible to receive an annual bonus (an "***Annual Bonus***") under the Company's bonus plan or program applicable to senior executives. Your eligibility for an Annual Bonus may be redetermined from time to time by the Board or its Compensation Committee To the extent you are eligible for and earn an Annual Bonus for any future fiscal year, such Annual Bonus will be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year that includes the end of the fiscal year to which the applicable Annual Bonus relates, subject, in each case, to your continued employment through the end of the fiscal year to which the applicable Annual Bonus relates (except as otherwise contemplated by <u>Sections 9</u> and <u>10</u> hereof).

3. You acknowledge that, with respect to fiscal year 2026, the Company previously granted you an equity award, issued pursuant to the Company's 2021 Incentive Award Plan (as amended, the "***Plan***"), comprised of restricted stock units with a grant date fair market value of $4.0 million that vests, subject to your continued employment, in equal quarterly installments over the two-year period following the grant date. Your eligibility for and issuance of future equity awards under the Plan will be determined by the Board or its Compensation Committee.

4. You will be eligible to participate in regular health, dental and vision insurance plans and other employee benefit plans and arrangements (including a 401(k) plan and paid-time off policies) established by the Company for its employees from time to time. The Company will reimburse you for all reasonable and documented expenses incurred by you in the course of performing your duties hereunder in accordance with the Company's policies in place from time to time.

5. Your position is currently based in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan area. Your duties may involve extensive domestic and international travel as reasonably necessary to fulfill such duties.

6. You acknowledge that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You have carefully considered, and you have signed, the Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u> (the "***Restrictive Covenant Agreement***"). Because the Company and its affiliates are engaged in a continuous program of research, development, production and marketing in connection with their business, we wish to reiterate that it is critical for the Company and its affiliates to preserve and protect its proprietary information and its rights in inventions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You have completed Schedule 1 attached to the Restrictive Covenant Agreement; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;•You and the Company mutually agree that any disputes that may arise regarding your employment will be submitted to either (a) the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the Delaware Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court in the State of Delaware or (b) binding arbitration by the American Arbitration Association, in each case in accordance with Sections 10 and 11 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. As a condition of your employment, you will need to carefully consider and voluntarily agree to the arbitration clause set forth in Section 11 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

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7. We also wish to remind you that, as a condition of your employment, you are expected to abide by the Company's, and its direct and indirect parents' and subsidiaries' policies and procedures, provided that such policies and procedures are and continue to be reasonable and customary and that the Company will notify you of any amendments to such policies and procedures that apply to you.

8. Your employment with the Company is at will. The Company may terminate your employment at any time, for any reason or no reason, by giving you notice in writing of not less than 14 days ("***Notice Period***") other than any termination of your employment by the Company for Cause which may be effective immediately and which shall not require any Notice Period. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, you shall be entitled to terminate your employment with the Company at any time, and for any reason or no reason, by giving notice in writing to the Company of not less than the Notice Period, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by you and the Company. In the event of such notice by the Company or by you, the Company reserves the right, in its discretion, to give immediate effect to your termination or resignation in lieu of requiring or allowing you to continue work throughout the Notice Period; provided that the Company shall continue to pay your Base Salary during the Notice Period. You shall continue to be an employee of the Company during the Notice Period, and thus owe to the Company the same duty of loyalty you owed it prior to the Notice Period. The Company may, during the Notice Period, relieve you of all of your duties and prohibit you from entering the Company's offices.

9. If the Company terminates your employment without "Cause" or you voluntarily terminate your employment for a "Good Reason" (either of these, a "***Qualifying Termination***"), you will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.a severance payment equal to 12 months of your then applicable Base Salary (the "***Base Salary Severance***");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.a portion of your Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which such Qualifying Termination occurs (if applicable), prorated for the portion of such fiscal year during which you were employed by the Company, determined at 50% of target;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.any unpaid Annual Bonus for a prior fiscal year (if applicable);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.if you timely elect continued coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ("***COBRA***"), the full amount of your COBRA premiums for your continued coverage under the Company's health, dental and vision plans, including coverage for your eligible dependents, for 12 months following such Qualifying Termination or, if earlier, until you are eligible to be covered under another substantially equivalent medical insurance plan by a subsequent employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that it cannot provide the foregoing subsidy of COBRA coverage without potentially violating or causing the Company to incur additional expense as a result of noncompliance with applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company instead shall provide to you a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that you would be required to pay to continue the group health coverage in effect on the date of such Qualifying Termination (which amount shall be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments shall be made regardless of whether you elect COBRA continuation coverage and shall commence on the later of (i) the first day of the month following the month in which such Qualifying Termination occurs and (ii) the effective date of the Company's determination of violation of applicable law, and shall end on the earlier of (x) the effective date on which you become covered by a health, dental or vision insurance plan of a subsequent employer, and (y) the last day of the 12-month period described above after such Qualifying Termination, *provided that* any such taxable payments will not be paid before the first business day occurring after the 60<sup>th</sup> day following such Qualifying Termination and, once they commence, will include any unpaid amounts accrued from the date of such Qualifying Termination (to the extent not otherwise satisfied with continuation coverage). You shall have no right to an additional gross-up payment to account for the fact that such COBRA premium amounts are paid on an after-tax basis; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.notwithstanding the terms thereof, the vesting of your then-outstanding unvested equity awards that otherwise would have vested within the period ending six months following such Qualifying Termination shall be accelerated as to 100% of the unvested shares subject thereto.

10. If at any time during the period beginning 12 months prior to a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan) and ending 12 months following a Change in Control, the Company terminates your employment and such termination constitutes a Qualifying Termination, you will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.the Base Salary Severance;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.your Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which such Qualifying Termination occurs (if applicable), not prorated, determined at 100% of target;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.any earned and unpaid bonus for a prior fiscal year (if applicable);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.the COBRA benefits set forth in <u>Section 9(d)</u> hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.notwithstanding the terms thereof, the vesting of all of your then-outstanding unvested equity awards shall be accelerated as to 100% of the unvested shares subject thereto; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f.the benefits set forth in Sections <u>9</u> and <u>10</u>hereof are collectively, less deductions and withholdings required by law or authorized by you, termed the "***Severance Pay***." Subject to the provisions in <u>Sections 9</u>and <u>10</u> hereof, payments of any Base Salary Severance shall be made in substantially equal monthly installments in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices in effect at the time of such Qualifying Termination, and payment of any prorated or unpaid bonus (if applicable) shall be made when such bonus payments would otherwise have been paid. For purposes of <u>Sections 9</u> and <u>10</u> hereof, "***Cause***" and "***Good Reason***" have the meanings set forth in <u>Exhibit B</u> attached hereto. The Company will not be required to pay any Severance Pay unless (i) you execute and deliver to the Company an agreement in the form attached as <u>Exhibit C</u> hereto (the "***Release Agreement***") within 60 days following the date of such Qualifying Termination and (ii) you have not materially breached the provisions of (A) this letter, (B) Section 2 through 8 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, (C) the Release Agreement or (D) any other agreement between you and the Company. If the Release Agreement has been executed and delivered and is no longer subject to revocation as provided in the preceding sentence, then the applicable Severance Pay shall be paid in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices at the time of, and commencing on the 60<sup>th</sup> day following, such Qualifying Termination. The first payment of any Base Salary Severance shall include payment of all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto under the terms of this letter had such payments commenced immediately upon such Qualifying Termination, and any payments made thereafter shall continue as provided herein. **For the avoidance of doubt, under no circumstances shall you be entitled to receive Severance Pay under both <u>Sections 9</u> and <u>10</u> hereof.**

11. During your employment and thereafter, (i) you shall not make any statement with the intent and that would disparage or materially harm the reputation of the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and (ii) the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its executive officers, directors, managers, employees and stockholders not to make any statement that would libel, slander or disparage you or that would be reasonably likely to adversely impact your efforts to obtain future employment or other business opportunities (subject to your compliance with Section 7.3 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement).

12. You will be an at-will employee of the Company as described in <u>Section 8</u> hereof and Section 9 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. Any statements or representations to the contrary (and, indeed, any statements contradicting any provision hereof) are, and should be regarded by you, as ineffective. Further, your participation in any benefit program or other Company program, if any, is not to be regarded as assuring you of continuing employment for any particular period of time.

13. This letter along with its Exhibits and the documents referred to herein constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between or among you and the Company or any of its predecessors with respect to the subject matter hereof, including, but not limited to, (i) that certain Employment Agreement, dated August 9, 2021, as amended on June 26, 2024, among you and the Company and (ii) that certain Employment and Restrictive Covenants Agreement, dated April 1, 2020, among you and the Company (the "***Employment and Restrictive Covenants Agreement***"), *provided* that, notwithstanding the foregoing, Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 of the Employment and Restrictive Covenants Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Without limiting the foregoing, you agree that this letter will supersede any employment, bonus, severance or other compensation arrangements or agreements you had with the Company or any of its predecessors.

14. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, (i) the Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts otherwise payable hereunder any amounts required to be withheld in respect to federal, state or local taxes, and (ii) Vivid Seats LLC shall have the primary obligation to pay all obligations hereunder (including the payment of any compensation).

15. In addition to being indemnified under the Company bylaws and applicable law, you will be named as an insured on the director and officer liability insurance policy currently maintained by the Company or as may be maintained by the Company from time to time for senior employees and if any other senior employee of the Company becomes party to an indemnification agreement, you shall be entitled to enter into a similar agreement promptly following your written request to the Board. All references to the Company in this <u>Section 15</u> shall include all subsidiaries and any successor entities of the Company for which you provide service in any capacity.

16. The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this letter be exempt from or comply with Section 409A ("***Section 409A***") of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "***Code***"), and the regulations and guidance promulgated

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thereunder and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this letter shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on you by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision hereof providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision hereof, references to a "termination," "termination of employment" or like terms shall mean "separation from service." Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this letter, if you are deemed on the date of termination to be a "specified employee" within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered deferred compensation under Section 409A payable on account of a "separation from service," such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of such "separation from service" and (B) the date of your death, to the extent required under Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A, your right to receive any installment payments pursuant hereto shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. To the extent that reimbursements or other in-kind benefits hereunder constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" for purposes of Section 409A, (a) all such expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by you, (b) any right to such reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (c) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof to the contrary, in no event shall any payment hereunder that constitutes "nonqualified deferred compensation" for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.

17. If any of the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any equity award agreement, either alone or together with other benefits and payments which you have the right to receive, either directly or indirectly, from the Company (or any of its affiliates), would constitute an Excess Payment (defined below) and, but for this sentence would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code at a time when no shares of the Company are readily tradeable on an established securities market (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(5)(A)(ii)(I) of the Code), and provided you agree in writing to unconditionally waive your right to such Excess Payments in accordance with Regulation 1.280G-1, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek consent or approval by the Company's stockholders under Section 280G(b)(5) and the regulations thereunder with respect to such Excess Payments. Subject to the foregoing, if any of the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any equity award agreement, either alone or together with other benefits and payments which you have or will have the right to receive, would constitute an excess parachute payment (the "***Excess Payment***") under Section 280G of the Code, then you hereby agree that the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any other arrangement or plan shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount necessary to prevent any such benefits and payments from constituting an Excess Payment; provided, however, that such reduction shall only be made if, by reason of such reduction, your net after-tax economic benefit shall exceed the net after-tax economic benefit to you if such reduction were not made. Any determination required under this <u>Section 17</u> shall be made in writing by a firm of independent public accountants or an advisor with experience in performing calculations regarding the applicability of Section 280G of the Code and related excise taxes, and the determination of such firm or advisor shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes upon the Company and you. For the purposes of making any calculation required by this <u>Section 17</u>, such firm or advisor may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good-faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. Any reduction in the Excess Payments required to effectuate the waiver contemplated herein shall be implemented based on the time of payment of the Excess Payments with the amount having the latest payment date being reduced first and then in reverse chronological order until the Excess Payments are reduced to zero. In the event that more than one payment would be made on the same day, the Excess Payments attributable to such payments shall be reduced on a pro-rata basis. If any such payments or benefits have been reduced in accordance with this <u>Section 17</u> and it is established pursuant to a final determination of a court or an Internal Revenue Service proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that payments which have been made to, or provided for the benefit of, you by the Company, are Excess Payments, you shall repay the amount of such payments to the Company.

[*Signature page follows.]*

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By signing this letter and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u>, you represent and warrant that you have had the opportunity to seek the advice of independent counsel before signing and have either done so, or have freely chosen not to do so, and either way, you sign this letter voluntarily.

Very truly yours,

**Vivid Seats Inc.**

<u>/s/ Joseph Thomas</u> 

Joseph Thomas

Chief Financial Officer

**Vivid Seats LLC**

<u>/s/ Joseph Thomas</u> 

Joseph Thomas

Chief Financial Officer

I have read and understood this letter and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u>, and I hereby acknowledge, accept and agree to the terms set forth herein and therein.

<u>/s/ Lawrence Fey</u> 

Lawrence Fey

Date: <u>March 11, 2026</u> 

[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]

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**<u>EXHIBIT A</u>**

**Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement**

As a condition of your continued employment with Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (as such companies' names may change from time to time, together with each such company's successors and assigns, collectively, the "***Company***"), you and the Company agree to the following.

For purposes of this Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement (this "***Restrictive Covenant Agreement***"), references to the "***Group***" mean the Company and its affiliates (whether a direct or indirect parent, subsidiary or sister entity to the Company) engaged in the same line of business or contemplated business as the Company.

\* \* \* \* \*

**1.** **CONSIDERATION FOR AGREEMENT**

You understand that the Group is engaged in a continuous program of research, development, production and marketing in connection with its business and that it is critical for the Group to preserve and protect its "Proprietary Information" (as defined in <u>Section 2</u> hereof), its rights in "Inventions" (as defined in <u>Section 4</u> hereof) and in all related intellectual property rights. You acknowledge that, as a result of your employment with the Company and/or its predecessors, you have and/or may receive confidential information, trade secrets, and/or specialized training from the Group, each of which constitutes good and valuable consideration in support of your obligations made hereunder. As additional consideration, you may also have the opportunity to develop valuable business relationships with employees, agents, suppliers, and customers of the Group and to use the Group's resources and goodwill in the marketplace to develop those relationships. Finally, by your signature below, you acknowledge that your continued employment with the Company (subject to <u>Section 9</u> hereof), together with your participation (if any) in any Company bonus or incentive compensation plan, both of which the Company would not allow but for your execution of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, constitute consideration in support of your return promise to maintain the confidentiality of all specialized knowledge and confidential information as well as your promise to adhere to the other restrictions set forth in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including, but not limited to, those set forth in <u>Section 7</u> hereof.

**2.** **PROPRIETARY INFORMATION**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.All information and materials relating to the existing software products and software in the various stages of research and development, including, but not limited to, source codes, object codes, design specifications, design notes, flow charts, graphics, graphical user interfaces, coding sheets, product plans, know-how, negative know-how, test plans, business investment analysis, marketing and functional requirements, algorithms, product bugs and customer technical support cases which relate to the software;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Internal business information, procedures and policies, including, but not limited to, licensing techniques, vendor names, other vendor information, business plans, financial information, budgets, forecasts, product margins, product costs, service and/or operation manuals and related documentation including drawings, and other such information, whether written or oral, which relates to the way the Group conducts its business;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.All legal rights, including, but not limited to, trade secrets, pending patents, Inventions (as defined in <u>Section 4</u> hereof) and other discoveries, claims, litigation and/or arbitrations involving the Group, pending trademarks, copyrights, proposed advertising, public relations and promotional campaigns and like properties maintained in confidence;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Any and all customer sales and marketing information, including, but not limited to, sales forecasts, marketing and sales promotion plans, product launch plans, sales call reports, competitive intelligence information, customer information, customer lists, customer needs and buying habits, sales and marketing studies and reports, internal price list, discount matrix, customer data, customer contracts, pricing structures, customer negotiations, customer relations materials, customer service materials, past customers, and the type, quantity and specifications of products purchased, leased or licensed by customers of the Group; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Any and all other trade secrets of the Group, as that term is defined under applicable laws.

You understand and agree, for the period beginning on the date hereof and expiring two years after the termination of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement to treat and preserve Proprietary Information and materials as strictly confidential. Except as authorized by this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or in the performance of your role as Chief Executive Officer or as required by law (but in all cases preserving confidentiality by following Company policies and obtaining appropriate nondisclosure agreements), you further agree that you will not directly or indirectly transmit or disclose Proprietary Information to any person, corporation, or other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever.

You understand and agree that the Proprietary Information is the exclusive property of the Group, and that, during your employment, you will use and disclose Proprietary Information only for the Group's benefit and in accordance with any restrictions placed on its use or disclosure by the Group. After termination of your employment for any reason, you will not use in any manner or disclose any Proprietary Information, except to the extent compelled by applicable law; provided that in the event you receive notice of any effort to compel disclosure of Proprietary Information for any reason, you will promptly and in advance of disclosure notify Company of such notice and cooperate in good faith with all lawful and reasonable Company or Group efforts (through their counsel or otherwise) to resist or limit such disclosure; provided, further, that the Company shall reimburse you for any reasonable costs or expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by you in connection with such efforts to resist or limit disclosure.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Proprietary Information does not include information (i) that was or becomes generally available to you on a non-confidential basis, if the source of this information was not reasonably known to you to be bound by a duty of confidentiality, (ii) that was or becomes generally available to the public, other than as a result of a disclosure by you, directly or indirectly or any other breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or (iii) that is disclosed to your affiliates; provided that such affiliates have been advised of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and you shall be responsible for any breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement by any of your affiliates and you agree, at your sole expense, to take reasonable measurers (including, but not limited to, court proceedings) to restrain your affiliates from prohibited or unauthorized disclosure or use of any Proprietary Information.

In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, nothing in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement prohibits you from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any United States governmental agency or entity in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or any other whistleblower protection provisions of state or federal law or regulation (including the right to receive an award for information provided to any such government agencies). Furthermore, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 1833, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement: (i) you shall not be in breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law (A) for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (B) for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal; and (ii) if you file a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, you may disclose the trade secret to the your attorney, and may use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if you file any document containing the trade secret under seal, and do not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

**3.** **THIRD-PARTY INFORMATION**

You recognize that the Group has received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information, subject to the last paragraph in <u>Section 2</u> hereof, subject to a duty on the Group's part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. You agree that you owe the Group and such third parties, during the term of your employment, and thereafter, a duty to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to disclose it to any person, firm or corporation (except as necessary in carrying out your work for the Group consistent with the Group's agreement with such third party) or to use it for the benefit of anyone other than for the Group or such third party (consistent with the Company's agreement with such third party) without the express written authorization of the Board of Managers of the

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Company or its delegate(s). All rights and benefits afforded to the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall apply equally to the owner of the third-party information with respect to the third-party information, and such third party is an intended third-party beneficiary of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, with respect to the third-party information. You further agree to conform to the Company's privacy policies, as established or amended from time to time.

**4.** **INVENTIONS**

**4.1 <u>Prior Inventions</u>**. You have attached hereto as Schedule 1 a complete and accurate list describing all Inventions (as defined below) which were discovered, created, invented, developed or reduced to practice by you prior to the commencement of your employment by the Company or have not been legally assigned to the Company (collectively, "***Prior Inventions***"), which belong solely to you or belong to you jointly with others, which relates in any way to any of the Group's current, proposed or reasonably anticipated businesses, products or research or development and which are not assigned to the Group hereunder; or have initialed Schedule 1 to indicate you have no Prior Inventions to disclose.

If, in the course of your employment with the Company, you incorporate or cause to be incorporated into a Group product, service, process, file, system, application or program a Prior Invention owned by you or in which you have an interest, you hereby grant the Group member a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, sublicensable and assignable license to make, have made, copy, modify, make derivative works of, use, offer to sell, sell or otherwise distribute such Prior Invention as part of or in connection with such product, process, file, system, application or program.

**4.2 <u>Disclosure of Inventions</u>**. You will promptly disclose in confidence to the Company all Inventions that you make or conceive or first reduce to practice or create, either alone or jointly with others, during the period of your employment, and for a period of three months thereafter, which relate in any way to any of the Group's current, proposed or reasonably anticipated businesses, products or research or development, whether or not in the course of your employment, and whether or not such Inventions are patentable, copyrightable or protectable as trade secrets. For purposes of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, "***Inventions***" means without limitation, formulas, algorithms, processes, techniques, concepts, designs, developments, technology, ideas, patentable and unpatentable inventions and discoveries, copyrights and works of authorship in any media now known or hereafter invented (including computer programs, source code, object code, hardware, firmware, software, mask work, applications, files, Internet site content, databases and compilations, documentation and related items) patents, trade and service marks, logos, trade dress, corporate names and other source indicators and the good will of any business symbolized thereby, trade secrets, know-how, confidential and proprietary information, documents, analyses, research and lists (including current and potential customer and user lists) and all applications and registrations and recordings, improvements and licenses related to any of the foregoing. You recognize that Inventions or Proprietary Information relating to your activities while working for the Company, and conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made by you, alone or with others, within three months after termination of your employment may have been conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made, as applicable, in significant part while you were employed by the Company. Accordingly, you agree that such Inventions and Proprietary Information shall be presumed to have been conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made, as applicable, during your employment with the Company and are to be assigned to the Company pursuant to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and applicable law unless and until you have established the contrary by clear and convincing evidence.

**4.3 <u>Work for Hire; Assignment of Inventions</u>**. You acknowledge and agree that any copyrightable works prepared by you within the scope of your employment are "works made for hire" under the Copyright Act and that the Company will be considered the author and owner of such copyrightable works. Any copyrightable works the Company or a Group member specially commissions from you while you are employed with the Company shall be deemed a work made for hire under the Copyright Act and if for any reason a work cannot be so designated as a work made for hire, you agree to and hereby assign to the Company all right, title and interest in and to said work(s). You agree to and hereby grant the Company a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, sublicensable and assignable license to make, have made, copy, modify, make derivative works of, use, publicly perform, display or otherwise distribute any copyrightable works you create during the time you are employed with the Company that for any reason do not qualify as a work made for hire, that were not specially commissioned by the Group, or both, but that relate in any way to the business of the Group. You agree that all Inventions that (i) are developed using equipment, supplies, facilities, Proprietary Information or other trade secret information of the Group, (ii) result from work performed by you for the Group, or (iii) relate to the Group's business or current or anticipated research and development (the "***Assigned Inventions***"), will be the sole and exclusive property of the Company and you agree to and hereby irrevocably assign the Assigned Inventions to the Company.

**4.4 <u>Assignment of Other Rights</u>**. In addition to the foregoing assignment of Assigned Inventions to the Company, you hereby irrevocably transfer and assign to the Company: (i) all worldwide patents, patent applications, copyrights, mask works, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights in any Assigned Inventions; and (ii) any and all "Moral Rights" (as defined below) that you may

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have in or with respect to any Assigned Inventions. You also hereby forever waive and agree never to assert any and all Moral Rights you may have in or with respect to any Assigned Inventions, even after termination of your work on behalf of the Company. "***Moral Rights***" mean any rights to claim authorship of any Assigned Inventions, to object to or prevent the modification of any Assigned Inventions, or to withdraw from circulation or control the publication or distribution of any Assigned Inventions, and any similar right, existing under judicial or statutory law of any country in the world, or under any treaty, regardless of whether or not such right is denominated or generally referred to as a "moral right".

**4.5 <u>Assistance</u>**. Whether during or after your employment, and without additional compensation, you agree to do any reasonable act and/or execute any document deemed necessary or desirable by the Company in furtherance of perfecting, prosecuting, recording, maintaining, enforcing and protecting the Group's right, title and interest in and to, any of the Assigned Inventions. In the event that the Company is unable for any reason to secure your signature to any document required to file, prosecute, register or memorialize the ownership and/or assignment of, or to enforce, any intellectual property, you hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company's duly authorized officers and agents as your agents and attorneys-in-fact to act for and on your behalf and stead to (i) execute, file, prosecute, register and/or memorialize the assignment and/or ownership of any Assigned Invention; (ii) to execute and file any documentation required for such enforcement and (iii) do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the filing, prosecution, registration, memorialization of assignment and/or ownership of, issuance of and enforcement of any Assigned Inventions, all with the same legal force and effect as if executed by you.

**4.6 <u>Exceptions to Assignment</u>**. You understand and acknowledge that the provisions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement requiring the assignment of inventions to the Company do not apply to any Invention that qualifies fully under the provisions of 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act, a copy of which is attached hereto as Schedule 2. You further understand and agree that the provisions of 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act do not apply to any Invention for which full title is required to be in the United States, as required by contracts between the Company and the United States or any of its agencies. You will advise the Company promptly in writing of any Invention which you believe meets the criteria in 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act and you will at that time provide to the Company in writing all evidence necessary to substantiate your belief.

**4.7 <u>Applicability to Past Activities</u>**. To the extent you have been engaged to provide services by the Company or its predecessor for a period of time before the effective date of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement (the "Prior Engagement Period"), you agree that if and to the extent that, during the Prior Engagement Period: (i) you received access to any information from or on behalf of the Company that would have been Proprietary Information if you had received access to such information during the period of your employment with the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement; or (ii) you conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice any item, including any intellectual property rights with respect thereto, that would have been an Invention if conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice during the period of your employment with the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement; then any such information shall be deemed Proprietary Information hereunder and any such item shall be deemed an Invention hereunder, and this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall apply to such information or item as if conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**5.** **NO BREACH OF PRIOR AGREEMENT**

You represent that your performance of all the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and your duties as an employee of the Company will not breach any invention assignment, proprietary information, confidentiality or similar agreement with any former employer or other party. You represent that you will not bring with you to the Company or use in the performance of your duties for the Company any documents or materials or tangibles of a former employer or third party that are not in the public domain or have not been legally transferred or licensed to the company.

**6.** **DUTY OF LOYALTY**

You understand that your employment with the Company requires your undivided attention and effort during normal business hours. While you are employed by the Company, you will not, without the Company's express prior written consent, (i) engage in any other business activity, unless such activity is for passive investment purposes only and will not require you to render any services, (ii) be engaged or interested, directly or indirectly, alone or with others, in any trade, business or occupation in competition with the Group, (iii) make preparations, alone or with others, to compete with the Group in the future, or (iv) appropriate for your own benefit business opportunities pertaining to the Group's business. The foregoing does not limit your ability to serve on civic and charitable boards or committees.

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**7.** **DUTY OF NON-INTERFERENCE**

**7.1 <u>Non-Solicitation of Employees/Consultants</u>**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of 12 months thereafter, you will not directly or indirectly hire, attempt to hire, recruit, offer employment, lure or entice away, or in any other manner persuade or otherwise solicit anyone who is then an employee or consultant of the Group (or who was an employee or consultant of the Group within the prior six months) to resign from the Group or to apply for or accept employment with you or with any third party. The foregoing notwithstanding, it shall not be deemed a violation of this <u>Section 7.1</u> to place an announcement of a job opening in general circulation or to respond to unsolicited inquiries regarding employment opportunities, or to hire an applicant who you have not, directly or indirectly, solicited for employment. This <u>Section 7.1</u> shall not prevent you from using general solicitations (including through search firms) not targeted at employees of the Group.

**7.2 <u>Non-Solicitation of Suppliers/Customers</u>**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of 12 months thereafter, you will not directly or indirectly (i) solicit or accept from any customer or potential customer of the Group any business involving the Restricted Business (as defined in <u>Section 7.3</u>hereof); (ii) request or advise any customer, potential customer or supplier of the Group to curtail, cancel, or withdraw its business from the Group; or (iii) aid in any way any other entity in obtaining business from any customer or potential customer of the Group involving the Restricted Business (as defined in <u>Section 7.3</u> hereof). This <u>Section 7.2</u> shall not apply to any customer, potential customer or supplier of the Group which you did not have direct contact with or supervisory responsibility for, or access to Proprietary Information regarding, during the 12 months preceding termination of your employment with the Company (including if applicable any period of employment with the Company's predecessor).

**7.3 <u>Non-Competition</u>**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of 12 months thereafter (the "***Restricted Period***"), you will not directly or indirectly, whether as an employee, officer, director, consultant, owner, manager, advisor, investor, or otherwise, in any geographic area in which the Group has conducted the Restricted Business during the 12 months preceding termination of your employment; (i) render advice or services to, or otherwise assist, any person, association, or entity who is engaged, directly or indirectly, in the Restricted Business; or (ii) hold a 5% or greater equity, voting or profit participation interest in any person, association, or entity who is engaged, directly or indirectly, in the Restricted Business. For purposes of this <u>Section 7.3</u>, "***Restricted Business***" means the business of developing, distributing, selling, supplying or otherwise dealing with the purchasing and/or selling of entertainment tickets and/or sports tickets in the primary and/or secondary markets or any other material line of business that the Company may later engage in in the ordinary course and for which you have direct operational responsibility or as to which you receive Proprietary Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with prior written consent from the Company which shall not be unreasonably withheld, you may accept employment or otherwise be engaged in or involved with a competitor of the Group that has multiple lines of business (a "***Permitted Employer***") provided that, during the Restricted Period, you are employed by or providing services to a business unit of such competitor that is not engaged or otherwise involved with the Restricted Business. Nothing contained in this <u>Section 7.3</u> shall prohibit you from owning of a passive investment interest of not more than 5% in a company with publicly traded equity securities, and whether on your own behalf or on behalf of others. You agree that the Restricted Period shall be extended by a period equal the length of any violation of this <u>Section 7.3</u>.

**8.** **OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION**

**8.1 <u>Return of Company Property</u>**. At the time of leaving the employ of the Company, you will deliver to the Company (and will not keep in your possession or deliver to anyone else) (i) any and all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to your work, including without limitation devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, other documents or property, or reproductions of any aforementioned items and (ii) all property belonging to the Group or any third party which provided property to you in connection with your employment such as computer, laptops, personal digital assistants, cell phones, MP3 players, electronic organizers and other devices, cards, car, keys, security devices or any other item belonging to the Group. Upon Company request, you will execute a document confirming your compliance with this provision and the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**8.2 <u>Notification of New Employer</u>**. Before you accept employment or enter in to any consulting or other professional or business engagement with any Permitted Employer while any of <u>Section 7</u> hereof is in effect, you will provide such person or entity with written notice of the provisions of <u>Section 7</u>hereof and will deliver a copy of such notice to the Company. You hereby grant consent to notification by the Company to such Permitted Employer about your rights and obligations under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**8.3 <u>Withholding</u>**. To the extent allowed by law, you agree to allow Company to deduct from your final paycheck(s) any amounts due as a result of your employment, including, but not limited to, any expense advances or business charges incurred by you on behalf of the Group, charges for property damaged or not returned when requested, and any other charges incurred by you payable to the Group. You agree to execute any authorization form as may be provided by Company to effectuate this provision.

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**9.** **AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT**

This Restrictive Covenant Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment for any definite period of time. You acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement modifies the at-will nature of your employment with Company, which permits either yourself or Company to terminate your employment at any time and without cause.

**10.** **GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL**

Except as otherwise set forth in <u>Section 11</u> hereof, the following provisions of this <u>Section 10</u> shall apply with respect to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto:

All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the Delaware Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of the State of Delaware, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding which is brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court.

EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING HEREUNDER OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT HEREOF OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT THE PARTIES HERETO MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

**11.** **ARBITRATION**

Notwithstanding the provisions of <u>Section 10</u> hereof, the following provisions shall apply with respect to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto in the event that the Company and its affiliates stipulate in writing to you at the outset of any controversy or dispute between you and the Company or between you and any affiliate or an agent of the Company, including, but not limited to, directors, officers, managers, other employees or members of the Group that the maximum amount of losses that you shall be liable for in connection with any such controversy or dispute shall be capped at the Severance Pay amount:

In the event of any controversy or dispute between you and the Company or between you and any affiliate or an agent of Company, including, but not limited to, directors, officers, managers, other employees or members of the Group, who are being sued in any capacity, as to all or any part of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, any other agreement, any dispute or controversy whatsoever pertaining to or arising out of the relationship between you and the Company and/or the Group or the dissolution or termination of same, and/or the arbitrability thereof (collectively, "***Arbitrable Disputes***" as further defined below) shall, subject to this <u>Section 11</u>, be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration solely between yourself and the Company and/or person or entity described above, conducted in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Section 1 *et seq*, as amended, and shall be administered in accordance with the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services rules governing employment disputes (the "***JAMS Rules***").

Arbitrable Disputes shall include any and all disputes not specifically exempted from arbitration herein, including, but not limited to, any alleged violations of federal, state or local constitutions, statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations or common law, any claims of wrongful termination, unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, The Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act and similar state and local statutes, any claims of breach of contract or any implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, any claims

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of adverse treatment in violation of public policy, and any disputes arising from, under or regarding this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including the formation, validity, interpretation, effect or breach hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, all disputes regarding the validity of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, the validity of the arbitration provisions hereof, or whether any particular claim or matter is included within the scope of the arbitration provisions hereof, are Arbitrable Disputes subject to arbitration as described herein.

Specifically excluded from Arbitrable Disputes are disputes or claims arising from or related to workers' compensation and unemployment insurance, and any claims which are expressly excluded from binding arbitration by statute or public policy, or which are expressly required to be arbitrated under a different procedure.

While you are not required to do so before serving an arbitration demand, nothing herein shall prevent you from filing or maintaining an administrative charge or complaint with a government agency, including, but not limited to, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board or any equivalent state or local agency. For the avoidance of doubt, if you choose not to file an administrative charge or complaint before commencing an arbitration in accordance with this <u>Section 11</u> and the JAMS Rules, your arbitration demand must be served within the applicable time period for filing a charge with the relevant agency in order to be timely filed.

This binding arbitration procedure shall supplant and replace claims in court (except as specified herein), and you expressly waive the right to a civil court action before a jury.

Notwithstanding any statute or rule governing limitations of actions, but only to the extent permitted by applicable law, any arbitration relating to or arising from any Arbitrable Dispute shall be commenced by service of an arbitration demand before the (i) 12-month anniversary of the accrual of the aggrieved party's claim pursuant to applicable law or (ii) before the expiration of the applicable statute of limitation pursuant to applicable law, whichever period is shorter.

All Arbitrable Disputes hereunder must be brought in your individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, representative or collective proceeding. You agree that the arbitrator is not empowered to consolidate claims of different individuals into one proceeding, or to hear an arbitration as a class arbitration. To the extent the arbitrator determines that this class/collective action waiver is invalid, for any reason, this entire <u>Section 11</u> shall be null and void, but only with regard to that particular proceeding in which the arbitrator invalidated this class/collective action waiver, and this <u>Section 11</u> shall remain in full force and effect with respect to any Arbitrable Disputes other than that covered by such class/collective action proceeding.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the waiver of the jury trial right shall survive even in the event this <u>Section 11</u> is deemed null and void.

**12.** **GENERAL**

**12.1 <u>Injunctive Relief</u>.** Notwithstanding the arbitration provisions in <u>Section 11</u> hereof or anything else to the contrary herein, you and the Company understand and agree that the parties' actions or potential actions concerning obligations under <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u>, <u>4</u>, <u>6</u> and <u>7</u> hereof may result in irreparable and continuing damage to the other party for which monetary damages will not be sufficient, and agree that both parties will be entitled to seek, in addition to its other rights and remedies hereunder or at law and both before or while a matter or an arbitration is pending between the parties under <u>Section 10</u> or <u>11</u>hereof, a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or similar injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable injury pending the full and final resolution of the dispute, without the necessity of showing any actual damages or that monetary damages would not afford an adequate remedy, and without the necessity of posting any bond or other security. The aforementioned injunctive relief shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, legal remedies, monetary damages or other available forms of relief through legal or arbitration proceedings. This <u>Section 12.1</u> shall not be construed to limit the obligation for either party to pursue arbitration under <u>Section 11</u> hereof with respect to any Arbitrable Disputes.

**12.2 <u>Severability; Modification; Partial Invalidity</u>**. Each provision of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement is severable from every other provision of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement. If the scope of any restriction contained herein is too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its full extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the parties consent and agree that such scope may be accordingly modified in any legal proceeding brought to enforce such restriction. If any provision hereof, or the application of such provision, is held unenforceable for any reason, then such provision shall be modified to the extent necessary to render it enforceable, or, if held impossible to modify, then severed from this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and the remainder of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall not be affected.

**12.3 <u>Waiver of Breach</u>**. The failure of you or the Company at any time, or from time to time, to require performance of any of the Company's or your obligations, respectively, hereunder shall not be deemed a waiver of and shall in no manner affect your or the

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Company's right to enforce any provision hereof at a subsequent time. The waiver by you or the Company of any rights arising out of any breach shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights arising out of any subsequent breach.

**12.4 <u>Assignment</u>**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement will be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Group, its successors, its assigns and licensees. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and your rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by you; however, the Company may assign its rights hereunder in connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of any or all of its business or assets.

**12.5 <u>Notice</u>**. Unless your offer letter states otherwise, you agree to use reasonable efforts to provide Company 14 days' notice to terminate your employment with Company; provided, however, that this provision shall not change the at-will nature of the employment relationship between you and Company.

**12.6 <u>Applicable Law</u>**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to choice of law rules; provided, however, that in connection with any arbitration proceedings brought pursuant to the terms of <u>Section 11</u>hereof, this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to choice of law rules.

**12.7 <u>Entire Agreement</u>**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto, and your employment agreement with the Company and the Exhibits attached thereto, and the documents referred to in all of the foregoing, constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between or among the parties hereto with respect to the specific subject matter hereof. If any of the provisions of <u>Section 7</u> hereof is deemed void, voidable or otherwise invalid in legal proceedings and is not modified in accordance with <u>Section 12.2</u> hereof, you agree that you shall comply with, and the Company may seek to enforce, such provisions against you. No modification of or amendment to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights hereunder, will be effective unless in writing signed by the parties. Headings are provided for convenience only and do not modify, broaden, define or restrict any provision.

**12.8 <u>Survival</u>**. Any termination of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, regardless of how such termination may occur, shall not operate to terminate <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u>, <u>4</u>, <u>5</u>, <u>7</u>, <u>8</u>, <u>10</u>, <u>11</u> and <u>12</u> hereof, which shall survive any such termination and remain valid, enforceable and in full force and effect.

[*Signature page follows.]*

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**Vivid Seats Inc.**

<u>/s/ Joseph Thomas</u> 

Joseph Thomas

Chief Financial Officer

Date: <u>March 11, 2026</u> 

**Vivid Seats LLC**

<u>/s/ Joseph Thomas</u> 

Joseph Thomas

Chief Financial Officer

Date: <u>March 11, 2026</u> 

**EMPLOYEE**

<u>/s/ Lawrence Fey</u> 

Lawrence Fey

Date: <u>March 11, 2026</u> 

[Signature Page to Restrictive Covenant Agreement]

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**Schedule 1**

**List of Employee's Prior Inventions**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>LF</u> By initialing here, I represent and warrant that I have no Prior Inventions, as that term is defined in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement to which this Schedule 1 is attached.

OR

Below is a complete and accurate list of Prior Inventions, as that term is defined in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement to which this Schedule 1 is attached.

By: <u>/s/ Lawrence Fey</u> 

Name: Lawrence Fey

Date: <u>March 11, 2026</u> 

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**Schedule 2**

**Illinois Employee Patent Act – Written Notification Regarding Non-Assignable Inventions**

In accordance with 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act, you are hereby notified that this Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement does not require you to assign to the Company any invention for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information of the Company was used and which was developed entirely on your own time, and which does not relate to the business of the Company or to the Company's actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or which does not result from any work performed by you for the Company.

You are hereby apprised of 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act, which states:

*"(1) A provision in an employment agreement -which provides that an employee shall assign or offer to assign any of the employee's rights in an invention to the employer does not apply to an invention for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information of the employer was used and which was developed entirely on the employee's own time, unless (a) the invention relates (i) to the business of the employer, or (ii) to the employer's actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) the invention results from any work performed by the employee for the employer. Any provision which purports to apply to such an invention is to that extent against the public policy of this State and is to that extent void and unenforceable. The employee shall bear the burden of proof in establishing that his invention qualifies under this subsection.*

*(2) An employer shall not require a provision made void and unenforceable by subsection (1) of this Section as a condition of employment or continuing employment. This Act shall not preempt existing common law applicable to any shop rights of employers with respect to employees who have not signed an employment agreement."*

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**<u>EXHIBIT B</u>**

**Certain Definitions**

"**Cause**" means any of the following: (i) a material failure by you to perform your responsibilities or duties to the Company under this letter or those other responsibilities or duties as reasonably requested from time to time by the Board and consistent with Section 1 of this letter; (ii) your engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company; (iii) your commission or conviction of, or plea of guilty or *nolo contendere*to, a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude or any other act or omission that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company; (iv) a material breach of your duty of loyalty to the Company or your material breach of the Company's written code of conduct and business ethics, in either case, that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company or your material breach of Sections 2 through 8 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement or any other material written agreement between you and the Company; (v) dishonesty that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the Company; (vi) fraud, gross negligence or repetitive negligence committed without regard to corrective direction in the course of discharge of your duties as an employee; or (vii) excessive and unreasonable absences from your duties for any reason (other than authorized leave or as a result of your death or Disability (as defined below)), *provided that*, as to clauses (i), (ii), (iv), (vi) or (vii), an event will only constitute Cause if written notice has been given by the Board of the event constituting Cause and such event has not been cured for a period of 30 days after you receive such notice.

"**Disability**" means your inability to perform the essential functions of your job, with or without accommodation, as a result of any mental or physical disability or incapacity for an extended period but not less than 60 business days in any consecutive six-month period, as determined in the sole discretion of the Company.

"**Good Reason**" means that you voluntarily terminate your employment with the Company if there should occur without your written consent: (i) a material adverse change in your title, position, duties or responsibilities with the Company, including, but not limited to, any (A) failure of the Company to maintain your title, position, duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company or (B) requirement that you report to anyone other than the Board; (ii) a reduction in your then current Base Salary or then current Annual Bonus target by more than 10% of either; (iii) the material breach by the Company of any agreement between you and the Company; and/or (iv) a relocation of your primary location of work more than 30 miles from the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos or the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan areas; *provided*, *however*, that in each case above, you must (a) first provide written notice to the Company of the existence of the Good Reason condition within 30 days of the initial existence of such event specifying the basis for your belief that you are entitled to terminate your employment for Good Reason, (b) give the Company an opportunity to cure any of the foregoing within 30 days following your delivery to the Company of such written notice, and (c) actually resign your employment within 30 days following the expiration of the Company's 30-day cure period.

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**<u>EXHIBIT C</u>**

**Form of Separation Agreement and General Release**

This Separation Agreement and General Release (this "***Release Agreement***"), by and among the undersigned ("***Employee***") and Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (collectively, the "***Company***"), is effective as of the date of Employee's signature below (the "***Effective Date***").

1.<u>Separation Date</u>. Employee's employment with the Company terminated on [•] (the "***Separation Date***"). Employee acknowledges that Employee has received all base salary, benefits, including unused vacation pay, accruing through the Separation Date, and, after the Separation Date, Employee is not entitled to any additional compensation or benefits except as provided below.

2.<u>Employee Release of Rights and Agreement Not to Sue</u>. Employee (defined for the purpose of this <u>Section 2</u> as Employee and Employee's agents, representatives, attorneys, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators) fully and unconditionally releases the Released Parties (defined as the Company and its parents, affiliates, predecessors, successors, and assigns, and any of their past or present employees, portfolio companies, trustees, investors, agents, insurers, attorneys, administrators, officials, directors, shareholders, divisions and employee benefit plans, and the sponsors, fiduciaries or administrators of employee benefit plans) from, and agrees not to bring any and agrees not to bring any action, proceeding or suit against any of the Released Parties regarding, any and all known or unknown claims, causes of action, liabilities, damages, fees or remunerations of any sort, arising or that may have arisen out of or in connection with Employee's employment with or termination of employment from the Company or any equity interests Employee may have, at any time before and continuing through the Effective Date, including, but not limited to, claims for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.violation of any written or unwritten contract, agreement, policy, benefit plan, retirement or pension plan, option plan, severance plan, or covenant of any kind, or failure to pay wages, bonuses, employee benefits, other compensation, attorneys' fees, damages, or any other remuneration (including any equity, ownership interest, management fee, carried interest, partnership interest, distributions, dividends or participation or ownership in any business venture related to the Company);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2.discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of any characteristic protected under law, including, but not limited to, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital or parental status, age, union activity or other protected activity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.3.denial of protection or benefits under any statute, ordinance, executive order, or regulation, including, but not limited to, claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Workers' Adjustment and Retraining Notification, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Equal Pay Act, Illinois Family Military Leave Act, the Illinois Employee Sick Leave Act, the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, the Cook County Earned Sick Leave Ordinance, the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance, the Chicago Minimum Wage and Paid sick Leave Ordinance, the Texas Labor Code, the Texas Workers' Compensation Act, the Texas Minimum Wage Act, the Texas Payment of Wages Act, the Texas Health and Safety Code, or any other federal, state or local statute, ordinance, or regulation regarding employment, termination of employment, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wage and hour matters; and/or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4.violation of any public policy or common law of any state relating to employment or personal injury, including, but not limited to, claims for wrongful discharge, defamation, invasion of privacy, infliction of emotional distress, negligence, fraud, and interference with contract.

Employee affirms that as of the Effective Date, no action or proceeding covered by this <u>Section 2</u> was pending against any of the Released Parties. Nothing herein shall restrict Employee from filing a claim for unemployment insurance benefits or other claims that cannot be waived by agreement. Further, nothing in the foregoing release shall prohibit Employee from filing a charge or complaint with, or participating in any investigation conducted by or before, an administrative agency; however, Employee waives any right to recovery in such a proceeding or any proceeding instituted on Employee's behalf regarding Employee's employment with, or separation from, the Company, to the extent permitted by law.

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The releases contained herein do not extend to, and have no effect upon, any benefits that have accrued or equity that has vested, and to which Employee has become vested or otherwise entitled to, under any employee benefit plan, program or policy sponsored or maintained by the Company, or to Employee's right to indemnification by the Company, and continued coverage under any applicable director's and officer's insurance policy.

3.<u>ADEA Release; Revocation Period</u>. Employee acknowledges that Employee is releasing any claims Employee may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (the "***ADEA Release***"). Employee has the right to revoke the ADEA Release for up to seven days after Employee signs this Release Agreement. In order to revoke the ADEA Release, Employee must sign and send a written notice of Employee's decision to do so, addressed to the Company at [•], which notice must be received by the Company no later than the eighth day after Employee signed this Release Agreement. If Employee revokes the ADEA Release, Employee will not be entitled to any of the consideration described herein.

4.<u>Knowing and Voluntary Waiver</u>. Employee acknowledges that (i) Employee has carefully read this Release Agreement and fully understands its meaning; (ii) Employee had the opportunity to take up to 21 days after receiving this Release Agreement to decide whether to sign it, and the parties expressly agree that such 21-day period shall not be extended upon any material or immaterial changes hereto; (iii) Employee understands that the Company is herein advising Employee, in writing, to consult with an attorney before signing this Release Agreement; (iv) Employee is signing this Release Agreement knowingly, voluntarily, and without any coercion or duress; and (v) everything Employee is receiving for signing this Release Agreement is described herein, and no other promises or representations have been made to cause Employee to sign it.

5.<u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Release Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding concerning the matters addressed herein, including Employee's separation from the Company, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements, understandings, discussions, negotiations or proposals regarding same. In deciding to sign this Release Agreement, Employee has not relied on any express or implied promise, statement or representation by the Company, whether oral or written, except as set forth herein.

\* \* \* \* \*

**To be valid and binding, this Release Agreement must be signed by Employee and submitted to the Company no later than 21 days after the date on which Employee received it. If this Release Agreement is not received by such time, Employee will not be eligible for any of the consideration set forth herein.**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**VIVID SEATS INC.**<br>Name:<br>Title:<br>Date: | &nbsp;&nbsp;**VIVID SEATS LLC**<br>Name:<br>Title:<br>Date: | &nbsp;&nbsp;**EMPLOYEE**<br>Name:<br>Date: |

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## Exhibit 10.18

**Exhibit 10.18**

January 14, 2025

Joseph Thomas

Re: <u>Employment with Vivid Seats</u>

Dear Joe:

Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (as such companies' names may change from time to time, together with each such company's successors and assigns, and any subsidiary or affiliate that may employ you from time to time, collectively, the "***Company***") are pleased to offer you employment in the position as Chief Financial Officer, effective as of January 19, 2026, on the terms set forth below. This letter sets forth the terms of your employment by the Company.

1. Your base salary will be $350,000 per year (the "***Base Salary***"), less deductions and withholdings required by law or authorized by you. Your Base Salary will be paid by the Company in regular installments in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices as in effect from time to time.

With respect to your bonus opportunities for each bonus period beginning on and after January 1, 2026, you will be eligible to receive an annual bonus targeted at 50% of your Base Salary (the "***Annual Bonus***"), under the Company's bonus plan or program applicable to senior employees. The actual bonus awarded to you for any bonus period will be determined by reference to the attainment of Company performance metrics and/or individual performance objectives, in each case, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Vivid Seats Inc. (the "***Board***"). Any bonus earned for a fiscal year shall be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year that includes the end of the fiscal year to which the applicable bonus relates, subject, in each case, to your continued employment through the end of the fiscal year to which the applicable bonus relates (except as otherwise contemplated by <u>Sections 8</u> and <u>9</u> hereof).

2. As promptly as possible following your start date, the Company will grant you an equity award comprised of 152,905 restricted stock units (the "***Equity Award***"). Subject to your continued employment, the Equity Award will vest over a two-year period in equal quarterly installments, beginning on March 11, 2026, such that it will be fully vested on December 11, 2027. The Equity Award will be issued pursuant to the Company's 2021 Incentive Award Plan (as amended, the "***Plan***") and a written award agreement between you and the Company in the Company's customary form of restricted stock unit agreement. Your future eligibility for and issuance of awards under the Plan will be at the sole discretion of the Board but will be consistent with the Company's long-term incentive compensation program for other senior executives.

3. You will be eligible to participate in regular health, dental and vision insurance plans and other employee benefit plans and arrangements (including a 401(k) plan and paid-time off policies) established by the Company for its employees from time to time. The Company will reimburse you for all reasonable and documented expenses incurred by you in the course of performing your duties hereunder in accordance with the Company's policies in place from time to time.

4. Your position will be based in the Dallas–Fort Worth and/or the Chicago metropolitan areas. Your duties may involve extensive domestic and international travel as reasonably necessary to fulfill such duties.

5. You acknowledge that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. you have carefully considered, and you have signed, the Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u> (the "***Restrictive Covenant Agreement***"). Because the Company and its affiliates are engaged in a continuous program of research, development, production and marketing in connection with their business, we wish to reiterate that it is critical for the Company and its affiliates to preserve and protect its proprietary information and its rights in inventions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. you have completed Schedule 1 attached to the Restrictive Covenant Agreement; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. you and the Company mutually agree that any disputes that may arise regarding your employment will be submitted to either (a) the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the Delaware Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court in the State of Delaware or (b) binding arbitration by the American Arbitration Association, in each case in accordance with Sections 10 and 11 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. As a condition of your employment, you will need to carefully consider and voluntarily agree to the arbitration clause set forth in Section 11 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

6. We also wish to remind you that, as a condition of your employment, you are expected to abide by the Company's, and its direct and indirect parents' and subsidiaries' policies and procedures, provided that such policies and procedures are and continue to be reasonable and customary and that the Company will notify you of any amendments to such policies and procedures that apply to you.

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7. Your employment with the Company is at will. The Company may terminate your employment at any time, for any reason or no reason, by giving you notice in writing of not less than 14 days ("***Notice Period***") other than any termination of your employment by the Company for Cause which may be effective immediately and which shall not require any Notice Period. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, you shall be entitled to terminate your employment with the Company at any time, and for any reason or no reason, by giving notice in writing to the Company of not less than the Notice Period, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by you and the Company. In the event of such notice by the Company or by you, the Company reserves the right, in its discretion, to give immediate effect to your termination or resignation in lieu of requiring or allowing you to continue work throughout the Notice Period; *provided* that the Company shall continue to pay your Base Salary during the Notice Period. You shall continue to be an employee of the Company during the Notice Period, and thus owe to the Company the same duty of loyalty you owed it prior to the Notice Period. The Company may, during the Notice Period, relieve you of all of your duties and prohibit you from entering the Company's offices.

8. If the Company terminates your employment without "Cause" or you voluntarily terminate your employment for a "Good Reason" (either of these, a "***Qualifying Termination***"), you will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. a severance payment equal to 12 months of your then applicable Base Salary (the "***Base Salary Severance***");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. a portion of your Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which such Qualifying Termination occurs, prorated for the portion of such fiscal year during which you were employed by the Company, determined at 50% of target;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. any unpaid bonus for a prior fiscal year; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. if you timely elect continued coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ("***COBRA***"), the full amount of your COBRA premiums for your continued coverage under the Company's health, dental and vision plans, including coverage for your eligible dependents, for 12 months following such Qualifying Termination or, if earlier, until you are eligible to be covered under another substantially equivalent medical insurance plan by a subsequent employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that it cannot provide the foregoing subsidy of COBRA coverage without potentially violating or causing the Company to incur additional expense as a result of noncompliance with applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company instead shall provide to you a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that you would be required to pay to continue the group health coverage in effect on the date of such Qualifying Termination (which amount shall be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments shall be made regardless of whether you elect COBRA continuation coverage and shall commence on the later of (i) the first day of the month following the month in which such Qualifying Termination occurs and (ii) the effective date of the Company's determination of violation of applicable law, and shall end on the earlier of (x) the effective date on which you become covered by a health, dental or vision insurance plan of a subsequent employer, and (y) the last day of the 12-month period described above after such Qualifying Termination, *provided* that any such taxable payments will not be paid before the first business day occurring after the 60<sup>th</sup> day following such Qualifying Termination and, once they commence, will include any unpaid amounts accrued from the date of such Qualifying Termination (to the extent not otherwise satisfied with continuation coverage). You shall have no right to an additional gross-up payment to account for the fact that such COBRA premium amounts are paid on an after-tax basis.

9. If, at any time during the period beginning 12 months prior to a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan) and ending 12 months following a Change in Control, the Company terminates your employment and such termination constitutes a Qualifying Termination, you will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. the Base Salary Severance;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. your Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which such Qualifying Termination occurs, not prorated (regardless of the portion of such fiscal year during which you were employed by the Company), determined at 100% of target;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. any unpaid bonus for a prior fiscal year;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. the COBRA benefits identified in <u>Section 8(d)</u> hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e. notwithstanding the terms of any equity awards granted to you, the vesting of your then outstanding unvested equity awards (including, without limitation, the Equity Award) shall be accelerated as to 100% of the unvested shares subject thereto; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f. the benefits set forth in <u>Sections 8</u>and <u>9</u> hereof are collectively, less deductions and withholdings required by law or authorized by you, termed the "***Severance Pay***". Subject to the provisions in <u>Sections 8</u> and <u>9</u> hereof, payments of any Base Salary Severance shall be made in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices in effect at the time of such termination of employment, and payment of any bonus pursuant to <u>Sections 8(b)</u>, <u>8(c)</u>, <u>9(b)</u> or <u>9(c)</u> shall be made when such bonus payments would otherwise have been paid had you remained in employment with the Company. For purposes of <u>Sections 8</u> and <u>9</u>hereof, "***Cause***" and "***Good Reason***" have the meaning set forth in <u>Exhibit B</u> 

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attached hereto. The Company will not be required to pay any Severance Pay unless (i) you execute and deliver to the Company an agreement in the form attached hereto as <u>Exhibit C</u> (the "***Release Agreement***") within 60 days following the date of your termination of employment and (ii) you have not materially breached the provisions of (A) this letter, (B) Sections 2 through 8 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, (C) the Release Agreement or (D) any other agreement between you and the Company. If the Release Agreement has been executed and delivered and is no longer subject to revocation as provided in the preceding sentence, then the applicable Severance Pay shall be paid in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices in effect at the time of your termination of employment and commencing on the 60<sup>th</sup> day following your termination of employment. The first payment of any Base Salary Severance shall include payment of all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto under the terms hereof had such payments commenced immediately upon your termination of employment, and any payments made thereafter shall continue as provided herein. **For the avoidance of doubt, under no circumstances shall you be entitled to receive Severance Pay under both <u>Sections 8</u> and <u>9</u> hereof.**

10. During your employment and thereafter, (i) you shall not make any statement with the intent and that would disparage or materially harm the reputation of the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and (ii) the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its executive officers, directors, managers, employees and stockholders not to make any statement that would libel, slander or disparage you or that would be reasonably likely to adversely impact your efforts to obtain future employment or other business opportunities (subject to your compliance with Section 7.3 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement).

11. You will be an at-will employee of the Company as described in <u>Section 7</u> hereof and Section 9 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. Any statements or representations to the contrary (and, indeed, any statements contradicting any provision hereof) are, and should be regarded by you, as ineffective. Further, your participation in any benefit program or other Company program, if any, is not to be regarded as assuring you of continuing employment for any particular period of time.

12. This letter along with its Exhibits and the documents referred to herein constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between or among you and the Company or any of its predecessors with respect to the specific subject matter hereof. Without limiting the foregoing, you agree that this letter will supersede any employment, bonus, severance or other compensation arrangements or agreements you had with the Company or its predecessors.

13. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, (i) the Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts otherwise payable hereunder any amounts required to be withheld in respect to federal, state or local taxes, and (ii) Vivid Seats LLC shall have the primary obligation to pay all obligations hereunder (including the payment of any compensation).

14. In addition to being indemnified under the Company bylaws and applicable law, you will be named as an insured on the director and officer liability insurance policy currently maintained by the Company or as may be maintained by the Company from time to time for senior employees and if any other senior employee of the Company becomes party to an indemnification agreement, you shall be entitled to enter into a similar agreement promptly following your written request to the Board. All references to the Company in this <u>Section 14</u> shall include all subsidiaries and any successor entities of the Company for which you provide service in any capacity.

15. The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this letter be exempt from or comply with Section 409A ("***Section 409A***") of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "***Code***"), and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this letter shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on you by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision hereof providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision hereof, references to a "termination," "termination of employment" or like terms shall mean "separation from service." Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this letter, if you are deemed on the date of termination to be a "specified employee" within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered deferred compensation under Section 409A payable on account of a "separation from service," such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of such "separation from service" and (B) the date of your death, to the extent required under Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A, your right to receive any installment payments pursuant hereto shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. To the extent that reimbursements or other in-kind benefits hereunder constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" for purposes of Section 409A, (a) all such expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by you, (b) any right to such reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (c) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall

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in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof to the contrary, in no event shall any payment hereunder that constitutes "nonqualified deferred compensation" for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.

16. If any of the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any equity award agreement, either alone or together with other benefits and payments which you have the right to receive, either directly or indirectly, from the Company (or any of its affiliates), would constitute an Excess Payment (defined below) and, but for this sentence would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code at a time when no shares of the Company are readily tradeable on an established securities market (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(5)(A)(ii)(I) of the Code), and provided you agree in writing to unconditionally waive your right to such Excess Payments in accordance with Regulation 1.280G-1, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek consent or approval by the Company's stockholders under Section 280G(b)(5) and the regulations thereunder with respect to such Excess Payments. Subject to the foregoing, if any of the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any equity award agreement, either alone or together with other benefits and payments which you have or will have the right to receive, would constitute an excess parachute payment (the "***Excess Payment***") under Section 280G of the Code, then you hereby agree that the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any other arrangement or plan shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount necessary to prevent any such benefits and payments from constituting an Excess Payment; *provided*, *however*, that such reduction shall only be made if, by reason of such reduction, your net after-tax economic benefit shall exceed the net after-tax economic benefit to you if such reduction were not made. Any determination required under this <u>Section 16</u> shall be made in writing by a firm of independent public accountants or an advisor with experience in performing calculations regarding the applicability of Section 280G of the Code and related excise taxes, and the determination of such firm or advisor shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes upon the Company and you. For the purposes of making any calculation required by this <u>Section 16</u>, such firm or advisor may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good-faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. Any reduction in the Excess Payments required to effectuate the waiver contemplated herein shall be implemented based on the time of payment of the Excess Payments with the amount having the latest payment date being reduced first and then in reverse chronological order until the Excess Payments are reduced to zero. In the event that more than one payment would be made on the same day, the Excess Payments attributable to such payments shall be reduced on a pro-rata basis. If any such payments or benefits have been reduced in accordance with this <u>Section 16</u> and it is established pursuant to a final determination of a court or an Internal Revenue Service proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that payments which have been made to, or provided for the benefit of, you by the Company, are Excess Payments, you shall repay the amount of such payments to the Company.

*[Signature page follows.]*

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By signing this letter and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u>, you represent and warrant that you have had the opportunity to seek the advice of independent counsel before signing and have either done so, or have freely chosen not to do so, and either way, you sign this letter voluntarily.

Very truly yours,

**Vivid Seats Inc.**

<u>/s/ Lawrence Fey</u> 

Lawrence Fey

Chief Executive Officer

**Vivid Seats LLC**

<u>/s/ Lawrence Fey</u> 

Lawrence Fey

Chief Executive Officer

I have read and understood this letter and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u>, and I hereby acknowledge, accept and agree to the terms set forth herein and therein.

<u>/s/ Joseph Thomas</u> 

Name: Joseph Thomas

Date: January 14, 2026<br>

[Signature Page to Employment Letter]

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**<u>Exhibit A</u>**

**Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement**

As a condition of your continued employment with Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (as such companies' names may change from time to time, together with each such company's successors and assigns, collectively, the "***Company***"), you and the Company agree to the following.

For purposes of this Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement (this "***Restrictive Covenant Agreement***"), references to the "***Group***" means the Company, and its affiliates (whether a direct or indirect parent, subsidiary, or sister entity to the Company) engaged in the same line of business or contemplated business as of the Company.

\* \* \* \* \*

**1. CONSIDERATION FOR AGREEMENT**

You understand that the Group is engaged in a continuous program of research, development, production and marketing in connection with its business and that it is critical for the Group to preserve and protect its "Proprietary Information" (as defined in <u>Section 2</u> hereof), its rights in "Inventions" (as defined in <u>Section 4</u> hereof) and in all related intellectual property rights. You acknowledge that, as a result of your employment with the Company and/or its predecessors, you have and/or may receive confidential information, trade secrets, and/or specialized training from the Group, each of which constitutes good and valuable consideration in support of your obligations made hereunder. As additional consideration, you may also have the opportunity to develop valuable business relationships with employees, agents, suppliers, and customers of the Group and to use the Group's resources and goodwill in the marketplace to develop those relationships. Finally, by your signature below, you acknowledge that your continued employment with the Company (subject to <u>Section 9</u> hereof), together with your participation (if any) in any Company bonus or incentive compensation plan, both of which the Company would not allow but for your execution of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, constitute consideration in support of your return promise to maintain the confidentiality of all specialized knowledge and confidential information as well as your promise to adhere to the other restrictions set forth in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including, but not limited to, those set forth in <u>Section 7</u> hereof.

**2. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) All information and materials relating to the existing software products and software in the various stages of research and development, including, but not limited to, source codes, object codes, design specifications, design notes, flow charts, graphics, graphical user interfaces, coding sheets, product plans, know-how, negative know-how, test plans, business investment analysis, marketing and functional requirements, algorithms, product bugs and customer technical support cases which relate to the software;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) Internal business information, procedures and policies, including, but not limited to, licensing techniques, vendor names, other vendor information, business plans, financial information, budgets, forecasts, product margins, product costs, service and/or operation manuals and related documentation including drawings, and other such information, whether written or oral, which relates to the way the Group conducts its business;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) All legal rights, including but not limited to, trade secrets, pending patents, Inventions (as defined in <u>Section 4</u> hereof) and other discoveries, claims, litigation and/or arbitrations involving the Group, pending trademarks, copyrights, proposed advertising, public relations and promotional campaigns and like properties maintained in confidence;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) Any and all customer sales and marketing information, including but not limited to sales forecasts, marketing and sales promotion plans, product launch plans, sales call reports, competitive intelligence information, customer information, customer lists, customer needs and buying habits, sales and marketing studies and reports, internal price list, discount matrix, customer data, customer contracts, pricing structures, customer negotiations, customer relations materials, customer service

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materials, past customers, and the type, quantity and specifications of products purchased, leased or licensed by customers of the Group; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(E) Any and all other trade secrets of the Group, as that term is defined under applicable laws.

You understand and agree that the Proprietary Information is the exclusive property of the Group, and that, during your employment, you will use and disclose Proprietary Information only for the Group's benefit and in accordance with any restrictions placed on its use or disclosure by the Group. After termination of your employment for any reason, you will not use in any manner or disclose any Proprietary Information, except to the extent compelled by applicable law; *provided* that in the event you receive notice of any effort to compel disclosure of Proprietary Information for any reason, you will promptly and in advance of disclosure notify Company of such notice and cooperate in good faith with all lawful and reasonable Company or Group efforts (through their counsel or otherwise) to resist or limit such disclosure; *provided*, *further*, that the Company shall reimburse you for any reasonable costs or expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by you in connection with such efforts to resist or limit disclosure.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Proprietary Information does not include information (i) that was or becomes generally available to you on a non-confidential basis, if the source of this information was not reasonably known to you to be bound by a duty of confidentiality, (ii) that was or becomes generally available to the public, other than as a result of a disclosure by you, directly or indirectly or any other breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or (iii) that is disclosed to your affiliates; *provided* that such affiliates have been advised of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and you shall be responsible for any breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement by any of your affiliates and you agree, at your sole expense, to take reasonable measurers (including but not limited to court proceedings) to restrain your affiliates from prohibited or unauthorized disclosure or use of any Proprietary Information.

In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, nothing in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement prohibits you from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any United States governmental agency or entity in accordance with the provsions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or any other whistleblower protection provisions of state or federal law or regulation (including the right to receive an award for information provided to any such government agencies). Furthermore, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 1833, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement: (i) you shall not be in breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law (A) for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (B) for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal; and (ii) if you file a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, you may disclose the trade secret to the your attorney, and may use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if you file any document containing the trade secret under seal, and do not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

**3. THIRD-PARTY INFORMATION**

You recognize that the Group has received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information, subject to the last paragraph in <u>Section 2</u> hereof, subject to a duty on the Group's part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. You agree that you owe the Group and such third parties, during the term of your employment, and thereafter, a duty to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to disclose it to any person, firm or corporation (except as necessary in carrying out your work for the Group consistent with the Group's agreement with such third party) or to use it for the benefit of anyone other than for the Group or such third party (consistent with the Company's agreement with such third party) without the express written authorization of the Board of Managers of the Company or its delegate(s). All rights and benefits afforded to the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall apply equally to the owner of the third-party information with respect to the third-party information, and such third party is an intended third-party beneficiary of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, with respect to the third-party information. You further agree to conform to the Company's privacy policies, as established or amended from time to time.

**4. INVENTIONS**

**4.1 Prior Inventions**. You have attached hereto as Schedule 1 a complete and accurate list describing all Inventions (as defined below) which were discovered, created, invented, developed or reduced to practice by you prior to the commencement of your employment by the Company or have not been legally assigned to the Company (collectively, "***Prior Inventions***"), which belong solely to you or belong to you jointly with others, which relates in any way to any of the Group's current, proposed or reasonably anticipated businesses, products or research or development and which are not assigned to the Group hereunder; or have initialed Schedule 1 to indicate you have no Prior Inventions to disclose.

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If, in the course of your employment with the Company, you incorporate or cause to be incorporated into a Group product, service, process, file, system, application or program a Prior Invention owned by you or in which you have an interest, you hereby grant the Group member a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, sublicensable and assignable license to make, have made, copy, modify, make derivative works of, use, offer to sell, sell or otherwise distribute such Prior Invention as part of or in connection with such product, process, file, system, application or program.

**4.2 Disclosure of Inventions**. You will promptly disclose in confidence to the Company all Inventions that you make or conceive or first reduce to practice or create, either alone or jointly with others, during the period of your employment, and for a period of three months thereafter, which relate in any way to any of the Group's current, proposed or reasonably anticipated businesses, products or research or development, whether or not in the course of your employment, and whether or not such Inventions are patentable, copyrightable or protectable as trade secrets. For purposes of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, "***Inventions***" means without limitation, formulas, algorithms, processes, techniques, concepts, designs, developments, technology, ideas, patentable and unpatentable inventions and discoveries, copyrights and works of authorship in any media now known or hereafter invented (including computer programs, source code, object code, hardware, firmware, software, mask work, applications, files, Internet site content, databases and compilations, documentation and related items) patents, trade and service marks, logos, trade dress, corporate names and other source indicators and the good will of any business symbolized thereby, trade secrets, know-how, confidential and proprietary information, documents, analyses, research and lists (including current and potential customer and user lists) and all applications and registrations and recordings, improvements and licenses related to any of the foregoing. You recognize that Inventions or Proprietary Information relating to your activities while working for the Company, and conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made by you, alone or with others, within three months after termination of your employment may have been conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made, as applicable, in significant part while you were employed by the Company. Accordingly, you agree that such Inventions and Proprietary Information shall be presumed to have been conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made, as applicable, during your employment with the Company and are to be assigned to the Company pursuant to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and applicable law unless and until you have established the contrary by clear and convincing evidence.

**4.3 Work for Hire; Assignment of Inventions**. You acknowledge and agree that any copyrightable works prepared by you within the scope of your employment are "works made for hire" under the Copyright Act and that the Company will be considered the author and owner of such copyrightable works. Any copyrightable works the Company or a Group member specially commissions from you while you are employed with the Company shall be deemed a work made for hire under the Copyright Act and if for any reason a work cannot be so designated as a work made for hire, you agree to and hereby assign to the Company all right, title and interest in and to said work(s). You agree to and hereby grant the Company a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, sublicensable and assignable license to make, have made, copy, modify, make derivative works of, use, publicly perform, display or otherwise distribute any copyrightable works you create during the time you are employed with the Company that for any reason do not qualify as a work made for hire, that were not specially commissioned by the Group, or both, but that relate in any way to the business of the Group. You agree that all Inventions that (i) are developed using equipment, supplies, facilities, Proprietary Information or other trade secret information of the Group, (ii) result from work performed by you for the Group, or (iii) relate to the Group's business or current or anticipated research and development (the "***Assigned Inventions***"), will be the sole and exclusive property of the Company and you agree to and hereby irrevocably assign the Assigned Inventions to the Company.

**4.4 Assignment of Other Rights**. In addition to the foregoing assignment of Assigned Inventions to the Company, you hereby irrevocably transfer and assign to the Company: (i) all worldwide patents, patent applications, copyrights, mask works, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights in any Assigned Inventions; and (ii) any and all "Moral Rights" (as defined below) that you may have in or with respect to any Assigned Inventions. You also hereby forever waive and agree never to assert any and all Moral Rights you may have in or with respect to any Assigned Inventions, even after termination of your work on behalf of the Company. "***Moral Rights***" mean any rights to claim authorship of any Assigned Inventions, to object to or prevent the modification of any Assigned Inventions, or to withdraw from circulation or control the publication or distribution of any Assigned Inventions, and any similar right, existing under judicial or statutory law of any country in the world, or under any treaty, regardless of whether or not such right is denominated or generally referred to as a "moral right".

**4.5 Assistance**. Whether during or after your employment, and without additional compensation, you agree to do any reasonable act and/or execute any document deemed necessary or desirable by the Company in furtherance of perfecting, prosecuting, recording, maintaining, enforcing and protecting the Group's right, title and interest in and to, any of the Assigned Inventions. In the event that the Company is unable for any reason to secure your signature to any document required to file, prosecute, register or memorialize the ownership and/or assignment of, or to enforce, any intellectual property, you hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company's duly authorized officers and agents as your agents and attorneys-in-fact to act for and on your behalf and stead to (i) execute, file, prosecute, register and/or memorialize the assignment and/or ownership of any Assigned Invention; (ii) to execute and file any documentation required for such enforcement and (iii) do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the filing, prosecution,

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registration, memorialization of assignment and/or ownership of, issuance of and enforcement of any Assigned Inventions, all with the same legal force and effect as if executed by you.

**4.6 Exceptions to Assignment**. You understand and acknowledge that the provisions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement requiring the assignment of inventions to the Company do not apply to any Invention that qualifies fully under the provisions of 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act, a copy of which is attached hereto as Schedule 2. You further understand and agree that the provisions of 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act do not apply to any Invention for which full title is required to be in the United States, as required by contracts between the Company and the United States or any of its agencies. You will advise the Company promptly in writing of any Invention which you believe meets the criteria in 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act and you will at that time provide to the Company in writing all evidence necessary to substantiate your belief.

**4.7 Applicability to Past Activities**. To the extent you have been engaged to provide services by the Company or its predecessor for a period of time before the effective date of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement (the "***Prior Engagement Period***"), you agree that if and to the extent that, during the Prior Engagement Period: (i) you received access to any information from or on behalf of the Company that would have been Proprietary Information if you had received access to such information during the period of your employment with the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement; or (ii) you conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice any item, including any intellectual property rights with respect thereto, that would have been an Invention if conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice during the period of your employment with the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement; then any such information shall be deemed Proprietary Information hereunder and any such item shall be deemed an Invention hereunder, and this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall apply to such information or item as if conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**5. NO BREACH OF PRIOR AGREEMENT**

You represent that your performance of all the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and your duties as an employee of the Company will not breach any invention assignment, proprietary information, confidentiality or similar agreement with any former employer or other party. You represent that you will not bring with you to the Company or use in the performance of your duties for the Company any documents or materials or tangibles of a former employer or third party that are not in the public domain or have not been legally transferred or licensed to the company.

**6. DUTY OF LOYALTY**

You understand that your employment with the Company requires your undivided attention and effort during normal business hours. While you are employed by the Company, you will not, without the Company's express prior written consent, (i) engage in any other business activity, unless such activity is for passive investment purposes only and will not require you to render any services, (ii) be engaged or interested, directly or indirectly, alone or with others, in any trade, business or occupation in competition with the Group, (iii) make preparations, alone or with others, to compete with the Group in the future, or (iv) appropriate for your own benefit business opportunities pertaining to the Group's business. The foregoing does not limit your ability to (i) serve on civic and charitable boards or committees, (ii) continue to serve in your current board member, advisory, investment professional and consulting roles in effect of the effective date of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and which you have disclosed to the Company prior to the date hereof (collectively, the "***Current Roles***"), and (iii) serve in board member, advisory, investment professional and consulting roles other than the Current Roles, in each case subject to the prior approval of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (not to be unreasonably withheld).

**7. DUTY OF NON-INTERFERENCE**

**7.1 Non-Solicitation of Employees/Consultants**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of 12 months thereafter, you will not directly or indirectly hire, attempt to hire, recruit, offer employment, lure or entice away, or in any other manner persuade or otherwise solicit anyone who is then an employee or consultant of the Group (or who was an employee or consultant of the Group within the prior six months) to resign from the Group or to apply for or accept employment with you or with any third party. The foregoing notwithstanding, it shall not be deemed a violation of this <u>Section 7.1</u> to place an announcement of a job opening in general circulation or to respond to unsolicited inquiries regarding employment opportunities, or to hire an applicant who you have not, directly or indirectly, solicited for employment. This <u>Section 7.1</u> shall not prevent you from using general solicitations (including through search firms) not targeted at employees of the Group.

**7.2 Non-Solicitation of Suppliers/Customers**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of 12 months thereafter, you will not directly or indirectly (i) solicit or accept from any customer or potential customer of the Group any business involving the Restricted Business (as defined in <u>Section 7.3</u> hereof); (ii) request or advise any customer, potential customer or supplier of the Group to curtail, cancel, or withdraw its business from the Group; or (iii) aid in any way any other entity in obtaining business from any customer or potential customer of the Group involving the Restricted Business (as defined in <u>Section 7.3</u> hereof). This <u>Section 7.2</u> shall not apply to any customer, potential customer or supplier of the Group which you did not have direct contact with or supervisory

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responsibility for, or access to Proprietary Information regarding, during the 12 months preceding termination of your employment with the Company (including if applicable any period of employment with the Company's predecessor).

**7.3 Non-Competition**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of 12 months thereafter (the "***Restricted Period***"), you will not directly or indirectly, whether as an employee, officer, director, consultant, owner, manager, advisor, investor, or otherwise, in any geographic area in which the Group has conducted the Restricted Business during the 12 months preceding termination of your employment; (i) render advice or services to, or otherwise assist, any person, association, or entity who is engaged, directly or indirectly, in the Restricted Business; or (ii) hold a 5% or greater equity, voting or profit participation interest in any person, association, or entity who is engaged, directly or indirectly, in the Restricted Business. For purposes of this <u>Section 7.3</u>, "***Restricted Business***" means the business of developing, distributing, selling, supplying or otherwise dealing with the purchasing and/or selling of entertainment tickets and/or sports tickets in the primary and/or secondary markets or any other material line of business that the Company may later engage in in the ordinary course and for which you have direct operational responsibility or as to which you receive Proprietary Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with prior written consent from the Company which shall not be unreasonably withheld, you may accept employment or otherwise be engaged in or involved with a competitor of the Group that has multiple lines of business (a "***Permitted Employer***") *provided* that, during the Restricted Period, you are employed by or providing services to a business unit of such competitor that is not engaged or otherwise involved with the Restricted Business. Nothing contained in this <u>Section 7.3</u> shall prohibit you from owning of a passive investment interest of not more than 5% in a company with publicly traded equity securities, and whether on your own behalf or on behalf of others. You agree that the Restricted Period shall be extended by a period equal the length of any violation of this <u>Section 7.3</u>.

**8. OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION**

**8.1 Return of Company Property**. At the time of leaving the employ of the Company, you will deliver to the Company (and will not keep in your possession or deliver to anyone else) (i) any and all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to your work, including without limitation devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, other documents or property, or reproductions of any aforementioned items and (ii) all property belonging to the Group or any third party which provided property to you in connection with your employment such as computer, laptops, personal digital assistants, cell phones, MP3 players, electronic organizers and other devices, cards, car, keys, security devices or any other item belonging to the Group. Upon Company request, you will execute a document confirming your compliance with this provision and the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**8.2 Notification of New Employer**. Before you accept employment or enter in to any consulting or other professional or business engagement with any Permitted Employer while any of <u>Section 7</u> hereof is in effect, you will provide such person or entity with written notice of the provisions of <u>Section 7</u>hereof and will deliver a copy of such notice to the Company. You hereby grant consent to notification by the Company to such Permitted Employer about your rights and obligations under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**8.3 Withholding**. To the extent allowed by law, you agree to allow Company to deduct from your final paycheck(s) any amounts due as a result of your employment, including but not limited to any expense advances or business charges incurred by you on behalf of the Group, charges for property damaged or not returned when requested, and any other charges incurred by you payable to the Group. You agree to execute any authorization form as may be provided by Company to effectuate this provision.

**9. AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT**

This Restrictive Covenant Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment for any definite period of time. You acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement modifies the at-will nature of your employment with Company, which permits either yourself or Company to terminate your employment at any time and without cause.

**10. GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL**

Except as otherwise set forth in <u>Section 11</u> hereof, the following provisions of this <u>Section 10</u> shall apply with respect to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto:

All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the Delaware Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of the State of Delaware, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding and irrevocably

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waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding which is brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court.

EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING HEREUNDER OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT HEREOF OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT THE PARTIES HERETO MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

**11. ARBITRATION**

Notwithstanding the provisions of <u>Section 10</u> hereof, the following provisions shall apply with respect to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto in the event that the Company and its affiliates stipulate in writing to you at the outset of any controversy or dispute between you and the Company or between you and any affiliate or an agent of the Company, including but not limited to directors, officers, managers, other employees or members of the Group that the maximum amount of losses that you shall be liable for in connection with any such controversy or dispute shall be capped at the Severance Pay amount:

In the event of any controversy or dispute between you and the Company or between you and any affiliate or an agent of Company, including but not limited to directors, officers, managers, other employees or members of the Group, who are being sued in any capacity, as to all or any part of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, any other agreement, any dispute or controversy whatsoever pertaining to or arising out of the relationship between you and the Company and/or the Group or the dissolution or termination of same, and/or the arbitrability thereof (collectively, "***Arbitrable Disputes***" as further defined below) shall, subject to this <u>Section 11</u>, be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration solely between yourself and the Company and/or person or entity described above, conducted in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Section 1 *et seq*, as amended, and shall be administered in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules governing employment disputes (the "***AAA Rules***").

Arbitrable Disputes shall include any and all disputes not specifically exempted from arbitration herein, including, but not limited to, any alleged violations of federal, state or local constitutions, statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations or common law, any claims of wrongful termination, unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation, including but not limited to Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, The Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act and similar state and local statutes, any claims of breach of contract or any implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, any claims of adverse treatment in violation of public policy, and any disputes arising from, under or regarding this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including the formation, validity, interpretation, effect or breach hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, all disputes regarding the validity of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, the validity of the arbitration provisions hereof, or whether any particular claim or matter is included within the scope of the arbitration provisions hereof, are Arbitrable Disputes subject to arbitration as described herein.

Specifically excluded from Arbitrable Disputes are disputes or claims arising from or related to workers' compensation and unemployment insurance, and any claims which are expressly excluded from binding arbitration by statute or public policy, or which are expressly required to be arbitrated under a different procedure.

While you are not required to do so before serving an arbitration demand, nothing herein shall prevent you from filing or maintaining an administrative charge or complaint with a government agency, including but not limited to, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board or any equivalent state or local agency. For the avoidance of doubt, if you choose not to file an administrative charge or complaint before commencing an arbitration in accordance with this <u>Section 11</u> and the AAA Rules, your arbitration demand must be served within the applicable time period for filing a charge with the relevant agency in order to be timely filed.

This binding arbitration procedure shall supplant and replace claims in court (except as specified herein), and you expressly waive the right to a civil court action before a jury.

Notwithstanding any statute or rule governing limitations of actions, but only to the extent permitted by applicable law, any arbitration relating to or arising from any Arbitrable Dispute shall be commenced by service of an arbitration demand before the (i) 12-month anniversary of the accrual of the aggrieved party's claim pursuant to applicable law or (ii) before the expiration of the applicable statute of limitation pursuant to applicable law, whichever period is shorter.

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All Arbitrable Disputes hereunder must be brought in your individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, representative or collective proceeding. You agree that the arbitrator is not empowered to consolidate claims of different individuals into one proceeding, or to hear an arbitration as a class arbitration. To the extent the arbitrator determines that this class/collective action waiver is invalid, for any reason, this entire <u>Section 11</u> shall be null and void, but only with regard to that particular proceeding in which the arbitrator invalidated this class/collective action waiver, and this <u>Section 11</u> shall remain in full force and effect with respect to any Arbitrable Disputes other than that covered by such class/collective action proceeding.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the waiver of the jury trial right shall survive even in the event this <u>Section 11</u> is deemed null and void.

**12. GENERAL**

**12.1 Injunctive Relief.** Notwithstanding the arbitration provisions in <u>Section 11</u> hereof or anything else to the contrary herein, you and the Company understand and agree that the parties' actions or potential actions concerning obligations under <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u>, <u>4</u>, <u>6</u> and <u>7</u> hereof may result in irreparable and continuing damage to the other party for which monetary damages will not be sufficient, and agree that both parties will be entitled to seek, in addition to its other rights and remedies hereunder or at law and both before or while a matter or an arbitration is pending between the parties under <u>Section 10</u> or <u>11</u>hereof, a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or similar injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable injury pending the full and final resolution of the dispute, without the necessity of showing any actual damages or that monetary damages would not afford an adequate remedy, and without the necessity of posting any bond or other security. The aforementioned injunctive relief shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, legal remedies, monetary damages or other available forms of relief through legal or arbitration proceedings. This <u>Section 12.1</u> shall not be construed to limit the obligation for either party to pursue arbitration under <u>Section 11</u> hereof with respect to any Arbitrable Disputes.

**12.2 Severability; Modification; Partial Invalidity**. Each provision of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement is severable from every other provision of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement. If the scope of any restriction contained herein is too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its full extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the parties consent and agree that such scope may be accordingly modified in any legal proceeding brought to enforce such restriction. If any provision hereof, or the application of such provision, is held unenforceable for any reason, then such provision shall be modified to the extent necessary to render it enforceable, or, if held impossible to modify, then severed from this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and the remainder of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall not be affected.

**12.3 Waiver of Breach**. The failure of you or the Company at any time, or from time to time, to require performance of any of the Company's or your obligations, respectively, hereunder shall not be deemed a waiver of and shall in no manner affect your or the Company's right to enforce any provision hereof at a subsequent time. The waiver by you or the Company of any rights arising out of any breach shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights arising out of any subsequent breach.

**12.4 Assignment**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement will be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Group, its successors, its assigns and licensees. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and your rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by you; however, the Company may assign its rights hereunder in connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of any or all of its business or assets.

**12.5 Notice**. Unless your offer letter states otherwise, you agree to use reasonable efforts to provide Company 14 days' notice to terminate your employment with Company; *provided*, *however*, that this provision shall not change the at-will nature of the employment relationship between you and Company.

**12.6 Applicable Law**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to choice of law rules; *provided*, *however*, that in connection with any arbitration proceedings brought pursuant to the terms of <u>Section 11</u> hereof, this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to choice of law rules.

**12.7 Entire Agreement**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto, and your employment agreement with the Company and the Exhibits attached thereto, and the documents referred to in all of the foregoing, constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between or among the parties hereto with respect to the specific subject matter hereof. If any of the provisions of <u>Section 7</u> hereof is deemed void, voidable or otherwise invalid in legal proceedings and is not modified in accordance with <u>Section 12.2</u> hereof, you agree that you shall comply with, and the Company may seek to enforce, such provisions against you. No modification of or amendment to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights hereunder, will be effective unless in writing signed by the parties. Headings are provided for convenience only and do not modify, broaden, define or restrict any provision.

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**12.8 Survival**. Any termination of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, regardless of how such termination may occur, shall not operate to terminate <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u>, <u>4</u>, <u>5</u>, <u>7</u>, <u>8</u>, <u>10</u>, <u>11</u>and <u>12</u> hereof, which shall survive any such termination and remain valid, enforceable and in full force and effect.

*[Signature page follows.]*

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**<br> **Schedule 1**

**List of Employee's Prior Inventions**

__JT_ By initialing here, I represent and warrant that I have no Prior Inventions, as that term is defined in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement to which this Schedule 1 is attached.

_____ Below is a complete and accurate list of Prior Inventions, as that term is defined in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement to which this Schedule 1 is attached.

<u>/s/ Joseph Thomas</u> 

Name: Joseph Thomas

Date: January 14, 2026

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**Schedule 2**

**Illinois Employee Patent Act – Written Notification Regarding Non-Assignable Inventions**

In accordance with 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act, you are hereby notified that this Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement does not require you to assign to the Company any invention for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information of the Company was used and which was developed entirely on your own time, and which does not relate to the business of the Company or to the Company's actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or which does not result from any work performed by you for the Company.

You are hereby apprised of 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act, which states:

*"(1) A provision in an employment agreement -which provides that an employee shall assign or offer to assign any of the employee's rights in an invention to the employer does not apply to an invention for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information of the employer was used and which was developed entirely on the employee's own time, unless (a) the invention relates (i) to the business of the employer, or (ii) to the employer's actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) the invention results from any work performed by the employee for the employer. Any provision which purports to apply to such an invention is to that extent against the public policy of this State and is to that extent void and unenforceable. The employee shall bear the burden of proof in establishing that his invention qualifies under this subsection.*

*(2) An employer shall not require a provision made void and unenforceable by subsection (1) of this Section as a condition of employment or continuing employment. This Act shall not preempt existing common law applicable to any shop rights of employers with respect to employees who have not signed an employment agreement."*

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

<u>/s/ Lawrence Fey</u> 

Name: Lawrence Fey

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: January 14, 2026

**VIVID SEATS LLC**

<u>/s/ Lawrence Fey</u> 

Name: Lawrence Fey

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: January 14, 2026

**EMPLOYEE**

<u>/s/ Joseph Thomas</u> 

Name: Joseph Thomas

Date: January 14, 2026

[Signature Page to Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement]

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**<u>EXHIBIT B</u>**

**Certain Definitions**

"***Cause***" means any of the following: (i) a repeated material failure by you to perform your obligations, responsibilities or duties to the Company under this letter or those other responsibilities or duties as reasonably requested from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer; (ii) your engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company; (iii) your commission or conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude or any other act or omission that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company; (iv) a material breach of your duty of loyalty to the Company or your material breach of the Company's written code of conduct and business ethics, in either case, that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company or your material breach of Sections 2 through 8 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement or any other material written agreement between you and the Company; (v) dishonesty that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the Company; (vi) fraud, gross negligence or repetitive negligence committed without regard to corrective direction in the course of discharge of your duties as an employee; or (vii) excessive and unreasonable absences from your duties for any reason (other than authorized leave or as a result of your death or Disability (as defined below)), *provided* that, as to clauses (i), (ii), (iv), (vi) or (vii), an event will only constitute Cause if written notice has been given by the Board of the event constituting Cause and such event has not been cured for a period of 30 days after you receive such notice.

"***Disability***" means your inability to perform the essential functions of your job, with or without accommodation, as a result of any mental or physical disability or incapacity for an extended period but not less than 60 business days in any consecutive six-month period, as determined in the sole discretion of the Company.

"***Good Reason***" means that you voluntarily terminate your employment with the Company if there should occur without your written consent: (i) a material adverse change in your title, position, duties or responsibilities with the Company, including, but not limited to, any (A) failure of the Company to maintain your title, position, duties and responsibilities or (B) requirement that you report to anyone other than the Chief Executive Officer; (ii) a reduction in your then current Base Salary or then current Annual Bonus target by more than 10% of either; (iii) the material breach by the Company of any agreement between you and the Company; and/or (iv) a relocation of your primary location of work more than 30 miles from the Dallas–Fort Worth or the Chicago metropolitan areas; *provided*, *however*, that in each case above, you must (a) first provide written notice to the Company of the existence of the Good Reason condition within 30 days of the initial existence of such event specifying the basis for your belief that you are entitled to terminate your employment for Good Reason, (b) give the Company an opportunity to cure any of the foregoing within 30 days following your delivery to the Company of such written notice, and (c) actually resign your employment within 30 days following the expiration of the Company's 30-day cure period.

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**<u>Exhibit C</u>**

**Separation Agreement and General Release**

This Separation Agreement and General Release (this "***Release Agreement***"), by and among the undersigned ("***Employee***") and Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (collectively, the "***Company***"), is effective as of the date of Employee's signature below (the "***Effective Date***").

1. <u>Separation Date</u>. Employee's employment with the Company terminated on [•] (the "***Separation Date***"). Employee acknowledges that Employee has received all base salary, benefits, including unused vacation pay, accruing through the Separation Date, and, after the Separation Date, Employee is not entitled to any additional compensation or benefits except as provided below.

2. <u>Employee Release of Rights and Agreement Not to Sue</u>. Employee (defined for the purpose of this <u>Section 2</u> as Employee and Employee's agents, representatives, attorneys, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators) fully and unconditionally releases the Released Parties (defined as the Company and its parents, affiliates, predecessors, successors, and assigns, and any of their past or present employees, portfolio companies, trustees, investors, agents, insurers, attorneys, administrators, officials, directors, shareholders, divisions and employee benefit plans, and the sponsors, fiduciaries or administrators of employee benefit plans) from, and agrees not to bring any and agrees not to bring any action, proceeding or suit against any of the Released Parties regarding, any and all known or unknown claims, causes of action, liabilities, damages, fees or remunerations of any sort, arising or that may have arisen out of or in connection with Employee's employment with or termination of employment from the Company or any equity interests Employee may have, at any time before and continuing through the Effective Date, including but not limited to claims for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. violation of any written or unwritten contract, agreement, policy, benefit plan, retirement or pension plan, option plan, severance plan, or covenant of any kind, or failure to pay wages, bonuses, employee benefits, other compensation, attorneys' fees, damages, or any other remuneration (including any equity, ownership interest, management fee, carried interest, partnership interest, distributions, dividends or participation or ownership in any business venture related to the Company);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of any characteristic protected under law, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital or parental status, age, union activity or other protected activity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. denial of protection or benefits under any statute, ordinance, executive order, or regulation, including but not limited to claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Workers' Adjustment and Retraining Notification, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Equal Pay Act, Illinois Family Military Leave Act, the Illinois Employee Sick Leave Act the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, the Cook County Earned Sick Leave Ordinance, the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance, the Chicago Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance or any other federal, state or local statute, ordinance, or regulation regarding employment, termination of employment, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wage and hour matters; and/or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. violation of any public policy or common law of any state relating to employment or personal injury, including but not limited to claims for wrongful discharge, defamation, invasion of privacy, infliction of emotional distress, negligence, fraud, and interference with contract.

Employee affirms that as of the Effective Date, no action or proceeding covered by this <u>Section 2</u> was pending against any of the Released Parties. Nothing herein shall restrict Employee from filing a claim for unemployment insurance benefits or other claims that cannot be waived by agreement. Further, nothing in the foregoing release shall prohibit Employee from filing a charge or complaint with, or participating in any investigation conducted by or before, an administrative agency; however, Employee waives any right to recovery in such a proceeding or any proceeding instituted on Employee's behalf regarding Employee's employment with, or separation from, the Company, to the extent permitted by law.

The releases contained herein do not extend to, and have no effect upon, any benefits that have accrued or equity that has vested, and to which Employee has become vested or otherwise entitled to, under any employee benefit plan, program or policy sponsored or maintained by the Company, or to Employee's right to indemnification by the Company, and continued coverage under any applicable director's and officer's insurance policy.

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3. <u>ADEA Release; Revocation Period</u>. Employee acknowledges that Employee is releasing any claims Employee may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (the "***ADEA Release***"). Employee has the right to revoke the ADEA Release for up to seven days after Employee signs this Release Agreement. In order to revoke the ADEA Release, Employee must sign and send a written notice of Employee's decision to do so, addressed to the Company at [•], which notice must be received by the Company no later than the eighth day after Employee signed this Release Agreement. If Employee revokes the ADEA Release, Employee will not be entitled to any of the consideration described herein.

4. <u>Knowing and Voluntary Waiver</u>. Employee acknowledges that (i) Employee has carefully read this Release Agreement and fully understands its meaning; (ii) Employee had the opportunity to take up to 21 days after receiving this Release Agreement to decide whether to sign it, and the parties expressly agree that such 21-day period shall not be extended upon any material or immaterial changes hereto; (iii) Employee understands that the Company is herein advising Employee, in writing, to consult with an attorney before signing this Release Agreement; (iv) Employee is signing this Release Agreement knowingly, voluntarily, and without any coercion or duress; and (v) everything Employee is receiving for signing this Release Agreement is described herein, and no other promises or representations have been made to cause Employee to sign it.

5. <u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Release Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding concerning the matters addressed herein, including Employee's separation from the Company, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements, understandings, discussions, negotiations or proposals regarding same. In deciding to sign this Release Agreement, Employee has not relied on any express or implied promise, statement or representation by the Company, whether oral or written, except as set forth herein.

\* \* \* \* \*

To be valid and binding, this Release Agreement must be signed by Employee and submitted to the Company no later than 21 after the date on which Employee received it. If this Release Agreement is not received by such time, Employee will not be eligible for any of the consideration set forth herein.

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

<u>____________________</u>

Name:

Title:

Date:

**VIVID SEATS LLC**

<u>____________________</u>

Name:

Title:

Date:

**EMPLOYEE**

<u>____________________</u>

Name:

Date:

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## Exhibit 10.19

**Exhibit 10.19**

January 31, 2024

Stefano Langenbacher

Re: <u>Employment with Vivid Seats</u>

Dear Stefano:

Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (as such companies' names may change from time to time, together with each such company's successors and assigns, and any subsidiary or affiliate that may employ you from time to time, collectively, the "***Company***") are pleased to offer you employment in the position as Chief Technology Officer on the terms set forth below. This letter sets forth the terms of your employment by the Company and is conditional based on (i) securing a valid 0-1 Visa prior to March 31, 2024 and (ii) your relocation to Chicago, IL as outlined in Section 4.

1. Your base salary will be $400,000.00 per year (the "***Base Salary***"), less deductions and withholdings required by law or authorized by you. Your Base Salary will be paid by the Company in regular installments in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices as in effect from time to time.

With respect to your bonus opportunities for each bonus period beginning on and after the Effective Date, you will be eligible to receive an annual bonus of up to 50.0% of your Base Salary (the "***Annual Bonus***"), under the Company's bonus plan or program applicable to senior executives. The actual bonus awarded to you for any bonus period will be determined by reference to the attainment of Company performance metrics and/or individual performance objectives, in each case, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Vivid Seats Inc. (the "***Board***"). Any bonus earned for a fiscal year shall be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year that includes the end of the fiscal year to which the applicable bonus relates, subject, in each case, to your continued employment through the end of the fiscal year to which the applicable bonus relates (except as otherwise contemplated by Sections 9 and 10 hereof).

2. At the next scheduled Board meeting following your hire date and subject to Board approval and your continued employment through the date(s) of grant, the Company will grant to you: a combination of (i) restricted stock units ("***RSUs***") and (ii) non-qualified stock options ("***stock options***") with a grant date estimated fair value of $2.25 million, as determined by the Board in good faith and based, in the case of the stock options, upon a "black scholes" valuation methodology (the "**Equity Awards**"). The percentage of RSUs and stock options will be dependent upon the Board's discretion and shall be consistent with the percentage of RSUs and stock options granted to the Company's other executive officers. Subject to your continued employment, the Equity Awards shall vest over a three-year period with one-third of the Equity Awards vesting one year after the grant date and the remaining Equity Awards vesting in equal quarterly installments over the remaining two-year period. The Equity Awards shall be issued pursuant to the Company's 2021 Incentive Award Plan (the "***Plan***") and written award agreements between you and the Company in the Company's customary forms. Future eligibility for and issuance of awards under the Plan will be done at the sole discretion of the Board.

3. You will also be eligible to participate in regular health, dental and vision insurance plans and other employee benefit plans and arrangements (including a 401(k) plan and paid-time off policies) established by the Company for its executive officers from time to time. The Company will reimburse you for all reasonable and documented expenses incurred by you in the course of performing your duties hereunder in accordance with the Company's policies in place from time to time.

4. Your position is currently based in Chicago, IL and as such, you are expected to relocate to Chicago, IL. Your duties may involve domestic and international travel as reasonably necessary to fulfill such duties. To support your relocation to Chicago, IL, the Company shall provide a one-time cash relocation bonus in the amount of $50,000 (the "***Relocation Bonus***"), payable within 30 days of start date, subject to any applicable tax and other required withholding. The Relocation Bonus shall be used to pay for your travel as necessary to fulfill your duties to the Company prior to your relocation (the "***Commuting Costs***"). If during the first 12 months of employment, you (i) are discharged for <u>Cause, (ii) resign your employment under circumstances that are not a Termination for Good Reason or</u> (iii) do not relocate within 120 days of start date, then you will be obligated to repay the entire Relocation Bonus, excluding the Commuting Costs. By your signature below, you authorize the Company to withhold the Relocation Bonus amount due (excluding the Commuting Costs), in whole or in part, from any final wages, compensation, bonus or other payment due upon termination.

5. You acknowledge that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. you have carefully considered, and you have signed, the Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u> (the "***Restrictive Covenant Agreement***"). Because the Company and its affiliates are engaged in a continuous program of research, development, production and marketing in connection with their business, we wish to reiterate that it is critical for the Company and its affiliates to preserve and protect its proprietary information and its rights in inventions;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. you have completed Schedule 1 attached to the Restrictive Covenant Agreement; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. you and the Company mutually agree that any disputes that may arise regarding your employment will be submitted to either (a) the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the Delaware Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court in the State of Delaware or (b) binding arbitration by the American Arbitration Association, in each case in accordance with Sections 10 and 11 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. As a condition of your employment, you will need to carefully consider and voluntarily agree to the arbitration clause set forth in Section 11 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

6. We also wish to remind you that, as a condition of your employment, you are expected to abide by the Company's, and its direct and indirect parents' and subsidiaries' policies and procedures, provided that such policies and procedures are and continue to be reasonable and customary and that the Company will notify you of any amendments to such policies and procedures that apply to you.

7. Your employment with the Company is at will. The Company may terminate your employment at any time, for any reason or no reason, by giving you notice in writing of not less than 14 days ("***Notice Period***") other than any termination of your employment by the Company for Cause which may be effective immediately and which shall not require any Notice Period. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, you shall be entitled to terminate your employment with the Company at any time, and for any reason or no reason, by giving notice in writing to the Company of not less than the Notice Period, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by you and the Company. In the event of such notice by the Company or by you, the Company reserves the right, in its discretion, to give immediate effect to your termination or resignation in lieu of requiring or allowing you to continue work throughout the Notice Period; *provided* that the Company shall continue to pay your Base Salary during the Notice Period. You shall continue to be an employee of the Company during the Notice Period, and thus owe to the Company the same duty of loyalty you owed it prior to giving notice of your termination. The Company may, during the Notice Period, relieve you of all of your duties and prohibit you from entering the Company's offices.

8. If the Company terminates your employment without "Cause" or you voluntarily terminate your employment for a "Good Reason" (either of these, a "***Qualifying Termination***"), you will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. a severance payment equal to nine months of your then applicable Base Salary (the "***Base Salary Severance***");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. a portion of your Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, prorated for the portion of such fiscal year during which you were employed by the Company, determined at 50% achievement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. any unpaid bonus for a prior fiscal year;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. if you timely elect continued coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ("***COBRA***"), the full amount of your COBRA premiums for your continued coverage under the Company's health, dental and vision plans, including coverage for your eligible dependents, for nine months following your Qualifying Termination or, if earlier, until you are eligible to be covered under another substantially equivalent medical insurance plan by a subsequent employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that it cannot provide the foregoing subsidy of COBRA coverage without potentially violating or causing the Company to incur additional expense as a result of noncompliance with applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company instead shall provide to you a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that you would be required to pay to continue the group health coverage in effect on the date of the Qualifying Termination (which amount shall be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments shall be made regardless of whether you elect COBRA continuation coverage and shall commence on the later of (i) the first day of the month following the month in which you experience a Qualifying Termination and (ii) the effective date of the Company's determination of violation of applicable law, and shall end on the earlier of (x) the effective date on which you become covered by a health, dental or vision insurance plan of a subsequent employer, and (y) the last day of the nine-month period described above after the Qualifying Termination, *provided that*, any such taxable payments will not be paid before the first business day occurring after the 60<sup>th</sup> day following the Qualifying Termination and, once they commence, will include any unpaid amounts accrued from the date of your Qualifying Termination (to the extent not otherwise satisfied with continuation coverage). You shall have no right to an additional gross-up payment to account for the fact that such COBRA premium amounts are paid on an after-tax basis; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e. the benefits set forth in <u>Sections 8(</u>a) through 8(e) hereof are collectively, less deductions and withholdings required by law or authorized by you, termed the "***Severance Pay***". Subject to the provisions in this <u>Section 8</u>, payments of any Base Salary Severance shall be made over 12 months in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices in effect at the time of termination, and payment of any prorated or unpaid bonus shall be made when such bonus payments would otherwise have been paid. For purposes of this <u>Section 8</u>, "***Cause***" and "***Good Reason***" have the meaning set forth in <u>Exhibit B</u> attached hereto. The Company will not be required to pay any Severance Pay unless (i) you execute and deliver to the Company a release agreement (the "***Release Agreement***") within 60 days following the date of your termination of employment and (ii)

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you have not materially breached the provisions of Sections 2 through 8 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, the terms of this letter or any other agreement between you and the Company or the provisions of the Release Agreement. If the Release Agreement is executed and delivered and no longer subject to revocation as provided in the preceding sentence, then the Severance Pay shall be paid in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices at the time of termination and commencing on the 60<sup>th</sup> day following your termination of employment. The first payment of Severance Pay shall include payment of all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto under the terms hereof had such payments commenced immediately upon your termination of employment, and any payments made thereafter shall continue as provided herein.

9. During your employment and thereafter, (i) you shall not make any statement with the intent and that would disparage or materially harm the reputation of the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and (ii) the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its executive officers, directors, managers, employees and stockholders not to make any statement that would libel, slander or disparage you or that would be reasonably likely to adversely impact your efforts to obtain future employment or other business opportunities (subject to your compliance with Section 7.3 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement).

10. You will be an at-will employee of the Company as described in <u>Section 7</u> hereof and Section 9 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. Any statements or representations to the contrary (and, indeed, any statements contradicting any provision hereof) are, and should be regarded by you, as ineffective. Further, your participation in any benefit program or other Company program, if any, is not to be regarded as assuring you of continuing employment for any particular period of time.

11. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, (i) the Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts otherwise payable hereunder any amounts required to be withheld in respect to federal, state or local taxes, and (ii) Vivid Seats LLC shall have the primary obligation to pay all obligations hereunder (including the payment of any compensation).

12. In addition to being indemnified under the Company bylaws and applicable law, you will be named as an insured on the director and officer liability insurance policy currently maintained by the Company or as may be maintained by the Company from time to time for senior employees and if any other senior executive of the Company becomes party to an indemnification agreement, you shall be entitled to enter into a similar agreement promptly following your written request to the Board. All references to the Company in this <u>Section 12</u> shall include all subsidiaries and any successor entities of the Company for which you provide service in any capacity, and shall include Hoya Topco, LLC.

13. The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this letter be exempt from or comply with Section 409A ("***Section 409A***") of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "***Code***"), and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this letter shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on you by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision hereof providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision hereof, references to a "termination," "termination of employment" or like terms shall mean "separation from service." Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this letter, if you are deemed on the date of termination to be a "specified employee" within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered deferred compensation under Section 409A payable on account of a "separation from service," such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of such "separation from service" and (B) the date of your death, to the extent required under Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A, your right to receive any installment payments pursuant hereto shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. To the extent that reimbursements or other in-kind benefits hereunder constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" for purposes of Section 409A, (a) all such expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by you, (b) any right to such reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (c) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof to the contrary, in no event shall any payment hereunder that constitutes "nonqualified deferred compensation" for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.

14. If any of the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any equity award agreement, either alone or together with other benefits and payments which you have the right to receive, either directly or indirectly, from the Company (or any of its affiliates), would constitute an Excess Payment (defined below) and, but for this sentence would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code at a time when no shares of the Company are readily tradeable on an established securities

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market (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(5)(A)(ii)(I) of the Code), and provided you agree in writing to unconditionally waive your right to such Excess Payments in accordance with Regulation 1.280G-1, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek consent or approval by the Company's stockholders under Section 280G(b)(5) and the regulations thereunder with respect to such Excess Payments. Subject to the foregoing, if any of the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any equity award agreement, either alone or together with other benefits and payments which you have or will have the right to receive, would constitute an excess parachute payment (the "***Excess Payment***") under Section 280G of the Code, then you hereby agree that the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any other arrangement or plan shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount necessary to prevent any such benefits and payments from constituting an Excess Payment; provided, however, that such reduction shall only be made if, by reason of such reduction, your net after-tax economic benefit shall exceed the net after-tax economic benefit to you if such reduction were not made. Any determination required under this <u>Section 14</u> shall be made in writing by a firm of independent public accountants or an advisor with experience in performing calculations regarding the applicability of Section 280G of the Code and related excise taxes ("***Independent Advisors***") whose determination shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes upon the Company and you. For purposes of making any calculation required by this <u>Section 14</u>, the Independent Advisors may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good-faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. Any reduction in the Excess Payments required to effectuate the waiver contemplated herein shall be implemented based on the time of payment of the Excess Payments with the amount having the latest payment date being reduced first and then in reverse chronological order until the Excess Payments are reduced to zero. In the event that more than one payment would be made on the same day, the Excess Payments attributable to such payments shall be reduced on a pro-rata basis. If any such payments or benefits have been reduced in accordance with this <u>Section 14</u> and it is established pursuant to a final determination of a court or an Internal Revenue Service proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that payments which have been made to, or provided for the benefit of, you by the Company, are Excess Payments, you shall repay the amount of such payments to the Company.

*[Signature page follows.]*

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By signing this letter and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u>, you represent and warrant that you have had the opportunity to seek the advice of independent counsel before signing and have either done so, or have freely chosen not to do so, and either way, you sign this letter voluntarily.

Very truly yours,

**Vivid Seats Inc.**

<u>/s/ Stanley Chia</u> 

Stanley Chia

Chief Executive Officer

**Vivid Seats LLC**

<u>/s/ Stanley Chia</u> 

Stanley Chia

Chief Executive Officer

I have read and understood this letter and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u>, and I hereby acknowledge, accept and agree to the terms set forth herein and therein.

<u>/s/ Stefano Langenbacher</u> 

Name: Stefano Langenbacher

Date: January 31, 2024

[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]

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**<u>Exhibit A</u>**

**Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement**

As a condition of your continued employment with Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (as such companies' names may change from time to time, together with each such company's successors and assigns, collectively, the "***Company***"), you and the Company agree to the following.

For purposes of this Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement (this "***Restrictive Covenant Agreement***"), references to the "***Group***" means the Company, and its affiliates (whether a direct or indirect parent, subsidiary, or sister entity to the Company) engaged in the same line of business or contemplated business as of the Company.

\* \* \* \* \*

**1. CONSIDERATION FOR AGREEMENT**

You understand that the Group is engaged in a continuous program of research, development, production and marketing in connection with its business and that it is critical for the Group to preserve and protect its "Proprietary Information" (as defined in <u>Section 2</u> hereof), its rights in "Inventions" (as defined in <u>Section 4</u> hereof) and in all related intellectual property rights. You acknowledge that, as a result of your employment with the Company and/or its predecessors, you have and/or may receive confidential information, trade secrets, and/or specialized training from the Group, each of which constitutes good and valuable consideration in support of your obligations made hereunder. As additional consideration, you may also have the opportunity to develop valuable business relationships with employees, agents, suppliers, and customers of the Group and to use the Group's resources and goodwill in the marketplace to develop those relationships. Finally, by your signature below, you acknowledge that your continued employment with the Company (subject to <u>Section 9</u> hereof), together with your participation (if any) in any Company bonus or incentive compensation plan, both of which the Company would not allow but for your execution of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, constitute consideration in support of your return promise to maintain the confidentiality of all specialized knowledge and confidential information as well as your promise to adhere to the other restrictions set forth in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including, but not limited to, those set forth in <u>Section 7</u> hereof.

**2. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION**

(A) All information and materials relating to the existing software products and software in the various stages of research and development, including, but not limited to, source codes, object codes, design specifications, design notes, flow charts, graphics, graphical user interfaces, coding sheets, product plans, know-how, negative know how, test plans, business investment analysis, marketing and functional requirements, algorithms, product bugs and customer technical support cases which relate to the software;

(B) Internal business information, procedures and policies, including, but not limited to, licensing techniques, vendor names, other vendor information, business plans, financial information, budgets, forecasts, product margins, product costs, service and/or operation manuals and related documentation including drawings, and other such information, whether written or oral, which relates to the way the Group conducts its business;

(C) All legal rights, including but not limited to, trade secrets, pending patents, Inventions (as defined in <u>Section 4</u> hereof) and other discoveries, claims, litigation and/or arbitrations involving the Group, pending trademarks, copyrights, proposed advertising, public relations and promotional campaigns and like properties maintained in confidence;

(D) Any and all customer sales and marketing information, including but not limited to sales forecasts, marketing and sales promotion plans, product launch plans, sales call reports, competitive intelligence information, customer information, customer lists, customer needs and buying habits, sales and marketing studies and reports, internal price list, discount matrix, customer data, customer contracts, pricing structures, customer negotiations, customer relations materials, customer service materials, past customers, and the type, quantity and specifications of products purchased, leased or licensed by customers of the Group; and

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(E) Any and all other trade secrets of the Group, as that term is defined under applicable laws.

You understand and agree that the Proprietary Information is the exclusive property of the Group, and that, during your employment, you will use and disclose Proprietary Information only for the Group's benefit and in accordance with any restrictions placed on its use or disclosure by the Group. After termination of your employment for any reason, you will not use in any manner or disclose any Proprietary Information, except to the extent compelled by applicable law; provided that in the event you receive notice of any effort to compel disclosure of Proprietary Information for any reason, you will promptly and in advance of disclosure notify Company of such notice and cooperate in good faith with all lawful and reasonable Company or Group efforts (through their counsel or otherwise) to resist or limit such disclosure; provided, further, that the Company shall reimburse you for any reasonable costs or expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by you in connection with such efforts to resist or limit disclosure.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Proprietary Information does not include information (i) that was or becomes generally available to you on a non-confidential basis, if the source of this information was not reasonably known to you to be bound by a duty of confidentiality, (ii) that was or becomes generally available to the public, other than as a result of a disclosure by you, directly or indirectly or any other breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or (iii) that is disclosed to your affiliates; provided that such affiliates have been advised of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and you shall be responsible for any breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement by any of your affiliates and you agree, at your sole expense, to take reasonable measurers (including but not limited to court proceedings) to restrain your affiliates from prohibited or unauthorized disclosure or use of any Proprietary Information.

In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, nothing in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement prohibits you from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any United States governmental agency or entity in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or any other whistleblower protection provisions of state or federal law or regulation (including the right to receive an award for information provided to any such government agencies). Furthermore, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 1833, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement: (i) you shall not be in breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law (A) for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (B) for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal; and (ii) if you file a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, you may disclose the trade secret to the your attorney, and may use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if you file any document containing the trade secret under seal, and do not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

**3. THIRD-PARTY INFORMATION**

You recognize that the Group has received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information, subject to the last paragraph in <u>Section 2</u> hereof, subject to a duty on the Group's part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. You agree that you owe the Group and such third parties, during the term of your employment, and thereafter, a duty to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to disclose it to any person, firm or corporation (except as necessary in carrying out your work for the Group consistent with the Group's agreement with such third party) or to use it for the benefit of anyone other than for the Group or such third party (consistent with the Company's agreement with such third party) without the express written authorization of the Board of Managers of the Company or its delegate(s). All rights and benefits afforded to the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall apply equally to the owner of the third party information with respect to the third party information, and such third party is an intended third party beneficiary of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, with respect to the third party information. You further agree to conform to the Company's privacy policies, as established or amended from time to time.

**4. INVENTIONS**

**4.1 Prior Inventions**. You have attached hereto as Schedule 1 a complete and accurate list describing all Inventions (as defined below) which were discovered, created, invented, developed or reduced to practice by you prior to the commencement of your employment by the Company or have not been legally assigned to the Company (collectively, "***Prior Inventions***"), which belong solely to you or belong to you jointly with others, which relates in any way to any of the Group's current, proposed or reasonably anticipated businesses, products or research or development and which are not assigned to the Group hereunder; or have initialed Schedule 1 to indicate you have no Prior Inventions to disclose.

If, in the course of your employment with the Company, you incorporate or cause to be incorporated into a Group product, service, process, file, system, application or program a Prior Invention owned by you or in which you have an interest, you hereby grant the Group member a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, sublicensable and assignable license to make, have

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made, copy, modify, make derivative works of, use, offer to sell, sell or otherwise distribute such Prior Invention as part of or in connection with such product, process, file, system, application or program.

**4.2 Disclosure of Inventions**. You will promptly disclose in confidence to the Company all Inventions that you make or conceive or first reduce to practice or create, either alone or jointly with others, during the period of your employment, and for a period of three months thereafter, which relate in any way to any of the Group's current, proposed or reasonably anticipated businesses, products or research or development, whether or not in the course of your employment, and whether or not such Inventions are patentable, copyrightable or protectable as trade secrets. For purposes of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, "***Inventions***" means without limitation, formulas, algorithms, processes, techniques, concepts, designs, developments, technology, ideas, patentable and unpatentable inventions and discoveries, copyrights and works of authorship in any media now known or hereafter invented (including computer programs, source code, object code, hardware, firmware, software, mask work, applications, files, Internet site content, databases and compilations, documentation and related items) patents, trade and service marks, logos, trade dress, corporate names and other source indicators and the good will of any business symbolized thereby, trade secrets, knowhow, confidential and proprietary information, documents, analyses, research and lists (including current and potential customer and user lists) and all applications and registrations and recordings, improvements and licenses related to any of the foregoing. You recognize that Inventions or Proprietary Information relating to your activities while working for the Company, and conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made by you, alone or with others, within three months after termination of your employment may have been conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made, as applicable, in significant part while you were employed by the Company. Accordingly, you agree that such Inventions and Proprietary Information shall be presumed to have been conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made, as applicable, during your employment with the Company and are to be assigned to the Company pursuant to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and applicable law unless and until you have established the contrary by clear and convincing evidence.

**4.3 Work for Hire; Assignment of Inventions**. You acknowledge and agree that any copyrightable works prepared by you within the scope of your employment are "works made for hire" under the Copyright Act and that the Company will be considered the author and owner of such copyrightable works. Any copyrightable works the Company or a Group member specially commissions from you while you are employed with the Company shall be deemed a work made for hire under the Copyright Act and if for any reason a work cannot be so designated as a work made for hire, you agree to and hereby assign to the Company all right, title and interest in and to said work(s). You agree to and hereby grant the Company a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, sublicensable and assignable license to make, have made, copy, modify, make derivative works of, use, publicly perform, display or otherwise distribute any copyrightable works you create during the time you are employed with the Company that for any reason do not qualify as a work made for hire, that were not specially commissioned by the Group, or both, but that relate in any way to the business of the Group. You agree that all Inventions that (i) are developed using equipment, supplies, facilities, Proprietary Information or other trade secret information of the Group, (ii) result from work performed by you for the Group, or (iii) relate to the Group's business or current or anticipated research and development (the "***Assigned Inventions***"), will be the sole and exclusive property of the Company and you agree to and hereby irrevocably assign the Assigned Inventions to the Company.

**4.4 Assignment of Other Rights**. In addition to the foregoing assignment of Assigned Inventions to the Company, you hereby irrevocably transfer and assign to the Company: (i) all worldwide patents, patent applications, copyrights, mask works, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights in any Assigned Inventions; and (ii) any and all "Moral Rights" (as defined below) that you may have in or with respect to any Assigned Inventions. You also hereby forever waive and agree never to assert any and all Moral Rights you may have in or with respect to any Assigned Inventions, even after termination of your work on behalf of the Company. "***Moral Rights***" mean any rights to claim authorship of any Assigned Inventions, to object to or prevent the modification of any Assigned Inventions, or to withdraw from circulation or control the publication or distribution of any Assigned Inventions, and any similar right, existing under judicial or statutory law of any country in the world, or under any treaty, regardless of whether or not such right is denominated or generally referred to as a "moral right".

**4.5 Assistance**. Whether during or after your employment, and without additional compensation, you agree to do any reasonable act and/or execute any document deemed necessary or desirable by the Company in furtherance of perfecting, prosecuting, recording, maintaining, enforcing and protecting the Group's right, title and interest in and to, any of the Assigned Inventions. In the event that the Company is unable for any reason to secure your signature to any document required to file, prosecute, register or memorialize the ownership and/or assignment of, or to enforce, any intellectual property, you hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company's duly authorized officers and agents as your agents and attorneys-in-fact to act for and on your behalf and stead to (i) execute, file, prosecute, register and/or memorialize the assignment and/or ownership of any Assigned Invention; (ii) to execute and file any documentation required for such enforcement and (iii) do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the filing, prosecution,

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registration, memorialization of assignment and/or ownership of, issuance of and enforcement of any Assigned Inventions, all with the same legal force and effect as if executed by you.

**4.6 Exceptions to Assignment**. You understand and acknowledge that the provisions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement requiring the assignment of inventions to the Company do not apply to any Invention that qualifies fully under the provisions of 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act, a copy of which is attached hereto as Schedule 2. You further understand and agree that the provisions of 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act do not apply to any Invention for which full title is required to be in the United States, as required by contracts between the Company and the United States or any of its agencies. You will advise the Company promptly in writing of any Invention which you believe meets the criteria in 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act and you will at that time provide to the Company in writing all evidence necessary to substantiate your belief.

**4.7 Applicability to Past Activities**. To the extent you have been engaged to provide services by the Company or its predecessor for a period of time before the effective date of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement (the "***Prior Engagement Period***"), you agree that if and to the extent that, during the Prior Engagement Period: (i) you received access to any information from or on behalf of the Company that would have been Proprietary Information if you had received access to such information during the period of your employment with the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement; or (ii) you conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice any item, including any intellectual property rights with respect thereto, that would have been an Invention if conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice during the period of your employment with the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement; then any such information shall be deemed Proprietary Information hereunder and any such item shall be deemed an Invention hereunder, and this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall apply to such information or item as if conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**5. NO BREACH OF PRIOR AGREEMENT**

You represent that your performance of all the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and your duties as an employee of the Company will not breach any invention assignment, proprietary information, confidentiality or similar agreement with any former employer or other party. You represent that you will not bring with you to the Company or use in the performance of your duties for the Company any documents or materials or tangibles of a former employer or third party that are not in the public domain or have not been legally transferred or licensed to the company.

**6. DUTY OF LOYALTY**

You understand that your employment with the Company requires your undivided attention and effort during normal business hours. While you are employed by the Company, you will not, without the Company's express prior written consent, (i) engage in any other business activity, unless such activity is for passive investment purposes only and will not require you to render any services, (ii) be engaged or interested, directly or indirectly, alone or with others, in any trade, business or occupation in competition with the Group, (iii) make preparations, alone or with others, to compete with the Group in the future, or (iv) appropriate for your own benefit business opportunities pertaining to the Group's business. The foregoing does not limit your ability to serve on civic and charitable boards or committees.

**7. DUTY OF NON INTERFERENCE**

**7.1 Non-Solicitation of Employees/Consultants**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of one year thereafter, you will not directly or indirectly hire, attempt to hire, recruit, offer employment, lure or entice away, or in any other manner persuade or otherwise solicit anyone who is then an employee or consultant of the Group (or who was an employee or consultant of the Group within the prior six months) to resign from the Group or to apply for or accept employment with you or with any third party. The foregoing notwithstanding, it shall not be deemed a violation of this <u>Section 7.1</u> to place an announcement of a job opening in general circulation or to respond to unsolicited inquiries regarding employment opportunities, or to hire an applicant who you have not, directly or indirectly, solicited for employment. This <u>Section 7.1</u> shall not prevent you from using general solicitations (including through search firms) not targeted at employees of the Group.

**7.2 Non-Solicitation of Suppliers/Customers**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of one year thereafter, you will not directly or indirectly (i) solicit or accept from any customer or potential customer of the Group any business involving the Restricted Business (as defined in <u>Section 7.3</u> hereof); (ii) request or advise any customer, potential customer or supplier of the Group to curtail, cancel, or withdraw its business from the Group; or (iii) aid in any way any other entity in obtaining business from any customer or potential customer of the Group involving the Restricted Business (as defined in <u>Section 7.3</u> hereof). This <u>Section 7.2</u> shall not apply to any customer, potential customer or supplier of the Group which you did not have direct contact with or supervisory responsibility for, or access to Proprietary Information regarding, during the 12 months preceding termination of your employment with the Company (including if applicable any period of employment with the Company's predecessor).

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**7.3 Non-Competition**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of one year thereafter (the "***Restricted Period***"), you will not directly or indirectly, whether as an employee, officer, director, consultant, owner, manager, advisor, investor, or otherwise, in any geographic area in which the Group has conducted the Restricted Business during the 12 months preceding termination of your employment; (i) render advice or services to, or otherwise assist, any person, association, or entity who is engaged, directly or indirectly, in the Restricted Business; or (ii) hold a 5% or greater equity, voting or profit participation interest in any person, association, or entity who is engaged, directly or indirectly, in the Restricted Business. For purposes of this <u>Section 7.3</u>, "***Restricted Business***" means the business of developing, distributing, selling, supplying or otherwise dealing with the purchasing and/or selling of entertainment tickets and/or sports tickets in the primary and/or secondary markets or any other material line of business that the Company may later engage in in the ordinary course and for which you have direct operational responsibility or as to which you receive Proprietary Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with prior written consent from the Company which shall not be unreasonably withheld, you may accept employment or otherwise be engaged in or involved with a competitor of the Group that has multiple lines of business (a "***Permitted Employer***") provided that, during the Restricted Period, you are employed by or providing services to a business unit of such competitor that is not engaged or otherwise involved with the Restricted Business. Nothing contained in this <u>Section 7.3</u> shall prohibit you from owning of a passive investment interest of not more than 5% in a company with publicly traded equity securities, and whether on your own behalf or on behalf of others. You agree that the Restricted Period shall be extended by a period equal the length of any violation of this <u>Section 7.3</u>.

**8. OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION**

**8.1 Return of Company Property**. At the time of leaving the employ of the Company, you will deliver to the Company (and will not keep in your possession or deliver to anyone else) (i) any and all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to your work, including without limitation devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, other documents or property, or reproductions of any aforementioned items and (ii) all property belonging to the Group or any third party which provided property to you in connection with your employment such as computer, laptops, personal digital assistants, cell phones, MP3 players, electronic organizers and other devices, cards, car, keys, security devices or any other item belonging to the Group. Upon Company request, you will execute a document confirming your compliance with this provision and the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**8.2 Notification of New Employer**. Before you accept employment or enter in to any consulting or other professional or business engagement with any Permitted Employer while any of <u>Section 7</u> hereof is in effect, you will provide such person or entity with written notice of the provisions of <u>Section 7</u>hereof and will deliver a copy of such notice to the Company. You hereby grant consent to notification by the Company to such Permitted Employer about your rights and obligations under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**8.3 Withholding**. To the extent allowed by law, you agree to allow Company to deduct from your final paycheck(s) any amounts due as a result of your employment, including but not limited to any expense advances or business charges incurred by you on behalf of the Group, charges for property damaged or not returned when requested, and any other charges incurred by you payable to the Group. You agree to execute any authorization form as may be provided by Company to effectuate this provision.

**9. AT WILL EMPLOYMENT**

This Restrictive Covenant Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment for any definite period of time. You acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement modifies the at-will nature of your employment with Company, which permits either yourself or Company to terminate your employment at any time and without cause.

**10. GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL**

Except as otherwise set forth in <u>Section 11</u> hereof, the following provisions of this <u>Section 10</u> shall apply with respect to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto:

All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the Delaware Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of the State of Delaware, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding which is brought in any such court has been

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brought in an inconvenient forum. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court.

EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING HEREUNDER OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT HEREOF OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT THE PARTIES HERETO MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

**11. ARBITRATION**

Notwithstanding the provisions of <u>Section 10</u> hereof, the following provisions shall apply with respect to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto in the event that the Company and its affiliates stipulate in writing to you at the outset of any controversy or dispute between you and the Company or between you and any affiliate or an agent of the Company, including but not limited to directors, officers, managers, other employees or members of the Group that the maximum amount of losses that you shall be liable for in connection with any such controversy or dispute shall be capped at the Severance Pay amount:

In the event of any controversy or dispute between you and the Company or between you and any affiliate or an agent of Company, including but not limited to directors, officers, managers, other employees or members of the Group, who are being sued in any capacity, as to all or any part of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, any other agreement, any dispute or controversy whatsoever pertaining to or arising out of the relationship between you and the Company and/or the Group or the dissolution or termination of same, and/or the arbitrability thereof (collectively, "***Arbitrable Disputes***" as further defined below) shall, subject to this <u>Section 11</u>, be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration solely between yourself and the Company and/or person or entity described above, conducted in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Section 1 *et seq*, as amended, and shall be administered in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules governing employment disputes (the "***AAA Rules***").

Arbitrable Disputes shall include any and all disputes not specifically exempted from arbitration herein, including, but not limited to, any alleged violations of federal, state or local constitutions, statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations or common law, any claims of wrongful termination, unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation, including but not limited to Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, The Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act and similar state and local statutes, any claims of breach of contract or any implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, any claims of adverse treatment in violation of public policy, and any disputes arising from, under or regarding this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including the formation, validity, interpretation, effect or breach hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, all disputes regarding the validity of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, the validity of the arbitration provisions hereof, or whether any particular claim or matter is included within the scope of the arbitration provisions hereof, are Arbitrable Disputes subject to arbitration as described herein.

Specifically excluded from Arbitrable Disputes are disputes or claims arising from or related to workers' compensation and unemployment insurance, and any claims which are expressly excluded from binding arbitration by statute or public policy, or which are expressly required to be arbitrated under a different procedure.

While you are not required to do so before serving an arbitration demand, nothing herein shall prevent you from filing or maintaining an administrative charge or complaint with a government agency, including but not limited to, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board or any equivalent state or local agency. For the avoidance of doubt, if you choose not to file an administrative charge or complaint before commencing an arbitration in accordance with this <u>Section 11</u> and the AAA Rules, your arbitration demand must be served within the applicable time period for filing a charge with the relevant agency in order to be timely filed.

This binding arbitration procedure shall supplant and replace claims in court (except as specified herein), and you expressly waive the right to a civil court action before a jury.

Notwithstanding any statute or rule governing limitations of actions, but only to the extent permitted by applicable law, any arbitration relating to or arising from any Arbitrable Dispute shall be commenced by service of an arbitration demand before the (i) one-year anniversary of the accrual of the aggrieved party's claim pursuant to applicable law or (ii) before the expiration of the applicable statute of limitation pursuant to applicable law, whichever period is shorter.

All Arbitrable Disputes hereunder must be brought in your individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, representative or collective proceeding. You agree that the arbitrator is not empowered to consolidate claims of different

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individuals into one proceeding, or to hear an arbitration as a class arbitration. To the extent the arbitrator determines that this class/collective action waiver is invalid, for any reason, this entire <u>Section 11</u> shall be null and void, but only with regard to that particular proceeding in which the arbitrator invalidated this class/collective action waiver, and this <u>Section 11</u> shall remain in full force and effect with respect to any Arbitrable Disputes other than that covered by such class/collective action proceeding.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the waiver of the jury trial right shall survive even in the event this <u>Section 11</u> is deemed null and void.

**12. GENERAL**

**12.1 Injunctive Relief.** Notwithstanding the arbitration provisions in <u>Section 11</u> hereof or anything else to the contrary herein, you and the Company understand and agree that the parties' actions or potential actions concerning obligations under <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u>, <u>4</u>, <u>6</u> and <u>7</u> hereof may result in irreparable and continuing damage to the other party for which monetary damages will not be sufficient, and agree that both parties will be entitled to seek, in addition to its other rights and remedies hereunder or at law and both before or while a matter or an arbitration is pending between the parties under <u>Section 10</u> or <u>11</u>hereof, a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or similar injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable injury pending the full and final resolution of the dispute, without the necessity of showing any actual damages or that monetary damages would not afford an adequate remedy, and without the necessity of posting any bond or other security. The aforementioned injunctive relief shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, legal remedies, monetary damages or other available forms of relief through legal or arbitration proceedings. This <u>Section 12.1</u> shall not be construed to limit the obligation for either party to pursue arbitration under <u>Section 11</u> hereof with respect to any Arbitrable Disputes.

**12.2 Severability; Modification; Partial Invalidity**. Each provision of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement is severable from every other provision of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement. If the scope of any restriction contained herein is too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its full extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the parties consent and agree that such scope may be accordingly modified in any legal proceeding brought to enforce such restriction. If any provision hereof, or the application of such provision, is held unenforceable for any reason, then such provision shall be modified to the extent necessary to render it enforceable (except as otherwise provided in Section 11.6 hereof), or, if held impossible to modify, then severed from this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and the remainder of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall not be affected.

**12.3 Waiver of Breach**. The failure of you or the Company at any time, or from time to time, to require performance of any of the Company's or your obligations, respectively, hereunder shall not be deemed a waiver of and shall in no manner affect your or the Company's right to enforce any provision hereof at a subsequent time. The waiver by you or the Company of any rights arising out of any breach shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights arising out of any subsequent breach.

**12.4 Assignment**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement will be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Group, its successors, its assigns and licensees. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and your rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by you; however, the Company may assign its rights hereunder in connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of any or all of its business or assets.

**12.5 Notice**. Unless your offer letter states otherwise, you agree to use reasonable efforts to provide Company 14 days' notice to terminate your employment with Company; provided, however, that this provision shall not change the at-will nature of the employment relationship between you and Company.

**12.6 Applicable Law**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to choice of law rules; provided, however, that in connection with any arbitration proceedings brought pursuant to the terms of <u>Section 11</u> hereof, this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to choice of law rules.

**12.7 Entire Agreement**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto, and your employment agreement with the Company and the Exhibits attached thereto, and the documents referred to in all of the foregoing, constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between or among the parties hereto with respect to the specific subject matter hereof. If any of the provisions of <u>Section 7</u> hereof is deemed void, voidable or otherwise invalid in legal proceedings and is not modified in accordance with <u>Section 12.2</u> hereof, you agree that you shall comply with, and the Company may seek to enforce, such provisions against you. No modification of or amendment to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights hereunder, will be effective unless in writing signed by the parties. Headings are provided for convenience only and do not modify, broaden, define or restrict any provision.

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**12.8 Survival**. Any termination of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, regardless of how such termination may occur, shall not operate to terminate <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u>, <u>4</u>, <u>5</u>, <u>7</u>, <u>8</u>, <u>10</u>, <u>11</u> and <u>12</u> hereof, which shall survive any such termination and remain valid, enforceable and in full force and effect.

*[Signature page follows.]*

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

<u>/s/ Stanley Chia</u> 

Name: Stanley Chia

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: January 31, 2024

**VIVID SEATS LLC**

<u>/s/ Stanley Chia</u> 

Name: Stanley Chia

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: January 31, 2024

**EMPLOYEE**

<u>/s/ Stefano Langenbacher</u> 

Name: Stefano Langenbacher

Date: January 31, 2024

[Signature Page to Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement]

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**<u>EXHIBIT B</u>**

**Certain Definitions**

"***Cause***" means any of the following: (i) a repeated failure by you to perform your obligations, responsibilities or duties to the Company under this letter or those other responsibilities or duties as reasonably requested from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer; (ii) your engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company; (iii) your commission or conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude or any other act or omission that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company; (iv) a breach of your duty of loyalty to the Company or your breach of the Company's written code of conduct and business ethics, in either case, that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company or your material breach of Sections 2 through 8 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement or any other material written agreement between you and the Company; (v) dishonesty that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the Company; (vi) fraud, gross negligence or repetitive negligence committed without regard to corrective direction in the course of discharge of your duties as an employee; or (vii) excessive and unreasonable absences from your duties for any reason (other than authorized leave or as a result of your death or Disability (as defined below)), *provided* that, as to clauses (i), (ii), (iv), (vi) or (vii), an event will only constitute Cause if after written notice has been given by the Board of the event constituting Cause and such event constituting Cause has not been cured for a period of 30 days after you receive notice from the Board.

"***Disability***" means your inability to perform the essential functions of your job, with or without accommodation, as a result of any mental or physical disability or incapacity for an extended period but not less than 60 business days in any consecutive six-month period, as determined in the sole discretion of the Company.

"***Good Reason***" means that you voluntarily terminate your employment with the Company if there should occur without your written consent: (i) a material adverse change in your title, position, duties or responsibilities with the Company, including, but not limited to, any (A) failure of the Company to maintain your title, position, duties and responsibilities or (B) requirement that you report to anyone other than the Chief Executive Officer; (ii) a reduction in your then current Base Salary or then current Annual Bonus target by more than 10% of either; (iii) the material breach by the Company of any agreement between you and the Company; or (iv) a relocation of your primary location of work more than 30 miles from the Chicago, IL metropolitan area; *provided*, *however*, that in each case above, you must (a) first provide written notice to the Company of the existence of the Good Reason condition within thirty days of the initial existence of such event specifying the basis for your belief that you are entitled to terminate your employment for Good Reason, (b) give the Company an opportunity to cure any of the foregoing within thirty days following your delivery to the Company of such written notice, and (c) actually resign your employment within thirty days following the expiration of the Company's 30-day cure period.

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## Exhibit 10.20

**Exhibit 10.20**

**AMENDMENT TO**

**EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT**

This Amendment to Employment Agreement (this "***Amendment***") is entered into by and among Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (together, the "***Company***") and Stefano Langenbacher ("***Executive***") (each, a "***Party***," and collectively, the "***Parties***") as of June 26, 2024 (the "***Effective Date***").

The Company and Executive previously entered into an Employment Agreement, dated January 31, 2024 (the "***Employment Agreement***"), and the Company and Executive now desire to amend the Employment Agreement pursuant to the terms hereof. In consideration of Executive's continued engagement with the Company and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the Parties agree as follows:

1.**Definitions**. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Employment Agreement.

2.**Amendments**. The Parties hereby agree that the Employment Agreement shall be amended as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1.**Section 8(e)**. Section 8(e) of the Employment Agreement shall be stricken in its entirety. All other provisions in Section 8 of the Employment Agreement shall remain the same.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2.**Section 9**. The Employment Agreement shall be amended to include a new Section 9. All subsequent Section numbers and references to such Sections shall be adjusted accordingly. The new Section 9 shall comprise the following provisions:

9. If, at any time during the period beginning 12 months prior to a Change in Control (as defined in the Company's 2021 Incentive Award Plan, as amended) and ending 12 months following a Change in Control, the Company terminates your employment and such termination constitutes a Qualifying Termination, you will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. the Base Salary Severance;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. 1.0 times your Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination of employment occurs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. any unpaid bonus for a prior fiscal year;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. the COBRA benefits identified in Section 8(d);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e. notwithstanding the terms of the equity awards, the vesting of your then outstanding unvested equity awards, including the Equity Awards, shall be accelerated as to 100% of the unvested shares subject thereto; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f. the benefits set forth in Sections 8 and 9 are collectively, less deductions and withholdings required by law or authorized by you, termed the "**Severance Pay**." Subject to the provisions in Sections 8 and 9, payments of any Base Salary Severance shall be made in substantially equal monthly installments in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices in effect at the time of your termination of employment, and payment of any prorated or unpaid bonus shall be made when such bonus payments would otherwise have been paid. For purposes of Sections 8 and 9, "**Cause**" and "**Good Reason**" have the meanings set forth in **<u>Exhibit B</u>** hereto. The Company will not be required to pay any Severance Pay unless (i) you execute and deliver to the Company a release agreement (the "**Release Agreement**") within 60 days following the date of your termination of employment and (ii) you have not materially breached the provisions of (A) this letter, (B) Sections 2 through 8 of **<u>Exhibit A</u>** hereto, (C) the Release Agreement or (D) any other agreement between you and the Company. If the Release Agreement has been executed and delivered and is no longer subject to revocation as provided in the preceding sentence, then the applicable Severance Pay shall be paid in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices in effect at the time of your termination of employment and commencing on the 60<sup>th</sup> day following your termination of employment. The first payment of any Base Salary Severance shall include payment of all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto under the terms of this letter had such payments commenced immediately upon your termination of employment, and any payments made thereafter shall continue as provided herein. **For the avoidance of doubt, under no circumstances shall you be entitled to receive Severance Pay under both Sections 8 and 9**.

3.**Continuation**. Except as set forth herein, all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Employment Agreement, including its exhibits and schedules, are unchanged, shall remain in full force and effect and are hereby ratified and confirmed by the Parties. If any provision hereof is inconsistent with the Employment Agreement, the Parties intend that the terms hereof shall control solely to the extent required to make the Employment Agreement consistent herewith. Nothing herein shall change the at-will nature of Executive's employment. Executive agrees and confirms that nothing herein triggers the Good Reason provision contained in the Employment Agreement.

4.**Construction of Terms**. This Amendment constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any other agreements or promises made to Executive by anyone with respect to this subject matter, whether oral or written. No modification hereto shall be valid unless in writing and signed by the Parties.

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5.**Governing Law**. This Amendment shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions of any jurisdiction.

6.**Counterparts**. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, with the same force and effectiveness as though executed in a single document.

7.**Effective Date**. The terms and conditions set forth herein shall be effective as of the Effective Date.

\* \* \* \* \*

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of the Effective Date.

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

By: <u>/s/ Stanley Chia</u> 

Name: Stanley Chia

Title: Chief Executive Officer

**VIVID SEATS LLC**

By: <u>/s/ Stanley Chia</u> 

Name: Stanley Chia

Title: Chief Executive Officer

**EXECUTIVE**

By: <u>/s/ Stefano Langenbacher</u> 

Name: Stefano Langenbacher

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## Exhibit 10.21

**Exhibit 10.21**

June 26, 2024

Edward Pickus

Re: <u>Employment with Vivid Seats</u>

Dear Ted:

Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (as such companies' names may change from time to time, together with each such company's successors and assigns, and any subsidiary or affiliate that may employ you from time to time, collectively, the "***Company***") are pleased to offer you employment in the position as Chief Accounting Officer on the terms set forth below. This letter sets forth the terms of your employment by the Company.

1. Your base salary will be $305,000.00 per year (the "***Base Salary***"), less deductions and withholdings required by law or authorized by you. Your Base Salary will be paid by the Company in regular installments in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices as in effect from time to time.

With respect to your bonus opportunities for each bonus period (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the bonus period that began on January 1, 2024), you will be eligible to receive an annual bonus targeted at 50.0% of your Base Salary (the "***Annual Bonus***"), under the Company's bonus plan or program applicable to senior employees. The actual bonus awarded to you for any bonus period will be determined by reference to the attainment of Company performance metrics and/or individual performance objectives, in each case, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Vivid Seats Inc. (the "***Board***"). Any bonus earned for a fiscal year shall be paid no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year that includes the end of the fiscal year to which the applicable bonus relates, subject, in each case, to your continued employment through the end of the fiscal year to which the applicable bonus relates (except as otherwise contemplated by <u>Sections 8</u> and <u>9</u> hereof).

2. Your eligibility for and issuance of awards under the Company's 2021 Incentive Award Plan (as amended, the "***Plan***") will be at the sole discretion of the Board, including with respect to the Company's 2025 equity awards.

3. You will be eligible to participate in regular health, dental and vision insurance plans and other employee benefit plans and arrangements (including a 401(k) plan and paid-time off policies) established by the Company for its employees from time to time. The Company will reimburse you for all reasonable and documented expenses incurred by you in the course of performing your duties hereunder in accordance with the Company's policies in place from time to time.

4. Your position is currently based in the Chicago, IL metropolitan area. Your duties may involve extensive domestic and international travel as reasonably necessary to fulfill such duties.

5. You acknowledge that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. you have carefully considered, and you have signed, the Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u> (the "***Restrictive Covenant Agreement***"). Because the Company and its affiliates are engaged in a continuous program of research, development, production and marketing in connection with their business, we wish to reiterate that it is critical for the Company and its affiliates to preserve and protect its proprietary information and its rights in inventions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. you have completed Schedule 1 attached to the Restrictive Covenant Agreement; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. you and the Company mutually agree that any disputes that may arise regarding your employment will be submitted to either (a) the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the Delaware Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court in the State of Delaware or (b) binding arbitration by the American Arbitration Association, in each case in accordance with Sections 10 and 11 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. As a condition of your employment, you will need to carefully consider and voluntarily agree to the arbitration clause set forth in Section 11 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

6. We also wish to remind you that, as a condition of your employment, you are expected to abide by the Company's, and its direct and indirect parents' and subsidiaries' policies and procedures, provided that such policies and procedures are and continue to be reasonable and customary and that the Company will notify you of any amendments to such policies and procedures that apply to you.

7. Your employment with the Company is at will. The Company may terminate your employment at any time, for any reason or no reason, by giving you notice in writing of not less than 14 days ("***Notice Period***") other than any termination of your employment by the Company for Cause which may be effective immediately and which shall not require any Notice Period. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, you shall be entitled to terminate your employment with the Company at any time, and for any reason or no reason, by giving notice in writing to the Company of not

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less than the Notice Period, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by you and the Company. In the event of such notice by the Company or by you, the Company reserves the right, in its discretion, to give immediate effect to your termination or resignation in lieu of requiring or allowing you to continue work throughout the Notice Period; *provided* that the Company shall continue to pay your Base Salary during the Notice Period. You shall continue to be an employee of the Company during the Notice Period, and thus owe to the Company the same duty of loyalty you owed it prior to giving notice of your termination. The Company may, during the Notice Period, relieve you of all of your duties and prohibit you from entering the Company's offices.

8. If the Company terminates your employment without "Cause" or you voluntarily terminate your employment for a "Good Reason" (either of these, a "***Qualifying Termination***"), you will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. a severance payment equal to six months of your then applicable Base Salary (the "***Base Salary Severance***");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. a portion of your Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs, prorated for the portion of such fiscal year during which you were employed by the Company, determined at 50% achievement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. any unpaid bonus for a prior fiscal year; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. if you timely elect continued coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ("***COBRA***"), the full amount of your COBRA premiums for your continued coverage under the Company's health, dental and vision plans, including coverage for your eligible dependents, for six months following your Qualifying Termination or, if earlier, until you are eligible to be covered under another substantially equivalent medical insurance plan by a subsequent employer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that it cannot provide the foregoing subsidy of COBRA coverage without potentially violating or causing the Company to incur additional expense as a result of noncompliance with applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 2716 of the Public Health Service Act), the Company instead shall provide to you a taxable monthly payment in an amount equal to the monthly COBRA premium that you would be required to pay to continue the group health coverage in effect on the date of the Qualifying Termination (which amount shall be based on the premium for the first month of COBRA coverage), which payments shall be made regardless of whether you elect COBRA continuation coverage and shall commence on the later of (i) the first day of the month following the month in which you experience a Qualifying Termination and (ii) the effective date of the Company's determination of violation of applicable law, and shall end on the earlier of (x) the effective date on which you become covered by a health, dental or vision insurance plan of a subsequent employer, and (y) the last day of the six-month period described above after the Qualifying Termination, *provided that*, any such taxable payments will not be paid before the first business day occurring after the 60<sup>th</sup> day following the Qualifying Termination and, once they commence, will include any unpaid amounts accrued from the date of your Qualifying Termination (to the extent not otherwise satisfied with continuation coverage). You shall have no right to an additional gross-up payment to account for the fact that such COBRA premium amounts are paid on an after-tax basis.

9. If, at any time during the period beginning 12 months prior to a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan) and ending 12 months following a Change in Control, the Company terminates your employment and such termination constitutes a Qualifying Termination, you will be entitled to receive the following payments and benefits:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. the Base Salary Severance;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. 1.0 times your Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which such termination of employment occurs;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. any unpaid bonus for a prior fiscal year;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. the COBRA benefits identified in <u>Section 8(d)</u> hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e. notwithstanding the terms the equity awards, the vesting of your then outstanding unvested equity awards shall be accelerated as to 100% of the unvested shares subject thereto; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f. the benefits set forth in <u>Sections 8</u> and <u>9</u> hereof are collectively, less deductions and withholdings required by law or authorized by you, termed the "***Severance Pay***". Subject to the provisions in <u>Sections 8</u> and <u>9</u> hereof, payments of any Base Salary Severance shall be made in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices in effect at the time of your termination of employment, and payment of any prorated or unpaid bonus shall be made when such bonus payments would otherwise have been paid. For purposes of <u>Sections 8</u> and <u>9</u> hereof, "***Cause***" and "***Good Reason***" have the meaning set forth in <u>Exhibit B</u> attached hereto. The Company will not be required to pay any Severance Pay unless (i) you execute and deliver to the Company an agreement in the form attached hereto as <u>Exhibit C</u> (the "***Release Agreement***") within 60 days following the date of your termination of employment and (ii) you have not materially breached the provisions of (A) this letter, (B) Sections 2 through 8 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement, (C) the Release Agreement or (D) any other agreement between you and the Company. If the Release Agreement has been executed and delivered and is no longer subject to revocation as provided in the preceding sentence, then the applicable Severance Pay shall be paid in accordance with the Company's general payroll practices at the time of your termination of employment and commencing on the 60<sup>th</sup>

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day following your termination of employment. The first payment of any Base Salary Severance shall include payment of all amounts that otherwise would have been due prior thereto under the terms hereof had such payments commenced immediately upon your termination of employment, and any payments made thereafter shall continue as provided herein. **For the avoidance of doubt, under no circumstances shall you be entitled to receive Severance Pay under both <u>Sections 8</u> and <u>9</u> hereof.**

10. During your employment and thereafter, (i) you shall not make any statement with the intent and that would disparage or materially harm the reputation of the business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and (ii) the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its executive officers, directors, managers, employees and stockholders not to make any statement that would libel, slander or disparage you or that would be reasonably likely to adversely impact your efforts to obtain future employment or other business opportunities (subject to your compliance with Section 7.3 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement).

11. You will be an at-will employee of the Company as described in <u>Section 7</u> hereof and Section 9 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement. Any statements or representations to the contrary (and, indeed, any statements contradicting any provision hereof) are, and should be regarded by you, as ineffective. Further, your participation in any benefit program or other Company program, if any, is not to be regarded as assuring you of continuing employment for any particular period of time.

12. This letter along with its Exhibits and the documents referred to herein constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between or among you and the Company or any of its predecessors with respect to the specific subject matter hereof, including, but not limited to, the Employment Agreement, dated January 17, 2013, between you and Vivid Seats Ltd. Without limiting the foregoing, you agree that this letter will supersede any employment, bonus, severance or other compensation arrangements or agreements you had with the Company or its predecessors.

13. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, (i) the Company shall be entitled to withhold from any amounts otherwise payable hereunder any amounts required to be withheld in respect to federal, state or local taxes, and (ii) Vivid Seats LLC shall have the primary obligation to pay all obligations hereunder (including the payment of any compensation).

14. In addition to being indemnified under the Company bylaws and applicable law, you will be named as an insured on the director and officer liability insurance policy currently maintained by the Company or as may be maintained by the Company from time to time for senior employees and if any other senior employee of the Company becomes party to an indemnification agreement, you shall be entitled to enter into a similar agreement promptly following your written request to the Board. All references to the Company in this <u>Section 14</u> shall include all subsidiaries and any successor entities of the Company for which you provide service in any capacity.

15. The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this letter be exempt from or comply with Section 409A ("***Section 409A***") of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "***Code***"), and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this letter shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. In no event whatsoever shall the Company be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty that may be imposed on you by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A. A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision hereof providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision hereof, references to a "termination," "termination of employment" or like terms shall mean "separation from service." Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this letter, if you are deemed on the date of termination to be a "specified employee" within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered deferred compensation under Section 409A payable on account of a "separation from service," such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of such "separation from service" and (B) the date of your death, to the extent required under Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A, your right to receive any installment payments pursuant hereto shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. To the extent that reimbursements or other in-kind benefits hereunder constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" for purposes of Section 409A, (a) all such expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by you, (b) any right to such reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit and (c) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof to the contrary, in no event shall any payment hereunder that constitutes "nonqualified deferred compensation" for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.

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16. If any of the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any equity award agreement, either alone or together with other benefits and payments which you have the right to receive, either directly or indirectly, from the Company (or any of its affiliates), would constitute an Excess Payment (defined below) and, but for this sentence would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code at a time when no shares of the Company are readily tradeable on an established securities market (within the meaning of Section 280G(b)(5)(A)(ii)(I) of the Code), and provided you agree in writing to unconditionally waive your right to such Excess Payments in accordance with Regulation 1.280G-1, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek consent or approval by the Company's stockholders under Section 280G(b)(5) and the regulations thereunder with respect to such Excess Payments. Subject to the foregoing, if any of the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any equity award agreement, either alone or together with other benefits and payments which you have or will have the right to receive, would constitute an excess parachute payment (the "***Excess Payment***") under Section 280G of the Code, then you hereby agree that the benefits and payments provided under this letter and any other arrangement or plan shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount necessary to prevent any such benefits and payments from constituting an Excess Payment; provided, however, that such reduction shall only be made if, by reason of such reduction, your net after-tax economic benefit shall exceed the net after-tax economic benefit to you if such reduction were not made. Any determination required under this <u>Section 16</u> shall be made in writing by a firm of independent public accountants or an advisor with experience in performing calculations regarding the applicability of Section 280G of the Code and related excise taxes ("***Independent Advisors***") whose determination shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes upon the Company and you. For purposes of making any calculation required by this <u>Section 16</u>, the Independent Advisors may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good-faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. Any reduction in the Excess Payments required to effectuate the waiver contemplated herein shall be implemented based on the time of payment of the Excess Payments with the amount having the latest payment date being reduced first and then in reverse chronological order until the Excess Payments are reduced to zero. In the event that more than one payment would be made on the same day, the Excess Payments attributable to such payments shall be reduced on a pro-rata basis. If any such payments or benefits have been reduced in accordance with this <u>Section 16</u> and it is established pursuant to a final determination of a court or an Internal Revenue Service proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that payments which have been made to, or provided for the benefit of, you by the Company, are Excess Payments, you shall repay the amount of such payments to the Company.

*[Signature page follows.]*

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By signing this letter and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u>, you represent and warrant that you have had the opportunity to seek the advice of independent counsel before signing and have either done so, or have freely chosen not to do so, and either way, you sign this letter voluntarily.

Very truly yours,

**Vivid Seats Inc.**

<u>/s/ Stanley Chia</u> 

Stanley Chia

Chief Executive Officer

**Vivid Seats LLC**

<u>/s/ Stanley Chia</u> 

Stanley Chia

Chief Executive Officer

I have read and understood this letter and the Restrictive Covenant Agreement attached hereto as <u>Exhibit A</u>, and I hereby acknowledge, accept and agree to the terms set forth herein and therein.

<u>/s/ Edward Pickus</u> 

Name: Edward Pickus

Date: June 26, 2024

[Signature Page to Employment Agreement]

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**<u>Exhibit A</u>**

**Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement**

As a condition of your continued employment with Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (as such companies' names may change from time to time, together with each such company's successors and assigns, collectively, the "***Company***"), you and the Company agree to the following.

For purposes of this Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement (this "***Restrictive Covenant Agreement***"), references to the "***Group***" means the Company, and its affiliates (whether a direct or indirect parent, subsidiary, or sister entity to the Company) engaged in the same line of business or contemplated business as of the Company.

\* \* \* \* \*

**1. CONSIDERATION FOR AGREEMENT**

You understand that the Group is engaged in a continuous program of research, development, production and marketing in connection with its business and that it is critical for the Group to preserve and protect its "Proprietary Information" (as defined in <u>Section 2</u> hereof), its rights in "Inventions" (as defined in <u>Section 4</u> hereof) and in all related intellectual property rights. You acknowledge that, as a result of your employment with the Company and/or its predecessors, you have and/or may receive confidential information, trade secrets, and/or specialized training from the Group, each of which constitutes good and valuable consideration in support of your obligations made hereunder. As additional consideration, you may also have the opportunity to develop valuable business relationships with employees, agents, suppliers, and customers of the Group and to use the Group's resources and goodwill in the marketplace to develop those relationships. Finally, by your signature below, you acknowledge that your continued employment with the Company (subject to <u>Section 9</u> hereof), together with your participation (if any) in any Company bonus or incentive compensation plan, both of which the Company would not allow but for your execution of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, constitute consideration in support of your return promise to maintain the confidentiality of all specialized knowledge and confidential information as well as your promise to adhere to the other restrictions set forth in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including, but not limited to, those set forth in <u>Section 7</u> hereof.

**2. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION**

(A) All information and materials relating to the existing software products and software in the various stages of research and development, including, but not limited to, source codes, object codes, design specifications, design notes, flow charts, graphics, graphical user interfaces, coding sheets, product plans, know-how, negative know how, test plans, business investment analysis, marketing and functional requirements, algorithms, product bugs and customer technical support cases which relate to the software;

(B) Internal business information, procedures and policies, including, but not limited to, licensing techniques, vendor names, other vendor information, business plans, financial information, budgets, forecasts, product margins, product costs, service and/or operation manuals and related documentation including drawings, and other such information, whether written or oral, which relates to the way the Group conducts its business;

(C) All legal rights, including but not limited to, trade secrets, pending patents, Inventions (as defined in <u>Section 4</u> hereof) and other discoveries, claims, litigation and/or arbitrations involving the Group, pending trademarks, copyrights, proposed advertising, public relations and promotional campaigns and like properties maintained in confidence;

(D) Any and all customer sales and marketing information, including but not limited to sales forecasts, marketing and sales promotion plans, product launch plans, sales call reports, competitive intelligence information, customer information, customer lists, customer needs and buying habits, sales and marketing studies and reports, internal price list, discount matrix, customer data, customer contracts, pricing structures, customer negotiations, customer relations materials, customer service materials, past customers, and the type, quantity and specifications of products purchased, leased or licensed by customers of the Group; and

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(E) Any and all other trade secrets of the Group, as that term is defined under applicable laws.

You understand and agree that the Proprietary Information is the exclusive property of the Group, and that, during your employment, you will use and disclose Proprietary Information only for the Group's benefit and in accordance with any restrictions placed on its use or disclosure by the Group. After termination of your employment for any reason, you will not use in any manner or disclose any Proprietary Information, except to the extent compelled by applicable law; provided that in the event you receive notice of any effort to compel disclosure of Proprietary Information for any reason, you will promptly and in advance of disclosure notify Company of such notice and cooperate in good faith with all lawful and reasonable Company or Group efforts (through their counsel or otherwise) to resist or limit such disclosure; provided, further, that the Company shall reimburse you for any reasonable costs or expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by you in connection with such efforts to resist or limit disclosure.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Proprietary Information does not include information (i) that was or becomes generally available to you on a non-confidential basis, if the source of this information was not reasonably known to you to be bound by a duty of confidentiality, (ii) that was or becomes generally available to the public, other than as a result of a disclosure by you, directly or indirectly or any other breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or (iii) that is disclosed to your affiliates; provided that such affiliates have been advised of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and you shall be responsible for any breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement by any of your affiliates and you agree, at your sole expense, to take reasonable measurers (including but not limited to court proceedings) to restrain your affiliates from prohibited or unauthorized disclosure or use of any Proprietary Information.

In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, nothing in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement prohibits you from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any United States governmental agency or entity in accordance with the provisions of and rules promulgated under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or any other whistleblower protection provisions of state or federal law or regulation (including the right to receive an award for information provided to any such government agencies). Furthermore, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 1833, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement: (i) you shall not be in breach of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law (A) for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law, or (B) for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal; and (ii) if you file a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, you may disclose the trade secret to the your attorney, and may use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if you file any document containing the trade secret under seal, and do not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

**3. THIRD-PARTY INFORMATION**

You recognize that the Group has received and in the future will receive from third parties their confidential or proprietary information, subject to the last paragraph in <u>Section 2</u> hereof, subject to a duty on the Group's part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes. You agree that you owe the Group and such third parties, during the term of your employment, and thereafter, a duty to hold all such confidential or proprietary information in the strictest confidence and not to disclose it to any person, firm or corporation (except as necessary in carrying out your work for the Group consistent with the Group's agreement with such third party) or to use it for the benefit of anyone other than for the Group or such third party (consistent with the Company's agreement with such third party) without the express written authorization of the Board of Managers of the Company or its delegate(s). All rights and benefits afforded to the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall apply equally to the owner of the third party information with respect to the third party information, and such third party is an intended third party beneficiary of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, with respect to the third party information. You further agree to conform to the Company's privacy policies, as established or amended from time to time.

**4. INVENTIONS**

**4.1 Prior Inventions**. You have attached hereto as Schedule 1 a complete and accurate list describing all Inventions (as defined below) which were discovered, created, invented, developed or reduced to practice by you prior to the commencement of your employment by the Company or have not been legally assigned to the Company (collectively, "***Prior Inventions***"), which belong solely to you or belong to you jointly with others, which relates in any way to any of the Group's current, proposed or reasonably anticipated businesses, products or research or development and which are not assigned to the Group hereunder; or have initialed Schedule 1 to indicate you have no Prior Inventions to disclose.

If, in the course of your employment with the Company, you incorporate or cause to be incorporated into a Group product, service, process, file, system, application or program a Prior Invention owned by you or in which you have an interest, you hereby grant the Group member a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, sublicensable and assignable license to make, have

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made, copy, modify, make derivative works of, use, offer to sell, sell or otherwise distribute such Prior Invention as part of or in connection with such product, process, file, system, application or program.

**4.2 Disclosure of Inventions**. You will promptly disclose in confidence to the Company all Inventions that you make or conceive or first reduce to practice or create, either alone or jointly with others, during the period of your employment, and for a period of three months thereafter, which relate in any way to any of the Group's current, proposed or reasonably anticipated businesses, products or research or development, whether or not in the course of your employment, and whether or not such Inventions are patentable, copyrightable or protectable as trade secrets. For purposes of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, "***Inventions***" means without limitation, formulas, algorithms, processes, techniques, concepts, designs, developments, technology, ideas, patentable and unpatentable inventions and discoveries, copyrights and works of authorship in any media now known or hereafter invented (including computer programs, source code, object code, hardware, firmware, software, mask work, applications, files, Internet site content, databases and compilations, documentation and related items) patents, trade and service marks, logos, trade dress, corporate names and other source indicators and the good will of any business symbolized thereby, trade secrets, knowhow, confidential and proprietary information, documents, analyses, research and lists (including current and potential customer and user lists) and all applications and registrations and recordings, improvements and licenses related to any of the foregoing. You recognize that Inventions or Proprietary Information relating to your activities while working for the Company, and conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made by you, alone or with others, within three months after termination of your employment may have been conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made, as applicable, in significant part while you were employed by the Company. Accordingly, you agree that such Inventions and Proprietary Information shall be presumed to have been conceived, reduced to practice, created, derived, developed, or made, as applicable, during your employment with the Company and are to be assigned to the Company pursuant to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and applicable law unless and until you have established the contrary by clear and convincing evidence.

**4.3 Work for Hire; Assignment of Inventions**. You acknowledge and agree that any copyrightable works prepared by you within the scope of your employment are "works made for hire" under the Copyright Act and that the Company will be considered the author and owner of such copyrightable works. Any copyrightable works the Company or a Group member specially commissions from you while you are employed with the Company shall be deemed a work made for hire under the Copyright Act and if for any reason a work cannot be so designated as a work made for hire, you agree to and hereby assign to the Company all right, title and interest in and to said work(s). You agree to and hereby grant the Company a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, sublicensable and assignable license to make, have made, copy, modify, make derivative works of, use, publicly perform, display or otherwise distribute any copyrightable works you create during the time you are employed with the Company that for any reason do not qualify as a work made for hire, that were not specially commissioned by the Group, or both, but that relate in any way to the business of the Group. You agree that all Inventions that (i) are developed using equipment, supplies, facilities, Proprietary Information or other trade secret information of the Group, (ii) result from work performed by you for the Group, or (iii) relate to the Group's business or current or anticipated research and development (the "***Assigned Inventions***"), will be the sole and exclusive property of the Company and you agree to and hereby irrevocably assign the Assigned Inventions to the Company.

**4.4 Assignment of Other Rights**. In addition to the foregoing assignment of Assigned Inventions to the Company, you hereby irrevocably transfer and assign to the Company: (i) all worldwide patents, patent applications, copyrights, mask works, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights in any Assigned Inventions; and (ii) any and all "Moral Rights" (as defined below) that you may have in or with respect to any Assigned Inventions. You also hereby forever waive and agree never to assert any and all Moral Rights you may have in or with respect to any Assigned Inventions, even after termination of your work on behalf of the Company. "***Moral Rights***" mean any rights to claim authorship of any Assigned Inventions, to object to or prevent the modification of any Assigned Inventions, or to withdraw from circulation or control the publication or distribution of any Assigned Inventions, and any similar right, existing under judicial or statutory law of any country in the world, or under any treaty, regardless of whether or not such right is denominated or generally referred to as a "moral right".

**4.5 Assistance**. Whether during or after your employment, and without additional compensation, you agree to do any reasonable act and/or execute any document deemed necessary or desirable by the Company in furtherance of perfecting, prosecuting, recording, maintaining, enforcing and protecting the Group's right, title and interest in and to, any of the Assigned Inventions. In the event that the Company is unable for any reason to secure your signature to any document required to file, prosecute, register or memorialize the ownership and/or assignment of, or to enforce, any intellectual property, you hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company's duly authorized officers and agents as your agents and attorneys-in-fact to act for and on your behalf and stead to (i) execute, file, prosecute, register and/or memorialize the assignment and/or ownership of any Assigned Invention; (ii) to execute and file any documentation required for such enforcement and (iii) do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the filing, prosecution,

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registration, memorialization of assignment and/or ownership of, issuance of and enforcement of any Assigned Inventions, all with the same legal force and effect as if executed by you.

**4.6 Exceptions to Assignment**. You understand and acknowledge that the provisions of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement requiring the assignment of inventions to the Company do not apply to any Invention that qualifies fully under the provisions of 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act, a copy of which is attached hereto as Schedule 2. You further understand and agree that the provisions of 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act do not apply to any Invention for which full title is required to be in the United States, as required by contracts between the Company and the United States or any of its agencies. You will advise the Company promptly in writing of any Invention which you believe meets the criteria in 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act and you will at that time provide to the Company in writing all evidence necessary to substantiate your belief.

**4.7 Applicability to Past Activities**. To the extent you have been engaged to provide services by the Company or its predecessor for a period of time before the effective date of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement (the "***Prior Engagement Period***"), you agree that if and to the extent that, during the Prior Engagement Period: (i) you received access to any information from or on behalf of the Company that would have been Proprietary Information if you had received access to such information during the period of your employment with the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement; or (ii) you conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice any item, including any intellectual property rights with respect thereto, that would have been an Invention if conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice during the period of your employment with the Company under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement; then any such information shall be deemed Proprietary Information hereunder and any such item shall be deemed an Invention hereunder, and this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall apply to such information or item as if conceived, created, authored, invented, developed or reduced to practice under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**5. NO BREACH OF PRIOR AGREEMENT**

You represent that your performance of all the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and your duties as an employee of the Company will not breach any invention assignment, proprietary information, confidentiality or similar agreement with any former employer or other party. You represent that you will not bring with you to the Company or use in the performance of your duties for the Company any documents or materials or tangibles of a former employer or third party that are not in the public domain or have not been legally transferred or licensed to the company.

**6. DUTY OF LOYALTY**

You understand that your employment with the Company requires your undivided attention and effort during normal business hours. While you are employed by the Company, you will not, without the Company's express prior written consent, (i) engage in any other business activity, unless such activity is for passive investment purposes only and will not require you to render any services, (ii) be engaged or interested, directly or indirectly, alone or with others, in any trade, business or occupation in competition with the Group, (iii) make preparations, alone or with others, to compete with the Group in the future, or (iv) appropriate for your own benefit business opportunities pertaining to the Group's business. The foregoing does not limit your ability to serve on civic and charitable boards or committees.

**7. DUTY OF NON INTERFERENCE**

**7.1 Non-Solicitation of Employees/Consultants**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of one year thereafter, you will not directly or indirectly hire, attempt to hire, recruit, offer employment, lure or entice away, or in any other manner persuade or otherwise solicit anyone who is then an employee or consultant of the Group (or who was an employee or consultant of the Group within the prior six months) to resign from the Group or to apply for or accept employment with you or with any third party. The foregoing notwithstanding, it shall not be deemed a violation of this <u>Section 7.1</u> to place an announcement of a job opening in general circulation or to respond to unsolicited inquiries regarding employment opportunities, or to hire an applicant who you have not, directly or indirectly, solicited for employment. This <u>Section 7.1</u> shall not prevent you from using general solicitations (including through search firms) not targeted at employees of the Group.

**7.2 Non-Solicitation of Suppliers/Customers**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of one year thereafter, you will not directly or indirectly (i) solicit or accept from any customer or potential customer of the Group any business involving the Restricted Business (as defined in <u>Section 7.3</u> hereof); (ii) request or advise any customer, potential customer or supplier of the Group to curtail, cancel, or withdraw its business from the Group; or (iii) aid in any way any other entity in obtaining business from any customer or potential customer of the Group involving the Restricted Business (as defined in <u>Section 7.3</u> hereof). This <u>Section 7.2</u> shall not apply to any customer, potential customer or supplier of the Group which you did not have direct contact with or supervisory responsibility for, or access to Proprietary Information regarding, during the 12 months preceding termination of your employment with the Company (including if applicable any period of employment with the Company's predecessor).

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**7.3 Non-Competition**. During your employment with the Group and for a period of one year thereafter (the "***Restricted Period***"), you will not directly or indirectly, whether as an employee, officer, director, consultant, owner, manager, advisor, investor, or otherwise, in any geographic area in which the Group has conducted the Restricted Business during the 12 months preceding termination of your employment; (i) render advice or services to, or otherwise assist, any person, association, or entity who is engaged, directly or indirectly, in the Restricted Business; or (ii) hold a 5% or greater equity, voting or profit participation interest in any person, association, or entity who is engaged, directly or indirectly, in the Restricted Business. For purposes of this <u>Section 7.3</u>, "***Restricted Business***" means the business of developing, distributing, selling, supplying or otherwise dealing with the purchasing and/or selling of entertainment tickets and/or sports tickets in the primary and/or secondary markets or any other material line of business that the Company may later engage in in the ordinary course and for which you have direct operational responsibility or as to which you receive Proprietary Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with prior written consent from the Company which shall not be unreasonably withheld, you may accept employment or otherwise be engaged in or involved with a competitor of the Group that has multiple lines of business (a "***Permitted Employer***") provided that, during the Restricted Period, you are employed by or providing services to a business unit of such competitor that is not engaged or otherwise involved with the Restricted Business. Nothing contained in this <u>Section 7.3</u> shall prohibit you from owning of a passive investment interest of not more than 5% in a company with publicly traded equity securities, and whether on your own behalf or on behalf of others. You agree that the Restricted Period shall be extended by a period equal the length of any violation of this <u>Section 7.3</u>.

**8. OBLIGATIONS UPON TERMINATION**

**8.1 Return of Company Property**. At the time of leaving the employ of the Company, you will deliver to the Company (and will not keep in your possession or deliver to anyone else) (i) any and all documents and materials of any nature pertaining to your work, including without limitation devices, records, data, notes, reports, proposals, lists, correspondence, specifications, drawings, blueprints, sketches, materials, equipment, other documents or property, or reproductions of any aforementioned items and (ii) all property belonging to the Group or any third party which provided property to you in connection with your employment such as computer, laptops, personal digital assistants, cell phones, MP3 players, electronic organizers and other devices, cards, car, keys, security devices or any other item belonging to the Group. Upon Company request, you will execute a document confirming your compliance with this provision and the terms of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**8.2 Notification of New Employer**. Before you accept employment or enter in to any consulting or other professional or business engagement with any Permitted Employer while any of <u>Section 7</u> hereof is in effect, you will provide such person or entity with written notice of the provisions of <u>Section 7</u>hereof and will deliver a copy of such notice to the Company. You hereby grant consent to notification by the Company to such Permitted Employer about your rights and obligations under this Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

**8.3 Withholding**. To the extent allowed by law, you agree to allow Company to deduct from your final paycheck(s) any amounts due as a result of your employment, including but not limited to any expense advances or business charges incurred by you on behalf of the Group, charges for property damaged or not returned when requested, and any other charges incurred by you payable to the Group. You agree to execute any authorization form as may be provided by Company to effectuate this provision.

**9. AT WILL EMPLOYMENT**

This Restrictive Covenant Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment for any definite period of time. You acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement modifies the at-will nature of your employment with Company, which permits either yourself or Company to terminate your employment at any time and without cause.

**10. GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL**

Except as otherwise set forth in <u>Section 11</u> hereof, the following provisions of this <u>Section 10</u> shall apply with respect to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto:

All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Restrictive Covenant Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the Delaware Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or any other court of the State of Delaware, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding which is brought in any such court has been

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brought in an inconvenient forum. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court.

EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING HEREUNDER OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT HEREOF OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT THE PARTIES HERETO MAY FILE A COPY OF THIS RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

**11. ARBITRATION**

Notwithstanding the provisions of <u>Section 10</u> hereof, the following provisions shall apply with respect to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto in the event that the Company and its affiliates stipulate in writing to you at the outset of any controversy or dispute between you and the Company or between you and any affiliate or an agent of the Company, including but not limited to directors, officers, managers, other employees or members of the Group that the maximum amount of losses that you shall be liable for in connection with any such controversy or dispute shall be capped at the Severance Pay amount:

In the event of any controversy or dispute between you and the Company or between you and any affiliate or an agent of Company, including but not limited to directors, officers, managers, other employees or members of the Group, who are being sued in any capacity, as to all or any part of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, any other agreement, any dispute or controversy whatsoever pertaining to or arising out of the relationship between you and the Company and/or the Group or the dissolution or termination of same, and/or the arbitrability thereof (collectively, "***Arbitrable Disputes***" as further defined below) shall, subject to this <u>Section 11</u>, be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration solely between yourself and the Company and/or person or entity described above, conducted in Chicago, Illinois. The arbitration shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Section 1 *et seq*, as amended, and shall be administered in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules governing employment disputes (the "***AAA Rules***").

Arbitrable Disputes shall include any and all disputes not specifically exempted from arbitration herein, including, but not limited to, any alleged violations of federal, state or local constitutions, statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations or common law, any claims of wrongful termination, unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation, including but not limited to Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, The Equal Pay Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act and similar state and local statutes, any claims of breach of contract or any implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, any claims of adverse treatment in violation of public policy, and any disputes arising from, under or regarding this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, including the formation, validity, interpretation, effect or breach hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, all disputes regarding the validity of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, the validity of the arbitration provisions hereof, or whether any particular claim or matter is included within the scope of the arbitration provisions hereof, are Arbitrable Disputes subject to arbitration as described herein.

Specifically excluded from Arbitrable Disputes are disputes or claims arising from or related to workers' compensation and unemployment insurance, and any claims which are expressly excluded from binding arbitration by statute or public policy, or which are expressly required to be arbitrated under a different procedure.

While you are not required to do so before serving an arbitration demand, nothing herein shall prevent you from filing or maintaining an administrative charge or complaint with a government agency, including but not limited to, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board or any equivalent state or local agency. For the avoidance of doubt, if you choose not to file an administrative charge or complaint before commencing an arbitration in accordance with this <u>Section 11</u> and the AAA Rules, your arbitration demand must be served within the applicable time period for filing a charge with the relevant agency in order to be timely filed.

This binding arbitration procedure shall supplant and replace claims in court (except as specified herein), and you expressly waive the right to a civil court action before a jury.

Notwithstanding any statute or rule governing limitations of actions, but only to the extent permitted by applicable law, any arbitration relating to or arising from any Arbitrable Dispute shall be commenced by service of an arbitration demand before the (i) one-year anniversary of the accrual of the aggrieved party's claim pursuant to applicable law or (ii) before the expiration of the applicable statute of limitation pursuant to applicable law, whichever period is shorter.

All Arbitrable Disputes hereunder must be brought in your individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, representative or collective proceeding. You agree that the arbitrator is not empowered to consolidate claims of different

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individuals into one proceeding, or to hear an arbitration as a class arbitration. To the extent the arbitrator determines that this class/collective action waiver is invalid, for any reason, this entire <u>Section 11</u> shall be null and void, but only with regard to that particular proceeding in which the arbitrator invalidated this class/collective action waiver, and this <u>Section 11</u> shall remain in full force and effect with respect to any Arbitrable Disputes other than that covered by such class/collective action proceeding.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the waiver of the jury trial right shall survive even in the event this <u>Section 11</u> is deemed null and void.

**12. GENERAL**

**12.1 Injunctive Relief.** Notwithstanding the arbitration provisions in <u>Section 11</u> hereof or anything else to the contrary herein, you and the Company understand and agree that the parties' actions or potential actions concerning obligations under <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u>, <u>4</u>, <u>6</u> and <u>7</u> hereof may result in irreparable and continuing damage to the other party for which monetary damages will not be sufficient, and agree that both parties will be entitled to seek, in addition to its other rights and remedies hereunder or at law and both before or while a matter or an arbitration is pending between the parties under <u>Section 10</u> or <u>11</u>hereof, a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction or similar injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable injury pending the full and final resolution of the dispute, without the necessity of showing any actual damages or that monetary damages would not afford an adequate remedy, and without the necessity of posting any bond or other security. The aforementioned injunctive relief shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, legal remedies, monetary damages or other available forms of relief through legal or arbitration proceedings. This <u>Section 12.1</u> shall not be construed to limit the obligation for either party to pursue arbitration under <u>Section 11</u> hereof with respect to any Arbitrable Disputes.

**12.2 Severability; Modification; Partial Invalidity**. Each provision of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement is severable from every other provision of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement. If the scope of any restriction contained herein is too broad to permit enforcement of such restriction to its full extent, then such restriction shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law, and the parties consent and agree that such scope may be accordingly modified in any legal proceeding brought to enforce such restriction. If any provision hereof, or the application of such provision, is held unenforceable for any reason, then such provision shall be modified to the extent necessary to render it enforceable, or, if held impossible to modify, then severed from this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and the remainder of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall not be affected.

**12.3 Waiver of Breach**. The failure of you or the Company at any time, or from time to time, to require performance of any of the Company's or your obligations, respectively, hereunder shall not be deemed a waiver of and shall in no manner affect your or the Company's right to enforce any provision hereof at a subsequent time. The waiver by you or the Company of any rights arising out of any breach shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights arising out of any subsequent breach.

**12.4 Assignment**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement will be binding upon your heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives and will be for the benefit of the Group, its successors, its assigns and licensees. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement, and your rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned by you; however, the Company may assign its rights hereunder in connection with any sale, transfer or other disposition of any or all of its business or assets.

**12.5 Notice**. Unless your offer letter states otherwise, you agree to use reasonable efforts to provide Company 14 days' notice to terminate your employment with Company; provided, however, that this provision shall not change the at-will nature of the employment relationship between you and Company.

**12.6 Applicable Law**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to choice of law rules; provided, however, that in connection with any arbitration proceedings brought pursuant to the terms of <u>Section 11</u> hereof, this Restrictive Covenant Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to choice of law rules.

**12.7 Entire Agreement**. This Restrictive Covenant Agreement and the Schedules attached hereto, and your employment agreement with the Company and the Exhibits attached thereto, and the documents referred to in all of the foregoing, constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between or among the parties hereto with respect to the specific subject matter hereof. If any of the provisions of <u>Section 7</u> hereof is deemed void, voidable or otherwise invalid in legal proceedings and is not modified in accordance with <u>Section 12.2</u> hereof, you agree that you shall comply with, and the Company may seek to enforce, such provisions against you. No modification of or amendment to this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights hereunder, will be effective unless in writing signed by the parties. Headings are provided for convenience only and do not modify, broaden, define or restrict any provision.

**12.8 Survival**. Any termination of this Restrictive Covenant Agreement, regardless of how such termination may occur, shall not operate to terminate <u>Sections 2</u>, <u>3</u>, <u>4</u>, <u>5</u>, <u>7</u>, <u>8</u>, <u>10</u>, <u>11</u> and <u>12</u> hereof, which shall survive any such termination and remain valid, enforceable and in full force and effect.

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*[Signature page follows.]*

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**VIVID SEATS INC.**

<u>/s/ Stanley Chia</u> 

Name: Stanley Chia

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: June 26, 2024

**VIVID SEATS LLC**

<u>/s/ Stanley Chia</u> 

Name: Stanley Chia

Title: Chief Executive Officer

Date: June 26, 2024

**EMPLOYEE**

<u>/s/ Edward Pickus</u> 

Name: Edward Pickus

Date: June 26, 2024

[Signature Page to Exhibit A of Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement]

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**Schedule 1**

**List of Employee's Prior Inventions**

__<u>EP</u>_ By initialing here, I represent and warrant that I have no Prior Inventions, as that term is defined in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement to which this Schedule 1 is attached.

_____ Below is a complete and accurate list of Prior Inventions, as that term is defined in the Restrictive Covenant Agreement to which this Schedule 1 is attached.

<u>/s/ Edward Pickus</u> 

Name: Edward Pickus

Date: June 26, 2024

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**Schedule 2**

**Illinois Employee Patent Act – Written Notification Regarding Non-Assignable Inventions**

In accordance with 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act, you are hereby notified that this Confidentiality, Invention Assignment, Non-Solicit, Non-Compete and Arbitration Agreement does not require you to assign to the Company any invention for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information of the Company was used and which was developed entirely on your own time, and which does not relate to the business of the Company or to the Company's actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or which does not result from any work performed by you for the Company.

You are hereby apprised of 765 ILCS 1060/2 of the Illinois Employee Patent Act, which states:

*"(1) A provision in an employment agreement -which provides that an employee shall assign or offer to assign any of the employee's rights in an invention to the employer does not apply to an invention for which no equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information of the employer was used and which was developed entirely on the employee's own time, unless (a) the invention relates (i) to the business of the employer, or (ii) to the employer's actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development, or (b) the invention results from any work performed by the employee for the employer. Any provision which purports to apply to such an invention is to that extent against the public policy of this State and is to that extent void and unenforceable. The employee shall bear the burden of proof in establishing that his invention qualifies under this subsection.*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*(2) An employer shall not require a provision made void and unenforceable by subsection (1) of this Section as a condition of employment or continuing employment. This Act shall not preempt existing common law applicable to any shop rights of employers with respect to employees who have not signed an employment agreement."*

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**<u>EXHIBIT B</u>**

**Certain Definitions**

"***Cause***" means any of the following: (i) a repeated failure by you to perform your obligations, responsibilities or duties to the Company under this letter or those other responsibilities or duties as reasonably requested from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer and/or the Chief Financial Officer; (ii) your engagement in illegal conduct or gross misconduct that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company; (iii) your commission or conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony, a crime involving moral turpitude or any other act or omission that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company; (iv) a breach of your duty of loyalty to the Company or your breach of the Company's written code of conduct and business ethics, in either case, that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the standing and reputation of the Company or your material breach of Sections 2 through 8 of the Restrictive Covenant Agreement or any other material written agreement between you and the Company; (v) dishonesty that has materially harmed or is reasonably likely to materially harm the Company; (vi) fraud, gross negligence or repetitive negligence committed without regard to corrective direction in the course of discharge of your duties as an employee; or (vii) excessive and unreasonable absences from your duties for any reason (other than authorized leave or as a result of your death or Disability (as defined below)), *provided* that, as to clauses (i), (ii), (iv), (vi) or (vii), an event will only constitute Cause if written notice has been given by the Board of the event constituting Cause and such event has not been cured for a period of 30 days after you receive such notice.

"***Disability***" means your inability to perform the essential functions of your job, with or without accommodation, as a result of any mental or physical disability or incapacity for an extended period but not less than 60 business days in any consecutive six-month period, as determined in the sole discretion of the Company.

"***Good Reason***" means that you voluntarily terminate your employment with the Company if there should occur without your written consent: (i) a material adverse change in your title, position, duties or responsibilities with the Company, including, but not limited to, any (A) failure of the Company to maintain your title, position, duties and responsibilities or (B) requirement that you report to anyone other than the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Financial Officer; (ii) a reduction in your then current Base Salary or then current Annual Bonus target by more than 10% of either; (iii) the material breach by the Company of any agreement between you and the Company; or (iv) a relocation of your primary location of work more than 30 miles from the Chicago, IL metropolitan area; *provided*, *however*, that in each case above, you must (a) first provide written notice to the Company of the existence of the Good Reason condition within thirty days of the initial existence of such event specifying the basis for your belief that you are entitled to terminate your employment for Good Reason, (b) give the Company an opportunity to cure any of the foregoing within thirty days following your delivery to the Company of such written notice, and (c) actually resign your employment within thirty days following the expiration of the Company's 30-day cure period.

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**<u>Exhibit C</u>**

**Form of Separation Agreement and General Release**

This Separation Agreement and General Release (this "***Release Agreement***"), by and among the undersigned ("***Employee***") and Vivid Seats Inc. and Vivid Seats LLC (collectively, the "***Company***"), is effective as of the date of Employee's signature below (the "***Effective Date***").

1. <u>Separation Date</u>. Employee's employment with the Company terminated on [•] (the "***Separation Date***"). Employee acknowledges that Employee has received all base salary, benefits, including unused vacation pay, accruing through the Separation Date, and, after the Separation Date, Employee is not entitled to any additional compensation or benefits except as provided below.

2. <u>Employee Release of Rights and Agreement Not to Sue</u>. Employee (defined for the purpose of this <u>Section 2</u> as Employee and Employee's agents, representatives, attorneys, assigns, heirs, executors and administrators) fully and unconditionally releases the Released Parties (defined as the Company and its parents, affiliates, predecessors, successors, and assigns, and any of their past or present employees, portfolio companies, trustees, investors, agents, insurers, attorneys, administrators, officials, directors, shareholders, divisions and employee benefit plans, and the sponsors, fiduciaries or administrators of employee benefit plans) from, and agrees not to bring any and agrees not to bring any action, proceeding or suit against any of the Released Parties regarding, any and all known or unknown claims, causes of action, liabilities, damages, fees or remunerations of any sort, arising or that may have arisen out of or in connection with Employee's employment with or termination of employment from the Company or any equity interests Employee may have, at any time before and continuing through the Effective Date, including but not limited to claims for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. violation of any written or unwritten contract, agreement, policy, benefit plan, retirement or pension plan, option plan, severance plan, or covenant of any kind, or failure to pay wages, bonuses, employee benefits, other compensation, attorneys' fees, damages, or any other remuneration (including any equity, ownership interest, management fee, carried interest, partnership interest, distributions, dividends or participation or ownership in any business venture related to the Company);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of any characteristic protected under law, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital or parental status, age, union activity or other protected activity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. denial of protection or benefits under any statute, ordinance, executive order, or regulation, including but not limited to claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Workers' Adjustment and Retraining Notification, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Equal Pay Act, Illinois Family Military Leave Act, the Illinois Employee Sick Leave Act the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, the Cook County Earned Sick Leave Ordinance, the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance, the Chicago Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance or any other federal, state or local statute, ordinance, or regulation regarding employment, termination of employment, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wage and hour matters; and/or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. violation of any public policy or common law of any state relating to employment or personal injury, including but not limited to claims for wrongful discharge, defamation, invasion of privacy, infliction of emotional distress, negligence, fraud, and interference with contract.

Employee affirms that as of the Effective Date, no action or proceeding covered by this <u>Section 2</u> was pending against any of the Released Parties. Nothing herein shall restrict Employee from filing a claim for unemployment insurance benefits or other claims that cannot be waived by agreement. Further, nothing in the foregoing release shall prohibit Employee from filing a charge or complaint with, or participating in any investigation conducted by or before, an administrative agency; however, Employee waives any right to recovery in such a proceeding or any proceeding instituted on Employee's behalf regarding Employee's employment with, or separation from, the Company, to the extent permitted by law.

The releases contained herein do not extend to, and have no effect upon, any benefits that have accrued or equity that has vested, and to which Employee has become vested or otherwise entitled to, under any employee benefit plan, program or policy sponsored or maintained by the Company, or to Employee's right to indemnification by the Company, and continued coverage under any applicable director's and officer's insurance policy.

3. <u>ADEA Release; Revocation Period</u>. Employee acknowledges that Employee is releasing any claims Employee may have under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (the "***ADEA Release***"). Employee has the right to revoke the ADEA Release for up to seven days after Employee signs this Release Agreement. In order to revoke the ADEA Release, Employee must sign and send a written notice of Employee's decision to do so, addressed to the Company at [•], which

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notice must be received by the Company no later than the eighth day after Employee signed this Release Agreement. If Employee revokes the ADEA Release, Employee will not be entitled to any of the consideration described herein.

4. <u>Knowing and Voluntary Waiver</u>. Employee acknowledges that (i) Employee has carefully read this Release Agreement and fully understands its meaning; (ii) Employee had the opportunity to take up to 21 days after receiving this Release Agreement to decide whether to sign it, and the parties expressly agree that such 21-day period shall not be extended upon any material or immaterial changes hereto; (iii) Employee understands that the Company is herein advising Employee, in writing, to consult with an attorney before signing this Release Agreement; (iv) Employee is signing this Release Agreement knowingly, voluntarily, and without any coercion or duress; and (v) everything Employee is receiving for signing this Release Agreement is described herein, and no other promises or representations have been made to cause Employee to sign it.

5. <u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Release Agreement represents the entire agreement and understanding concerning the matters addressed herein, including Employee's separation from the Company, and supersedes and replaces any and all prior agreements, understandings, discussions, negotiations or proposals regarding same. In deciding to sign this Release Agreement, Employee has not relied on any express or implied promise, statement or representation by the Company, whether oral or written, except as set forth herein.

\* \* \* \* \*

To be valid and binding, this Release Agreement must be signed by Employee and submitted to the Company no later than 21 after the date on which Employee received it. If this Release Agreement is not received by such time, Employee will not be eligible for any of the consideration set forth herein.

**VIVID SEATS INC.**

<u>____________________</u>

Name:

Title:

Date:

**VIVID SEATS LLC**

<u>____________________</u>

Name:

Title:

Date:

**EMPLOYEE**

<u>____________________</u>

Name:

Date:

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## Exhibit 21.1

**Exhibit 21.1**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Subsidiary** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Jurisdiction of**<br>**Incorporation or Organization**  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ActCo LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Active Ticket Company LP  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;BroadwayShows.com LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Casino Travel & Tours, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Nevada |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CM6B Vivid Equity, Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CT&T Transportation, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Nevada |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CTT Tours, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Nevada |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;GTCR-Tickets XI/C / B-Corp. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Hoya Intermediate, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Hoya Midco, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;International Tickets LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LV.com, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Nevada |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Skybox Ticket Resale Platform LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Illinois |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ticket Fulfillment Services Canada Ltd. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Canada |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ticket Fulfillment Services LP  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Ticket Website LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;VDC-MGG Holdings LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vegas.com, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Nevada |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;VEPF IV AIV IX Corp. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;VEPF V AIV VII Corp. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vivid Cheers Inc.  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vivid Hospitality LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Illinois |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vivid Picks, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vivid Seats Asia Pacific Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vivid Seats Canada Ltd. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Canada |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vivid Seats Europe S.à r.l. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Luxembourg |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vivid Seats International LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vivid Seats LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vivid Seats UK Ltd. | &nbsp;&nbsp;United Kingdom |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Vivid VDC, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Wavedash Co., Ltd. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Japan |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;World Ticket Source, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |

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## Exhibit 23.1

**Exhibit 23.1**

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-275889 and 333-260839 on Form S-3, and Registration Statement Nos. 333-260332 and 333-277766 on Form S-8 of our report dated March 12, 2026 relating to the financial statements of Vivid Seats Inc. appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 12, 2026

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## Exhibit 31.1

**Exhibit 31.1**

**CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO**

**RULE 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

I, Lawrence Fey, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Vivid Seats 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(s) 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:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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(s) 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):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: March 12, 2026 | By: | /s/ Lawrence Fey |
|  |  | Lawrence Fey |
|  |  | Chief Executive Officer |

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## Exhibit 31.2

**Exhibit 31.2**

**CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO**

**RULE 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

I, Joseph Thomas, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Vivid Seats 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(s) 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:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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(s) 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):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: March 12, 2026 | By: | /s/ Joseph Thomas |
|  |  | Joseph Thomas |
|  |  | Chief Financial Officer |

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## Exhibit 32.1

**Exhibit 32.1**

**CERTIFICATIONS OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER**

**PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350**

**AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

I, Lawrence Fey, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (i) the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Vivid Seats Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2025 fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (ii) the information contained in such Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Vivid Seats Inc.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: March 12, 2026 | By: | /s/ Lawrence Fey |
|  |  | Lawrence Fey |
|  |  | Chief Financial Officer |

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I, Joseph Thomas, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (i) the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Vivid Seats Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2025 fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (ii) the information contained in such Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Vivid Seats Inc.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Date: March 12, 2026 | By: | /s/ Joseph Thomas |
|  |  | Joseph Thomas |
|  |  | Chief Financial Officer |

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A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2022 has been provided to Vivid Seats Inc. and will be retained by Vivid Seats Inc. and furnished to the Securities Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

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