EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1766363
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 1766363_10-K_2023_0000950170-23-005121.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. is a global sports and entertainment company. We own and operate premium sports properties, including the UFC, produce and distribute sports and entertainment content, own and manage exclusive live events and experiences, and represent top sports, entertainment and fashion talent, as well as blue chip corporate clients. Founded as a client representation business, we expanded organically and through strategic mergers and acquisitions, investing in new capabilities, including sports operations and advisory, events and experiences management, media production and distribution, sports data and technology, brand licensing, and experiential marketing. Today, the integration of our broad range of capabilities, along with our owned and managed premium sports and entertainment properties, drives network effects across the Endeavor flywheel, which is the way we connect and utilize multiple divisions of Endeavor to maximize the power of our platform, creating value for our business, clients and employees. We measure these effects by evaluating the impact that activity in one business segment has on growth in another.
We believe that our unique business model gives us a competitive advantage in the industries in which we operate. Our ownership of premium sports properties allows us to benefit from the generally rising value and increasing scarcity of ownable, scalable sports assets. Our dual role as an intellectual property owner and a trusted advisor to clients and rights holders allows us to make connections across the Endeavor flywheel, increasing the earnings of our clients and the value of our sports and entertainment properties. We generally participate in the upside related to the commercial success of content with limited risk and we benefit from demand from both traditional and next generation distributors. We own and manage a diverse mix of premium live events and experiences in the sports, entertainment, fashion, and art categories. The insights we gain from our connectivity across the sports and entertainment ecosystem may enable us to spot trends before they emerge and make strategic investments to enhance our growth.
We operate across three segments: (i) Owned Sports Properties, (ii) Events, Experiences & Rights, and (iii) Representation, which are covered in greater detail in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation-Overview.” Our segments are presented in the table below:
Beginning January 1, 2023, we created a fourth segment, Sports Data & Technology, which includes our IMG ARENA and OpenBet businesses.
We generate revenue in both a principal and an agency capacity and use risk mitigation strategies including pre-sales and licensing when we take on investment risk in content or sports rights. Our business has benefited from strong revenue visibility via sports rights fee payments, predictable client commissions, content rights payments, recurring annual, biennial or quadrennial events, corporate client retainers, licensing agreements, and annual tuition payments. We believe that visibility into our performance provides us with a stable and growing revenue base.
Our Integrated Global Business
Across our segments, our global portfolio of premium owned assets and integrated set of capabilities, including client representation, media production & distribution, experiential marketing, and brand licensing drive revenue generation opportunities, improve client retention, and increase the flow of acquisition and investment opportunities.
Our integrated global business allows us to drive powerful network effects that reinforce the value of the Endeavor flywheel. We believe the greater the depth of our capabilities and global reach, the greater our ability to retain clients and drive new signings. The more top-tier clients we bring to market, the more relevant we become to streamers, linear networks, and corporate partners. The more premium sports, events, and experiences inventory we have, the more opportunity we can deliver to our global sponsors and media companies. We also believe that our growing global insights enhance our judgment on investments made, while the more we are able to learn from our clients, the more we can enhance the value and growth we deliver long term.
Owned Sports Properties
We believe that our Company is distinguished by our ownership of intellectual property, including UFC, a global sports property and the premier mixed martial arts sports organization, and PBR, the world's premier bull riding circuit. UFC was founded in 1993 and has grown in popularity, having now hosted more than 600 events and grown its fan base to more than 680 million fans. UFC has developed its global audience of over 900 million households through an increasing array of global broadcast license agreements and its owned FIGHT PASS streaming platform. PBR now features more than 800 bull riders competing in more than 200 bull riding events each year. PBR’s overall live event attendance has increased by more than 40% since PBR was acquired by Endeavor in 2015. In 2022, PBR entertained approximately one million fans across its tour events for the first time in its history and grossed its highest ever annual consumer ticketing revenue. We also have an up to 20-year strategic partnership with Euroleague, consisting of an initial 10-year term that began in 2016 with a 10-year renewal provision subject to certain conditions. As sports property owners, we retain control over the organization, promotion and marketing of UFC and PBR, and the monetization of their events and media distribution. At the end of 2021 and in January 2022, we acquired ten Major League Baseball Professional Development League clubs (the "PDL Clubs"), which were being operated under the Diamond Baseball Holdings, LLC ("DBH") umbrella. In September 2022, we sold the DBH business, including the PDL Clubs.
Events, Experiences & Rights
We own, operate, or represent hundreds of global events annually, including live sports events covering more than 15 sports across more than 25 countries (e.g., ATP Tour Events, such as the Miami Open and Madrid Open), international fashion weeks (e.g., New York Fashion Week), art fairs (e.g., Frieze London and Frieze Seoul), music, culinary, and lifestyle festivals (e.g., The Big Feastival), and major attractions (e.g., Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Barrett-Jackson). On Location, a leading provider of global premium live event experiences across sports and music, services more than 1,200 events and experiences built around major events, including the Super Bowl, the Aer Lingus Classic college football game, the Ryder Cup, the NCAA Final Four, Coachella and the next three Olympic Games. We also operate IMG Academy, a leading sports and education brand with an innovative suite of on-campus and online programming, including its Bradenton, Florida boarding school and sports camps, IMG Academy+ online coaching, and Next College Student Athlete ("NCSA") college recruiting. The boarding school serves more than 1,400 full-time students, provides campers and adult athletes approximately 15,000 camp experiences annually, and hosts a number of professional athletes, teams, leagues, and corporate clients.
As one of the largest independent global distributors of sports and entertainment programming, we manage, advise on, and sell media rights globally on behalf of more than 150 clients, such as the International Olympic Committee, the ATP Tour and the National Hockey League ("NHL"), as well as for our owned assets, including UFC and PBR. Our production business is one of the largest creators of sports programming in the world, responsible for thousands of hours of content on behalf of more than 200 federations, associations and events, including the English Premier League, The R&A, DP World Tour, and our owned asset, UFC, as well as owned channels Sport 24 and EDGEsport. Through our digital agency, Seven League, we build strategies and digital ecosystems, and run and monetize digital channels for clients, including the National Football League ("NFL"), the National Basketball Association ("NBA") and the NHL. Our sports data business, IMG ARENA, provides data and content to sportsbooks and media partners around the globe, delivering data feeds from approximately 43,000 sports events annually. This data powers IMG ARENA's Event Centre product suite, including the UFC Event Centre. In addition, IMG ARENA provides live video streams for sportsbooks for approximately 48,000 events per year, as well as a portfolio of virtual sports products. We leverage the technology derived from IMG ARENA to provide streaming video solutions to our clients and our owned assets via Endeavor Streaming. In addition, we closed our acquisition of leading B2B sports betting technology provider, OpenBet, in the third quarter of 2022, which, together with IMG ARENA, formed a new operating segment January 1, 2023. We believe that our collective offering is more important than ever, as the demand for premium content and live experiences continues to be strong.
Representation
We represent many of the world’s greatest creators, performers, influencers, athletes, and models across entertainment, sports, and fashion. In 2022, WME clients were involved in five of the top 10 grossing films at the domestic box office, including three of the top five. We were responsible for arranging the essential elements for more than 310 scripted series on broadcast, cable, and streaming channels. WME also closed deals for more than 200 new books, including 57 bestsellers. We had a strong presence at major music festivals in 2022, with over 30 clients performing at Lollapalooza and more than 25 clients performing at Stagecoach, accounting for nearly half the lineup at the latter. In theater, WME clients garnered 15 nominations and two wins at the 2022 Tony Awards and WME represented talent in more than 60% of the productions that opened in the 2021-2022 Broadway season. In sports, clients took home both men’s and women’s US Open singles tennis championships and three clients were selected as lottery picks in the 2022 NBA Draft, the most of any agency. We are dedicated to helping our clients increase the monetization potential of their intellectual property, build enduring brands, diversify and grow their businesses, and expand their geographic reach.
We are also a leading provider of licensing services to entertainment, sports, and consumer products brands with nearly $15 billion in total retail sales. Our licensing business ranked No. 1 in 2022 according to License Global magazine. We license our owned intellectual property, including the UFC and PBR, and represent third party brands across the automotive, fashion, lifestyle, entertainment, athletics, legends, personalities, corporate, sports league, and event categories. Our clients include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Dolly Parton, Jeep, Lamborghini, Lionsgate, Epic Games (Fortnite), Gap, and the NFL.
Meanwhile, marketing services are delivered by 160over90, our full-service cultural marketing agency specializing in integrated services including experiential, influencer, social and digital, and public relations/communications. 160over90 works on behalf of some of the world’s largest brands, including Amazon, Capital One, AB InBev and USAA. The agency also partners with some of the fastest growing brands among US adults, according to a Morning Consult 2022 Brand Report, including Bose, Major League Baseball and T-Mobile. Through our owned and operated events and represented clients, our marketing services have access to unique content and activation opportunities, which we believe provides us with a competitive advantage.
Our Competitive Strengths
Ownership of Intellectual Property
We believe that our Company is distinguished by ownership of intellectual property, including UFC, PBR and Euroleague. UFC posted its best financial year ever for the fourth consecutive year in 2022, including signing a landmark partnership deals with blockchain technology leader VeChain and setting records for the highest grossing Fight Night in UFC history both globally and in the U.S. PBR live attendance, sponsorship revenue and licensing revenue are all up significantly since our 2015 acquisition, and in 2022, the sport launched a transformative business initiative in its PBR Team Series. In 2022, more than one million fans attended PBR's Unleash the Beast, Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour and Team Series events. In addition to these sports properties, we also own marquee global events including the Miami Open, Madrid Open, Frieze art fairs, Barrett-Jackson, and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and are uniquely positioned to drive increases in areas including sponsorship, hospitality and ticket sales.
Leading Supplier of Premium Sports and Entertainment Content
We are positioned at the center of and benefit from the continued demand for content in all forms through our owned sports properties, media production and distribution, and client representation businesses. We operate across all major content verticals and benefit regardless of how and where the demand for this content is fulfilled. In 2022, we delivered the essential talent for more than 310 new and returning WME series across broadcast, cable and streaming, and converted 300 books to film/television. Premium sports and entertainment content values have consistently appreciated as new distribution models and technology broaden access and enhance the consumer experience. The value of sports programming has significantly increased as media networks and over-the-top services rely on premium sports to differentiate their offerings and retain subscribers. Disruption has increased the value of sports media rights as illustrated in consistent increases in contract Average Annual Values (AAV). Even as digital video distribution services such as ESPN+, Disney+, Peacock, HBO Max, and others have proliferated in recent years, consumer demand for premium content remains. Additionally, commercially successful movies and television programming have lasting resonance that drives consumption at release and over time across multiple points of purchase. The long tail of premium content has thereby enabled significant value creation to accrue to the creators we represent as well as shareholders.
Well Positioned to Capitalize on Experience Economy
A University of Texas at Austin research paper published in May 2020 found that consumers were happier when spending on experiences as opposed to material items. Recognizing the opportunity, we built a portfolio of hundreds of events globally across sports, music, art, fashion, and culinary. Our events include UFC, PBR, Miami Open, Madrid Open, Frieze art fairs, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and Barrett-Jackson. Through IMG Academy, we offer an elite academic and athletic experience both on-campus and online, and delivered record summer camp attendance in 2022. On Location, meanwhile, is a leading provider of premium entertainment and travel experiences, offering packages for more than 1,200 events, including music tours and festivals, hundreds of collegiate game packages, and several white label events. Its marquee events include the Super Bowl, which experienced record hospitality sales for Super Bowl LVI (2022), making it the largest single hospitality event in On Location's history, as well as the next three Olympic Games, the NCAA Final Four, and Coachella. Finally, 160over90, our full-service cultural marketing agency, works on behalf of some of the world's largest brands to build memorable marketing campaigns.
Network Insights Create Asymmetric Risk / Reward Opportunities
We believe that the insights we gain from our vast network reduce the potential risk inherent in organic investment and mergers and acquisitions. Our team evaluates potential merger and acquisition opportunities with the benefit of data and firsthand industry knowledge that enables us to identify integration synergies and better forecast revenue growth potential. Our role as an industry counterpart often affords us early insights into strategic processes. As an example, we represented UFC for its media rights deals before we invested in the business and ultimately acquired it in full. Through our Talent Ventures arm, we often have the opportunity to invest in and support new business ventures that we have negotiated on behalf of our clients, and our commission structure allows us to participate alongside them in their commercial success. In 2022, we closed more than 35 equity deals within this framework on behalf of clients and invested in several as a company.
Flywheel Drives Upside for Our Stakeholders
The practical linkages between our business units have produced myriad new revenue generation opportunities, improved client acquisition and retention, and proprietary acquisition and investment opportunities. Throughout the portfolio, our owned assets and capabilities reinforce the others, creating a global integrated flywheel that is very difficult to replicate. We have executed multi-pronged growth strategies on behalf of clients including Serena Williams, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, Maria Sharapova, and many others, leveraging our network to forge meaningful partnerships between our talent and brands. Through our deep relationships and expertise in sports like golf and tennis, we have expanded our capabilities in the sports betting and data industry via IMG ARENA and our acquisition of OpenBet. Our sports rights and representation businesses have similarly helped unlock investment and advisory opportunities for properties such as the PGA and Euroleague. We have realized top line and cost synergies as we have integrated more than 30 acquisitions including IMG, UFC, PBR, 160over90, and On Location.
Strong Revenue Visibility
Our services are underpinned by highly visible and recurring revenue streams across the business. A primary example is our domestic and international media rights deals for UFC, including a 7-year deal with ESPN for domestic rights. We have numerous similarly contracted revenue streams from media rights contracts in our media rights and distribution business, as well as through our sponsorship deals of our owned sports properties, including UFC. Our work with recurring annual events such as Wimbledon and quadrennial events such as the Rugby World Cup adds to the recurring revenue nature of our business. We also have retainer-based agreements with many of our marketing clients and visibility into commissions on licensing arrangements. Our representation business benefits from revenue visibility, predictable production volumes, and residual income streams from past client bookings and content packages. We also benefit from strong revenue visibility from annual owned and operated events like the Miami Open, Madrid Open and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which have been running successfully for at least a decade. Finally, our four-year tuition-based IMG Academy provides a high degree of revenue visibility.
Our Growth Strategies
Leverage the Endeavor Flywheel to Drive Organic Growth
We intend to continue leveraging our integrated global platform to maximize the growth potential of our business. The convergence of the sports, entertainment, live events, and technology ecosystems has expanded use cases, exposure and monetization opportunities for our premium intellectual property, content and experiences, and our clients. We believe that our integrated capabilities and global reach allow us to deepen relationships with existing clients, attract new clients and partners, and access proprietary acquisition and investment opportunities that contribute to our growth and strengthen our network. We proactively leverage our internal capabilities through a dedicated architecture team that helps identify touchpoints throughout our businesses. We use these touchpoints to create organic growth opportunities that would otherwise not be recognized without the flywheel. We have had success moving our clients across the platform, increasing their monetization capacity and improving our growth.
Expand our Experiential Offering
The concert, sports, and live entertainment categories have been increasingly prioritized over material goods by younger demographics. With a portfolio of hundreds of owned or managed events across Endeavor and 1,200 events and experiences curated by On Location, we believe we are well positioned to take advantage of these secular trends and create new offerings and investment opportunities. We continue to expand IMG Academy's campus footprint as well as its products and offerings, including the addition of virtual training and digital recruiting. 160over90's experiential marketing work on behalf of brands also taps into consumer demand for memorable experiences.
Invest in Adjacent High Growth Industry Segments
We remain opportunistic and enter new, fast-growing industry segments where we are able to strategically leverage long-standing business partnerships and relevant commercial insights to accelerate scale. We invest to both complement our internal capabilities and enhance their value, as well as to enter relevant adjacent industry segments. Examples include sports gaming (IMG ARENA and OpenBet), streaming (Endeavor Streaming), experiential marketing (160over90), and partnerships with our clients (Talent Ventures).
Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions
Our disciplined mergers and acquisitions strategy has been focused on investing in intellectual property and acquiring capabilities that can benefit from the Endeavor flywheel. In particular, we look for opportunities that move us further into ownership, enhance our portfolio of premium intellectual property, and bolster our flywheel and revenue upside in adjacent or existing core businesses. We have successfully completed more than 30 mergers and acquisitions since 2014. We will continue to make strategic deals that complement our internal capabilities and enhance the value of our network. We believe that a highly curated owned intellectual property asset base, diverse client mix, and global capabilities set further enhances the ecosystem connectivity that makes our platform the ideal home for numerous future acquisition targets that fit the profile of our investment strategy.
Intellectual Property and Other Proprietary Rights
We consider intellectual property to be very important to the operation of our business and to driving growth in our revenues, particularly with respect to professional engagements, sponsorships, licensing rights, and media distribution agreements. Our intellectual property includes the “Endeavor,” “WME,” “William Morris Endeavor,” “IMG,” “UFC,” and “PBR” brands in addition to the trademarks and copyrights associated with our content and events, and the rights to use the intellectual property of our commercial partners. Substantially all of our intellectual property and owned assets that we acquire are protected by trademarks and copyright, whether registered or unregistered.
Competition
The entertainment, sports, and content industries in which we participate are highly competitive. We face competition from alternative providers of the services, content, and events we and our clients and owned assets offer and from other forms of entertainment and leisure activities.
In our Events, Experiences & Rights segment, we face competition from other live, filmed, televised and streamed entertainment, including competition from other companies in the media rights industry. In our Representation segment, we compete with other agencies that represent and/or manage clients including talent and brands. In our Owned Sports Properties segment, we face competition from sports leagues, associations, promotions, and events. For a discussion of risks relating to competition, see Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors-The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, both within the United States and internationally.”
Human Capital Resources
General
We believe the strength of our workforce is critical to our long-term success. Endeavor’s human capital management objectives include attracting, retaining, and developing high performing and diverse talent and empowering them with our guiding principles of persistence, collaboration, excellence, and inclusion.
As of December 31, 2022, we had approximately 11,000 employees in 36 countries, primarily in the U.S and EMEA, with a smaller presence in other regions, including APAC. We have invested and focused on the training and development of our employees, from both a personnel and technology perspective. We believe that our relations with our employees are good.
Talent Development
Endeavor recognizes nurturing talent and embracing the constant evolution that leadership requires is crucial to our collective success. We have invested in learning and development opportunities that strengthen the role of leaders, as well as offering all employees opportunities for professional growth and skill development through access to a broad range of learning solutions on varying industry topics.
Diversity and Inclusion
Endeavor strives to create a work environment that is more reflective of the diverse communities in which we work and to use our cultural influence to challenge methods and systems that result in inequity. The Company has established initiatives to address pressing societal issues through advocacy and action within our own walls and beyond. We recognize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is intrinsically linked to business success and have established company-wide working groups and dedicated accountability teams of company leaders (vice president-level and above) to ensure ongoing progress is made.
To continue advancing our efforts to ensure our global workforce is more representative of our communities, we launched and/or expanded upon the following initiatives in 2022:
•Created and distributed enhanced Diversity Accountability Dashboards, comprised of divisional representation metrics from each of our businesses, which are overseen by senior leaders across each business, along with an accompanying scorecard to help remain in line with overarching Endeavor-wide goals and commitments;
•Enhanced a range of key recruitment practices, including formalizing our employee referral program to help limit patronage hiring; standardizing WME’s trainee recruitment program to ensure a fair and equitable selection process; and conducting substantial recruiting efforts among participants in our industry access programs, who are largely from historically excluded and/or underrepresented backgrounds;
•Conducted Self-ID campaigns in the U.S. and U.K., allowing for current and new employees to self-identify based on race/ethnicity, gender-identity (inclusive of transgender identification), sexual orientation and more;
•Trained Human Resources leaders on partnering with executives to accelerate diversity and inclusion efforts within their business and employee populations;
•Held annual employee day of service, Walk the Walk, for the first year since the pandemic, with participation from more than 9,000 employees who participated in more than 30,000 volunteer hours;
•Managed and grew seven Employee Resource Groups with 2,000+ employees across ten cities around the globe; and
•Continued training programs in partnership with GLAAD, built to educate and familiarize employees with the LGBTQ+ experience and help enhance awareness and advocacy in the representation of LGBTQ+ talent, and Black Beauty Roster, educating agents and managers on the needs of Black talent on set.
Compensation and Benefits
The objective of our compensation and benefits programs is to provide a total rewards package that will attract, retain, motivate and reward high-performing, qualified and skilled workforce necessary for our continued success across our diverse businesses. We seek to do this by linking compensation to company and business unit performance, as well each individual’s contributions to the results achieved. In addition to competitive base salaries, the company accomplishes this through annual cash-based bonus plans for eligible employees and long-term incentive plans for its executives.
Endeavor is committed to providing comprehensive benefit programs that enhance the total well-being of our people - and their families - both in and outside of work. Our programs are designed to inspire our people to prosper physically, mentally, socially, and financially. Some examples of our wide ranging benefits offered include: health insurance, paid and unpaid leaves, a retirement plan, life insurance, disability/accident coverage, and mental health counseling and support.
Regulation and Legislation
We are subject to federal, state and local laws, both domestically and internationally, and at the state level by athletic commissions, governing matters such as:
•licensing laws for talent agencies, such as California’s Talent Agencies Act and the New York General Business Law;
•licensing laws for athletes;
•operation of our venues;
•licensing, permitting, and zoning;
•health, safety, and sanitation requirements;
•the service of food and alcoholic beverages;
•working conditions, labor, minimum wage and hour, citizenship, immigration, visas, harassment and discrimination, and other labor and employment laws and regulations
•our employment of youth workers and compliance with child labor laws;
•compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the "FCPA"), the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 (the "Bribery Act") and similar regulations in other countries, as described in more detail below;
•antitrust and fair competition;
•data privacy and information security;
•marketing activities;
•environmental protection regulations;
•imposition by foreign countries of trade restrictions, restrictions on the manner in which content is currently licensed and distributed, ownership restrictions, or currency exchange controls;
•licensure and other regulatory requirement for the supply of sports betting data and software to gambling operators;
•licensing laws for the promotion and operation of MMA events; and
•government regulation of the entertainment and sports industry.
We monitor changes in these laws and believe that we are in material compliance with applicable laws. See Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Business-We are subject to extensive U.S. and foreign governmental regulations, and our failure to comply with these regulations could adversely affect our business.”
Many of the events produced or promoted by our businesses are presented in venues which are subject to building and health codes and fire regulations imposed by the state and local governments in the jurisdictions in which the venues are located. These venues are also subject to zoning and outdoor advertising regulations and require a number of licenses in order for us to operate, including occupancy permits, exhibition licenses, food and beverage permits, liquor licenses, and other authorizations. In addition, these venues are subject to the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the U.K.’s Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which require us to maintain certain accessibility features at each of the facilities. Lastly, these venues have been subject to federal and local restrictions from time to time as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In various states in the United States and some foreign jurisdictions, we are required to obtain licenses for promoters, medical clearances and other permits or licenses for our athletes, and permits for UFC’s live events in order for us to promote and conduct those events. Generally, we or our employees hold promoters and matchmakers licenses to organize and hold UFC’s live events. We or our employees hold these licenses in a number of states, including California, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York.
We are required to comply with the anti-corruption laws of the countries in which we operate, including the FCPA and the Bribery Act. These regulations make it illegal for us to pay, promise to pay, or receive money or anything of value to, or from, any government or foreign public official for the purpose of directly or indirectly obtaining or retaining business. This ban on illegal payments and bribes also applies to agents or intermediaries who use funds for purposes prohibited by the statute.
Our entertainment, sports, and content businesses are also subject to certain regulations applicable to our web sites and mobile applications. We maintain various web sites and mobile applications that provide information and content regarding our businesses and offer merchandise and tickets for sale. The operation of these web sites and applications may be subject to a range of federal, state, and local laws.
Gaming regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate are established by statute and are administered by a regulatory agency with broad authority to interpret gaming regulations and to regulate gaming activities. Regulatory requirements vary among jurisdictions, but the majority of jurisdictions require licenses, permits, or findings of suitability for our company, individual officers, directors, major stockholders, and key employees. We believe we hold all of the licenses and permits necessary to conduct our business in this space, including IMG ARENA’s and OpenBet's business, which provides data technology and video for more than 45,000 sports events per year to sports betting platforms.
Available Information and Website Disclosure
We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Our filings with the SEC are also available to the public through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
You also can find more information about us online at our investor relations website located at www.investor.endeavorco.com. Filings we make with the SEC and any amendments to those reports are available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with the SEC. The information posted on or accessible through our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report.
Investors and others should note that we announce material financial and operational information to our investors using press releases, SEC filings and public conference call webcasts, and by postings on our investor relations site at investor.endeavorco.com. We may also use our website as a distribution channel of material Company information. In addition, you may automatically receive email alerts and other information about Endeavor when you enroll your email address by visiting the “Investor Email Alerts” option under the Resources tab on investor.endeavorco.com.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Investing in our Class A common stock involves substantial risks. You should carefully consider the following factors and all other information in this Annual Report before investing in our Class A common stock. Any of the risk factors we describe below could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. The market price of our Class A common stock could decline if one or more of these risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, causing you to lose all or part of your investment. We cannot assure you that any of the events discussed below will not occur. While we believe these risks and uncertainties are especially important for you to consider, we may face other risks and uncertainties that could adversely affect our business. Please also see “Forward-Looking Statements” for more information.
Risks Related to Our Business
Changes in public and consumer tastes and preferences and industry trends could reduce demand for our services and content offerings and adversely affect our business.
Our ability to generate revenues is highly sensitive to rapidly changing consumer preferences and industry trends, as well as the popularity of the talent, brands, and owners of intellectual property we represent, and the assets we own. Our success depends on our ability to offer premium content through popular channels of distribution that meet the changing preferences of the broad consumer market and respond to competition from an expanding array of choices facilitated by technological developments in the delivery of content. Our operations and revenues are affected by consumer tastes and entertainment trends, including the market demand for the distribution rights to live sports events, which are unpredictable and may be affected by factors such as changes in the social and political climate, global epidemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic or general macroeconomic factors. Changes in consumers’ tastes or a change in the perceptions of our brands and business partners, whether as a result of the social and political climate or otherwise, could adversely affect our operating results. Our failure to avoid a negative perception among consumers or anticipate and respond to changes in consumer preferences, including in the form of content creation or distribution, could result in reduced demand for our services and content offerings or those of our clients and owned assets across our platform, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Consumer tastes change frequently and it is a challenge to anticipate what offerings will be successful at any point in time. We may invest in our content and owned assets, including in the creation of original content, before learning the extent to which it will achieve popularity with consumers. For example, as of December 31, 2022, we have committed to spending approximately $3.0 billion in guaranteed payments for media, events, experiences or other representation rights and similar expenses, regardless of our ability to profit from these rights. A lack of popularity of these, our other content offerings, or our owned assets, as well as labor disputes, unavailability of a star performer, equipment shortages, cost overruns, disputes with production teams, or adverse weather conditions, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability to generate revenue from discretionary and corporate spending on entertainment and sports events, such as corporate sponsorships and advertising, is subject to many factors, including many that are beyond our control, such as general macroeconomic conditions.
Our business depends on discretionary consumer and corporate spending. Many factors related to corporate spending and discretionary consumer spending, including economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income such as unemployment levels, fuel prices, interest rates, changes in tax rates, and tax laws that impact companies or individuals and inflation can significantly impact our operating results. While consumer and corporate spending may decline at any time for reasons beyond our control, the risks associated with our businesses become more acute in periods of a slowing economy or recession, which may be accompanied by reductions in corporate sponsorship and advertising and decreases in attendance at live entertainment and sports events, among other things. There can be no assurance that consumer and corporate spending will not be adversely impacted by current economic conditions, or by any future deterioration in economic conditions, thereby possibly impacting our operating results and growth. A prolonged period of reduced consumer or corporate spending, such as those during the COVID-19 pandemic, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We may not be able to adapt to or manage new content distribution platforms or changes in consumer behavior resulting from new
technologies.
We must successfully adapt to and manage technological advances in our industry, including the emergence of alternative distribution platforms. If we are unable to adopt or are late in adopting technological changes and innovations that other entertainment providers offer, it may lead to a loss of consumers viewing our content, a reduction in revenues from attendance at our live events, a loss of ticket sales, or lower ticket fees. It may also lead to a reduction in our clients’ ability to monetize new platforms. Our ability to effectively generate revenue from new distribution platforms and viewing technologies will affect our ability to maintain and grow our business. Emerging forms of content distribution may provide different economic models and compete with current distribution methods (such as television, film, and pay-per-view (“PPV”)) in ways that are not entirely predictable, which could reduce consumer demand for our content offerings. We must also adapt to changing consumer behavior driven by advances that allow for time shifting and on-demand viewing, such as digital video recorders and video-on-demand, as well as internet-based and broadband content delivery and mobile devices. If we fail to adapt our distribution methods and content to emerging technologies and new distribution platforms, while also effectively preventing digital piracy, our ability to generate revenue from our targeted audiences may decline and could result in an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Because our success depends substantially on our ability to maintain a professional reputation, adverse publicity concerning us, one of our businesses, our clients, or our key personnel could adversely affect our business.
Our professional reputation is essential to our continued success and any decrease in the quality of our reputation could impair our ability to, among other things, recruit and retain qualified and experienced agents, managers, and other key personnel, retain or attract agency clients or customers, or enter into multimedia, licensing, and sponsorship engagements. Our overall reputation may be negatively impacted by a number of factors, including negative publicity concerning us, members of our management or our agents, managers, and other key personnel. In addition, we are dependent for a portion of our revenues on the relationships between content providers and the clients and key brands, such as sports leagues and federations, that we represent, many of whom are public personalities with large social media followings whose actions generate significant publicity and public interest. Any adverse publicity relating to such individuals or entities that we employ or represent, or to our company, including from reported or actual incidents or allegations of illegal or improper conduct, such as harassment, discrimination, or other misconduct, could result in significant media attention, even if not directly relating to or involving Endeavor, and could have a negative impact on our professional reputation. This could result in termination of licensing or other contractual relationships, or our employees’ ability to attract new customer or client relationships, or the loss or termination of such employees’ services, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Our professional reputation could also be impacted by adverse publicity relating to one or more of our owned or majority owned brands, events, or businesses.
We depend on the relationships of our agents, managers, and other key personnel with clients across many categories, including television, film, professional sports, fashion, music, literature, theater, digital, sponsorship and licensing.
We depend upon relationships that our agents, managers, and other key personnel have developed with clients across many content categories, including, among others, television, film, professional sports, fashion, music, literature, theater, digital, sponsorship, and licensing. The relationships that our agents, managers, and other key personnel have developed with studios, brands, and other key business contacts help us to secure access to sponsorships, endorsements, professional contracts, productions, events, and other opportunities for our clients. Due to the importance of those industry contacts to us, a substantial deterioration in these relationships, or substantial loss of agents, managers, or other key personnel who maintain these relationships, could adversely affect our business. In particular, our client management business is dependent upon the highly personalized relationships between our agent and manager teams and their respective clients. A substantial deterioration in the team managing a client may result in a deterioration in our relationship with, or the loss of, the clients represented by that agent or manager. The substantial loss of multiple agents or managers and their associated clients could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Most of our agents, managers, and other key personnel are not party to long-term contracts and, in any event, can leave our employment with little or no notice. We can give no assurance that all or any of these individuals will remain with us or will retain their associations with key business contacts.
Our success depends, in part, on our continuing ability to identify, recruit, and retain qualified and experienced agents and managers. If we fail to recruit and retain suitable agents or if our relationships with our agents change or deteriorate, it could adversely affect our business.
Our success depends, in part, upon our continuing ability to identify, recruit, and retain qualified and experienced agents and managers. There is great competition for qualified and experienced agents and managers in the entertainment and sports industry, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to hire or retain a sufficient number of qualified persons to meet our requirements, or that we will be able to do so under terms that are economically attractive to us. Any failure to retain certain agents and managers could lead to the loss of sponsorship, multimedia, and licensing agreements, and other engagements and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our failure to identify, sign, and retain clients could adversely affect our business.
We derive substantial revenue from the engagements, sponsorships, licensing rights, and distribution agreements entered into by the clients with whom we work. We depend on identifying, signing, and retaining as clients those artists, athletes, models, and businesses whose identities or brands are in high demand by the public and, as a result, are deemed to be favorable candidates for engagements. Our competitive position is dependent on our continuing ability to attract, develop, and retain clients whose work is likely to achieve a high degree of value and recognition as well as our ability to provide such clients with sponsorships, endorsements, professional contracts, productions, events, and other opportunities. Our failure to attract and retain these clients, an increase in the costs required to attract and retain such clients, or an untimely loss or retirement of these clients could adversely affect our financial results and growth prospects. We have not entered into written agreements with many of the clients we represent. These clients may decide to discontinue their relationship with us at any time and without notice. In addition, the clients with whom we have entered into written contracts may choose not to renew their contracts with us on reasonable terms or at all or they may breach or seek to terminate these contracts. If any of our clients decide to discontinue their relationships with us, whether they are under a contract or not, we may be unable to recoup costs expended to develop and promote them and our financial results may be adversely affected. Further, the loss of such clients could lead other of our clients to terminate their relationships with us.
We derive substantial revenue from the sale of multimedia rights, licensing rights, and sponsorships. A significant proportion of this revenue is dependent on our commercial agreements with entertainment and sports events. Our failure to renew or replace these key commercial agreements on similar or better terms could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business involves potential internal conflicts of interest due to the breadth and scale of our platform.
Increasingly, we must manage actual and potential internal conflicts of interest in our business due to the breadth and scale of our platform. Different parts of our business may have actual or potential conflicts of interest with each other, including our client representation, media production, events production, owned sports properties, sponsorship, and content development businesses. Although we attempt to manage these conflicts appropriately, any failure to adequately address or manage internal conflicts of interest could adversely affect our reputation, and the willingness of clients and third parties to work with us may be affected if we fail, or appear to fail, to deal appropriately with actual or perceived internal conflicts of interest, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, both within the United States and internationally.
We face competition from a variety of other domestic and foreign companies. We face competition from alternative providers of the content, services, and events we and our clients offer and from other forms of entertainment and leisure activities in a rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented environment. Any increased competition, which may not be foreseeable, or our failure to adequately address any competitive factors, could result in reduced demand for our content, live events, clients, or key brands, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We depend on the continued service of the members of our executive management and other key employees, as well as management of acquired businesses, the loss or diminished performance of whom could adversely affect our business.
Our performance is substantially dependent on the performance of the members of our executive management and other key employees, as well as management of acquired businesses. We seek to acquire businesses that have strong management teams and often rely on these individuals to conduct day-to-day operations and pursue growth. Although we have entered into employment and severance protection agreements with certain members of our senior management team and we typically seek to sign employment agreements with the management of acquired businesses, we cannot be sure that any member of our senior management or management of the acquired businesses will remain with us or that they will not compete with us in the future. The loss of any member of our senior management team could impair our ability to execute our business plan and growth strategy, have a negative impact on our revenues and the effective working relationships that our executive management have developed, and cause employee morale problems and the loss of additional key employees, agents, managers, and clients.
We depend on key relationships with television and cable networks, satellite providers, digital streaming partners and other distribution partners, as well as corporate sponsors.
A key component of our success is our relationships with television and cable networks, satellite providers, digital streaming and other distribution partners, as well as corporate sponsors. We are dependent on maintaining these existing relationships and expanding upon them to ensure we have a robust network with whom we can work to arrange multimedia rights sales and sponsorship engagements, including distribution of our owned, operated, or represented events. Our television programming for our owned, operated, and represented events is distributed by television and cable networks, satellite providers, PPV, digital streaming, and other media. Because a portion of our revenues are generated, directly and indirectly, from this distribution, any failure to maintain or renew arrangements with distributors and platforms, the failure of distributors or platforms to continue to provide services to us, or the failure to enter into new distribution opportunities on terms favorable to us could adversely affect our business. We regularly engage in negotiations relating to substantial agreements covering the distribution of our television programming by carriers located in the United States and abroad. We have an important relationship with ESPN as they are the exclusive domestic home to all UFC events. We have agreements with multiple PPV providers globally and distribute a portion of our owned, operated, or represented events through PPV, including certain events that are sold exclusively through PPV. Any adverse change in these relationships or agreements, including as a result of U.S., EU and U.K. trade and economic sanctions and any counter-sanctions enacted by such sanctioned countries (e.g., Russia), or a deterioration in the perceived value of our clients, sponsorships, or these distribution channels could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Owning and managing certain events for which we sell media and sponsorship rights, ticketing and hospitality exposes us to greater financial risk. If the live events that we own and manage are not financially successful, our business could be adversely affected.
We act as a principal by owning and managing certain live events for which we sell media and sponsorship rights, ticketing and hospitality, such as UFC’s events, the Miami Open and Madrid Open, the Professional Bull Riders’ events, and On Location’s experiences. Organizing and operating a live event involves significant financial risk as we bear all or most event costs, including a significant amount of up-front costs. In addition, we typically book our live events many months in advance of holding the event and often agree to pay a fixed guaranteed amount prior to receiving any related revenue. Accordingly, if a planned event fails to occur or there is any disruption in our ability to live stream or otherwise distribute, whether as a result of technical difficulties or otherwise, we could lose a substantial amount of these up-front costs, fail to generate the anticipated revenue, and be forced to issue refunds for media and sponsorship rights, advertising fees, and ticket sales. If we are forced to postpone a planned event, we could incur substantial additional costs in order to stage the event on a new date, may have reduced attendance and revenue, and may have to refund fees. We could be compelled to cancel or postpone all or part of an event for many reasons, including poor weather, issues with obtaining permits or government regulation, performers failing to participate, as well as operational challenges caused by extraordinary incidents, such as terrorist or other security incidents, mass-casualty incidents, natural disasters, public health concerns including pandemics, or similar events. Such incidents have been shown to cause a nationwide disruption of commercial and leisure activities. We often have cancellation insurance policies in place to cover a portion of our losses if we are compelled to cancel an event, but our coverage may not be sufficient and no longer covers a pandemic and is subject to deductibles. If the live events that we own and manage are not financially successful, we could suffer an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our recent acquisitions have caused us to grow rapidly, and we will need to continue to make changes to operate at our current size and scale. We may face difficulty in further integrating the operations of the businesses acquired in our recent transactions, and we may never realize the anticipated benefits and cost synergies from all of these transactions. If we are unable to manage our current operations or any future growth effectively, our business could be adversely affected.
Our recent acquisitions have caused us to grow rapidly, and we may need to continue to make changes to operate at our current size and scale. If we fail to realize the anticipated benefits and cost synergies from our recent acquisitions, or if we experience any unanticipated or unidentified effects in connection with these transactions, including write-offs of goodwill, accelerated amortization expenses of other intangible assets, or any unanticipated disruptions with important third-party relationships or the inability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected. Moreover, our recent acquisitions involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, those associated with the integration of operations, financial reporting, technologies and personnel, and the potential loss of key employees, agents, managers, clients, customers, or strategic partners. Because the integration of the businesses acquired in our recent transactions have and will require significant time and resources, and we may not be able to manage the process successfully, these acquisitions may not be accretive to our earnings and they may negatively impact our results of operations. If our operations continue to grow, we will be required, among other things, to upgrade our management information systems and other processes and to obtain more space for our expanding administrative support and other headquarters personnel. Our continued growth could strain our resources and we could experience operating difficulties, including difficulties in hiring, training, and managing an increasing number of employees. These difficulties could result in the erosion of our brand image and reputation and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
We may be unsuccessful in our strategic acquisitions, investments and commercial agreements, and we may pursue acquisitions, investments or commercial agreements for their strategic value in spite of the risk of lack of profitability.
We face significant uncertainty in connection with acquisitions, investments, and commercial agreements. To the extent we choose to pursue certain commercial, investment, or acquisition strategies, we may be unable to identify suitable targets for these deals, or to make these deals on favorable terms. If we identify suitable acquisition candidates, investments, or commercial partners, our ability to realize a return on the resources expended pursuing such deals, and to successfully implement or enter into them will depend on a variety of factors, including our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, requisite governmental approvals, as well as the factors discussed below. Additionally, we may decide to make or enter into acquisitions, investments, or commercial agreements with the understanding that such acquisitions, investments, or commercial agreements will not be profitable, but may be of strategic value to us. Our current and future acquisitions, investments, including existing investments accounted for under the equity method, or commercial agreements may also require that we make additional capital investments in the future, which would divert resources from other areas of our business. We cannot provide assurances that the anticipated strategic benefits of these deals will be realized in the long-term or at all.
We may fail to identify or assess the magnitude of certain liabilities, shortcomings, or other circumstances prior to acquiring a company, making an investment or entering into a commercial agreement and, as such, may not obtain sufficient warranties, indemnities, insurance, or other protections. This could result in unexpected litigation or regulatory exposure, unfavorable accounting treatment, unexpected increases in taxes, a loss of anticipated tax benefits, or other adverse effects on our business, operating results, or financial condition. Additionally, some warranties and indemnities may give rise to unexpected and significant liabilities. Future acquisitions and commercial arrangements that we may pursue could result in dilutive issuances of equity securities and the incurrence of further debt.
Our compliance with regulations may limit our operations and future acquisitions.
We are also subject to laws and regulations, including those relating to antitrust, that could significantly affect our ability to expand our business through acquisitions or joint ventures. For example, the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice with respect to our domestic acquisitions and joint ventures, and the European Commission, the antitrust regulator of the European Union (the “E.U.”), with respect to our European acquisitions and joint ventures, have the authority to challenge our acquisitions and joint ventures on antitrust grounds before or after the acquisitions or joint ventures are completed. State agencies, as well as comparable authorities in other countries, may also have standing to challenge these acquisitions and joint ventures under state or federal antitrust law. Allegations of, or adverse rulings relating to, a failure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations could result in, among other things, regulatory actions or legal proceedings against us, the imposition of fines, penalties, or judgments against us, or significant limitations on our activities. Multiple or repeated failures by us to comply with these laws and regulations could result in increased fines, actions or legal proceedings against us. Gaming authorities may levy fines against us or seize certain of our assets or refuse to issue or renew, suspend, revoke, condition or limit our licenses if we violate gaming regulations. In addition, the regulatory environment in which we operate is subject to change. New or revised requirements imposed by governmental regulatory authorities could have adverse effects on us, including increased costs of compliance. We also may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and regulations by these governmental authorities.
Our business and operations are subject to a variety of regulatory requirements in the United States and abroad, including, among other things, with respect to labor, tax, import and export, anti-corruption, data privacy and protection and communications monitoring and interception. Compliance with these regulatory requirements may be onerous and expensive, especially where these requirements are or may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction or where the jurisdictional reach of certain requirements is not clearly defined or seeks to reach across national borders. Regulatory requirements in one jurisdiction may make it difficult or impossible to do business in another jurisdiction. We may also be unsuccessful in obtaining permits, licenses or other authorizations required to operate our business. Our policies and procedures designed to achieve compliance with these laws and regulations cannot guarantee that we or our personnel will not violate applicable laws and regulations or our policies regarding the same.
We and certain of our affiliates, major stockholders (generally persons and entities beneficially owning a specified percentage (typically 5% or more) of our equity securities), directors, officers, and key employees are also subject to extensive background investigations and suitability standards in our businesses. Our failure, or the failure of any of our major stockholders, directors, officers, key employees, products, or technology, to obtain or retain a required license or approval in one jurisdiction could negatively impact our ability (or the ability of any of our major stockholders, directors, officers, key employees, products, or technology) to obtain or retain required licenses and approvals in other jurisdictions.
We share control in joint venture projects, other investments, and strategic alliances, which limits our ability to manage third-party risks associated with these projects.
We participate in a number of joint ventures, other non-controlling investments, and strategic alliances and may enter into additional joint ventures, investments, and strategic alliances in the future. In these joint ventures, investments, and strategic alliances, we often have shared control over the operation of the assets and businesses. As a result, such investments and strategic alliances may involve risks such as the possibility that a partner in an investment might become bankrupt, be unable to meet its capital contribution obligations, have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals, or take actions that are contrary to our instructions or to applicable laws and regulations. In addition, we may be unable to take action without the approval of our partners, or our partners could take binding actions without our consent. Consequently, actions by a partner or other third party could expose us to claims for damages, financial penalties, additional capital contributions, and reputational harm, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Preparing our financial statements requires us to have access to information regarding the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows of our joint ventures and other investments. Any deficiencies in their internal controls over financial reporting may affect our ability to report our financial results accurately or prevent or detect fraud. Such deficiencies also could result in restatements of, or other adjustments to, our previously reported or announced operating results, which could diminish investor confidence and reduce the market price for our Class A common stock. Additionally, if our joint ventures and other investments are unable to provide this information for any meaningful period or fail to meet expected deadlines, we may be unable to satisfy our financial reporting obligations or timely file our periodic reports.
The impact of COVID-19 could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
COVID-19 is still impacting certain countries and communities. While activity has resumed in all of our businesses and restrictions in locations where we operate have been lessened or lifted in most cases, such restrictions could in the future be increased or reinstated. We will continue to assess the situation, including abiding by any new government-imposed restrictions, market by market. We are unable to accurately predict the ultimate impact that COVID-19 will have on our operations going forward due to the aforementioned uncertainties.
Our key personnel may be adversely impacted by immigration restrictions and related factors.
Our ability to retain our key personnel is impacted, at least in part, by the fact that a portion of our key personnel in the United States is comprised of foreign nationals who are not United States citizens. In order to be legally allowed to work in the United States, these individuals generally hold immigrant visas (which may or may not be tied to their employment with us) or green cards, the latter of which makes them permanent residents in the United States.
The ability of these foreign nationals to remain and work in the United States is impacted by a variety of laws and regulations, as well as the processing procedures of various government agencies. Changes in applicable laws, regulations, or procedures could adversely affect our ability to hire or retain these key personnel and could affect our costs of doing business and our ability to deliver services to our clients. In addition, if the laws, rules or procedures governing the ability of foreign nationals to work in the United States were to change or if the number of visas available for foreign nationals permitted to work in the United States were to be reduced, our business could be adversely affected, if, for example, we were unable to retain an employee who is a foreign national.
Corresponding issues apply with respect to our key personnel working in countries outside of the United States relating to citizenship and work authorizations. Similar changes in applicable laws, regulations or procedures in those countries could adversely affect our ability to hire or retain key personnel internationally.
The business of our agents and managers and the clients we represent is international in nature and may require them to frequently travel or live abroad. The ability of our key personnel and talent to travel internationally for their work is impacted by a variety of laws and regulations, policy considerations of foreign governments, the processing procedures of various government agencies and geopolitical actions, including war and terrorism (for example, the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine), or natural disasters including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, as well as pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, our productions and live events internationally subject us to the numerous risks involved in foreign travel and operations and also subject us to local norms and regulations, including regulations requiring us to obtain visas for our key personnel and, in some cases, hired talent. Actions by the clients we represent that are out of our control may also result in certain countries barring them from travelling internationally, which could adversely affect our business. If our key personnel and talent were prevented from conducting their work internationally for any reason, it could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We rely on technology, such as our information systems, to conduct our business. Failure to protect our technology against breakdowns and security breaches could adversely affect our business.
We rely on technology, such as our information systems, content distribution systems, ticketing systems, and payment processing systems, to conduct our business. This technology is vulnerable to service interruptions and security breaches from inadvertent or intentional actions by our employees, partners, and vendors, or from attacks by malicious third parties. Such attacks are of ever-increasing levels of sophistication and are made by groups and individuals with a wide range of motives and expertise, including organized criminal groups, “hacktivists,” nation states, and others. The techniques used to breach security safeguards evolve rapidly, and they may be difficult to detect for an extended period of time, and the measures we take to safeguard our technology may not adequately prevent such incidents.
There can be no assurance that our efforts to protect our confidential and personal information and that of our clients and other business relationships and our investments in information technology will prevent service interruptions or security breaches in our systems or the unauthorized or inadvertent wrongful use or disclosure of such confidential or personal information. Such incidents could adversely affect our business operations, reputation, and client relationships. Any such breach could require us to expend significant resources to mitigate the breach of security and to address matters related to any such breach, including the payment of fines, compensation and/or damages liabilities. Although we maintain an insurance policy that covers data security, privacy liability, and cyber-attacks, our insurance may not be adequate to cover losses arising from breaches or attacks on our systems. We would also be exposed to a risk of loss or litigation and potential liability under laws, regulations and contracts that protect the privacy and security of confidential or personal information. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the “CCPA”), imposes a private right of action for security breaches that could lead to some form of remedy including regulatory scrutiny, fines, private right of action settlements, and other consequences. As a further example, where a security incident involves a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alternation, unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, personal data in respect of which we are a controller or processor under the GDPR (as defined below), this could result in fines of up to €20.0 million or 4% of annual global turnover under the EU GDPR (as defined below) or £17.50 million and 4% of total annual revenue in the case of the UK GDPR (as defined below). We also may be required to notify regulators about any actual or perceived personal data breach as well as the individuals who are affected by the incident within strict time periods.
Furthermore, we have a large number of operating entities throughout the world and, therefore, operate on a largely decentralized basis. We are also in the process of integrating the technology of our acquired companies and likewise may acquire technologies of companies we may acquire in the future. The resulting size and diversity of our technology systems, as well as the systems of third-party vendors with whom we contract, increase the vulnerability of such systems to breakdowns and security breaches. In addition, we rely on technology at live events, the failure or unavailability of which, for any significant period of time, could affect our business, our reputation and the success of our live events. We also rely on technology to provide our digital offerings, live streaming, and virtual events, which may be vulnerable to hacking, denial of service attacks, human error and other unanticipated problems or events that could result in interruptions in our service and to unauthorized access to, or alteration of, the content and data contained on our systems and those of our third-party vendors. Any significant interruption or failure of the technology upon which we rely, or any significant breach of security, could result in decreased performance and increased operating costs (including refunds to impacted end users), adversely affecting our business, financial condition, reputation and results of operations.
In addition, our use of technology systems and applications presents the potential for further vulnerabilities. For instance, we may be subject to boycotts, spam, spyware, ransomware, phishing and social engineering, viruses, worms, malware, DDOS attacks, password attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, cybersquatting, impersonation of employees or officers, abuse of comments and message boards, fake reviews, doxing, and swatting. We cannot assure you that our internal policies in place to protect against these vulnerabilities will be successful or that we will not be adversely affected should one of these events occur.
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or customer information could harm our business and standing with our clients and customers.
The protection of our client, customer, employee, and other company data is critical to us. We collect, store, transmit, and use personal information relating to, among others, our clients, IMG Academy students, campers and visitors, employees, consumers, and event participants. We also collect certain data through several of our businesses, which may include a range of talent and production information and data provided to us by our clients and vendors. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also collect certain COVID-related health and wellness information about our employees and others. We rely on commercially available systems, software, tools, and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission, and storage of confidential client and customer information. Our facilities and systems, and those of our third-party service providers, may be threatened by or become the target of security breaches, acts of vandalism, payment card terminal tampering, computer viruses, misplaced, lost or stolen data, programming or human errors, or other similar events. We have had and in the future may have breaches of our security systems and unauthorized access to sensitive and confidential information. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of employee, client or customer information, whether by us or our third-party service providers, could damage our reputation, result in the loss of clients and customers, expose us to risk of litigation and liability or regulatory investigations or actions, disrupt our operations, and harm our business. In addition, as a result of recent security breaches, the media and public scrutiny of information security and privacy has become more intense. As a result, we may incur significant costs to change our business practices or modify our service offerings in connection with the protection of personally identifiable information as well as implementing future information security standards.
We also seek to protect trade secrets, confidential information, personal information and other proprietary information, in part, by entering into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties who have access to such information, such as our employees, collaborators, consultants, advisors and other third parties. However, we cannot guarantee that we have entered into such agreements with each party that may have or has had access to our trade secrets or proprietary technology, information and processes. Further, despite these efforts, no assurance can be given that these agreements will be effective in controlling access to and distribution of our products and proprietary information as any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches.
Defending a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret or confidential information is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, some courts within and outside of the United States are less willing or unwilling to protect trade secrets. If any of our trade secrets were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor or other third party, we would have no right to prevent them from using that technology or information to compete with us. If any of our trade secrets were to be disclosed to or independently developed by a competitor or other third party, our competitive position would be materially and adversely harmed.
Regulatory action for alleged privacy violations could result in significant fines, orders to cease data processing or other penalties.
Regulators may impose significant fines for privacy and data protection violations. Our business operations involve the collection, transfer, use, disclosure, storage, and disposal of personal or sensitive information around the world, including the European Economic Area (“EEA”). As a result, our business is subject to complex and continually evolving (and at times conflicting) U.S. (federal and state) and international laws and regulations regarding privacy and data protection. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation and could result in claims, changes to our business practices, penalties, increased cost of operations, or otherwise harm our business.
For example, in Europe, we are subject to the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 and applicable national supplementing laws (“EU GDPR”) and in the United Kingdom, we are subject to the United Kingdom data protection regime consisting primarily of the U.K. General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act of 2018 (“UK GDPR”, and together with the EU GDPR, the “GDPR”). The GDPR creates requirements for in-scope businesses regarding personal data, broadly defined as information relating to an identifiable person. Non-compliance carries potential significant monetary penalties of up to the higher of 4% of a company’s worldwide annual turnover or €20 million/£17.5 million under the EU GDPR and UK GDPR, respectively; we may also face orders to cease/ change our processing of personal data, as well as civil claims (including class actions), enforcement notices, assessment notices (for a compulsory audit) and reputational damage.
Under the GDPR, and other privacy regimes globally, we are subject to rules regarding cross-border transfers of personal data. Recent legal developments in Europe have created complexity and uncertainty regarding transfers of personal data from the EEA and United Kingdom to the U.S. and other jurisdictions. For example, on July 16, 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union invalidated the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework, under which personal data could be transferred from the EEA to relevant self-certified U.S. entities, and further noted that reliance on the Standard Contractual Clauses alone (a standard, non-negotiable form of contract approved by the European Commission as an adequate personal data transfer mechanism, and a potential alternative to the Privacy Shield Framework) may not necessarily be sufficient in all circumstances. Subsequent European court and regulatory decisions have taken a restrictive approach to international data transfers.
We currently rely on the standard contractual clauses together with transfer impact assessments to transfer personal information outside the EEA and the UK, including to the United States. As supervisory authorities within the EEA issue further guidance on international data transfers under the GDPR, and as enforcement actions continue, we could suffer additional costs, complaints and/or regulatory investigations or fines, and/or it could affect our operations and the manner in which we provide our services (e.g. we may have to stop using certain tools and vendors and make other operations changes). There can be no assurances that we will be successful in our efforts to comply with the GDPR or other privacy and data protection laws and regulations, or that violations will not occur, particularly given the complexity of both these laws and our business, as well as the uncertainties that accompany new laws.
In addition, as discussed above, the CCPA imposes significant data privacy and potential statutory damages related to data protection for the data of California residents. The effects of this legislation potentially are far-reaching and may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur significant costs and expenses in an effort to comply. Further, on November 3, 2020, the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”) was voted into law by California residents. The CPRA, which went into effect on January 1, 2023 and becomes enforceable on July 1, 2023, significantly amends the CCPA and imposes additional data protection obligations on companies doing business in California, including additional consumer rights processes and opt outs for certain uses of personal and sensitive data. It also creates a new California data protection agency specifically tasked to enforce the law, which will likely result in increased regulatory scrutiny of California businesses in the areas of data protection and security. The CCPA has encouraged "copycat" or other similar data privacy laws to be considered and proposed in other states across the country. For example, in March 2021, the Governor of Virginia signed into law the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (the "VCDPA"), which took effect on January 1, 2023. The VCDPA creates consumer rights, similar to the CCPA, and imposes corresponding obligations on covered companies, relating to the access to, deletion of, and disclosures of personal data collected by covered businesses about Virginia residents. The VCDPA provides for civil penalties for violations that are enforceable by the Virginia Attorney General. Further, Colorado, Utah and Connecticut have enacted the Colorado Privacy Act ("CPA"), the Utah Consumer Privacy Act (the "UCPA"), and the Connecticut Data Privacy Act (the "CTDPA"), respectively, which will each go into effect in 2023 and will impose obligations similar to or more stringent than those we may face under other data protection laws. Some observers have noted that these laws are the beginning of a trend toward more stringent data privacy legislation in the United States, which could also increase our potential liability and adversely affect our business. Further, broad federal data privacy legislation also has been proposed. Recent, new, and proposed state and federal legislation relating to data privacy may add additional complexity, variation in requirements, restrictions and potential legal risk, require additional compliance programs, could impact strategies and availability of previously useful information, and could result in increased compliance costs and/or changes in business practices and policies.
Our global reach means we are subject to other privacy regimes, and new laws are being enacted all the time, including laws which may have potentially conflicting requirements that would make compliance challenging. If the trend of increasing enforcement by regulators of the strict approach to the interpretation and implementation of such laws as reflected in recent guidance and decisions continues, this could lead to substantial costs, require significant systems changes, limit the effectiveness of our marketing activities, divert the attention of our technology personnel, adversely affect our margins, increase costs and subject us to additional liabilities.
Regulation of cookies and similar technologies, and any decline of cookies or similar online tracking technologies as a means to identify and potentially target users, may lead to broader restrictions and impairments on our marketing and personalization activities and may negatively impact our efforts to better understand users. Recent European court and regulator decisions are driving increased attention to cookies and tracking technologies and privacy activists are referring non-compliant companies to regulators. If the trend of increasing enforcement by regulators of the strict approach including opt-in consent for all but essential use cases, as seen in recent guidance and decisions continues, this could lead to substantial costs, require significant systems changes, limit the effectiveness of our marketing activities, divert the attention of our technology personnel, adversely affect our margins, and subject us to additional liabilities.
Any failure to comply with data protection laws and/or regulations that results in a data security breach could require notifications to data subjects and/or owners under federal, state and/or international data breach notification laws and regulations. The effects of any applicable U.S. state, U.S. federal and international laws and regulations that are currently in effect or that may go into effect in the future, are significant and may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur substantial costs and potential liability in an effort to comply with such laws and regulations. Responding to allegations of non-compliance, whether or not true, could be costly, time consuming, distracting to management, and cause reputational harm. In addition to government regulation, privacy advocates and industry groups may propose new and different self-regulatory standards. Because the interpretation and application of privacy and data protection laws are still uncertain, it is possible that these laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with one another or inconsistent with our existing data management practices or the features of our products and services. Any actual or perceived failure to comply with these and other data protection and privacy laws and regulations could result in regulatory scrutiny and increased exposure to the risks of litigation or the imposition of consent orders, resolution agreements, requirements to take particular actions with respect to training, policies or other activities, and civil and criminal penalties, including fines, which could harm our business. In addition, we, our third-party service providers or customers could be required to fundamentally change our business activities and practices or modify our products and services, which could harm our, our customers' or our third-party service providers’ businesses. Any of the foregoing could result in additional cost and liability to us, damage our reputation, inhibit sales, and harm our business.
We may be unable to protect our trademarks and other intellectual property rights, and others may allege that we infringe upon their intellectual property rights.
We have invested significant resources in brands associated with our business such as “Endeavor,” “WME,” “William Morris Endeavor,” “IMG” and “UFC” in an attempt to obtain and protect our public recognition. These brands are essential to our success and competitive position. We have also invested significant resources in the premium content that we produce.
Our trademarks, copyright, and other intellectual property rights are critical to our success and our competitive position. During trademark registration proceedings, we may receive rejections of our applications by the United States Patent and Trademark Office or in other foreign jurisdictions. Although we would be given an opportunity to respond to those rejections, we may be unable to overcome such rejections. Our intellectual property rights may be challenged, opposed, and/or invalidated by third parties and may not be strong enough to provide meaningful commercial competitive advantage. In addition, we may seek to oppose, cancel and/or invalidate a third party's intellectual property rights if we deem such intellectual property violates our rights. If we fail to secure intellectual property rights or maintain our intellectual property, our competitors might be able to enter the market, which would harm our business. Further, policing unauthorized use and other violations of our intellectual property is difficult, particularly given our global scope, so we are susceptible to others (including third party licenses) infringing, diluting or misappropriating our intellectual property rights. If we are unable to maintain and protect our intellectual property rights adequately, we may lose an important advantage in the markets in which we compete. In particular, the laws of certain foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights in the same manner as do the laws of the United States and, accordingly, our intellectual property is at greater risk in those countries even where we take steps to protect such intellectual property. In addition, we may be required to forgo protections or rights to technology, data and intellectual property in order to operate in or access markets in a foreign jurisdiction. Any such direct or indirect loss of rights in these assets could negatively impact our business. We cannot guarantee that the available legal steps we have taken, and take in the ordinary course of business, to reasonably protect our intellectual property will be successful or predict whether these steps will be adequate to prevent infringement or misappropriation of these rights.
From time to time, in the ordinary course of our business, we become involved in opposition and cancellation proceedings with respect to some of our intellectual property or third-party intellectual property. Any opposition and cancellation proceedings or other litigation or dispute involving the scope or enforceability of our intellectual property rights or any allegation that we infringe, misappropriate or dilute the intellectual property rights of others, regardless of the merit of these claims, could be costly and time-consuming. If any infringement or other intellectual property claim made against us by any third party is successful, if we are required to indemnify a third party with respect to a claim, or if we are required to, or decide to, cease use of a brand, rebrand or obtain non-infringing intellectual property (such as through a license), which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, or may be non-exclusive, thereby giving our competitors and other third parties access to the same intellectual property rights licensed to us), it could result in harm to our competitive position and could adversely affect our business and financial condition. In addition, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments related to our intellectual property and if securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. Any adverse ruling or perception of an adverse ruling in defending our intellectual property rights could have an adverse impact on our cash position and stock price. Such litigation or proceedings could increase our operating losses and reduce the resources available for development activities or future sales, marketing or distribution activities. If we are found to infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate a third party’s intellectual property rights, and we are unsuccessful in demonstrating that such rights are invalid or unenforceable, we may be required to pay substantial damages, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees for willful infringement, or pay substantial royalties and other fees.
We may license our trademarks and trade names to third parties, such as distributors. Although these license agreements may provide guidelines for how our trademarks and trade names may be used, a breach of these agreements or misuse of our trademarks and trade names by our licensees may jeopardize our rights in or diminish the goodwill associated with our trademarks and trade names. Our efforts to enforce or protect our proprietary rights related to trademarks, trade names, and service marks may be ineffective and could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Through new and existing legal and illegal distribution channels, consumers have increasing options to access entertainment video. Our technology, data and intellectual property are subject to a heightened risk of theft or compromise to the extent that we engage in operations outside the United States, particularly in those jurisdictions that do not have comparable levels of protection of proprietary information and assets, such as intellectual property, trademarks, trade secrets, know-how and customer information and records. Piracy, in particular, threatens to damage our business. Furthermore, in light of the compelling consumer proposition, piracy services are subject to rapid global growth. The success of our streaming video solutions (e.g., FIGHT PASS) is directly threatened by the availability and use of pirated alternatives. The value that streaming services are willing to pay for content that we develop may be reduced if piracy prevents these services from realizing adequate revenues on these acquisitions.
In the event of a bankruptcy, our intellectual property licenses could be affected in numerous ways. There is a concern that a bankruptcy can result in us losing intellectual property rights. Although some protections are granted via the United States Bankruptcy Code, the United States Bankruptcy Code definition of intellectual property only includes trade secrets, patents and patent applications, copyrights, and mask works and does not include trademarks. Because we rely heavily on the licensing of trademarks, we are at risk of losing rights in the event of a bankruptcy.
As a result of our operations in international markets, we are subject to risks associated with the legislative, judicial, accounting, regulatory, political and economic risks and conditions specific to such markets.
We provide services in various jurisdictions abroad through a number of brands and businesses that we own and operate, as well as through joint ventures, and we expect to continue to expand our international presence. We face, and expect to continue to face, additional risks in the case of our existing and future international operations, including:
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political instability, adverse changes in diplomatic relations and unfavorable economic conditions in the markets in which we have international operations or into which we may expand;
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more restrictive or otherwise unfavorable government regulation of the entertainment, sports and sports betting industries, which could result in increased compliance costs or otherwise restrict the manner in which we provide services and the amount of related fees charged for such services;
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limitations on the enforcement of intellectual property rights;
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enhanced difficulties of integrating any foreign acquisitions;
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limitations on the ability of foreign subsidiaries to repatriate profits or otherwise remit earnings;
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adverse tax consequences;
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less sophisticated legal systems in some foreign countries, which could impair our ability to enforce our contractual rights in those countries;
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limitations on technology infrastructure;
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variability in venue security standards and accepted practices; and
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difficulties in managing operations due to distance, language and cultural differences, including issues associated with (i) business practices and customs that are common in certain foreign countries but might be prohibited by U.S. law and our internal policies and procedures and (ii) management and operational systems and infrastructures, including internal financial control and reporting systems and functions, staffing and managing of foreign operations, which we might not be able to do effectively or on a cost efficient basis.
If our goodwill or intangible assets become impaired, we may be required to record an additional significant charge to earnings.
We review our goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1 and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. If such goodwill or intangible assets are deemed to be impaired, an impairment loss equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets would be recognized. Adverse impacts to our business could result in additional impairments and additional significant charges to earnings.
Participants and spectators in connection with our live entertainment and sports events are subject to potential injuries and accidents, which could subject us to personal injury or other claims and increase our expenses, as well as reduce attendance at our live entertainment and sports events, causing a decrease in our revenue.
There are inherent risks to participants and spectators involved with producing, attending, or participating in live entertainment and sports events. Injuries and accidents have occurred and may occur from time to time in the future, which could subject us to substantial claims and liabilities for injuries. Incidents in connection with our entertainment and sports events at any of our venues or venues that we rent could also result in claims, reducing operating income or reducing attendance at our events, causing a decrease in our revenues. There can be no assurance that the insurance we maintain will be adequate to cover any potential losses. The physical nature of many of our live sports events exposes the athletes that participate to the risk of serious injury or death. These injuries could include concussions, and many sports leagues and organizations have been sued by athletes over alleged long-term neurocognitive impairment arising from concussions. Although the participants in certain of our live sports events, as independent contractors, are responsible for maintaining their own health, disability and life insurance, we may seek coverage under our accident insurance policies, if available, or our general liability insurance policies, for injuries that athletes incur while competing. To the extent such injuries are not covered by our policies, we may self-insure medical costs for athletes for such injuries. Liability to us resulting from any death or serious injury, including concussions, sustained by athletes while competing, to the extent not covered by our insurance, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.
We are subject to extensive U.S. and foreign governmental regulations, and our failure to comply with these regulations could adversely affect our business.
Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws, statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in the United States and around the world, which are subject to change at any time, governing matters such as:
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licensing laws for talent agencies, such as California’s Talent Agencies Act and the New York General Business Law;
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licensing laws for athlete agents;
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licensing laws for the promotion and operation of MMA events;
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licensing laws for the supply of sports betting data, gaming software, and other products to gambling operators;
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licensing, permitting and zoning requirements for operation of our offices, locations, venues, and other facilities;
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health, safety, and sanitation requirements;
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the service of food and alcoholic beverages;
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the welfare and protection of animals;
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working conditions, labor, minimum wage and hour, citizenship, immigration, visas, harassment and discrimination, and other labor and employment laws and regulations;
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human rights and human trafficking, including compliance with the U.K. Modern Slavery Act and similar current and future legislation;
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our employment of youth workers and compliance with child labor laws;
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compliance with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the U.K.’s Disability Discrimination Act 1995;
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compliance with the FCPA, the Bribery Act and similar regulations in other countries;
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compliance with applicable antitrust and fair competition laws;
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compliance with international trade controls, including applicable import/export regulations, and sanctions and international embargoes that may limit or restrict our ability to do business with specific individuals or entities or in specific countries or territories;
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compliance with anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing rules, currency control regulations, and statutes prohibiting tax evasion and the aiding or abetting of tax evasion;
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marketing activities;
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environmental protection regulations;
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compliance with current and future privacy and data protection laws imposing requirements for the processing and protection of personal or sensitive information, including the GDPR and the E.U. e-Privacy Regulation;
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compliance with cybersecurity laws imposing country-specific requirements relating to information systems and network design, security, operations, and use;
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tax laws; and
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imposition by foreign countries of trade restrictions, restrictions on the manner in which content is currently licensed and distributed, ownership restrictions, or currency exchange controls.
Noncompliance with these laws could subject us to whistleblower complaints, investigations, sanctions, settlements, prosecution, other enforcement actions, disgorgement of profits, significant fines, damages, other civil and criminal penalties or injunctions, reputational harm, adverse media coverage, and other collateral consequences. Multiple or repeated failures by us to comply with these laws and regulations could result in increased fines or proceedings against us, including suspension or revocation proceedings relating to licenses we are required to maintain to conduct our business. If any subpoenas or investigations are launched, or governmental or other sanctions are imposed, or if we do not prevail in any possible civil or criminal litigation, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be materially harmed. In addition, responding to any action will likely result in a materially significant diversion of management’s attention and resources and significant defense costs and other professional fees. Enforcement actions and sanctions could further harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition. There can be no assurance that a law or regulation will not be interpreted or enforced in a manner contrary to our current understanding. In addition, the promulgation of new laws, rules, and regulations could restrict or unfavorably impact our business, which could decrease demand for our services, reduce revenue, increase costs, or subject us to additional liabilities. For example, some legislatures have proposed laws in the past that would impose potential liability on us and other promoters and producers of live events for incidents that occur at our events, particularly relating to drugs and alcohol or the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
In the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions, we may have direct and indirect interactions with government agencies and state-affiliated entities in the ordinary course of our business. In particular, athletic commissions and other applicable regulatory agencies require us to obtain licenses for promoters, medical clearances, licenses for athletes, or permits for events in order for us to promote and conduct our live events and productions. In the event that we fail to comply with the regulations of a particular jurisdiction, whether through our acts or omissions or those of third parties, we may be prohibited from promoting and conducting our live events and productions in that jurisdiction. The inability to present our live events and productions in jurisdictions could lead to a decline in various revenue streams in such jurisdictions, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We operate in a number of countries which are considered to be at a heightened risk for corruption. Additionally, we operate in industry segments, such as sports marketing, that have been the subject of past anti-corruption enforcement efforts. As a global company, a risk exists that our employees, contractors, agents, or managers could engage in business practices prohibited by applicable U.S. laws and regulations, such as the FCPA, as well as the laws and regulations of other countries prohibiting corrupt payments to government officials and others, such as the Bribery Act. There can be no guarantee that our compliance programs will prevent corrupt business practices by one or more of our employees, contractors, agents, managers, or vendors, or that regulators in the U.S. or in other markets will view our program as adequate should any such issue arise.
We are also required to comply with economic sanctions laws imposed by the United States or by other jurisdictions where we do business, which may restrict our transactions in certain markets, and with certain customers, business partners, and other persons and entities. As a result, we may be prohibited from, directly or indirectly (including through a third-party intermediary), procuring goods, services, or technology from, or engaging in transactions with, individuals and entities subject to sanctions, including sanctions arising from the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine. We cannot guarantee that our efforts to remain in compliance with sanctions requirements will be successful. Any violation of anti-corruption or sanctions laws could result in fines, civil and criminal sanctions against us or our employees, prohibitions on the conduct of our business (e.g., debarment from doing business with International Development Banks and similar organizations), and damage to our reputation, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Increasing scrutiny of, and evolving expectations for, sustainability and environmental, social, and governance initiatives could increase our costs, harm our reputation, or otherwise adversely impact our business.
We, as with other companies, are facing increasing scrutiny related to our environmental, social and governance ("ESG") practices and disclosures from certain investors, capital providers, shareholder advocacy groups, other market participants, customers, and other stakeholder groups. With this increased focus, public reporting regarding ESG practices is becoming more broadly expected. While we may at times engage in voluntary initiatives, such initiatives may be costly and may not have the desired effect. For example, we may not ultimately be able to achieve any initiatives or commitments we undertake due to cost, technological constraints, or other factors outside of our control. Moreover, actions or statements that we may take based on expectations or assumptions that we currently believe to be reasonable may subsequently be determined to be erroneous or be subject to misinterpretation. If our ESG practices and reporting do not meet investor, consumer, employee, or other stakeholder expectations, which continue to evolve, our business, brand or reputation may be negatively impacted and subject to investor or regulator engagement regarding such matters. Furthermore, some market participants, including major institutional investors, may also use third-party benchmarks or scores to measure our ESG practices in making investment and voting decisions. In addition, new sustainability rules and regulations have been adopted and may continue to be introduced in various states and other jurisdictions. Operating in more than one jurisdiction may make our compliance with any applicable ESG and sustainability-related rules more complex and expensive, and potentially expose us to greater levels of legal risks associated with our compliance. Our failure to comply with any applicable rules or regulations could lead to penalties and adversely impact our reputation, customer attraction and retention, access to capital and employee retention. Such ESG matters may also cause additional impacts on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
We are signatory to certain franchise agreements of unions and guilds and are subject to certain licensing requirements of the states in which we operate. We are also signatories to certain collective bargaining agreements and depend upon unionized labor for the provision of some of our services. Our clients are also members of certain unions and guilds that are signatories to collective bargaining agreements. Any expiration, termination, revocation or non-renewal of these franchises, collective bargaining agreements, or licenses and any work stoppages or labor disturbances could adversely affect our business.
Certain of our businesses, clients, or employees at some of the locations in which we operate are subject to collective bargaining and/or franchise agreements. These collective bargaining and/or franchise agreements regularly expire and require negotiation in the ordinary course of business. Upon the expiration of any of these collective bargaining and/or franchise agreements, however, we, the trade associations with which we are affiliated, and/or our clients’ unions may be unable to negotiate new collective bargaining and/or franchise agreements on satisfactory terms or at all. Our operations may be interrupted as a result of labor disputes or difficulties and delays in the process of renegotiating. Certain of such unions and guilds have in the past gone on strike, and in the future may do so again. In addition, our operations at one or more of our facilities may also be interrupted as a result of labor disputes by outside unions attempting to unionize one or more groups of employees (even if not employed by us) at a venue even though we do not currently have unionized labor at that venue. There have also been efforts to unionize the MMA athletes that participate in UFC’s events. A work stoppage at one or more of our operated venues or at our promoted events could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We cannot predict the effect that a potential work stoppage would have on our business.
We are party to certain collective bargaining agreements that require contributions to various multiemployer pension, health, and welfare plans that cover unionized employees. Required contributions to these plans could unexpectedly increase during the term of a collective bargaining agreement due to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, which requires additional contributions to be made when a pension fund enters into critical status, which may occur for reasons that are beyond our control. In addition, we may be required by law to fulfill our pension withdrawal liability with respect to any multiemployer pension plans from which we may withdraw or partially withdraw. Our potential withdrawal liability will increase if a multiemployer pension plan in which we participate has significant underfunded liabilities. Any unplanned multiemployer pension liabilities could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our talent agency business is and was signatory, directly or through a trade association, The Association of Talent Agents (“ATA”), to certain franchise agreements with the unions and guilds that represent certain of its clients (for example, with the Directors Guild of America). The agency is also subject to licensing and other requirements of certain states in which we operate. Our ability to maintain, renew, or operate without such licenses and franchises is not guaranteed. For example, the Writer’s Guild of America East and the Writer’s Guild of America West (collectively, the “WGA”), terminated its previous 1976 franchise agreement, the Artists’ Manager Basic Agreement, with the ATA, effective April 6, 2019 and while the parties were attempting to negotiate a new franchise agreement, the WGA instructed its members to terminate writing representation services. We signed a new franchise agreement and side letter directly with the WGA on February 5, 2021 (the “Franchise Agreements”).
The Franchise Agreements include terms that, among other things, prohibit us from (a) negotiating packaging deals after June 30, 2022 and (b) having more than a 20% non-controlling ownership or other financial interest in, or being owned or affiliated with any individual or entity that has more than a 20% non-controlling ownership or other financial interest in, any entity or individual engaged in the production or distribution of works written by WGA members under a WGA collective bargaining agreement (any such entity or individual, a “Restricted Production Entity” and the restrictions set forth in clause (b), the “Restricted Production Entity Limit”). In connection with Endeavor’s sale of 80% of the scripted portion of the Endeavor Content business (now operating under the name Fifth Season), which closed in January 2022, Endeavor reduced its ownership in Restricted Production Entities to 20%. As a result, Endeavor came into compliance with the Restricted Production Entity Limit under the Franchise Agreements.
The potential consequences of any failure to comply with the Franchise Agreements may include, among other things, WGA’s termination of the Franchise Agreements, and, as a result, WGA member clients’ termination of WME as their agency for writing representation services.
Furthermore, the Restricted Production Entity Limit set forth in the Franchise Agreements applies to WME, its agents, employees, partners, principals and shareholders, other than a de minimis holder of general stock (defined as a shareholder that (i) does not hold more than 5% of Endeavor and (ii) does not have voting or other control of the operation or management of Endeavor (a “De Minimis Shareholder”)). We do not have control over who acquires our shares in the public markets and cannot limit the percentage of our shares held by any given shareholder. In the event that a shareholder of the Company (other than a De Minimis Shareholder) acquires a greater than 20% ownership or other financial interest in a Restricted Production Entity, we would also be in violation of the Franchise Agreements and the potential consequences set forth above would similarly apply.
The outcome of any similar disputes with unions or guilds that represent our clients, including the commercial landscape that will exist in the future with our clients after such disputes, could have an adverse effect on our business. As with the WGA dispute, any revocation, non-renewal or termination of our or our clients’ franchises or licenses, including but not limited to the Franchise Agreements, including the limitation on our client representation business’ ability to generate new future packaging revenues or its ability to affiliate with other Endeavor companies that produce content, or any disputed application of, or unexpected change in franchise or licensing requirements (whether applicable to us, our clients or otherwise), could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We cannot be certain that additional financing will be available on reasonable terms when required, or at all.
From time to time, we may need additional financing, whether in connection with our capital improvements, acquisitions, or otherwise. Our ability to obtain additional financing, if and when required, will depend on investor demand, our operating performance, the condition of the capital markets and other factors. For example, if borrowings available under our first lien credit agreement entered into by certain of our subsidiaries in May 2014 in connection with the acquisition of IMG (as amended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Facilities”) and UFC Holdings, LLC’s term loan and revolving credit facilities (the “UFC Credit Facilities” and, collectively with the Credit Facilities, the “Senior Credit Facilities”), or borrowings under certain of our other debt facilities, are insufficient or unavailable at a reasonable cost, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives to raise cash, such as incurring additional indebtedness, selling our assets, seeking to raise additional equity capital, or restructuring, which alternatives may not be available to us on favorable terms when required, or at all. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, if we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, those securities may have rights, preferences, or privileges senior to the rights of our Class A common stock, and our then existing stockholders may experience dilution.
Unfavorable outcomes in legal proceedings may adversely affect our business and operating results.
Our results may be affected by the outcome of pending and future litigation. Unfavorable rulings in our legal proceedings could result in material liability to us or have a negative impact on our reputation or relations with our employees or third parties. The outcome of litigation, including class action lawsuits, is difficult to assess or quantify. Plaintiffs in class action lawsuits may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to such lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. UFC is currently named in five related class-action lawsuits filed against it alleging that UFC violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act by monopolizing the alleged market for the promotion of elite professional MMA bouts and monopolizing the alleged market for elite professional MMA fighters’ services. Additionally, IMG is currently named in four claims against it in Milan, Italy alleging anti-competitive practices. See Part I, Item 3., “Legal Proceedings.” If we are unable to resolve these or other matters favorably, our business, operating results, and our financial condition may be adversely affected.
In addition, we are currently, and from time to time in the future may be, subject to various other claims, investigations, legal and administrative cases and proceedings (whether civil or criminal), or lawsuits by governmental agencies or private parties. If the results of these investigations, proceedings, or suits are unfavorable to us or if we are unable to successfully defend against third-party lawsuits, we may be required to pay monetary damages or may be subject to fines, penalties, injunctions, or other censure that could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Even if we adequately address the issues raised by an investigation or proceeding or successfully defend a third-party lawsuit or counterclaim, we may have to devote significant financial and management resources to address these issues, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Risks Relating to Legal, Political or Other Regulatory Factors Impacting our Sports Betting Businesses
Our businesses in the sports betting industry are subject to strict government regulations that may limit our existing operations, have an adverse impact on our ability to grow, affect our license eligibility, result in us amending our constituent documents, including our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, to allow for the restriction of stock ownership by certain persons or entities, including providing for the non-consensual redemption of shares under certain circumstances, and expose us to fines or other penalties.
In the United States and many other countries, the provision of sports betting products and services by certain of our businesses is subject to extensive and evolving regulation. These regulatory requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Therefore, we are subject to a wide range of complex laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we are licensed or operate. Most jurisdictions require that we be licensed, that our key personnel and certain of our security holders and customers be found suitable or be licensed, and that many of our products (including software) be reviewed and approved before they are offered to the public. Licenses, approvals or findings of suitability may be revoked, suspended or conditioned. If a license, approval or finding of suitability is required by a regulatory authority and we fail to seek or do not receive the necessary license, approval or finding of suitability, or if it is granted and subsequently suspended or revoked, then we may be temporarily or permanently prohibited from providing our products or services for use in the particular jurisdiction, as well as face repercussions in other jurisdictions up to and including license revocation. We may also become subject to regulation in any new jurisdictions in which we decide to operate in the future, including due to expansion of a customer’s operations. Gaming authorities may levy fines against us or seize certain of our assets if we violate gaming regulations.
To ensure our ability to meet with regulatory requirements, including those applicable to our security holders, we may adopt changes to our constituent documents, including amending our articles of incorporation and our bylaws to allow for the restriction of stock ownership by persons or entities (i) who fail to comply with informational requests or other regulatory requirements under applicable gaming laws, (ii) who are found or are likely to be found unsuitable to hold our stock by gaming authorities, or (iii) whose stock ownership adversely affects or may adversely affect our ability to obtain, maintain, renew or qualify for a license, contract, franchise or other regulatory approval from a gaming authority. Such changes to our constituent documents may include requirements that certain security holders submit to the licensing procedures and background investigations of the authorities that regulate our businesses and may provide mechanisms for the non-consensual redemption of shares and removal of a security holder who is or may be found unsuitable or fails to comply with regulatory requirements under applicable gaming laws. Any such changes to our constituent documents may inhibit potential investors from becoming significant stockholders or inhibit existing stockholders from retaining or increasing their ownership.
While we currently hold all state and local licenses and related approvals necessary to conduct our present gaming operations, we must periodically apply to renew many of our licenses and registrations. Additionally, our key employees, officers, directors, and certain shareholders must also undergo licensing or suitability investigations. We cannot assure that we will be able to obtain or maintain the necessary licenses or approvals or that the licensing process will not result in delays in or adversely affect our operations. The failure to obtain or retain a required license or approval in any jurisdiction would decrease the geographic areas where we are permitted to operate and generate revenue, may limit our ability to obtain a license in other jurisdictions and may put us at a disadvantage relative to our competitors.
In addition, we are required to provide information relating to our operations to various gaming regulatory agencies. A failure to provide accurate information could result in the imposition of fines or other penalties by the relevant regulatory authority. Furthermore, if additional laws or regulations are adopted or existing laws or regulations are amended or interpreted differently, these regulations could impose additional restrictions or costs that could have a significant adverse effect on us.
We cannot assure that authorities will not seek to restrict our sports betting businesses in their respective jurisdictions or institute enforcement proceedings against us. Further, we cannot assure that any instituted enforcement proceedings will be favorably resolved, or that such proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on our ability to retain and renew existing licenses or to obtain new licenses in other jurisdictions. Our reputation may also be damaged by any legal or regulatory investigation, regardless of whether or not we are ultimately accused of, or found to have committed, any violation.
We may also be required under applicable gaming laws and regulations to obtain approval of applicable gaming authorities to issue securities, incur debt and undertake other financing activities, and our financing counterparties, including lenders, might be subject to various licensing and related approval procedures in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. We and certain of our affiliates, major stockholders (generally persons and entities beneficially owning a specified percentage (typically 5% or more) of our equity securities), directors, officers and key employees are also subject to extensive background investigations and suitability standards in our businesses. Gaming authorities may require us to terminate the employment of any person who refuses to file appropriate applications. Moreover, gaming authorities with jurisdiction over our operations may, in their discretion, require a holder of any securities issued by us to file applications, be investigated, and be found suitable to own our securities, and, if a holder is found unsuitable, we could be sanctioned, including with the loss of approvals that are required for us to continue our gaming operations in the relevant jurisdictions, if such unsuitable person does not timely sell our securities.
Additionally, there are instances in which a state in which a Native American tribe conducts Class III gaming activities disagrees with such tribe regarding the regulation of gaming, including the regulation of gaming suppliers. In those instances, we make every effort to comply with both state and tribal regulations and fulfill our contractual obligations. However, there may be situations where any such disagreement impedes or creates uncertainty with respect to our ability to supply gaming products and services to such tribal customer or customer that serves Native American tribes or otherwise negatively impacts our relationship with such customer or gaming regulators. There are additional complexities that may impact disputes or other interactions with Native American tribe customers. For example, Native American tribes generally enjoy sovereign immunity from lawsuits, similar to the sovereign immunity enjoyed by the individual states and the United States. In addition, certain commercial agreements with Native American tribes are subject to review by regulatory authorities such as the national Indian Gaming Commission, and, among other things, any such review could require substantial modifications to any such agreement we enter into with a Native American tribe customer.
Regulators and investors may perceive sports betting suppliers and operators similarly and consider their respective regulatory risk to be similar.
While operators that directly provide sports betting services to their customers are generally perceived to be exposed to a greater degree of enforcement risk than their suppliers, in some jurisdictions certain laws extend to directly impact such suppliers. Furthermore, a supplier’s nexus with a particular jurisdiction may expose it to specific enforcement risks, irrespective of whether there has been an attempt to bring proceedings against any supported operator. In some circumstances, enforcement proceedings brought against an operator may result in action being taken against a supplier (and even brought in the absence of the former). Ultimately, the market may view, or in the future may view, the regulatory risk associated with the business of supplying software and services to sports betting operators as being comparable with the regulatory risk attaching to operators themselves. In such circumstances, there is an associated risk that investors may apply valuation methods to any such supplier that are the same as the valuation methods used to value operators, and which build in the same regulatory risk even though, in many territories, such suppliers would be considered sufficiently removed from the transactional activity to warrant the application of a discrete risk analysis. If suppliers to our sports betting operators suffer financial difficulties from realized regulatory risk, they may not be able to offer their services and products, which could restrict the provision of our services and negatively impact our revenues.
The growth of our Sports Betting businesses will depend on the expansion of online betting and gaming into new jurisdictions and our ability to obtain required licenses.
Our ability to achieve growth in our sports betting businesses will depend, in large part, upon expansion of online betting and gaming into new jurisdictions, the terms of regulations relating to online betting and gaming and our ability to obtain required licenses. Following the 2018 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the federal ban on sports betting, a number of jurisdictions in the United States have legalized sports betting and online gaming and we expect that additional jurisdictions may do so in the future. Similarly, many jurisdictions worldwide are legalizing and regulating sports betting and online gaming. Our ability to further expand our sports betting and online operations is partially dependent on the adoption of regulations permitting such activities. However, the expansion of betting and online gaming in new jurisdictions is dependent on a number of factors that are beyond our control and there can be no assurances of when, or if, such regulations will be adopted or of the terms of such regulations, including restrictions, tax rates, and license fees and availability of such licenses.
Legislative interpretation and enforcement of certain gaming regulations could adversely affect financial performance and reputation.
Various gambling regulators have implemented additional responsible and safer gambling measures relating to our sports betting businesses including the implementation of bet limits, deposit limits, bonuses and advertising, which could negatively impact our operations, business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition, particularly if additional gambling regulators follow suit.
We may not be able to capitalize on the expansion of internet or other forms of digital gaming or other trends and changes in the gaming, social and digital gaming industries, including due to laws and regulations governing these industries.
Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure
We are a holding company and our principal asset is our indirect equity interests in Endeavor Operating Company and, accordingly, we are dependent upon distributions from Endeavor Operating Company to pay taxes and other expenses.
We are a holding company and our principal asset is our indirect ownership of Endeavor Operating Company. We have no independent means of generating revenue. As the indirect sole managing member of Endeavor Operating Company, we generally intend to cause Endeavor Operating Company to make distributions to its equityholders, including the members of Endeavor Operating Company (including Endeavor Profits Units holders) and Endeavor Manager, in amounts sufficient to cover the taxes on their allocable share of the taxable income of Endeavor Operating Company. As the sole managing member of Endeavor Manager, we intend to cause Endeavor Manager, to the extent it is able, to make non-pro rata distributions to us such that we will be able to cover all applicable taxes payable by us, any payments we are obligated to make under the tax receivable agreement we entered into in connection with our IPO and other costs or expenses, but we are limited in our ability to cause Endeavor Operating Company to make distributions to its equityholders (including for purposes of paying corporate and other overhead expenses and dividends) under the Senior Credit Facilities. In addition, certain laws and regulations may result in restrictions on Endeavor Manager’s ability to make distributions to us, Endeavor Operating Company’s ability to make distributions to its equityholders, or the ability of Endeavor Operating Company’s subsidiaries to make distributions to it. There are no assurances that Endeavor Operating Company will make distributions sufficient to cover the taxes on its members' allocable share of taxable income, and in some cases, we may not make distributions sufficient for some or all of Endeavor Operating Company's equityholders to pay such taxes.
To the extent that we need funds and Endeavor Manager, Endeavor Operating Company or Endeavor Operating Company’s subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions, under applicable law or regulation, as a result of covenants in the Senior Credit Facilities or otherwise, we may not be able to obtain such funds on terms acceptable to us or at all and, as a result, could suffer an adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition. In certain situations, including where Endeavor Operating Company does not have sufficient cash to make tax distributions to all of its members in the full amount provided for in the Endeavor Operating Company limited liability company agreement ("Endeavor Operating Company LLC Agreement"), tax distributions made to Endeavor Manager may be reduced (relative to those tax distributions made to other members of Endeavor Operating Company) to reflect the income tax rates to which Endeavor Manager and Endeavor Group Holdings are subject and certain other factors. Tax distributions will generally be treated as advances of other distributions made under the Endeavor Operating Company LLC Agreement, but no adjustments will be made to the exchange ratio for members of Endeavor Operating Company or Endeavor Manager who exercise the redemption rights described below to account for prior tax distributions (and tax distributions paid prior to such an exercise of redemption rights will not reduce distributions otherwise payable to Endeavor Manager in respect of Endeavor Operating Company Units acquired in connection with the exercise of such redemption rights).
Under the Endeavor Operating Company LLC Agreement, we generally expect Endeavor Operating Company, from time to time, to make distributions in cash to its equityholders, including the members of Endeavor Operating Company (including the Endeavor Profits Units holders) and Endeavor Manager, in amounts sufficient to cover the taxes on their allocable share of the taxable income of Endeavor Operating Company (however, there are no assurances that Endeavor Operating Company will make distributions sufficient to cover the taxes on its members' allocable share of taxable income, and in some cases, Endeavor Operating Company may not make distributions sufficient for some or all of its equityholders to pay such taxes). We further expect that, under the limited liability company agreement of Endeavor Manager (the “Endeavor Manager LLC Agreement”), Endeavor Manager may make non-pro rata distributions in cash to us using the proceeds it receives from any such tax distributions by Endeavor Operating Company. As a result of (i) potential differences in the amount of net taxable income indirectly allocable to us and to Endeavor Operating Company’s other equityholders, (ii) the lower tax rate applicable to corporations as opposed to individuals, (iii) the favorable tax benefits that we anticipate from (a) redemptions or exchanges of Endeavor Operating Company Units (and paired shares of Class X common stock), in exchange for, at our election (subject to certain exceptions), either cash (based on the market price of a share of our Class A common stock) or shares of our Class A common stock, (b) payments under the tax receivable agreement and (c) the acquisition of interests in Endeavor Operating Company from its equityholders (other than Endeavor Group Holdings and Endeavor Manager) and (iv) the fact that tax distributions made in respect of Endeavor Operating Company Units will generally be made pro rata in respect of such Units as described in the Endeavor Operating Company LLC Agreement, we expect that these tax distributions may be in amounts that exceed our tax liabilities (and/or the tax liabilities of the other members of Endeavor Operating Company), which could have an adverse effect on the liquidity of Endeavor Operating Company and its subsidiaries. Our board of directors will determine the appropriate uses for any excess cash so accumulated, which may include, among other uses, the payment of obligations under the tax receivable agreement and the payment of other expenses. We will have no obligation to distribute such cash (or other available cash) to our stockholders. No adjustments to the exchange ratio for Endeavor Operating Company Units or Endeavor Manager Units and corresponding shares of common stock will be made as a result of any cash distribution by us or any retention of cash by us. To the extent we do not distribute such cash as dividends on our Class A common stock and instead, for example, hold such cash balances, or lend them to Endeavor Operating Company, this may result in shares of our Class A common stock increasing in value relative to the value of Endeavor Operating Company Units. The holders of Endeavor Operating Company Units may benefit from any value attributable to such cash balances if they acquire shares of Class A common stock in exchange for their Endeavor Operating Company Units (and paired shares of Class X common stock). In addition, our payment of tax distributions to the members of Endeavor Operating Company could result in the distribution of cash out of Endeavor Operating Company that is in excess of what is required to permit the direct or indirect equityholders of Endeavor Operating Company to pay their tax liabilities attributable to their direct or indirect ownership of Endeavor Operating Company, which could have an adverse effect on our liquidity.
We are controlled by Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders, whose interests in our business may be different than our holders of Class A common stock, and our board of directors has delegated significant authority to an Executive Committee and to Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell.
Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders, as a group, control approximately 92.1% of the combined voting power of our common stock as of December 31, 2022 as a result of their ownership of shares of our Class A common stock and Class X common stock, each share of which is entitled to 1 vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, and Class Y common stock, each share of which is entitled to 20 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders.
Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders collectively have the ability to substantially control our Company, including the ability to control any action requiring the general approval of our stockholders, including the election of our board of directors, the adoption of amendments to our certificate of incorporation and stockholder amendments to our bylaws, and the approval of any merger or sale of substantially all of our assets. This concentration of ownership and voting power may also delay, defer, or even prevent an acquisition by a third party or other change of control of our Company, and may make some transactions more difficult or impossible without the support of Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders, even if such events are in the best interests of minority stockholders. This concentration of voting power may have a negative impact on the price of our Class A common stock. In addition, because shares of our Class Y common stock each have 20 votes per share on matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders will be able to control our Company as long as they own Class Y common stock representing more than a majority of the total voting power of our issued and outstanding common stock, voting together as a single class. As of December 31, 2022, Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders will continue to control the outcome of matters submitted to stockholders so long as they collectively hold 119,746,236 shares of Class Y common stock, which represents 17.1% of the outstanding shares of all our common stock outstanding. As of December 31, 2022, holders of Class Y common stock would continue to control the outcome of matters submitted to stockholders where Class Y common stock represents 17.1% of the outstanding shares of all our common stock.
Additionally, prior to a Triggering Event, pursuant to Section 141(a) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), the Executive Committee will have all of the power and authority (including voting power) of the board of directors. The Executive Committee will have the authority to approve any actions of the Company, except for matters that must be approved by the Audit Committee of the board (or both the Executive Committee and the Audit Committee), or by a committee qualified to grant equity to persons subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, for purposes of exempting transactions pursuant to Section 16b-3 thereunder, or as required under Delaware law, SEC rules and the rules of the NYSE. The Executive Committee consists of Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell and two directors nominated to our board of directors by the Silver Lake Equityholders. The Executive Committee has delegated to Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell the authority to manage the business of the Company with power and authority to approve any actions of the Company, except for certain specified actions that require the approval of the Executive Committee and as required under Delaware law, SEC rules and NYSE rules.
Messrs. Emanuel’s and Whitesell’s, Executive Holdcos’, and the Silver Lake Equityholders’ interests may not be fully aligned with our holders of Class A common stock, which could lead to actions that are not in their best interest. Because Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders hold part of their economic interest in our business through Endeavor Operating Company, rather than through the public company, they may have conflicting interests with holders of shares of our Class A common stock. For example, Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders may have different tax positions from us, which could influence their decisions regarding whether and when we should dispose of assets or incur new or refinance existing indebtedness, and whether and when we should undergo certain changes of control within the meaning of the tax receivable agreement or terminate the tax receivable agreement. In addition, the structuring of future transactions may take into consideration these tax or other considerations even where no similar benefit would accrue to us. Messrs. Emanuel’s and Whitesell’s, Executive Holdcos’, and the Silver Lake Equityholders’ significant ownership in us and resulting ability to effectively control us may discourage someone from making a significant equity investment in us, or could discourage transactions involving a change in control, including transactions in which holders of shares of our Class A common stock might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over the then-current market price.
Section 203 of the DGCL may affect the ability of an “interested stockholder” to engage in certain business combinations, including mergers, consolidations or acquisitions of additional shares, for a period of three years following the time that the stockholder becomes an “interested stockholder.” An “interested stockholder” is defined to include persons owning directly or indirectly 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation. We have elected in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation not to be subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. Nevertheless, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions that will become operative following a Triggering Event and that will have a similar effect to Section 203 of the DGCL, except that they provide that Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders and their respective affiliates and 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.
Our amended certificate of incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Endeavor Group Holdings renounces any interest or expectancy in a transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity for Endeavor Group Holdings and Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell (other than in their capacity as officers and employees of the Company), Executive Holdcos, the Silver Lake Equityholders, or any of our non-employee directors have no duty to present such corporate opportunity to Endeavor Group Holdings and they may invest in competing businesses or do business with our clients or customers. To the extent that Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, the Silver Lake Equityholders, or our non-employee directors invest in other businesses, they may have differing interests than our other stockholders. In addition, we may in the future partner with or enter into transactions with our pre-IPO investors or their affiliates, including with respect to future investments, acquisitions, and dispositions.
We cannot predict the impact our capital structure and the concentrated control by Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders may have on our stock price or our business.
We cannot predict whether our multiple share class capital structure, combined with the concentrated control by Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders, will result in a lower trading price or greater fluctuations in the trading price of our Class A common stock, or will result in adverse publicity or other adverse consequences. In addition, some indices are considering whether to exclude companies with multiple share classes from their membership. For example, in July 2017, FTSE Russell, a provider of widely followed stock indices, stated that it plans to require new constituents of its indices to have at least five percent of their voting rights in the hands of public stockholders. In addition, in July 2017, S&P Dow Jones, another provider of widely followed stock indices, stated that companies with multiple share classes will not be eligible for certain of their indices. As a result, our Class A common stock will likely not be eligible for these stock indices. We cannot assure you that other stock indices will not take a similar approach to FTSE Russell or S&P Dow Jones in the future. Exclusion from indices could make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors and, as a result, the market price of our Class A common stock could be adversely affected.
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, which could adversely affect our business.
As of December 31, 2022, we had an aggregate of $5.1 billion outstanding indebtedness under our Senior Credit Facilities, with the ability to borrow up to approximately $405 million more under revolving credit facilities under our Senior Credit Facilities, consisting primarily of availability under the UFC Credit Facilities. Additionally, as of December 31, 2022, we had certain other revolving line of credit facilities and long-term debt liabilities, primarily related to On Location, with total committed amounts of $62.9 million, of which $11.0 million was outstanding and $51.9 million was available for borrowing based on the supporting asset base, and similar to our Senior Credit Facilities, these facilities include restrictive covenants that may restrict certain business operations of the respective businesses who have borrowed from these facilities.
If we cannot generate sufficient cash flow from operations to service this debt, we may need to refinance this debt, dispose of assets, or issue equity to obtain necessary funds. Additionally, our credit rating has in the past and may in the future be downgraded. We do not know whether we will be able to take any of these actions on a timely basis, on terms satisfactory to us or at all.
This substantial amount of indebtedness could:
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require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures or other purposes;
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require us to refinance in order to accommodate the maturity of the term loans under our Credit Facilities in 2025 and the term loans under our UFC Credit Facilities in 2026;
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increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions, which could lead to a downgrade in our credit rating and may place us at a disadvantage compared to competitors who may have proportionately less indebtedness;
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increase our cost of borrowing and cause us to incur substantial fees from time to time in connection with debt amendments or refinancings; and
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limit our ability to obtain necessary additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, or other purposes in the future, plan for or react to changes in our business and the industries in which we operate, make future acquisitions or pursue other business opportunities, and react in an extended economic downturn.
Despite this substantial indebtedness, we may still have the ability to incur significantly more debt. The incurrence of additional debt could increase the risks associated with this substantial leverage, including our ability to service this indebtedness. In addition, because a portion of the borrowings under our credit facilities bear interest at a variable rate, our interest expense could increase, exacerbating these risks. Of the aggregate principal balance of $5.1 billion outstanding under the Senior Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2022, $2.3 billion has been fixed through interest rate swaps leaving $2.8 billion of floating rate debt under those facilities. A 1% increase in the interest rates charged on the outstanding amount of our floating rate debt would increase our annual interest expense by $28 million.
Restrictive covenants in the Senior Credit Facilities may restrict our ability to pursue our business strategies.
The credit agreements governing the terms of the Senior Credit Facilities restrict, among other things, asset dispositions, mergers and acquisitions, dividends, stock repurchases and redemptions, other restricted payments, indebtedness, loans and investments, liens, and affiliate transactions. The Senior Credit Facilities also contain customary events of default, including a change in control. These covenants, among other things, limit our ability to fund future working capital needs and capital expenditures, engage in future acquisitions or development activities, or otherwise realize the value of our assets and opportunities fully. Such covenants could limit the flexibility of our subsidiaries in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the entertainment and sports industry. Our ability to comply with these covenants is subject to certain events outside of our control. Additionally, we have in the past, and may in the future need to amend or obtain waivers to our existing covenants, and cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain those amendments or waivers on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we are unable to comply with these covenants, the lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities could terminate their commitments and accelerate repayment of our outstanding borrowings, which also may result in the acceleration of or default under any other debt we may incur in the future to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies. If such an acceleration were to occur, we may be unable to obtain adequate refinancing for our outstanding borrowings on favorable terms, or at all. We have pledged a significant portion of our assets as collateral under our Senior Credit Facilities. If we are unable to repay our outstanding borrowings when due, the lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities will also have the right to proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure the indebtedness owed to them, which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.
We will require a significant amount of cash to service our indebtedness. The ability to generate cash or refinance our indebtedness as it becomes due depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control.
Our ability to make payments on, or to refinance our respective obligations under, our indebtedness will depend on future operating performance and on economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors. Many of these factors are beyond our control. Additionally, the terms of the UFC Credit Facilities restrict the ability of our UFC subsidiaries to make distributions to us, which may limit us from using funds from our UFC subsidiaries to make payments on our indebtedness under the Credit Facilities. Our consolidated cash balance also includes cash from other consolidated non-wholly owned entities, such as our Endeavor China business. These businesses may have restrictions in their ability to distribute cash to the rest of the company, including under the terms of applicable operating agreements or debt agreements, which may require the approval of certain of our investors based on the timing and amount of distribution. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to satisfy our respective obligations under our indebtedness or to fund our other needs. In order for us to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, we must continue to execute our business strategy. If we are unable to do so, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity.
We are exempt from certain corporate governance requirements since we are a “controlled company” within the meaning of NYSE rules, and as a result our stockholders do not have the protections afforded by these corporate governance requirements.
Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders control, as a group, more than 50% of our combined voting power for the election of directors. As a result, we are considered a “controlled company” for the purposes of NYSE rules and corporate governance standards, and therefore we are permitted to, and we intend to, elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements of the NYSE, including those that would otherwise require our board of directors to have a majority of independent directors and require that we either establish Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees, each comprised entirely of independent directors, or otherwise ensure that the compensation of our executive officers and nominees for directors are determined or recommended to the board of directors by the independent members of the board of directors. Accordingly, holders of our Class A common stock do not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the rules and corporate governance standards of NYSE, and the ability of our independent directors to influence our business policies and affairs may be reduced. We expect to remain a controlled company until Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell, Executive Holdcos, and the Silver Lake Equityholders no longer control, as a group, more than 50% of our combined voting power. Each member of our control group holds Class A common stock and Class X common stock, each of which has 1 vote per share, and Class Y common stock, which has a 20-vote per share feature. The shares of Class Y common stock held by our control group will be canceled/redeemed for no consideration upon the earlier of (i) the disposition of (a) the paired Endeavor Operating Company Units (and the corresponding shares of Class X common stock) and (b) the shares of Class A common stock (as a result of a redemption of paired Endeavor Operating Company Units (and the corresponding shares of Class X common stock)) paired with such Class Y common stock, as applicable, and (ii) with respect to all shares of Class Y common stock, a Triggering Event. Because there is no time-based sunset date for our Class Y common stock, we may continue to be a controlled company indefinitely.
We are required to pay certain of our pre-IPO investors, including certain Other UFC Holders, for certain tax benefits we may claim (or are deemed to realize) in the future, and the amounts we may pay could be significant.
In connection with the transactions undertaken in connection with the IPO, we acquired existing equity interests in Endeavor Operating Company from certain of our pre-IPO investors in exchange for the issuance of shares of our Class A common stock, Class Y common stock and rights to receive payments under the tax receivable agreement and acquired certain existing interests in Endeavor Operating Company from certain of the Other UFC Holders in exchange for cash and rights to receive payments under the tax receivable agreement. As a result of these acquisitions, we succeeded to certain tax attributes of certain of our pre-IPO investors and will receive the benefit of tax basis in the assets of Endeavor Operating Company and certain of its subsidiaries. In addition, redemptions or exchanges of Endeavor Operating Company Units from members of Endeavor Operating Company (other than Endeavor Manager) in exchange for shares of our Class A common stock or cash are expected to produce favorable tax attributes that would not be available to us in the absence of such redemptions or exchanges.
We have entered into a tax receivable agreement with the Post-IPO TRA Holders that provides for the payment by us to the Post-IPO TRA Holders (or their transferees of Endeavor Operating Company Units or other assignees) of 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax that we realize or are deemed to realize (determined by using certain assumptions) as a result of (i) any tax basis in the assets of Endeavor Operating Company and certain of its subsidiaries resulting from (a) the acquisition of equity interests in Endeavor Operating Company from certain of our pre-IPO investors and the acquisition of interests in Endeavor Operating Company from certain of the Other UFC Holders, (b) future redemptions or exchanges by us of Endeavor Operating Company Units from members of Endeavor Operating Company (other than Endeavor Manager) in exchange for shares of our Class A common stock or cash or (c) payments made under the tax receivable agreement, (ii) any net operating losses or certain other tax attributes of certain pre-IPO investors or Other UFC Holders that are available to us to offset income or gain earned after the mergers undertaken in connection with our IPO, (iii) any existing tax basis associated with Endeavor Operating Company Units, the benefit of which is allocable to us as a result of the exchanges of such Endeavor Operating Company Units for shares of our Class A common stock or cash, and (iv) tax benefits related to imputed interest deemed arising as a result of payments made under the tax receivable agreement. The tax receivable agreement makes certain simplifying assumptions regarding the determination of the cash savings that we realize or are deemed to realize from the covered tax attributes, which may result in payments pursuant to the tax receivable agreement in excess of those that would result if such assumptions were not made.
The actual tax benefit, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the tax receivable agreement, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including, among others, the timing of redemptions or exchanges by members of Endeavor Operating Company, the price of our Class A common stock at the time of the redemptions or exchanges, the extent to which such redemptions or exchanges are taxable, the amount and timing of the taxable income we generate in the future and the tax rate then applicable, and the portion of our payments under the tax receivable agreement constituting imputed interest. Future payments under the tax receivable agreement could be substantial. The payments under the tax receivable agreement are not conditioned upon any Post-IPO TRA Holder’s continued ownership of us.
In addition, the Post-IPO TRA Holders (or their transferees or other assignees) will not reimburse us for any payments previously made if any covered tax benefits are subsequently disallowed, except that any excess payments made to any Post-IPO TRA Holder (or such holder’s transferees or other assignees) will be netted against future payments that would otherwise be made under the tax receivable agreement, if any, after our determination of such excess. We could make payments to the Post-IPO TRA Holders under the tax receivable agreement that are greater than our actual cash tax savings and may not be able to recoup those payments, which could negatively impact our liquidity.
In addition, the tax receivable agreement provides that, upon certain mergers, asset sales or other forms of business combination, or certain other changes of control, our or our successor’s obligations with respect to tax benefits would be based on certain assumptions, including that we or our successor would have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits covered by the tax receivable agreement. As a result, upon a change of control, we could be required to make payments under the tax receivable agreement that are greater than the specified percentage of our actual cash tax savings, which could negatively impact our liquidity.
In addition, the tax receivable agreement provides that in the case of a change in control of the Company or a material breach of our obligations under the tax receivable agreement, the Post-IPO TRA Holders will have the option to terminate the tax receivable agreement, and we will be required to make a payment to the Post-IPO TRA Holders covered by such termination in an amount equal to the present value of future payments (calculated using a discount rate, which may differ from our, or a potential acquirer’s, then-current cost of capital) under the tax receivable agreement, which payment would be based on certain assumptions, including those relating to our future taxable income. In these situations, our obligations under the tax receivable agreement could have a substantial negative impact on our, or a potential acquirer’s, liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring, modifying, or preventing certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations, or other changes of control. These provisions of the tax receivable agreement may result in situations where the Post-IPO TRA Holders have interests that differ from or are in addition to those of our other stockholders. In addition, we could be required to make payments under the tax receivable agreement that are substantial, significantly in advance of any potential actual realization of such further tax benefits, and in excess of our, or a potential acquirer’s, actual cash savings in income tax.
Finally, because we are a holding company with no operations of our own, our ability to make payments under the tax receivable agreement are dependent on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us. The Senior Credit Facilities restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us, which could affect our ability to make payments under the tax receivable agreement. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the tax receivable agreement as a result of restrictions in our Senior Credit Facilities, such payments will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid, which could negatively impact our results of operations and could also affect our liquidity in periods in which such payments are made.
Risks Related to Our Class A Common Stock
Future sales of our Class A common stock, or the perception in the public markets that these sales may occur, may depress the price of our Class A common stock.
Additional sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class A common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could have an adverse effect on our stock price and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional stock. As described below, shares of our Class A common stock may be sold in the public market either in a registered offering or pursuant to an exemption from registration, such as Rule 144 promulgated thereunder (“Rule 144”).
As of January 31, 2023, we had 291,486,011 shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding. In addition, as of January 31, 2023, 166,723,341 shares of our Class A common stock are eligible to be issued upon the exercise of the redemption rights of our pre-IPO equityholders holding Endeavor Manager Units or Endeavor Operating Company Units. Of these shares:
•54,226,147 shares are not subject to the resale restrictions under Rule 144; and
•112,497,194 shares are issuable upon the exercise of redemption rights held by affiliates (as defined under Rule 144) and are, therefore, subject to the volume, manner of sale and other restrictions of Rule 144 to the extent these shares are sold pursuant to Rule 144.
As of January 31, 2023, there were 15,209,678 Endeavor Profits Units held by Management Equityholders with a weighted-average per unit hurdle price of $21.96, which, subject to certain restrictions, could be exchanged into Endeavor Operating Company Units and paired shares of our Class X common stock and Class Y common stock. These holders may subsequently acquire shares of Class A common stock upon the exercise of their redemption rights. Redemptions of our pre-IPO equityholders’ Endeavor Manager Units and Endeavor Operating Company Units (and the corresponding shares of Class X common stock) into shares of Class A common stock will have a dilutive effect on the number of outstanding shares of our Class A common stock.
In addition, as of December 31, 2022, we had 4,089,561 stock options outstanding and 6,597,158 restricted stock units outstanding. Shares issuable in respect of such equity awards have been registered on Form S-8 under the Securities Act. These shares can be freely sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to applicable vesting requirements, compliance by affiliates with Rule 144, and other restrictions provided under the terms of the applicable plan and/or the award agreements entered into with participants. We have initially reserved for issuance under our 2021 Incentive Award Plan 21,700,000 shares of Class A common stock, with an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning on January 1, 2022 and ending on and including January 1, 2031, equal to the lesser of (a) the sum of (I) eight-tenths of one percent (0.8%) of the total number of outstanding shares of our Class A Common Stock, as of the close of business on the last business day of the prior calendar year, determined on an “as-converted” basis taking into account any and all securities convertible into, or exercisable, exchangeable or redeemable for, shares of Common Stock and (II) the number of shares of our Class A common stock required in the prior calendar year to satisfy performance-vesting restricted stock units previously issued to Messrs. Emanuel and Whitesell (such required number not to exceed 5,700,000), and (b) such lesser number of shares of Class A Common Stock as determined by the Governing Body. We granted equity awards in connection with the IPO, during the remainder of 2021 and in 2022 under our 2021 Incentive Award Plan and, if the price of our Class A common stock increases over time, we will issue restricted stock pursuant to performance-based equity awards to Mr. Emanuel and Mr. Whitesell. Moreover, the Company may in its discretion settle Endeavor Phantom Units in equity (through the 2021 Incentive Award Plan or otherwise). As of January 31, 2023, there were 985,880 Endeavor Phantom Units outstanding. In the future, we may also issue additional securities in connection with investments, acquisitions or capital-raising activities, which could constitute a material portion of our then-outstanding shares of Class A common stock. Any shares of Class A common stock that we issue, whether under our 2021 Incentive Award Plan or other equity incentive plans that we may adopt in the future or otherwise, will have a dilutive effect on the number of outstanding shares of our Class A common stock.
The price of our Class A common stock may be volatile, and holders of our Class A common stock may be unable to resell their Class A common stock at or above their purchase price or at all.
The market price for our Class A common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, most of which we cannot control, including, among others:
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trends and changes in consumer preferences in the industries in which we operate;
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changes in general economic or market conditions or trends in our industry or the economy as a whole and, in particular, in the consumer and advertising marketplaces;
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changes in key personnel;
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our entry into new markets;
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changes in our operating performance;
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investors’ perceptions of our prospects and the prospects of the businesses in which we participate;
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fluctuations in quarterly revenue and operating results, as well as differences between our actual financial and operating results and those expected by investors;
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the public’s response to press releases or other public announcements by us or third parties, including our filings with the SEC;
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announcements relating to litigation;
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guidance, if any, that we provide to the public, any changes in such guidance or our failure to meet such guidance;
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changes in financial estimates or ratings by any securities analysts who follow our Class A common stock, our failure to meet such estimates or failure of those analysts to initiate or maintain coverage of our Class A common stock;
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downgrades in our credit ratings or the credit ratings of our competitors;
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the development and sustainability of an active trading market for our Class A common stock;
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investor perceptions of the investment opportunity associated with our Class A common stock relative to other investment alternatives;
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the inclusion, exclusion, or deletion of our Class A stock from any trading indices;
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future sales of our Class A common stock by our officers, directors, and significant stockholders;
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other events or factors, including those resulting from system failures and disruptions, hurricanes, wars, acts of terrorism, other natural disasters, or responses to such events;
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changes in financial markets or general economic conditions, including, for example, due to the effects of recession or slow economic growth in the U.S. and abroad, interest rates, fuel prices, international currency fluctuations, corruption, political instability, acts of war, including the conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, acts of terrorism, and pandemics or other public health crises;
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price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market, including as a result of trends in the economy as a whole; and
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changes in accounting principles.
These and other factors may lower the market price of our Class A common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. As a result, our Class A common stock may trade at prices significantly below the price at which shares were purchased.
In addition, the stock markets, including the NYSE, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies. In the past, stockholders have instituted securities class action litigation following periods of market volatility. If we were to become involved in securities litigation, we could incur substantial costs and our resources and the attention of management could be diverted from our business.
We do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.
We currently expect to retain all of our future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of future dividends to holders of our Class A common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition, earnings, legal requirements, tax obligations, restrictions in the debt instruments of our subsidiaries, including the Senior Credit Facilities, and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. See Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources-Historical liquidity and capital resources” for more information on the restrictions the Senior Credit Facilities impose on our ability to declare and pay cash dividends. As a holding company, our ability to pay dividends depends on our receipt of cash dividends from our subsidiaries, which may further restrict our ability to pay dividends as a result of the laws of their respective jurisdictions of organization, agreements of our subsidiaries, or covenants under future indebtedness that we or they may incur.
If we are unable to effectively implement or maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately or timely report our financial results and our stock price could be adversely affected.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) requires us to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting as of the end of each fiscal year, including a management report assessing the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, and a report issued by our independent registered public accounting firm on that assessment. Our ability to comply with the annual internal control reporting requirements will depend on the effectiveness of our financial reporting and data systems and controls across our company. We continue to make investments to further automate, streamline and centralize our businesses' use of these systems and expect these systems and controls to require additional investment as we become increasingly more complex and our business grows. To effectively manage this complexity, we will need to continue to maintain and revise our operational, financial and management controls, and our reporting systems and procedures. Certain weaknesses or deficiencies or failures to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in the implementation or operation of these controls, could harm our operating results and cause us to fail to meet our financial reporting obligations, or result in material misstatements in our financial statements, which could adversely affect our business and reduce our stock price.
Provisions in our organizational documents and certain rules imposed by regulatory authorities may delay or prevent our acquisition by a third party.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain several provisions that may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire control of us without the approval of our board of directors. These provisions, which may delay, prevent, or deter a merger, acquisition, tender offer, proxy contest or other transaction that stockholders may consider favorable, include the following, some of which may only become effective upon the Triggering Event:
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the 20 vote per share feature of our Class Y common stock;
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the fact that our Class Y common stock retains its 20 vote per share feature until such share of Class Y common stock is canceled/redeemed for no consideration upon, subject to certain exceptions, (i) the disposition of (a) the paired Endeavor Operating Company Units (and the corresponding shares of Class X common stock) and/or (b) the shares of Class A common stock (as a result of a redemption of paired Endeavor Operating Company Units (and the corresponding shares of Class X common stock) paired with such Class Y common stock or as a result of other transfers thereof) or (ii) a Triggering Event;
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the division of our board of directors into three classes and the election of each class for three-year terms;
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the sole ability of the Executive Committee, prior to the Triggering Event, to fill a vacancy on the board of directors;
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prior to a Triggering Event and subject to certain exceptions, the vesting of all the power and authority of our board of directors to our Executive Committee;
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advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations;
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after the Triggering Event, provisions limiting stockholders’ ability to call special meetings of stockholders, to require special meetings of stockholders to be called and to take action by written consent;
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after the Triggering Event, in certain cases, the approval of holders representing at least 66 2/3% of the total voting power of the shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors will be required for stockholders to adopt, amend or repeal our bylaws, or amend or repeal certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation;
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the required approval of holders representing at least 66 2/3% of the total voting power of the shares entitled to vote at an election of the directors to remove directors; and
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the ability of our Governing Body to designate the terms of and issue 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 stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer, likely preventing acquisitions that have not been approved by our Governing Body.
These provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could discourage potential takeover attempts and reduce the price that investors might be willing to pay for shares of our Class A common stock in the future, which could reduce the market price of our Class A common stock.
In the event of a merger, consolidation or tender or exchange offer, holders of our Class A common stock shall not be entitled to receive excess economic consideration for their shares over that payable to the holders of the Class C common stock.
No shares of Class C common stock, the primary purpose of which is to be available for issuance in connection with acquisitions, joint ventures, investments or other commercial arrangements, are currently issued and outstanding. If we choose to issue Class C common stock in the future, the holders of our Class A common stock shall not be entitled to receive economic consideration for their shares in excess of that payable to the holders of the then outstanding shares of Class C common stock in the event of a merger, consolidation or tender or exchange offer, even though our Class C common stock does not have the right to vote. This would result in a lesser payment to the holders of Class A common stock than if there are no shares of Class C common stock outstanding at the time of such merger, consolidation or tender or exchange offer.
The provision of our certificate of incorporation requiring exclusive venue in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware for certain types of lawsuits and the federal district courts of the United States for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, (A) the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of our company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any director (including any director serving as a member of the Executive Committee), officer, agent or other employee or stockholder of our company to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our bylaws or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each case subject to such Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, the federal district court located in the State of Delaware; and (B) the federal district courts of the United States shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the exclusive forum provision shall not apply to claims seeking to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act. Although we believe this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers. It is possible that, in connection with any applicable action brought against us, a court could find the choice of forum provisions contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in such action. If a court were to find the choice of forum provisions contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
As a public company, our costs may increase, and the regular operations of our business may be disrupted.
Prior to April 30, 2021, we operated as a privately owned company, and we have incurred, and expect to in the future incur, significant additional legal, accounting, reporting, and other expenses as a result of having publicly traded common stock, including, but not limited to, increased costs related to auditor fees, legal fees, directors’ fees, directors and officers insurance, investor relations, and various other costs. We have also incurred incremental costs and will in the future incur incremental costs associated with corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as well as rules implemented by the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Compliance with these rules and regulations will make some activities more difficult, time-consuming, or costly, and increase demand, and, as a result, may place a strain on our systems and resources. Moreover, the additional demands associated with being a public company may disrupt regular operations of our business by diverting the attention of some of our senior management team away from revenue producing activities.
In addition, changing laws, regulations, and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs, and making some activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations, and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We have invested and intend to continue to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations, and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management’s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations, and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Risks Related to Tax Matters
Tax matters may cause significant variability in our financial results.
Our businesses are subject to income taxation in the United States, as well as in many tax jurisdictions throughout the world. Tax rates in these jurisdictions may be subject to significant change. If our effective tax rate increases, our operating results and cash flow could be adversely affected. Our effective income tax rate can vary significantly between periods due to a number of complex factors including, but not limited to, projected levels of taxable income, pre-tax income being lower than anticipated in countries with lower statutory rates or higher than anticipated in countries with higher statutory rates, increases or decreases to valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets, tax audits conducted and settled by various tax authorities, adjustments to income taxes upon finalization of income tax returns, the ability to claim foreign tax credits, and changes in tax laws and their interpretations in countries in which we are subject to taxation.
We may be required to pay additional taxes as a result of the partnership audit rules.
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 changed the rules applicable to U.S. federal income tax audits of partnerships, including entities such as Endeavor Operating Company that are taxed as partnerships. Under these rules (which generally are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017), subject to certain exceptions, audit adjustments to items of income, gain, loss, deduction, or credit of an entity (and any holder’s share thereof) are determined, and taxes, interest, and penalties attributable thereto, are assessed and collected, at the entity level. Although it is uncertain how these rules will continue to be implemented, it is possible that they could result in Endeavor Operating Company (or any of its applicable subsidiaries that are or have been treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) being required to pay additional taxes, interest and penalties as a result of an audit adjustment, and we, as an indirect member of Endeavor Operating Company (or such other entities), could be required to indirectly bear the economic burden of those taxes, interest, and penalties even though we may not otherwise have been required to pay additional corporate-level taxes as a result of the related audit adjustment.
Under certain circumstances, Endeavor Operating Company may be eligible to make an election to cause holders of Endeavor Operating Company Units to take into account the amount of any understatement, including any interest and penalties, in accordance with such holders’ interest in Endeavor Operating Company in the year under audit. We will decide whether to cause Endeavor Operating Company to make this election in our sole discretion. If Endeavor Operating Company does not make this election, the then-current holders of Endeavor Operating Company Units (including Endeavor Group Holdings as an indirect member of Endeavor Operating Company) would economically bear the burden of the understatement even if such holders had a different percentage interest in Endeavor Operating Company during the year under audit, unless, and only to the extent, Endeavor Operating Company recovers such amounts from current or former impacted holders of Endeavor Operating Company. Similar rules also apply with respect to any of Endeavor Operating Company’s subsidiaries that are or have been treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
The tax classification of Endeavor Operating Company could be challenged.
We intend that Endeavor Operating Company has been and will continue to be treated as a partnership for federal and, if applicable, state or local income tax purposes and not as an association taxable as a corporation. However, if any taxing authority were to successfully assert otherwise, the tax consequences resulting therefrom would be materially different than those described elsewhere in this Annual Report.
We may be required to fund withholding tax upon certain exchanges of Endeavor Operating Company Units into shares of our common stock by non-U.S. holders.
In the event of a transfer by a non-U.S. transferor of an interest in a partnership that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business, the transferee generally must withhold tax in an amount equal to ten percent of the amount realized (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) by the transferor on such transfer. Holders of Endeavor Operating Company Units may include non-U.S. holders. Pursuant to the Endeavor Operating Company LLC Agreement, any non-U.S. holders’ Endeavor Operating Company Units may be redeemed for, at our election (subject to certain exceptions), either cash (based on the market price of a share of our Class A common stock) or shares of our Class A common stock (which redemption, if made for shares of Class A common stock, would be effectuated via a direct purchase by Endeavor Group Holdings). It is expected that we would have to withhold ten percent of the amount realized (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) by the non-U.S. holders in respect of any such transactions. We may not have sufficient cash to satisfy such withholding obligation, and we may be required to incur additional indebtedness or sell shares of our Class A common stock in the open market to raise additional cash in order to satisfy our withholding tax obligations.
We may incur certain tax liabilities attributable to our pre-IPO investors and Other UFC Holders as a result of the transactions that occurred in connection with our IPO.
In connection with our IPO, certain of our pre-IPO investors and certain Other UFC Holders, including certain affiliates of Silver Lake, merged with and into Endeavor Group Holdings. As the successor to these merged entities, Endeavor Group Holdings will generally succeed to and be responsible for any outstanding or historical tax liabilities of the merged entities, including any liabilities that might be incurred as a result of the mergers described in the previous sentence. Any such liabilities for which Endeavor Group Holdings is responsible could have an adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition.
Our ability to use certain net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
Under Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, if a corporation undergoes an “ownership change,” the corporation’s ability to use its pre-change net operating loss carryforwards and other pre-change tax attributes to offset its post-change income and taxes may be limited. In general, an “ownership change” occurs if there is a cumulative change in ownership of the relevant corporation by “5% shareholders” (as defined under U.S. income tax laws) that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules apply under state tax laws. If our corporate subsidiaries experience one or more ownership changes in connection with transactions in our stock, then we may be limited in our ability to use our corporate subsidiaries’ net operating loss carryforwards and other tax assets to reduce taxes owed on the net taxable income that such subsidiaries earn. Any such limitations on the ability to use net operating loss carryforwards and other tax assets could adversely impact our business, financial condition, and operating results.
A new 1% U.S. federal excise tax could be imposed on us in connection with redemptions.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) was signed into federal law. The IRA provides for, among other things, a new U.S. federal 1% excise tax on certain repurchases (including redemptions) of stock by publicly traded U.S. corporations and certain other persons (a “covered corporation”). Because we are a Delaware corporation and our securities are trading on the NYSE, we are a “covered corporation” for this purpose. The excise tax is imposed on the repurchasing corporation itself, not its stockholders from which shares are repurchased. The amount of the excise tax is generally 1% of the fair market value of the shares repurchased at the time of the repurchase. However, for purposes of calculating the excise tax, repurchasing corporations are permitted to net the fair market value of certain new stock issuances against the fair market value of stock repurchases during the same taxable year. In addition, certain exceptions apply to the excise tax. The U.S. Department of Treasury has been given authority to provide regulations and other guidance to carryout and prevent the abuse or avoidance of the excise tax. The IRA applies only to repurchases that occur after December 31, 2022. If we were to conduct repurchases of our stock or other transactions covered by the excise tax described above, we could potentially be subject to this excise tax, which could increase our costs and adversely affect our operating results.
General Risk Factors
We may face labor shortages that could slow our growth.
The successful operation of our business depends upon our ability to attract, motivate, and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees. Shortages of labor may make it increasingly difficult and expensive to attract, train, and retain the services of a satisfactory number of qualified employees and could adversely impact our events and productions. Competition for qualified employees could require us to pay higher wages, which could result in higher labor costs and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We also rely on contingent workers and volunteers in order to staff our live events and productions, and our failure to manage our use of such workers effectively could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We could potentially face various legal claims from contingent workers and volunteers in the future, including claims based on new laws or stemming from allegations that contingent workers, volunteers or employees are misclassified. We may be subject to shortages, oversupply, or fixed contractual terms relating to contingent workers. Our ability to manage the size of, and costs associated with, the contingent workforce may be subject to additional constraints imposed by local laws.
Exchange rates may cause fluctuations in our results of operations.
Because we own assets overseas and derive revenues from our international operations, we may incur currency translation losses or gains due to changes in the values of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar. We cannot, however, predict the effect of exchange rate fluctuations upon future operating results. Although we cannot predict the future relationship between the U.S. Dollar and the currencies used by our international businesses, principally the British Pound and the Euro, we experienced a foreign exchange rate net loss of $27.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. See Part II, Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk-Foreign currency risk.”
Costs associated with, and our ability to, obtain insurance could adversely affect our business.
Heightened concerns and challenges regarding property, casualty, liability, business interruption, cancellation, and other insurance coverage have resulted from terrorist and related security incidents along with varying weather-related conditions and incidents, including those in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, adversely impacted the insurance markets we rely on for coverage and depending on its duration and the associated insurance claims volumes could adversely impact both the coverage options available to us in the future as well as the premium costs we are required to pay for those coverages in the future. Pandemic coverage is no longer available in retail markets, and where available in captive or re-insurance markets, remains cost prohibitive with limited terms and conditions which may not be deemed commercially viable for use. As a result, we may experience increased difficulty obtaining high policy limits of coverage at a reasonable cost and with reasonable deductibles. We cannot assure you that future increases in insurance costs and difficulties obtaining high policy limits and reasonable deductibles will not adversely impact our profitability, thereby possibly impacting our operating results and growth. We have a significant investment in property and equipment at each of our venues, which are generally located near major cities and which hold events typically attended by a large number of people.
We cannot assure you that our insurance policy coverage limits, including insurance coverage for property, casualty, liability and business interruption losses, and acts of terrorism, would be adequate should one or multiple adverse events occur, or that our insurers would have adequate financial resources to sufficiently or fully pay our related claims or damages. We cannot assure you that adequate coverage limits will be available, offered at a reasonable cost, or offered by insurers with sufficient financial soundness. The occurrence of such an incident or incidents affecting any one or more of our venues could have an adverse effect on our financial position and future results of operations if asset damage or company liability were to exceed insurance coverage limits, or if an insurer were unable to sufficiently or fully pay our related claims or damages.
If securities or industry analysts publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about us or our business, the price of our Class A common stock and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Class A common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrades our Class A common stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about us or our business, our share price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our Class A common stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline. In addition, if our operating results fail to meet the expectations of securities analysts, our stock price would likely decline.
Future changes to U.S. and foreign tax laws could adversely affect us.
The Group of Twenty (“the G20”), the OECD, the U.S. Congress and Treasury Department and other government agencies in jurisdictions where we and our affiliates do business have had an extended focus on issues related to the taxation of multinational corporations, including, but not limited to, transfer pricing, country-by-country reporting and base erosion. As a result, the tax laws in the United States and other countries in which we and our affiliates do business could change on a prospective or retroactive basis, and any such changes could have an adverse effect on our worldwide tax liabilities, business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
The following table sets forth the location, general character and segments utilizing our significant corporate and other facilities as of December 31, 2022. We own the multi-sport academy in Bradenton, Florida and the corporate offices and studio in Las Vegas, Nevada listed below, and we lease the other properties listed. The leases expire at various times through 2030, subject to renewal and early termination options. We consider each of these properties to be in good condition, adequate for its purpose and our current needs, and suitably utilized according to the individual nature and requirements of the relevant operations.
Location
General Character
Segments
Beverly Hills, California
Corporate offices
Representation; Corporate
New York, New York
Corporate offices
Events, Experiences & Rights; Representation; Owned Sports Properties; Corporate
Las Vegas, Nevada
Corporate offices and studios
Owned Sports Properties; Events, Experiences & Rights
Nashville, Tennessee
Corporate offices
Representation
London, England
Corporate offices and studios
Events, Experiences & Rights; Representation; Owned Sports Properties; Corporate
Cleveland, Ohio
Corporate offices
Corporate; Representation; Events, Experiences & Rights
Bradenton, Florida
Multi-sports academy
Events, Experiences & Rights
In addition, we lease several other offices that are not material to our operations. See Note 19, "Leases" to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for further detail on our lease commitments.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may be involved in claims and proceedings arising in the course of our business. The outcome of any such claims or proceedings, regardless of the merits, is inherently uncertain. For a description of our legal proceedings, see Note 20, "Commitments and Contingencies," to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our Class A common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol "EDR."
Holders
As of January 31, 2023, there were approximately 32 registered holders of our outstanding Class A common stock, 293 registered holders of our outstanding Class X common stock, and 10 registered holders of our outstanding Class Y common stock. These numbers do not include "street name" or beneficial holders, whose shares are held of record by banks, brokers, financial institutions and other nominees.
Dividend Policy
We do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends to holders of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the growth of our business. If we decide to pay cash dividends in the future, the declaration and payment of such dividends will be at the sole discretion of the Executive Committee, prior to the Triggering Event, and thereafter of our board of directors and may be discontinued at any time. In determining the amount of any future dividends, our board of directors will take into account any legal or contractual limitations, restrictions in our debt agreements, including the Senior Credit Facilities (as defined below), our actual and anticipated future earnings, cash flow, debt service and capital requirements, the amount of distributions to us from Endeavor Operating Company and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. See Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources-Historical liquidity and capital resources,” for more information on the restrictions the Senior Credit Facilities impose on our ability to declare and pay cash dividends. Because we are a holding company, our cash flow and ability to pay dividends depends upon the financial results and cash flows of our operating subsidiaries and the distribution or other payment of cash to us in the form of dividends or otherwise from Endeavor Operating Company. See Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors-Risks Related Our Class A Common Stock-We do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.”
We generally expect that Endeavor Operating Company will make distributions to each of its members, including Endeavor Manager and holders of Endeavor Profits Units, in respect of the U.S. federal, state and local income tax liability attributable to each member’s allocable share of taxable income of Endeavor Operating Company, calculated using an assumed tax rate equal to the highest marginal combined income tax rate applicable to an individual or corporation resident in Los Angeles, California or New York, New York (whichever rate is higher), taking into account the deductibility of applicable state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes (which are subject to substantial limitations for tax years 2018 through 2025). We generally expect that tax distributions will be made quarterly, on an estimated basis. Tax distributions made in respect of Endeavor Operating Company Units (but not Endeavor Profits Units) will generally be made pro rata in respect of such Units, as described in the Endeavor Operating Company LLC Agreement. However, in certain situations, tax distributions made to Endeavor Manager may be reduced (relative to those tax distributions made to other members of Endeavor Operating Company) to reflect the income tax rates to which Endeavor Manager and Endeavor Group Holdings are subject and certain other factors. Tax distributions made to a member of Endeavor Operating Company will generally be treated as an advance of and shall be credited against future distributions to such member and no adjustments will be made to the exchange ratio for members of Endeavor Operating Company or Endeavor Manager who exercise the redemption rights described above to account for prior tax distributions (and tax distributions paid prior to such an exercise of redemption rights will not reduce distributions otherwise payable to Endeavor Manager in respect of Endeavor Operating Company Units acquired in connection with the exercise of such redemption rights). We expect that Endeavor Manager will further distribute the proceeds of any such tax distributions to us on a non-pro rata basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there can be no assurances that Endeavor Operating Company will make distributions sufficient to cover the taxes on its members’ allocable share of its taxable income, and in some cases we may not make distributions sufficient for some or all of Endeavor Operating Company’s equityholders to pay such taxes.
Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities
None.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
We did not repurchase shares of our Class A common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2022.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph illustrates the total return from April 29, 2021 (the date our Class A common stock began trading on NYSE) through December 31, 2022, for (i) our Class A common stock, (ii) the S&P 500 Index, and (iii) the S&P 500 Media and Entertainment Industry Group Index. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on April 29, 2021 in each of our Class A common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and the S&P 500 Media and Entertainment Industry Group Index, and that any dividends were reinvested. The comparisons reflected in the graph are not intended to forecast the future performance of our stock and may not be indicative of our future performance.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current plans, expectations and beliefs involving risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” or in other sections of this Annual Report.
OVERVIEW
Endeavor is a global sports and entertainment company. We own and operate premium sports properties, including the UFC, produce and distribute sports and entertainment content, own and manage exclusive live events and experiences, and represent top sports and entertainment talent, as well as blue chip corporate clients. Founded as a client representation business, we expanded organically and through strategic mergers and acquisitions, investing in new capabilities, including sports operations and advisory, events and experiences management, media production and distribution, sports data and technology, brand licensing, and experiential marketing. The addition of these new capabilities and insights transformed our business into an integrated global platform anchored by owned and managed premium intellectual property.
Segments
As of December 31, 2022, we operated our business in three segments: (i) Owned Sports Properties; (ii) Events, Experiences & Rights; and (iii) Representation.
Owned Sports Properties
Our Owned Sports Properties segment is comprised of a unique portfolio of premium sports properties, including UFC, PBR and Euroleague.
Through the UFC, the world’s premier professional MMA organization, we produce more than 40 live events annually which are broadcast in over 170 countries and territories to over 900 million TV households. UFC was founded in 1993 and has grown in popularity, having now hosted more than 600 events and reaching a global audience through an increasing array of global broadcast license agreements and our owned FIGHT PASS streaming platform. The value of our content is demonstrated by our licensing arrangements with ESPN and other international broadcasters and our increasing consumer engagement is evidenced by the overall follower growth and engagement across our social channels - now reaching 220 million followers.
PBR is the world’s premier bull riding circuit with more than 800 bull riders from the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico, currently competing in more than 200 bull riding events annually and with its annual attendance quadrupling since its inception in 1995.
We have an up to 20-year partnership with Euroleague basketball, which could extend into 2036, to manage and capitalize on all of the commercial business of the league, including media rights, sponsorship, content production, licensing, digital distribution, events staging, and hospitality, for which we receive a management fee.
At the end of 2021 and in January 2022, we acquired ten Major League Baseball Professional Development League clubs (the "PDL Clubs"), which were being operated under the Diamond Baseball Holdings ("DBH") umbrella. In September 2022, we sold the DBH business, including the PDL Clubs, to Silver Lake, stockholders of the Company, for an aggregate purchase price of $280 million cash.
Events, Experiences & Rights
In our Events, Experiences & Rights segment, we own, operate, or represent hundreds of global events annually, including live sports events covering 15 sports across more than 25 countries, international fashion weeks, art fairs and music, culinary and lifestyle festivals and major attractions. We own and operate many of these events, including the Miami Open and Madrid Open, Frieze art fairs, Barrett-Jackson, New York Fashion Week: The Shows, and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. We also operate other events on behalf of third parties, including the AIG Women’s Open and Honda Classic. Through On Location, we provide premium live event experiences globally, servicing more than 1,200 events and experiences for sporting and music events such as the Super Bowl, the Aer Lingus Classic college football game, the Ryder Cup, the NCAA Final Four, Coachella and the next three Olympic Games.
We are one of the largest independent global distributors of sports video programming and data. We sell media rights globally on behalf of more than 150 clients such as the International Olympic Committee, the ATP Tour and the National Hockey League ("NHL"), as well as for our owned assets and channels. Our production business is one of the largest creators of sports programming, responsible for thousands of hours of content on behalf of more than 200 federations, associations and events, including the English Premier League, The R&A, DP World Tour, and our owned asset, UFC, as well as owned channels Sport 24 and EDGEsport. Our sports data business, IMG ARENA, provides data and content to sportsbooks and media partners around the globe, delivering data feeds from approximately 43,000 sports events annually. This data powers IMG ARENA's Event Centre product suite, including the UFC Event Centre. In addition, IMG ARENA provides live video streams for sportsbooks for approximately 48,000 events per year, as well as a portfolio of virtual sports products. We also leverage the technology derived from IMG ARENA to provide streaming video solutions to our clients and our owned assets via Endeavor Streaming.
Additionally, we own and operate IMG Academy, a leading sports and education brand with an innovative suite of on-campus and online programming, including its Bradenton, Florida boarding school and sports camps, IMG Academy+ online coaching, as well as Next College Student Athlete ("NCSA"), which provides recruiting and admissions services to high school student athletes and college athletic departments and admissions officers (collectively, the "Academy").
In April 2022, we acquired the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament and additional assets, including the Acciona Open de España golf tournament, from Super Slam Ltd and its affiliates. We paid $386.1 million for consideration and transfer fees at closing, an additional $31.8 million of consideration is payable within two years of closing, and $0.6 million of contingent consideration payable within three years of closing.
In August 2022, we acquired 55% of Barrett-Jackson Holdings, LLC ("Barrett-Jackson"), which is engaged in the business of collector car auctions and sales as well as other collector car related events and experiences, in exchange for consideration having an aggregate value of $256.9 million. The aggregate consideration consisted of $244.4 million of cash and 563,935 newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock valued at $12.5 million.
In September 2022, we acquired the OpenBet business ("OpenBet") of Light & Wonder, Inc. (formerly known as Scientific Games Corporation) ("Light & Wonder") for consideration of $847.1 million, consisting of $800.4 million of cash and 2,305,794 newly-issued shares of our Class A common stock valued at $46.7 million. OpenBet consists of companies that provide products and services to sports betting operators for the purposes of sports wagering. In 2023, we have created a new reportable segment, Sports Data and Technology, that includes IMG ARENA and the OpenBet business.
Representation
Our Representation segment provides services to more than 7,000 talent and corporate clients. Our Representation business deploys a subset of our integrated capabilities on behalf of our clients.
Through our client representation and management businesses, including the WME talent agency and IMG Models, we represent a diverse group of talent across entertainment, sports, and fashion, including actors, directors, writers, athletes, models, musicians, and other artists, in a variety of mediums, such as film, television, books, and live events. Through our 160over90 business, we provide brand strategy, marketing, advertising, public relations, analytics, digital, activation, and experiential services to many of the world’s largest brands. Through IMG Licensing, we provide IP licensing services to a large portfolio of entertainment, sports, and consumer product brands, including representing these clients in the licensing of their logos, trade names and trademarks.
Previously, our Representation segment included our restricted Endeavor Content business (which now operates under the name Fifth Season), which provided a premium alternative to traditional content studios, offering a range of services including content development, production, financing, sales, and advisory services for creators. In February 2021, the Company signed a new franchise agreement and side letter (the “Franchise Agreements”) directly with the Writer’s Guild of America East and the Writer’s Guild of America West (collectively, the “WGA”). These Franchise Agreements include terms that, among other things, prohibited the Company from (a) negotiating packaging deals after June 30, 2022 and (b) having more than a 20% non-controlling ownership or other financial interest in, or being owned or affiliated with any individual or entity that has more than a 20% non-controlling ownership or other financial interest in, any entity or individual engaged in the production or distribution of works written by WGA members under a WGA collective bargaining agreement. As a result, in the third quarter of 2021, the Company began marketing the restricted Endeavor Content business for sale and such assets and liabilities are reflected as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021. The sale of 80% of the restricted Endeavor Content business closed in January 2022. Our retained 20% interest is reflected as an equity method investment as of December 31, 2022 and is not part of the Representation segment.
Components of Our Operating Results
Revenue
In our Owned Sports Properties segment, we primarily generate revenue via media rights fees, pay-per-view, sponsorships, ticket sales, subscriptions, and license fees. In our Events, Experiences & Rights segment, we primarily generate revenue from media rights sales, production service and studio fees, sponsorships, ticket and premium experience sales, subscriptions, streaming fees, tuition, profit sharing, and commissions. In our Representation segment, we generate revenue primarily through commissions, packaging fees, marketing and consulting fees, production fees, and content licensing fees.
Direct Operating Costs
Our direct operating costs primarily include third-party expenses associated with the production of events and experiences, content production costs, operation of our training and education facilities, and fees for media rights, including required payments related to sales agency contracts when minimum sales guarantees are not met.
Selling, General and Administrative
Our selling, general and administrative expenses primarily include personnel costs as well as rent, professional service costs and other overhead required to support our operations and corporate structure.
Provision for Income Taxes
EGH was incorporated as a Delaware corporation in January 2019. It was formed as a holding company for the purpose of completing an IPO and other related transactions. As the sole managing member of Endeavor Manager, which is the sole managing member of EOC, EGH operates and controls all the business and affairs of EOC, and through EOC and its subsidiaries, conducts the Company’s business. EGH is subject to corporate income tax on its share of taxable income or loss of EOC, derived from Endeavor Manager. EOC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is therefore not subject to U.S. corporate income tax. However, certain of EOC’s subsidiaries are subject to U.S. or foreign corporate income tax.
UFC Buyout
Substantially simultaneous with the closing of the IPO, we consummated the UFC Buyout whereby we acquired equity interests in UFC Parent (including warrants of UFC Parent) from the Other UFC Holders (or their affiliates) resulting in Endeavor Operating Company directly or indirectly owning 100% of the equity interests of UFC Parent.
As a result of the UFC Buyout, we no longer attribute income (loss) to non-controlling interests related to UFC in our consolidated statement of operations and recognized a reduction in nonredeemable non-controlling interests on our consolidated balance sheet. Furthermore, restrictions on dividends under the UFC LLC Agreement are no longer in place after the UFC Buyout, although certain restrictions under the UFC Credit Facilities remain in place.
Reorganization
Prior to the closing of the IPO on May 3, 2021, we undertook reorganization transactions, following which Endeavor Group Holdings became a holding company, and its principal asset is an equity interest in a newly formed subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings, Endeavor Manager, of which Endeavor Group Holdings serves as the managing member. Endeavor Manager is in turn the managing member of Endeavor Operating Company. Endeavor Group Holdings manages and operates the business and controls the strategic decisions and day-to-day operations of Endeavor Manager as its sole managing member, and Endeavor Operating Company as its indirect sole managing member, and also has a substantial financial interest in Endeavor Manager and, indirectly, Endeavor Operating Company. Accordingly, Endeavor Group Holdings consolidates the results of operations of Endeavor Manager and Endeavor Operating Company, and a portion of Endeavor Group Holding’s net income (loss) is allocated to non-controlling interests to reflect the entitlements of certain former members of Endeavor Operating Company who retain ownership interests in Endeavor Manager and Endeavor Operating Company.
After consummation of the IPO and the reorganization transactions, we became subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income of Endeavor Manager and Endeavor Operating Company, and we are taxed at the prevailing corporate tax rates. Endeavor Operating Company generally makes distributions to us in an amount sufficient to allow us to pay our tax obligations and operating expenses, including distributions to fund any ordinary course payments due under the tax receivable agreement. The Company entered into the tax receivable agreement with certain persons that held direct or indirect interests in EOC and UFC Parent prior to the IPO. The tax receivable agreement generally provides for the payment by EGH of 85% of the amount of any tax benefits that EGH actually realizes as further described below under "Liquidity and Capital Resources-Future sources and uses of liquidity-Tax receivable agreement".
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. This information is derived from our accompanying consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Revenue
$
5,268,137
$
5,077,713
$
3,478,743
Operating expenses:
Direct operating costs
2,065,777
2,597,178
1,745,275
Selling, general and administrative expenses
2,358,962
2,283,558
1,442,316
Insurance recoveries
(1,099
)
(68,190
)
(86,990
)
Depreciation and amortization
266,775
282,883
310,883
Impairment charges
4,524
220,477
Total operating expenses
4,691,104
5,099,953
3,631,961
Operating income (loss)
577,033
(22,240
)
(153,218
)
Other (expense) income:
Interest expense, net
(282,255
)
(268,677
)
(284,586
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
-
(28,628
)
-
Tax receivable agreement liability adjustment
(873,264
)
(101,736
)
-
Other income, net
475,251
4,258
81,087
Loss before income taxes and equity losses of affiliates
(103,235
)
(417,023
)
(356,717
)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
(648,503
)
(22,277
)
8,507
Income (loss) before equity losses of affiliates
545,268
(394,746
)
(365,224
)
Equity losses of affiliates, net of tax
(223,604
)
(72,733
)
(260,094
)
Net income (loss)
321,664
(467,479
)
(625,318
)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests
192,531
(139,168
)
29,616
Less: Net loss attributable to Endeavor Operating Company, LLC prior to the reorganization transactions
-
(31,686
)
(654,934
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc.
$
129,133
$
(296,625
)
$
-
Revenue
Revenue increased $190.4 million, or 3.8%, to $5,268.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
•Owned Sports Properties increased by $224.1 million, or 20.2%. The increase was driven primarily by growth at UFC due to increased media rights fees, greater sponsorship, licensing, commercial PPV and event related revenue from more events with live audiences. The increase was also due to an increase at PBR from the new team series format, an increase in the number of events and the elimination of fan attendance restrictions. In addition, the acquisition of ten PDL Clubs in December 2021 and January 2022 that operated under the DBH umbrella contributed $64 million.
•Events, Experiences & Rights increased by $420.7 million, or 20.7%. The increase was primarily driven by an increase of $731 million attributable to the return of live events in 2022 that were cancelled in 2021 or experienced fan restrictions due to COVID-19. Increases were also due to the Madrid Open, which was acquired in April 2022, as well as growth in Academy and NCSA, which was acquired in June 2021. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $310 million in media rights fees and media production revenue, primarily due to the expiration of two European soccer contracts in the second quarter of 2021 that were not renewed, the UEFA European Championship held in 2021 and a decrease in the volume of CONCACAF matches partially offset by the revenue related to OpenBet, which was acquired in September 2022.
•Representation decreased by $447.6 million, or 22.8%. The decrease was primarily driven by the $737 million of revenue related to the restricted Endeavor Content business recorded in the prior year, which was sold in January 2022. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $288 million related to client commissions, due primarily from the continued strong demand for our talent and the recovery of live entertainment, and corporate spending on marketing and experiential activations as the prior year was impacted by COVID-19.
Excluding the revenue attributable to the restricted Endeavor Content business, revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased 21% compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Revenue increased $1,599.0 million, or 46.0%, to $5,077.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.
•Owned Sports Properties increased by $155.6 million, or 16.3%. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in media rights fees, new sponsorship deals and event related revenue due to the increase in the number of events held at UFC, an increase in PBR events and the successful completion of the Euroleague season in 2021 partially offset by a $25 million contract termination fee recognized in the prior year.
•Events, Experiences & Rights increased by $437.8 million, or 27.5%. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in media rights fees of $139 million primarily driven by the return of live events and the impact of COVID-19 on the European soccer seasons partially offset by the expiration of two European soccer contracts in the second quarter of 2021. Additionally, sports production revenue increased $87 million and event and performance revenue increased $212 million due to the return of certain live events in 2021. Events and performance revenue also benefited from the acquisition of NCSA.
•Representation increased by $1,015.9 million, or 107.6%. The increase was primarily driven by a $716 million increase in content deliveries at Endeavor Content and an increase of $300 million in client commissions, licensing and corporate spending on marketing and experiential activations as the prior year was significantly impacted by COVID-19.
Direct operating costs
Direct operating costs decreased $531.4 million, or 20.5%, to $2,065.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was driven by the $643 million decrease related to the sale of the restricted Endeavor Content business and the decrease in media rights and media production costs of $399 million due to the decrease in revenue described above, primarily due to the expiration of certain contracts in the second quarter of 2021 whose costs were in excess of revenue. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $517 million for costs related to live events and marketing and experiential activations due to the increases in revenue as described above.
Direct operating costs increased $851.9 million, or 48.8%, to $2,597.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $656 million related to an increase in content deliveries at Endeavor Content, $111 million related to events and performance, $69 million in media production, and $22 million in marketing and experiential activation costs due to the changes in revenue described above.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $75.4 million, or 3.3%%, to $2,359.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher cost of personnel, travel expenses and other operating expenses. The increase was partially offset by lower equity-based compensation expense as the prior period included charges for modifications of certain pre-IPO awards to remove certain forfeiture and discretionary call terms.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $841.2 million, or 58.3%, to $2,283.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was principally due to increased equity-based compensation expense of $441 million, of which $251.9 million is due to modifications of certain pre-IPO awards to remove certain forfeiture and discretionary call terms, higher cost of personnel, including bonuses, and other operating expenses as the business recovers from the impact of COVID-19.
Insurance recoveries
We maintain events cancellation insurance policies for a significant number of our events. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we recognized $1.1 million, $68.2 million and $87.0 million of insurance recoveries, respectively, which primarily related to cancelled events in our Events, Experiences & Rights and Owned Sports Properties segments due to COVID-19.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization decreased $16.1 million, or 5.7%, to $266.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Depreciation and amortization decreased $28.0 million, or 9.0%, to $282.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. These decreases were primarily driven by certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized offset by intangible assets acquired through acquisitions.
Impairment charges
Impairment charges of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 related to goodwill in our Events, Experiences & Rights segment.
Impairment charges of $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 related to goodwill in our Events, Experiences & Rights and Representation segments.
Impairment charges of $220.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 related to goodwill and intangible asset impairment driven by lower projections as a result of the impact of COVID-19 and restructuring in certain of our businesses, primarily in our Events, Experiences & Rights and Representation segments.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net increased $13.6 million, or 5.1% to $282.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily driven by higher interest rates offset by lower indebtedness.
Interest expense, net decreased $15.9 million, or 5.6% to $268.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, principally due to lower interest rates under our UFC Credit Facility following a repricing in January 2021 partially offset by higher indebtedness.
Loss on extinguishment of debt of $28.6 for the year ended December 31, 2021 was due to fees and expenses incurred for the early redemption of our term loans issued in May 2020.
Tax receivable agreement liability adjustment
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a $873.3 million expense for the tax receivable agreement liability related to the expected realization of certain tax benefits after concluding that such TRA payments would be probable based on estimates of future taxable income over the term of the TRA.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded a $92.6 million expense for the tax receivable agreement liability related to the expected realization of certain tax benefits, including the release of a valuation allowance, in connection with the sale of the restricted Endeavor Content business, which closed in January 2022, and recorded a $9.1 million expense due to a change in estimates related to the tax receivable agreement liability.
Other income, net
The income for the year ended December 31, 2022 included a gain of $463.6 million for the sale of the restricted Endeavor Content business, a gain of $23.3 million for the sale of the DBH business and $15.1 million of gains from changes in fair value of equity investments partially offset by $27.8 million for foreign currency transaction losses and $7.3 million of losses due to the change in the fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts.
The income for the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily included $22.2 million of gains primarily from sales and changes in fair value of equity investments partially offset by $17.2 million of foreign currency transaction losses and $11.3 million of losses due to the change in the fair value of embedded foreign currency derivatives.
The income for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily included gains of $27.1 million, $8.1 million, $15.3 million and $12.7 million recorded for the acquisition of the remaining 50% of the membership interests of FC Diez Media, the deconsolidation of Asian Tour Media, the gain on the sale of an investment and the change in the fair value of embedded foreign currency derivatives, respectively.
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded $648.5 million benefit from income taxes compared to $22.3 million benefit for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to the release of a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets of $686.2 million associated with our TRA liability.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded $22.3 million benefit from income taxes compared to $8.5 million provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2020. The change was primarily due to the impact of a $68.6 million valuation allowance release related to the expected realization of certain tax benefits in connection with the sale of the restricted Endeavor Content business, which closed in January 2022, partially offset by deferred tax liabilities associated with indefinite lived intangibles recorded as a result of the IPO and a change in the tax rate in the United Kingdom.
Equity losses of affiliates, net of tax
Equity losses of affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were $223.6 million, $72.7 million and $260.1 million, respectively. Our equity losses of affiliates are primarily due to the losses related to our investments in Learfield IMG College and for 2022, also include our 20% interest we retained in the restricted Endeavor Content business, which we sold in January 2022.
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we recorded $129.7 million, $76.1 million and $250.7 million, respectively, in equity losses resulting from losses related to our investment in Learfield IMG College. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2020, our share of the results of Learfield IMG College included charges taken by Learfield IMG College resulting from their goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments.
During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, other-than-temporary impairment charges were $84.6 million, none, and $15.3 million, respectively, for its equity method investments, which were recognized within equity losses of affiliates in the consolidated statements of operations.
Net (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests
Subsequent to the IPO and associated reorganization transactions, non-controlling interests are primarily comprised of interests held by certain pre-IPO members of Endeavor Operating Company who retained their ownership interests in Endeavor Manager or Endeavor Operating Company.
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests was $192.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to net loss attributable to non-controlling interests of $139.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The change was primarily due to the change in the amount of reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 versus the reported net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 as well as the effect of the reorganization transactions.
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests was $139.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to net income attributable to non-controlling interests of $29.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The change from income to loss was primarily driven by the effect of the reorganization transactions offset by net income incurred at UFC prior to the UFC Buyout.
SEGMENT RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As of December 31, 2022, we classified our business into three reportable segments: Owned Sports Properties; Events, Experiences & Rights; and Representation. Our chief operating decision maker evaluates the performance of our segments based on segment Revenue and segment Adjusted EBITDA. Management believes segment Adjusted EBITDA is indicative of operational performance and ongoing profitability and is used to evaluate the operating performance of our segments and for planning and forecasting purposes, including the allocation of resources and capital.
Segment operating results reflect earnings before corporate and unallocated shared expenses. Segment operating results include allocations of certain costs, including facilities, technology, and other shared services costs, which are allocated based on metrics designed to correlate with consumption. These allocations are agreed-upon amounts between the businesses and may differ from amounts that would be negotiated in arm’s length transactions.
The following tables display Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Revenue:
Owned Sports Properties
$
1,332,335
$
1,108,207
$
952,624
Events, Experiences & Rights
2,451,966
2,031,283
1,593,509
Representation
1,512,150
1,959,757
943,873
Eliminations
(28,314
)
(21,534
)
(11,263
)
Total Revenue
$
5,268,137
$
5,077,713
$
3,478,743
Adjusted EBITDA:
Owned Sports Properties
$
648,158
$
537,627
$
457,589
Events, Experiences & Rights
342,644
215,578
59,224
Representation
469,757
383,388
211,977
Corporate
(297,031
)
(256,277
)
(145,240
)
Owned Sports Properties
The following table sets forth our Owned Sports Properties segment results for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Revenue
$
1,332,335
$
1,108,207
$
952,624
Direct operating costs
$
433,808
$
379,721
$
312,935
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
247,744
$
194,228
$
185,835
Adjusted EBITDA
$
648,158
$
537,627
$
457,589
Adjusted EBITDA margin
48.6
%
48.5
%
48.0
%
Year ended December 31, 2022 compared to year ended December 31, 2021
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $224.1 million, or 20.2%, to $1,332.3 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was driven by growth at UFC due to increased media rights fees, greater sponsorship, licensing, commercial PPV and event related revenue from more events with live audiences. The increase was also due to an increase at PBR from the new team series format, an increase in the number of events and the elimination of fan attendance restrictions. In addition, the acquisition of ten PDL Clubs in December 2021 and January 2022 that operated under the DBH umbrella contributed $64 million. The DBH business, including the PDL Clubs, was sold in September 2022.
Direct operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $54.1 million, or 14.2%, to $433.8 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is due to the change in revenue described above partially offset by lower athlete costs for UFC.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $53.5 million, or 27.6%, to $247.7 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to $37 million of expenses incurred by the DBH business and an increase in cost of personnel and travel expenses. Corporate allocations remained relatively unchanged in 2022 from 2021.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $110.5 million, or 20.6%, to $648.2 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven by increases in revenue partially offset by increases in direct operating costs and selling, general and administrative expenses.
Year ended December 31, 2021 compared to year ended December 31, 2020
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $155.6 million, or 16.3%, to $1,108.2 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily related to an increase in media rights fees of $88 million and event related revenue of $68 million due to an increase in the number of events held at UFC and PBR, increased sponsorships and the successful completion of the Euroleague season in 2021. The event related revenue in the prior year includes a $25 million contract termination fee.
Direct operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $66.8 million, or 21.3%, to $379.7 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in the number of UFC events held.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $8.4 million, or 4.5%, to $194.2 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to cost of personnel as well as travel expenses related to the increase in the number of UFC events held. Corporate allocations remained relatively unchanged in 2021 from 2020.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $80.0 million, or 17.5%, to $537.6 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven by the increase in revenue partially offset by the increase in direct operating costs and selling, general and administrative expenses.
Events, Experiences & Rights
The following table sets forth our Events, Experiences & Rights segment results for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Revenue
$
2,451,966
$
2,031,283
$
1,593,509
Direct operating costs
$
1,409,102
$
1,370,291
$
1,246,793
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
710,905
$
514,310
$
387,203
Adjusted EBITDA
$
342,644
$
215,578
$
59,224
Adjusted EBITDA margin
14.0
%
10.6
%
3.7
%
Year ended December 31, 2022 compared to year ended December 31, 2021
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $420.7 million, or 20.7%, to $2,452.0 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Event and academy revenue increased $731 million primarily due to events returning in 2022 that were cancelled in 2021 or experienced fan restrictions due to COVID-19, including Super Bowl LVI, NCAA Men’s March Madness, Miami Open, and various music events. Increases were also due to the Madrid Open, which was acquired in April 2022, as well as growth in Academy due to increased enrollment and NCSA, which was acquired in June 2021. Media rights fees and media production revenue decreased $310 million primarily due to the expiration of two European soccer contracts in the second quarter of 2021 that were not renewed, the UEFA European Championship held in 2021 and a decrease in the volume of CONCACAF matches partially offset by $50 million of revenue related to OpenBet, which was acquired in September 2022.
Direct operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $38.8 million, or 2.8%, to $1,409.1 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Live event and performance costs increased $437 million due to the increases in related revenue. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in media rights and media production costs of $399 million due to the decrease in revenue described above, primarily due to the expiration of certain contracts in the second quarter of 2021 whose costs were in excess of revenue.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $196.6 million, or 38.2%, to 710.9 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily driven by increased cost of personnel, including the buildout of the Olympics business, and the expenses incurred by NCSA and OpenBet, acquired in June 2021 and September 2022, respectively. Corporate allocations remained relatively unchanged in 2022 from 2021.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $127.1 million, or 58.9% to $342.6 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven by the growth in revenue partially offset by the increases in direct operating costs and selling, general and administrative expenses and a decrease in insurance recoveries related to cancelled events.
Year ended December 31, 2021 compared to year ended December 31, 2020
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $437.8 million, or 27.5%, to $2,031.3 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.
•Media rights fees increased $139 million primarily driven by the impact of COVID-19 cancelling and delaying live events in 2020 such as UEFA Euros, The Open Championship and Wimbledon and the timing of matches on both the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 European soccer seasons as well as new events such as CONCACAF partially offset by the expiration of two European soccer contracts in the second quarter of 2021.
•Media Production revenue increased $87 million due to the return to a largely full schedule of events in 2021 as compared to the impact of COVID-19 on event schedules in 2020, including coverage of the English Premier League which was partially rescheduled to the second half of 2020, and golf and tennis events which were cancelled.
•Event and performance revenue increased $212 million due primarily to (i) the adverse impact of COVID-19 on certain events in the prior year, including Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Miami Open, Ryder Cup, HSBC Women’s World Championship, Honda LPGA, ANA Inspiration, Frieze NY and Miss Universe pageant, (ii) all summer camps taking place at the IMG Academy at full capacity in 2021 that were cancelled or had attendance restrictions in 2020 and (iii) the benefit of the NCSA acquisition. These increases were partially offset by attendance restrictions at the 2021 Super Bowl LV, as well as the adverse impact of COVID-19 on certain events in the current year, including Frieze LA and Rio Open, and the exit of our Exhibitions business.
Direct operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $123.5 million, or 9.9%, to $1,370.3 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. Media production expenses increased $69 million due to changes in revenue described above and live event and performance costs of $50 million due to the changes in revenue described above, including amounts for the cancellation of an event and the impact of the acquisition of NCSA. These increases were partially offset by decreases in media rights expenses due to the expiration of two European soccer contracts described above, whose costs were in excess of revenue, offset by increases resulting from the return of live events and new events.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $127.1 million, or 32.8%, to $514.3 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily driven by increased cost of personnel as the business recovers from the impact of COVID-19. The acquisition of NCSA contributed approximately $55 million in selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021. Corporate allocations remained relatively unchanged in 2021 from 2020.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $156.4 million to $215.6 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven by the increase in revenue partially offset by the increase in direct operating costs and selling, general and administrative expenses and a decrease in insurance recoveries related to cancelled events.
Representation
The following table sets forth our Representation segment results for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Revenue
$
1,512,150
$
1,959,757
$
943,873
Direct operating costs
$
251,863
$
867,437
$
190,259
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
790,032
$
709,992
$
543,813
Adjusted EBITDA
$
469,757
$
383,388
$
211,977
Adjusted EBITDA margin
31.1
%
19.6
%
22.5
%
Year ended December 31, 2022 compared to year ended December 31, 2021
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased $447.6 million, or 22.8%, to $1,512.2 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily attributable to the $737 million of revenue related to the restricted Endeavor Content business recorded in prior year, which was sold in January 2022. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $288 million related to client commissions, due primarily to the continued strong demand for our talent and the recovery of live entertainment, predominantly music, and corporate spending on marketing and experiential activations as the prior year was impacted by COVID-19. Excluding the revenue attributable to the restricted Endeavor Content business, revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased 24% compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Direct operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased $615.6 million, or 71.0%, to $251.9 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease attributable to the sale of the restricted Endeavor Content business of $643 million was partially offset by an increase in marketing and experiential activations due to the increase in revenue described above.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $80.0 million, or 11.3%, to $790.0 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily driven by cost of personnel and travel expenses partially offset by the sale of the restricted Endeavor Content business. Corporate allocations remained relatively unchanged in 2022 from 2021.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $86.4 million, or 22.5%, to $469.8 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the growth in revenue, excluding the Endeavor Content business which was sold in January 2022, partially offset by the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Year ended December 31, 2021 compared to year ended December 31, 2020
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $1,015.9 million, or 107.6%, to $1,959.8 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to a $716 million increase in content deliveries at Endeavor Content and an increase of $300 million in client commissions, licensing and marketing and experiential activations which were all significantly impacted by COVID-19 in the prior year.
Direct operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $677.2 million, or 355.9%, to $867.4 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was predominantly attributable to the above mentioned increase in content deliveries at Endeavor Content and marketing and experiential activations.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $166.2 million, or 30.6%, to $710.0 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily driven by growth in cost of personnel, including bonuses, as the business recovers from the impact of COVID-19. Corporate allocations remained relatively unchanged in 2021 from 2020.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $171.4 million, or 80.9%, to $383.4 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was driven by the increase in revenue partially offset by the increase in direct operating costs and selling, general and administrative expenses.
Corporate
Corporate primarily consists of overhead, personnel costs, and costs associated with corporate initiatives that are not fully allocated to the operating divisions. Such expenses include compensation and other benefits for corporate office employees, rent, professional fees related to internal control compliance and monitoring, financial statement audits and legal, information technology and insurance that is managed through our corporate office.
The following table sets forth our results for Corporate for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
(297,031
)
$
(256,277
)
$
(145,240
)
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 decreased $40.8 million, or 15.9%, to $(297.0) million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was driven by an increase in cost of personnel and other general and administrative expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased $111.0 million, or 76.5%, to $(256.3) million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The decline was driven by an increase in cost of personnel, including bonuses, and other general and administrative expenses.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as net income (loss), excluding income taxes, net interest expense, depreciation and amortization, equity-based compensation, merger, acquisition and earn-out costs, certain legal costs, restructuring, severance and impairment charges, certain non-cash fair value adjustments, certain equity earnings, COVID-19 related expenses, tax receivable agreement liability adjustment, and certain other items when applicable. Adjusted EBITDA margin is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Revenue.
Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors as it eliminates the significant level of non-cash depreciation and amortization expense that results from our capital investments and intangible assets recognized in business combinations, and improves comparability by eliminating the significant level of interest expense associated with our debt facilities, as well as income taxes and the tax receivable agreement, which may not be comparable with other companies based on our tax and corporate structure.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are used as the primary bases to evaluate our consolidated operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
•they do not reflect every cash expenditure, future requirements for capital expenditures, or contractual commitments;
•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;
•although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced or require improvements in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin do not reflect any cash requirement for such replacements or improvements; and
•they are not adjusted for all non-cash income or expense items that are reflected in our statements of cash flows.
We compensate for these limitations by using Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin along with other comparative tools, together with GAAP measurements, to assist in the evaluation of operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin should not be considered substitutes for the reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to net income (loss) as indicators of our financial performance, as measures of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business or as measures of cash that will be available to us to meet our obligations. Although we use Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin as financial measures to assess the performance of our business, such use is limited because it does not include certain material costs necessary to operate our business. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin should not be construed as indications that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items. These non-GAAP financial measures, as determined and presented by us, may not be comparable to related or similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Set forth below are reconciliations of our most directly comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP to these non-GAAP financial measures on a consolidated basis.
Adjusted EBITDA
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Net income (loss)
$
321,664
$
(467,479
)
$
(625,318
)
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes
(648,503
)
(22,277
)
8,507
Interest expense, net
282,255
268,677
284,586
Depreciation and amortization
266,775
282,883
310,883
Equity-based compensation expense (1)
210,163
532,467
91,271
Merger, acquisition and earn-out costs (2)
68,728
60,904
22,178
Certain legal costs (3)
16,051
5,451
12,520
Restructuring, severance and impairment (4)
13,258
8,490
271,868
Fair value adjustment - equity investments (5)
(12,029
)
(21,558
)
Equity method losses - Learfield IMG College and Endeavor Content (6)
218,566
76,135
250,726
COVID-19 related costs (7)
-
-
2,692
Gain on sale of the restricted Endeavor Content business (8)
(463,641
)
-
-
Tax receivable agreement liability adjustment (9)
873,264
101,736
-
Other (10)
16,977
54,887
(57,835
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
1,163,528
$
880,316
$
572,547
Net income (loss) margin
6.1
%
(9.2
%)
(18.0
%)
Adjusted EBITDA margin
22.1
%
17.3
%
16.5
%
(1)Equity-based compensation represents primarily non-cash compensation expense associated with our equity-based compensation plans.
The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily due to the modification of certain pre-IPO equity-based awards primarily to remove certain forfeiture and discretionary call terms in 2021. Equity-based compensation was recognized in all segments and Corporate for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The increase for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to the modification of certain pre-IPO equity-based awards primarily to remove certain forfeiture and discretionary call terms as well as grants under the 2021 Incentive Award Plan that were issued in connection with the IPO. Equity-based compensation was recognized in all segments and Corporate for the year ended December 31, 2021 and in our Owned Sports Properties and Representation segments and Corporate for the year ended December 31, 2020.
(2)Includes (i) certain costs of professional advisors related to mergers, acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures and (ii) fair value adjustments for contingent consideration liabilities related to acquired businesses and compensation expense for deferred consideration associated with selling shareholders that are required to remain our employees.
Such costs for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily related to professional advisor costs of approximately $40 million and related to all of our segments. Fair value adjustments for contingent consideration liabilities related to acquired businesses and acquisition earn-out adjustments were approximately $28 million, which primarily related to our Representation segment.
Such costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily related to fair value adjustments for contingent consideration liabilities related to acquired businesses and acquisition earn-out adjustments of approximately $35 million, which primarily related to our Events, Experiences & Rights and Representation segments. Professional advisor costs were approximately $25 million and related to all of our segments and Corporate.
Such costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily related to professional advisor costs of approximately $13 million and primarily related to our Events, Experiences & Rights segment. Acquisition earn-out adjustments were approximately $9 million primarily related to our Representation segment.
(3)Includes costs related to certain litigation or regulatory matters in each of our segments and Corporate.
(4)Includes certain costs related to our restructuring activities and non-cash impairment charges.
Such costs for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily related to an investment impairment in our Events, Experiences & Rights segment, a write off of an asset in Corporate and the restructuring expenses in our Events, Experiences & Rights and Representation segments.
Such costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 included approximately $6 million related to the impairment of goodwill and $3 million for severance and restructuring expenses, both primarily related to our Representation and Events, Experiences & Rights segments.
Such costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 included approximately $220 million related to the impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, approximately $19 million related to the impairment of certain other assets and investments and approximately $32 million for severance and restructuring expenses, in each case primarily related to COVID-19, and primarily related to our Owned Sports Properties and Events, Experiences & Rights segments and Corporate.
(5)Includes the net change in fair value for certain equity investments with and without readily determinable fair values, based on observable price changes.
(6)Relates to equity method losses, including impairment charges, from our investment in Learfield IMG College and from the 20% interest we retained in the restricted Endeavor Content business, which we sold in January 2022.
(7)Includes COVID-19 related costs that are non-recurring and incremental costs that would have otherwise not been incurred. Such adjustment for the year ended December 31, 2020 does not include the write-off of $11 million of deferred event costs, net of insurance recoveries, which is adjusted in our Events, Experiences & Rights segment profitability measure.
(8)Relates to the gain recorded for the sale of the restricted Endeavor Content business, net of transaction costs of $15.0 million.
(9)For the year ended December 31, 2022, includes the adjustment for the tax receivable agreement liability related to the expected realization of certain tax benefits after concluding that such TRA payments would be probable based on estimates of future taxable income over the term of the TRA.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, includes a $92.6 million expense for the tax receivable agreement liability related to the expected realization of certain tax benefits, including the release of a valuation allowance, in connection with the sale of the restricted Endeavor Content business, which closed in January 2022, and a $9.1 million expense due to a change in estimates related to the tax receivable agreement liability.
(10)For the year ended December 31, 2022, other was comprised primarily of losses of approximately $28 million on foreign exchange transactions, which related to all of our segments and Corporate, a gain of approximately $23 million related to the sale of DBH, which related to our Owned Sports Properties segment and losses of approximately $7 million related to forward foreign exchange contracts which related to our Events, Experiences & Rights segment and Corporate.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, other was comprised primarily of approximately $29 million related to a loss on debt extinguishment, which related primarily to Corporate, losses of approximately $17 million on foreign exchange transactions, which related to all of our segments and Corporate and a loss of approximately $11 million related to non-cash fair value adjustments of embedded foreign currency derivatives.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, other was comprised primarily of a gain of approximately $27 million related to the consolidation of a previously held equity interest in FC Diez Media, a gain of approximately $15 million related to the sale of an investment, a gain of approximately $8 million associated with the deconsolidation of Asian Tour Media Pte. Ltd., a gain of approximately $13 million related to non-cash fair value adjustments of embedded foreign currency derivatives and approximately $3 million increase related to purchase price adjustments to deferred revenue and ticket inventory at On Location, which related primarily to our Events, Experiences & Rights segment.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Historical liquidity and capital resources
Sources and uses of cash
Cash flows from operations have historically funded our day-to-day operations, revenue-generating activities, and routine capital expenditures, as well as serviced our long-term debt. Our other principal use of cash has been the acquisition of businesses, which have been funded primarily through equity contributions from our pre-IPO institutional investors, the issuance of long-term debt and proceeds from our initial public offering and other sales of our equity.
Debt facilities
As of December 31, 2022, we had an aggregate of $5.1 billion outstanding indebtedness under our first lien credit agreement entered into by certain of our subsidiaries in May 2014 in connection with the acquisition of IMG (as amended, restated, modified and/or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Facilities”) and UFC Holdings, LLC’s term loan and revolving credit facilities (the “UFC Credit Facilities” and, collectively with the Credit Facilities, the “Senior Credit Facilities”). As of December 31, 2022 we had available borrowing capacity of approximately $405 million under the Senior Credit Facilities, of which approximately $386 million was available to borrow.
Credit Facilities
As of December 31, 2022, we have borrowed an aggregate of $2.3 billion of term loans under the Credit Facilities. The loans bear interest at a variable interest rate equal to either, at our option, adjusted LIBOR or the Alternate Base Rate (the “ABR”) plus, in each case, an applicable margin. LIBOR term loans accrue interest at a rate equal to adjusted LIBOR plus 2.75%, with a LIBOR floor of 0.00%. ABR term loans accrue interest at a rate equal to (i) the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5%, (b) the prime rate, (c) adjusted LIBOR for a one-month interest period plus 1.00% and (d) 1.00%, plus (ii) 1.75%. The term loans under the Credit Facilities include 1% principal amortization payable in equal quarterly installments and mature on May 18, 2025. In September and December 2022, we repaid a total of $450.0 million of term loans under the Credit Facilities.
In May 2019, we executed $1.5 billion in interest rate hedges to swap a portion of our debt from floating interest expense to fixed. The LIBOR portion of the facility has been fixed at a coupon of 2.12% for five years commencing from June 2019 until June 2024. In August 2022, the Company entered into $750 million of an additional interest rate hedge to swap a portion of our debt from floating interest expense to fixed. The LIBOR portion of the facility has been fixed at a coupon of 3.162% commencing from August 2022 until August 2024. As of December 31, 2022, approximately 98% of our Term Loans is hedged. See Note 10, “Debt” to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for further detail on the Credit Facilities.
As of December 31, 2022, we have the option to borrow incremental term loans in an aggregate amount equal to at least $550.0 million, subject to market demand, and may be able to borrow additional funds depending on our First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined under the Credit Facilities). The credit agreement governing our Credit Facilities includes certain mandatory prepayment provisions relating to, among other things, the incurrence of additional debt.
The Credit Facilities also include a revolving credit facility which has $200.0 million of capacity with letter of credit and swingline loan sub-limits of up to $75.0 million and $20.0 million, respectively. Revolving credit facility borrowings under the Credit Facilities bear interest at a variable interest rate equal to either, at our option, adjusted LIBOR or the ABR plus, in each case, an applicable margin. LIBOR revolving loans accrue interest at a rate equal to adjusted LIBOR plus 2.00-2.50%, depending on the First Lien Leverage Ratio, with a LIBOR floor of 0.00%. ABR revolving loans accrue interest at a rate equal to (i) the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50%, (b) the prime rate, (c) adjusted LIBOR for a one-month interest period plus 1.00% and (d) 1.00%, plus (ii) 1.00-1.50%, depending on the First Lien Leverage Ratio. We pay Letter of Credit fees of 0.125% and a commitment fee of 0.25-0.50%, based on our First Lien Leverage Ratio. In June 2021, we repaid $163.1 million under the revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2022, we had no borrowings outstanding under this revolving credit facility and outstanding letters of credit of $19.4 million. The revolving facility matures on May 18, 2024.
The revolving facility under the Credit Facilities is subject to a financial covenant if greater than 35% of the borrowing capacity of the revolving credit facility is utilized (excluding cash collateralized letters of credit and non-cash collateralized letters of credit of up to $50.0 million) at the end of each quarter. This covenant was not applicable on December 31, 2022, as we had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
The Credit Facilities contain certain restrictive covenants around indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, guarantees, investments, asset sales, and transactions with affiliates.
The borrower’s obligations under the Credit Facilities are guaranteed by certain of our indirect wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. All obligations under the Credit Facilities and the related guarantees are secured by a perfected first priority lien on substantially all of the borrower’s and the guarantors’ tangible and intangible assets, in each case, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions.
UFC Credit Facilities
As of December 31, 2022, we have borrowed an aggregate of $2.8 billion of first lien term loans under the UFC Credit Facilities. Following a repricing under the UFC Credit Facilities in January 2021, borrowings under the UFC Credit Facilities bear interest at a variable interest rate equal to either, at our option, adjusted LIBOR or the ABR plus, in each case, an applicable margin. LIBOR term loans accrue interest at a rate equal to an adjusted LIBOR plus 2.75%-3.00%, depending on the First Lien Leverage Ratio, in each case with a LIBOR floor of 0.75%. ABR term loans accrue interest at a rate equal to (i) the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.5%, (b) the prime rate, (c) adjusted LIBOR for a one-month interest period plus 1.00% and (d) 1.75%, plus (ii) 1.75%-2.00%. The term loans under the UFC Credit Facilities include 1% principal amortization payable in equal quarterly installments and mature on April 29, 2026. In December 2022, we repaid $50.0 million of term loans under the UFC Credit Facilities. See Note 10, “Debt” to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for further detail on the UFC Credit Facilities.
As of December 31, 2022, we have the option to borrow incremental loans in an aggregate amount equal to at least $455.0 million, subject to market demand, and may be able to borrow additional funds depending on our First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined under the UFC Credit Facilities). The credit agreement governing the UFC Credit Facilities includes certain mandatory prepayment provisions relating to, among other things, the incurrence of additional debt.
The UFC Credit Facilities also include a revolving credit facility, which has $205.0 million of total borrowing capacity and letter of credit and swingline loan sub-limits of up to $40.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively. Revolving credit facility borrowings under the UFC Credit Facilities bear interest at a variable interest rate equal to either, at our option, adjusted LIBOR or ABR plus, in each case, an applicable margin. LIBOR revolving loans accrue interest at a rate equal to an adjusted LIBOR plus 3.50-4.00%, depending on the First Lien Leverage Ratio, in each case with a LIBOR floor of 0.00%. ABR revolving loans accrue interest at a rate equal to (i) the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50%, (b) the prime rate, (c) adjusted LIBOR for a one-month interest period plus 1.00% and (d) 1.00%, plus (ii) 2.50-3.00%, depending on the First Lien Leverage Ratio. We pay a commitment fee on the revolving credit facility under the UFC Credit Facilities of 0.25-0.50%, based on the First Lien Leverage Ratio and Letter of Credit fees of 0.125%. As of December 31, 2022, we had no borrowings outstanding under this revolving credit facility and no outstanding letters of credit. The revolving facility under the UFC Credit Facilities matures on April 29, 2024.
The revolving facility under the UFC Credit Facilities is subject to a financial covenant if greater than 35% of the borrowing capacity of the revolving credit facility (excluding cash collateralized letters of credit and non-cash collateralized letters of credit of up to $10.0 million) is utilized at the end of any fiscal quarter. This covenant was not applicable on December 31, 2022, as we had no borrowings outstanding under this revolving credit facility.
The UFC Credit Facilities contain certain restrictive covenants around indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, guarantees, investments, asset sales and transactions with affiliates.
The borrower’s obligations under the UFC Credit Facilities are guaranteed by certain of UFC Parent’s indirect wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. All obligations under the UFC Credit Facilities and the related guarantees are secured by a perfected first priority lien on substantially all of the borrower’s and the guarantors’ tangible and intangible assets, in each case, subject to permitted liens and certain exceptions.
Restrictions on dividends
Both the Credit Facilities and the UFC Credit Facilities contain restrictions on our ability to make distributions and other payments from the respective credit groups and which therefore limit our ability to receive cash from our operating units to make dividends to the holders of Class A common stock. These restrictions on dividends include exceptions for, among other things, (1) amounts necessary to make tax payments, (2) a limited annual amount for employee equity repurchases, (3) distributions required to fund certain parent entities, (4) other specific allowable situations and (5) a general restricted payment basket, as defined in each of the Credit Facilities and the UFC Credit Facilities.
Other debt
As of December 31, 2022, we had certain other revolving line of credit facilities and long-term debt liabilities, primarily related to On Location, with total committed amounts of $62.9 million, of which $11.0 million was outstanding and $51.9 million was available for borrowing based on the supporting asset base. Such facilities have maturity dates in 2023 and 2025, bearing interest at rates of 2.75% plus LIBOR.
Our On Location revolving credit agreement has $42.9 million of total borrowing capacity and letter of credit and swingline loan sub-limits of up to $3.0 million each (the “OL Credit Facility”). As of December 31, 2022, we had no borrowings outstanding under the OL Credit Facility and no letters of credit outstanding. The OL Credit Facility matures on the earlier of August 2026 or the date that is 91 days prior to the maturity date of the term loans under the Credit Facilities. The OL Credit Facility contains restrictions that are substantially similar to those in the Credit Facilities and the UFC Credit Facilities.
Cash Flows Overview
Years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
502,934
$
333,599
$
161,218
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(704,535
)
$
(659,080
)
$
(315,792
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
$
(549,909
)
$
960,175
$
453,989
December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021
Operating activities improved from $333.6 million of cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2021 to $502.9 million of cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2022 due to our improved operating results. Cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to net income for the year of $321.7 million, which included non-cash items totaling $425.6 million, offset by the increase in account receivable of $278.2 million and other current assets of $80.1 million due to timing of events. Cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily represents a net loss of $467.5 million from the continued recovery from COVID-19, higher amortization of content costs of $584.9 million from content deliveries at Endeavor Content and an increase in equity-based compensation expense of $532.5 million partially offset by an increase in other assets of $800.9 million from additional investments in Endeavor Content film assets and an increase in accounts receivable of $351.6 million.
Investing activities increased from $659.1 million of cash used in the year ended December 31, 2021 to $704.5 million of cash used in the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash used in the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily reflects payments for acquisitions of businesses, primarily for OpenBet, Madrid Open and Barrett-Jackson, of $1,434.5 million as well as capital expenditures and investments in non-controlled affiliates totaling $200.2 million offset by net cash proceeds received primarily from the sale of the restricted Endeavor Content business and the DBH business of $924.8 million. Cash used in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily reflects payments for acquisitions of businesses, primarily for NCSA, DBH, FlightScope and Mailman, of $436.4 million, investments in non-controlled affiliates, primarily Learfield IMG College, of $154.1 million and capital expenditures of $99.8 million.
Financing activities changed from $960.2 million of cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2021 to $549.9 million of cash used in the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash used in the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily reflects net payments on debt of $578.1 million as well as distributions, payments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions and redemption of certain pre-IPO equity interests totaling $64.3 million offset by net cash proceeds received in connection with the acquisition of non-controlling interests of $92.5 million. Cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily reflects proceeds from the equity offerings, net of underwriting discounts, primarily from the IPO and private placements, of $1,886.6 million partially offset by $835.7 million used for the UFC Buyout.
December 31, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020
Operating activities improved from $161.2 million of cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2020 to $333.6 million of cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2021. Cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily represents a smaller net loss of $467.5 million from the continued recovery from COVID-19, higher amortization of content costs of $584.9 million from content deliveries at Endeavor Content and an increase in equity-based compensation expense of $532.5 million partially offset by an increase in other assets of $800.9 million from additional investments in Endeavor Content film assets and an increase in accounts receivable of $351.6 million. Cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily represents a decrease in accounts receivable of $314.0 million and equity losses from affiliates of $260.1 million due to changes to the timing of collections and payments from modified event and media rights schedules and the adverse impact on businesses from COVID-19.
Investing activities increased from $315.8 million of cash used in the year ended December 31, 2020 to $659.1 million of cash used in the year ended December 31, 2021. Cash used in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily reflects payments for acquisitions of businesses, primarily for NCSA, DBH, FlightScope and Mailman, of $436.4 million, investments in non-controlled affiliates, primarily Learfield IMG College, of $154.1 million and capital expenditures of $99.8 million. Cash used in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily reflects payments for acquisitions of businesses, primarily On Location, of $317.9 million, capital expenditures of $71.7 million and investments in non-controlled affiliates of $37.6 million offset by proceeds received of $113.0 million primarily for the sale of an investment.
Financing activities increased from $454.0 million of cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2020 to $960.2 million of cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2021. Cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily reflects proceeds from the equity offerings, net of underwriting discounts, primarily from the IPO and private placements, of $1,886.6 million partially offset by $835.7 million used for the UFC Buyout. Cash provided in the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily reflects net proceeds from debt of $649.5 million partially offset by distributions of $123.2 million primarily made by UFC.
Future sources and uses of liquidity
Our sources of liquidity are (1) cash on hand, (2) cash flows from operations, and (3) available borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities (which borrowings would be subject to certain restrictive covenants contained therein). Based on our current expectations, we believe that these sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund our working capital requirements and to meet our commitments, including long-term debt service for at least the next 12 months.
We expect that our primary liquidity needs will be cash to (1) provide capital to facilitate organic growth of our business, (2) fund future investments, acquisitions, and earn-outs and deferred purchase price payments from prior acquisitions, (3) pay operating expenses, including cash compensation to our employees, (4) fund capital expenditures, (5) pay interest and principal when due on our Senior Credit Facilities, (6) make payments under the tax receivable agreement, (7) pay income taxes, (8) make distributions to members and (9) reduce our outstanding indebtedness under our Senior Credit Facilities.
We expect to refinance the Senior Credit Facilities prior to the maturity of the outstanding loans, with the first maturity for outstanding term loans under the Senior Credit Facilities occurring in 2025. We currently anticipate being able to secure funding for such refinancing at favorable terms; however, our ability to do so may be impacted by many factors, including our growth and other factors specific to our business as well as macro- economic factors beyond our control.
Tax distributions by Endeavor Operating Company
Other than as described below, we expect to retain all our future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.
Subject to funds being legally available, we generally expect that Endeavor Operating Company will make distributions to each of its members, including the Endeavor Profits Units holders and Endeavor Manager, in amounts sufficient to pay applicable taxes attributable to each member’s allocable share of taxable income of Endeavor Operating Company. However, there are no assurances that Endeavor Operating Company will make distributions sufficient to cover the taxes on its members’ allocable share of its taxable income; and in some cases, we may not make distributions sufficient for some or all of Endeavor Operating Company’s equityholders to pay such taxes. Tax distributions made in respect of Endeavor Operating Company Units (but not Endeavor Profits Units) will generally be made pro rata in respect of such Units, as described in the Endeavor Operating Company LLC Agreement. However, in certain situations, tax distributions made to Endeavor Manager may be reduced (relative to those tax distributions made to the other members of Endeavor Operating Company) to reflect the income tax rates to which Endeavor Manager and Endeavor Group Holdings are subject and certain other factors. Non pro-rata tax distributions may be paid to holders of Endeavor Profits Units.
Tax receivable agreement
Generally, we are required under the tax receivable agreement to make payments to certain persons that held direct or indirect interest in EOC and UFC Parent prior to the IPO ("TRA Holders") that are generally equal to 85% of the applicable cash tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax that we realize or are deemed to realize (determined by using certain assumptions) as a result of favorable tax attributes that will be available to us as a result of certain transactions contemplated in connection with our IPO, exchanges of Endeavor Operating Company Units for Class A common stock or cash and payments made under the tax receivable agreement. We will generally be entitled to retain the remaining 15% of these cash tax savings. Payments will be due only after we have filed our U.S. federal and state income tax returns. Payments under the tax receivable agreement will bear interest from the due date of the tax return reflecting the applicable tax benefits. We currently expect to fund these payments from cash flows from operations generated by our subsidiaries as well as from excess tax distributions that we receive from our subsidiaries. The amounts payable under the tax receivable agreement will vary depending upon a number of factors, including tax rates in effect, as well as the amount, character and timing of the taxable income of EGH in the future. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has a tax receivable agreement liability of $1,011.7 million recorded for all exchanges that have occurred as of this date.
Under the tax receivable agreement, as a result of certain types of transactions or occurrences, including a transaction resulting in a change of control or a material breach of our obligations under the tax receivable agreement, we may also be required to make payments to the TRA Holders in amounts equal to the present value of future payments we are obligated to make under the tax receivable agreement, calculated utilizing assumptions set forth in the tax receivable agreement. If the payments under the tax receivable agreement are accelerated, we may be required to raise additional debt or equity to fund such payments. To the extent that we are unable to make payments under the tax receivable agreement as a result of having insufficient funds (including because our credit agreements restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us) such payments will generally be deferred and will accrue interest until paid.
Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies
The following table represents our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2022, aggregated by type.
Payments due by period
(in thousands)
Total
2024-2025
2026-2027
After 2027
Long-term debt, principal repayments(1)
$
5,219,173
$
105,555
$
2,362,047
$
2,696,844
$
54,727
Long-term debt, interest payments(2)
1,088,596
374,905
636,232
73,186
4,273
Operating lease liabilities(3)
479,906
88,316
166,335
137,927
87,328
Purchase obligations/guarantees(4)
2,973,150
789,435
884,842
750,065
548,808
Total
$
9,760,825
$
1,358,211
$
4,049,456
$
3,658,022
$
695,136
(1)	The principal balance of certain term loans is repaid on a quarterly basis at an amortization rate of 0.25% per quarter, with the balance due at maturity. See Note 10, “Debt,” to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for further detail.
(2)	Variable interest rate payments on our long-term debt are calculated based on the current interest rate as of December 31, 2022 and the scheduled maturity of the underlying loans. Interest payments also include a commitment fee of 0.50% that we are required to pay on the unused balance of our revolving credit facilities under the Senior Credit Facilities.
(3)	Our operating leases are primarily for office facilities, equipment and vehicles. Certain of these leases contain provisions for rent escalations or lease concessions.
(4)	We routinely enter into purchase or guarantee arrangements for media, event or other representation rights.
Payment obligations due under the tax receivable agreement as of December 31, 2022 total $1,011.7 million, of which $50.1 million was paid in February 2023. The timing and amount of the remaining payments of $961.6 million is dependent upon the amount of future taxable income and the realization (or deemed realization) of tax benefits subject to the TRA in each fiscal year. We expect such payments to be paid primarily over the next 15 years. See “Tax receivable agreement" above.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make assumptions, estimates or judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. These assumptions, estimates or judgments, however, are both subjective and subject to change, and actual results may differ from our assumptions and estimates.
We believe the following estimates related to certain of our critical accounting policies, could potentially produce materially different results if we were to change underlying assumptions, estimates or judgments. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for a summary of our significant accounting policies.
Revenue Recognition
We have revenue recognition policies for our various operating segments that are appropriate to the circumstances of each business.
In accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers either at a point in time or over time, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASC 606 requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and estimates, and changes in those estimates.
Arrangements with Multiple Performance Obligations
We have various types of contracts with multiple performance obligations, primarily consisting of multi-year sponsorship and media rights agreements. The transaction price in these types of contracts is allocated on a relative standalone selling price basis. We typically determine the standalone selling price of individual performance obligations based on management estimates, unless standalone selling prices are observable through past transactions. Estimates used to determine a performance obligation’s standalone selling price impact the amount and timing of revenue recognized, but not the total amount of revenue to be recognized under the arrangement.
Principal versus Agent
We enter into many arrangements that require management to determine whether we are acting as a principal or an agent. This determination involves judgment and requires evaluation as to whether the Company controls the goods or services before they are transferred to the customer. As part of this analysis, the Company considers whether we are primarily responsible for fulfillment of the promise to provide the specified service, have inventory risk and have discretion in establishing prices. For events, this determination is primarily based on whether an event is owned by us or whether we are providing an event management service. For media rights distribution, this determination is primarily based on whether we have control over the media rights including inventory risk and setting pricing with customers. For re-billable expenses related to advertising and brand activation services, this determination is primarily based on whether we are primarily responsible for fulfillment of the services to the customer. If our determinations were to change, the amounts of our revenue and operating expenses may be different.
Timing of Recognition
Commission-based Representation and Licensing Revenue
For arrangements where we earn commissions or royalties based on a client’s sales, earnings or back-end profits, we recognize revenue either over time or at the point in time that our client performs in accordance with the terms of their engagement. We earn packaging revenue directly from studios/production companies (in lieu of receiving a commission from a client) for our role in arranging the creation, development and/or production of a program to be exhibited on broadcast or cable television, streaming, video-on-demand or similar platforms. A package typically involves an initial fee per episode as well as a back-end profit participation paid directly from a studio. We generally recognize the initial fee when a program is completed and delivered to the network.
When our commission is generated from an arrangement that involves an underlying license of intellectual property, we recognize such revenue in accordance with the sales-or usage-based royalty exception under ASC 606. Such arrangements primarily include:
•Client profit participation: primarily relates to our client’s participation in the net profitability of an episodic television series or feature film in which they have played a role. Once the profit participation metric is achieved, we recognize commission revenue related to the sales or usage of the underlying functional intellectual property over time as the sales or usage occurs. The amount of revenue recognized is based on either statements received or management’s best estimate of sales or usage in a period when statements are received on a lag. If our estimates and judgments were to change, the timing and amount of revenue recognized may be different.
•Package back-end profit participation: relates to our right to participate in the profitability of a television program, which is generally equal to a percentage of a contractually defined profitability measure. Once the profit participation metric is achieved, we recognize revenue related to the sales or usage of the underlying functional intellectual property over time as the sales or usage occurs. The amount of revenue recognized is based on either statements received or management’s best estimate of sales or usage in a period, if statements are received on a lag. If our estimates and judgments were to change, the timing and amount of revenue recognized may be different.
•Licensing: relates to royalties or commissions from sales of licensed merchandise. The nature of the licensing arrangements is typically symbolic intellectual property, inclusive of logos, trade names, and trademarks related to merchandise sales. We recognize revenue related to the sales or usage of the underlying symbolic intellectual property over time as the sales or usage occurs. The amount of revenue recognized is based on either statements received or management’s best estimate of sales or usage in a period, if statements are received on a lag. If our estimates and judgments were to change, the timing and amount of revenue recognized may be different.
Content Development-based Revenue
Revenue from production services and studio fees for the production and licensing of original content, including television properties, documentaries, and films, is recognized when the content becomes available for exploitation and has been accepted by the customer. Revenue from production services of live entertainment and sporting events is recognized at the time of the event on a per event basis. Revenue from production services of editorial video content is recognized when the content is delivered to and accepted by the customer and the license period begins. Revenue for license fees that include a royalty is recognized in the period the royalty is generated following the sales and usage-based royalty exception for licenses of functional intellectual property.
Content Distribution and Sales-based Revenue
License fees from live entertainment and sporting event media rights are recognized when the event is aired. License fees for non-live event programming are recognized when the program has been delivered and is available for exploitation. Commission revenue from distribution and sales arrangements for television properties, documentaries and films of independent production companies is recognized when the underlying content becomes available for view or telecast and has been accepted by the customer.
Event-based Revenue
We earn revenue from events that we control in addition to providing event related services to events controlled by third parties. For controlled events (owned or licensed), revenue is generally recognized for each performance obligation over the course of the event, multiple events, or contract term in accordance with the pattern of delivery for the particular revenue source. Advance ticket sales, participation entry fees, hospitality sales and bundled experience packages are recorded as deferred revenue pending the event date. For event management related services to third party controlled events, revenue is generally recognized over the course of the event, multiple events, or contract term in accordance with the pattern of delivery for the service. If such revenues were recognized based on another basis, or if we made different determinations about which method to apply to a given arrangement, the timing of our revenue and operating expenses may be different.
Service Fee-based Revenue
We provide marketing and consultancy services to brands with expertise in brand strategy, activation, sponsorships, endorsements, creative development and design, digital and original content, public relations, live events, branded impact, and B2B services. Marketing revenue is either recognized over time, based on the number of labor hours incurred, costs incurred or time elapsed based on the Company’s historical practice of transferring similar services to customers, or at a point in time for live event activation engagements. Consulting fees are typically recognized over time, either based on the number of labor hours incurred or evenly throughout the service period.
Revenue from our digital streaming video solutions is generally recognized upon delivery of the offering to the consumer or over the course of an over-the-top distribution platform subscription agreement term. Revenues from subscription services based on usage, such as data volume, are generally recognized as services are utilized by the customer.
Revenue from our sports academy is recognized ratably over the period of the athletes’ enrollment or attendance at a facility, as the services provided are substantially the same throughout the service period.
If such revenues were recognized based on another basis, or if we made different determinations about which method to apply to a given arrangement, the timing of our revenue and operating expenses may be different.
Pay-per-view Revenue
We recognize revenue from pay-per-view ("PPV") programming from owned live sporting events when the event is aired. PPV programming is distributed through cable, satellite and digital providers. We receive a fixed license fee for our domestic residential PPV programming under a long-term contract. For our international and commercial PPV, the amount of revenue recognized is based upon management’s initial estimate of variable consideration related to the number of buys achieved. This initial estimate is based on preliminary buy information received from certain PPV distributors and is subject to adjustment as new information regarding the number of buys is received, which is generally up to 120 days subsequent to the live event. If our estimates of buys achieved were to change, the timing and amount of our revenue may be different.
Goodwill
Goodwill is tested annually as of October 1 for impairment and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. We perform our goodwill impairment test at the reporting unit level, which is one level below the operating segment level. We have three operating and reportable segments, consistent with the way management makes decisions and allocates resources to the business and we have ten reporting units across these three segments.
We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. A qualitative assessment includes, but is not limited to, consideration of the results of our most recent quantitative impairment test, consideration of macroeconomic conditions, and industry and market conditions. If we can support the conclusion that it is “not more likely than not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount under the qualitative assessment, we would not need to perform the quantitative impairment test for that reporting unit.
If we cannot support such a conclusion or we do not elect to perform the qualitative assessment then we must perform the quantitative impairment test. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. To determine the fair value of our reporting units, we generally use a present value technique (discounted cash flows) corroborated by market multiples when available and as appropriate. We apply what we believe to be the most appropriate valuation methodology for each of our reporting units. We believe our estimates of fair value are consistent with how a marketplace participant would value our reporting units.
The discounted cash flow analyses are sensitive to our estimates of future revenue growth and margins for these businesses along with discount rates. Our long-term cash flow projections are estimates and inherently subject to uncertainty, particularly during periods of adverse economic conditions. Significant estimates and assumptions specific to each reporting unit include revenue growth, profit margins, terminal value growth rates, discount rates and other assumptions deemed reasonable by management. Where a market approach is utilized, we use judgment in identifying the relevant comparable-company market multiples. These estimates and assumptions may vary between each reporting unit depending on the facts and circumstances specific to that unit. If we had established different reporting units or utilized different valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ.
If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, such excess is recognized as an impairment. For the year ended December 31, 2022, our annual impairment test resulted in no impairment charges.
We believe that the estimates and assumptions we made in our quantitative analysis are reasonable, but they are susceptible to change from period to period. Actual results of operations, cash flows and other factors will likely differ from the estimates used in our valuation, and it is possible that differences and changes could be material. A deterioration in profitability, adverse market conditions, significant client losses, changes in spending levels of our existing clients or a different economic outlook than currently estimated by management could have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of our reporting units and could result in an impairment charge in the future.
Intangible Assets
For finite-lived intangible assets that are amortized, we evaluate assets for recoverability when there is an indication of potential impairment or when the useful lives are no longer appropriate. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets, an impairment would be measured as the difference between the fair value of the group’s long-lived assets and the carrying value of the group’s long-lived assets. We define an asset group by identifying the lowest level of cash flows generated by a group of assets that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. If identified, the impairment is allocated to the long-lived assets of the group on a pro rata basis using the relative carrying amounts, but only to the extent the carrying value of each asset is above its fair value.
Identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment as of October 1 and at any time upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible may not be recoverable. We have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is “more likely than not” to have occurred. In the qualitative assessment, we must evaluate the totality of qualitative factors, including any recent fair value measurements, that impact whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset has a carrying amount that “more likely than not” exceeds its fair value. We must then conduct a quantitative analysis if we (1) determine that such an impairment is “more likely than not” to exist, or (2) forego the qualitative assessment entirely. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Determining whether a long-lived asset is impaired requires various estimates and assumptions, including whether a triggering event has occurred, the identification of the asset groups, estimates of future cash flows and the discount rate used to determine fair values. If we had established different asset groups or utilized different valuation methodologies or assumptions, the impairment test results could differ, and we could be required to record impairment charges.
Equity-Based Compensation
We grant equity awards to certain executives, employees and service providers, which may be in the form of various equity-based awards such as restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options.
We record compensation costs related to our equity awards issued to executives and other employees based on the grant date fair value of the award. Compensation cost for time-based awards is recognized ratably over the applicable vesting period and compensation cost for awards with a performance condition is reassessed each period and recognized based upon the probability that the performance conditions will be achieved. The awards with a performance condition are expensed when the achievement of performance conditions is probable. Compensation cost for performance-based awards with a market condition is recognized regardless of the number of units that vest based on the market condition and is recognized on straight-line basis over the estimated service period, with each tranche separately measured. Compensation expense is not reversed even if the market condition is not satisfied.
For periods following the reorganization transactions and the IPO, the fair value of time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units is determined based on the price of our common stock on the grant date. The fair value and the related derived service period of performance-based awards with a market condition are determined based on the Monte Carlo simulation model.
We estimate the fair value of stock options using an option-pricing model, which requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions, such as:
•Expected term-The expected term represents the period that our awards are expected to be outstanding, giving considerations to vesting schedules and expiration dates (if applicable). We use the simplified method for estimating the expected term of the stock options.
•Expected volatility-As we do not have a sufficient public market trading history, the expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of public companies that are deemed to be comparable to us over the expected term of the award. Industry peers consist of several public companies in our industry which are either similar in size, stage of life cycle or financial leverage.
•Risk-Free Interest Rate-We base the risk-free interest rate on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time the awards are granted.
•Expected Dividends-We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero.
The assumptions used in our option-pricing model represent management’s best estimates. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. If factors change and different assumptions are used, our equity-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.
Investments
We have various equity investments that we account for under the equity method, as equity investments with readily determinable fair values and equity investments without readily determinable fair values. The fair value of these investments is dependent on the performance of the investee companies as well as volatility inherent in the external markets for these investments. In assessing the potential impairment of these investments, we consider these factors as well as the forecasted financial performance of the investees and market values, where available. If these forecasts are not met or market values indicate an other-than-temporary decline in value, impairment charges may be required. We also remeasure our equity investments without readily determinable fair values when there is an observable transaction in a similar class of security to our investment.
Income Taxes
EGH was incorporated as a Delaware corporation in January 2019. It was formed as a holding company for the purpose of completing an IPO and other related transactions. As the sole managing member of Endeavor Manager, which is the sole managing member of EOC, EGH operates and controls all the business and affairs of EOC, and through EOC and its subsidiaries, conducts the Company’s business. EGH is subject to corporate income tax on its share of taxable income or loss of EOC, derived from Endeavor Manager. EOC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is therefore not subject to U.S. corporate income tax. However, certain of EOC’s subsidiaries are subject to U.S. or foreign corporate income tax.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Significant factors considered by us in estimating the probability of the realization of deferred tax assets include expectations of future earnings and taxable income, as well as application of tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. A valuation allowance is provided when we determine that it is “more likely than not” that a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our deferred tax positions may change if our estimates regarding future realization of deferred tax assets were to change.
A minimum probability threshold for a tax position must be met before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The tax benefits ultimately realized by us may differ from those recognized in our financial statements based on a number of factors, including our decision to settle rather than litigate a matter, relevant legal precedent related to similar matters and our success in supporting its filing positions with taxing authorities.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits on the income tax expense line in the consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included in the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet.
Tax Receivable Agreement Liability
Generally, we are required under the tax receivable agreement to make payments to the TRA Holders that are generally equal to 85% of the applicable cash tax savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax that we realize or are deemed to realize (determined by using certain assumptions) as a result of favorable tax attributes that will be available to us as a result of certain transactions contemplated in connection with our IPO, exchanges of Endeavor Operating Company Units for Class A common stock or cash and payments made under the tax receivable agreement. The actual tax benefit, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the tax receivable agreement, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including, among others, the timing of redemptions or exchanges by members of Endeavor Operating Company, the price of our Class A common stock at the time of the redemptions or exchanges, the extent to which such redemptions or exchanges are taxable, the amount and timing of the taxable income we generate in the future and the tax rate then applicable, and the portion of our payments under the tax receivable agreement constituting imputed interest. Estimating future taxable income is inherently uncertain and requires judgment. In projecting future taxable income, we consider our historical results as well as assumptions related to future forecasts for our various businesses by location. The impact of any changes in the total projected obligations recorded under the tax receivable agreement as a result of actual changes in the geographic mix of our earnings, changes in tax legislation and tax rates or other factors that may impact our actual tax savings realized will be reflected in income before taxes in the period in which the change occurs.
Consolidation
We typically consolidate entities in which we own more than 50% of the voting common stock and control operations, as well as variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which we are deemed the primary beneficiary.
Evaluating whether an entity in which we have a variable interest is a VIE and whether we are the primary beneficiary requires management to make significant judgments involving evaluating the fair value and capitalization of the investee along with the most significant activities of the entity and the party that has power over those activities.
Business Combinations
We account for our business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree are recognized and measured as of the acquisition date at fair value. Additionally, contingent consideration is recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and classified as a liability. Goodwill is recognized to the extent by which the aggregate of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree exceeds the recognized basis of the identifiable assets acquired, net of assumed liabilities. Determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interest requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash flows, discount rates and asset lives, among other items. During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments, in the period in which they are determined, to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.
Non-Controlling Interests
Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries represent the component of common equity in consolidated subsidiaries held by third parties. Non-controlling interests with redemption features, such as put options, that are redeemable outside of our control are considered redeemable non-controlling interests and are classified as temporary equity on the consolidated balance sheet. Redeemable non-controlling interests are recorded at the greater of carrying value, which is adjusted for the non-controlling interests’ share of net income or loss, or estimated redemption value at each reporting period. Estimating the fair value or other redemption value requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions specific to each non-controlling interest including revenue growth, profit margins, terminal value growth rates, discount rates under the income approach and other assumptions such as market multiples for comparable companies. These estimates and assumptions may vary between each redeemable non-controlling interest depending on the facts and circumstances specific to that consolidated subsidiary.
Recent Accounting Standards
See Note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report for further information on certain accounting standards that have been recently adopted or that have not yet been required to be implemented and may be applicable to our future operations.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest rate risk
Our exposure to changes in interest rates relates primarily to the floating interest component on our long-term debt. The Senior Credit Facilities bear interest at floating rates and we regularly monitor and manage interest rate risks. $2.25 billion of our Senior Credit Facilities have been swapped to fixed rates. For the remainder, holding debt levels constant as of December 31, 2022, a 1% increase in the effective interest rates would have increased our annual interest expense by $28 million.
Certain tenors of LIBOR were discontinued on December 31, 2021 and the remaining tenors are expected to be discontinued on or after June 30, 2023. Our loans are benchmarked off tenors, including 1 month and 3 month LIBOR, expiring in June 2023. Our Credit Agreement includes fallback language for the new standard benchmark rate that will be offered, Secured Overnight Financing Rate “SOFR”. We cannot quantify the impact of LIBOR’s replacement benchmark rate at this time.
Foreign currency risk
We have operations in several countries outside of the United States, and certain of our operations are conducted in foreign currencies, principally the British Pound and the Euro. The value of these currencies fluctuates relative to the U.S. dollar. These changes could adversely affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of our non-U.S. dollar revenue and operating costs and expenses and reduce international demand for our content and services, all of which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations in a given period or in specific territories.
Holding other variables constant (such as interest rates and debt levels), if the U.S. dollar appreciated by 10% against the foreign currencies used by our operations in the year ended December 31, 2022, revenues would have decreased by approximately $103.0 million and operating income would have decreased by approximately $1.8 million.
We regularly review our foreign exchange exposures that may have a material impact on our business and from time to time use foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative financial instruments to hedge the effects of potential adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates arising from these exposures. We do not enter into foreign exchange contracts or other derivatives for speculative purposes.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The Financial Statements required by this Item 8 appear beginning on page of this Annual Report and are incorporated by reference herein.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures
In designing and evaluating our disclosures controls and procedures, 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. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company's management has evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, 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 Annual Report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2022.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act.
Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established in the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on that assessment, management concluded that as of December 31, 2022, the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective.
In accordance with guidance issued by the SEC, companies are permitted to exclude acquisitions from their final assessment of internal control over financial reporting for the first fiscal year in which the acquisitions occurred. Our management's evaluation of internal control over financial reporting excluded the internal control activities of OpenBet, acquired in September 2022, as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. The financial results of this acquisition are included in the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 and represent approximately 1% and 1% of total revenue and total assets, respectively.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is below.
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) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended December 31, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, of the Company and our report dated February 28, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
As described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at OpenBet, which was acquired on September 30, 2022, and whose financial statements constitute approximately 1% and 1% of total revenue and total assets, respectively, of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at OpenBet.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, NY
February 28, 2023

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
We are reporting the following information in lieu of reporting on a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On February 23, 2023, the employment agreement, dated as of April 19, 2021, with Jason Lublin, our Chief Financial Officer, was amended to extend his term of employment and the applicable terms and conditions of his employment for an additional year, such that they will now expire on April 28, 2024 (the "Amendment").
The foregoing summary of the Amendment is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amendment, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.37 and incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Other than the information set forth under Part I, Item 1. Business-Information About Our Executive Officers and Directors of this Annual Report, the information required by this Item will be set forth in our Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "2023 Proxy Statement"), expected to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item will be set forth in the 2023 Proxy Statement, expected to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this Item will be set forth in the 2023 Proxy Statement, expected to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item will be set forth in the 2023 Proxy Statement, expected to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information required by this Item will be set forth in the 2023 Proxy Statement, expected to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after our fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report:
(a)(1) The financial statements as indicated in index set forth on page.
(a)(2) Financial statement schedules have been omitted since they either are not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise included in the consolidated financial statements or the related footnotes.
(a)(3) Exhibits:
Exhibits
Exhibit Number
Description
Form
File No.
Exhibit
Filing Date
Filed/Furnished Herewith
2.1#
Equity Purchase Agreement, dated September 27, 2021, by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company LLC and Scientific Games Company
8-K
001-40373
2.1
09/28/2021
2.2#
Amendment No. 1 to the Equity Purchase Agreement, dated June 30, 2022, by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company, LLC and Light & Wonder, Inc. (formerly known as Scientific Games Company)
8-K
001-40373
10.1
06/30/2022
2.3#
Amendment No. 2 to the Equity Purchase Agreement, dated August 2, 2022, by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company, LLC and Light & Wonder, Inc.
10-Q
001-40373
10.2
8/11/2022
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc.
10-Q
001-40373
3.1
06/02/2021
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc.
10-Q
001-40373
3.2
11/15/2021
4.1
Form of Specimen Certificate Representing Class A Common Stock
S-1
333-254908
4.1
03/31/2021
4.2
Description of Securities
10-K
001-40373
4.2
3/16/2022
10.1
First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of May 6, 2014, among WME IMG Holdings, LLC, WME IMG, LLC, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC, Iris Merger Sub, Inc., the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent, swingline lender and issuing bank, Barclays Bank PLC, as syndication agent and Royal Bank of Canada and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as co-documentation agents.
S-1
333-254908
10.1
03/31/2021
10.2
First Incremental Term Facility Amendment dated as of June 10, 2016, among WME IMG Holdings, LLC, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC, IMG Worldwide Holdings, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and the initial Additional Term B Lenders.
S-1
333-254908
10.2
03/31/2021
10.3
Second Incremental Term Facility Amendment dated as of November 10, 2016, among WME IMG Holdings, LLC, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC, IMG Worldwide Holdings, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and the initial Second Additional Term B Lenders.
S-1
333-254908
10.3
03/31/2021
10.4
First Refinancing Amendment, dated as of February 9, 2017, among WME IMG Holdings, LLC, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC, IMG Worldwide Holdings, LLC, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.
S-1
333-254908
10.4
03/31/2021
10.5
Third Incremental Term Facility Amendment, dated as of March 1, 2017, among WME IMG Holdings, LLC, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC, IMG Worldwide Holdings, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and the initial Third Additional Term B Lenders.
S-1
333-254908
10.5
03/31/2021
10.6
Amendment No. 5, dated as of May 18, 2018 among WME IMG Holdings LLC, WME IMG, LLC, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC, IMG Worldwide Holdings, LLC, each lender from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent, swingline lender and issuing bank.
S-1
333-254908
10.6
03/31/2021
10.7
Amendment No. 6, dated as of February 18, 2020, among WME IMG Holdings LLC, WME IMG, LLC, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC, IMG Worldwide Holdings, LLC, each lender from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent, swingline lender and issuing bank.
S-1
333-254908
10.7
03/31/2021
10.8
Amendment No. 7, dated as of April 2, 2020, among WME IMG Holdings LLC, WME IMG, LLC, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC, IMG Worldwide Holdings, LLC, each lender from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent, swingline lender and issuing bank.
S-1
333-254908
10.8
03/31/2021
10.9
Amendment No. 8, dated as of May 13, 2020, among WME IMG Holdings LLC, WME IMG, LLC, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC, IMG Worldwide Holdings, LLC, each lender from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent, swingline lender and issuing bank.
S-1
333-254908
10.9
03/31/2021
10.10#
Amendment No. 9, dated as of April 19, 2021, among WME IMG Holdings LLC, WME IMG, LLC, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC, IMG Worldwide Holdings, LLC, each lender from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent, swingline lender and issuing bank.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.10
04/20/2021
10.11
First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of August 18, 2016, among Zuffa Guarantor, LLC, UFC Holdings, LLC, the lenders party thereto, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, collateral agent, swingline lender and issuing bank, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as syndication agent, and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Barclays Bank PLC, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and KKR Capital Markets LLC as co-documentation agents.
S-1
333-254908
10.10
03/31/2021
10.12
First Refinancing Amendment, dated as of February 21, 2017, among Zuffa Guarantor, LLC, UFC Holdings, LLC, the lenders party thereto and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent.
S-1
333-254908
10.11
03/31/2021
10.13
Second Refinancing Amendment dated as of January 27, 2021, among Zuffa Guarantor, LLC, UFC Holdings, LLC, the lenders party thereto and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent.
S-1
333-254908
10.12
03/31/2021
10.14
First Lien Incremental Term Facility Amendment, dated as of April 25, 2017, among Zuffa Guarantor, LLC, UFC Holdings, LLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent and the initial First Additional Term B Lender.
S-1
333-254908
10.13
03/31/2021
10.15
Third Amendment dated as of March 26, 2019, among Zuffa Guarantor, LLC, UFC Holdings, LLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.
S-1
333-254908
10.14
03/31/2021
10.16
Fourth Amendment dated April 29, 2019, among Zuffa Guarantor, LLC, UFC Holdings, LLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.
S-1
333-254908
10.15
03/31/2021
10.17#
Fifth Amendment dated September 18, 2019, among Zuffa Guarantor, LLC, UFC Holdings, LLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.
S-1
333-254908
10.16
03/31/2021
10.18#
Sixth Amendment dated June 15, 2020, among Zuffa Guarantor, LLC, UFC Holdings, LLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.18
04/20/2021
10.19#
Eighth Amendment, dated October 27, 2021, to the First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of August 18, 2016 among Zuffa Guarantor, LLC, UFC Holdings, LLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto, as amended.
8-K
001-40373
10.1
10/27/2021
10.20#
Revolving Credit Agreement dated February 27, 2020, among Endeavor OLE Buyer, LLC, On Location Events, LLC, PrimeSport Holdings Inc., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.19
04/20/2021
10.21#
Amendment No. 1, dated August 12, 2021 to Revolving Credit Agreement dated February 27, 2020, among Endeavor OLE Buyer, LLC, On Location Events, LLC, PrimeSport Holdings, Inc., and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto.
10-Q
001-40373
10.24
08/16/2021
10.22#
Form of Indemnification Agreement.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.20
04/20/2021
10.23#
Stockholders Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2021, by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. and the stockholders named therein.
10-Q
001-40373
10.3
06/02/2021
10.24#
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2021, by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. and the stockholders party thereto.
10-Q
001-40373
10.4
06/02/2021
10.25#
Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2021, by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. and the Post-IPO TRA Holders.
10-Q
001-40373
10.5
06/02/2021
10.26
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Endeavor Operating Company, LLC., dated as of April 28, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.6
06/02/2021
10.27
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Endeavor Manager, LLC., dated as April 28, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.7
06/02/2021
10.28^
Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Zuffa Parent, LLC, dated as of August 18, 2016.
S-1
333-254908
10.25
06/02/2021
10.29
Subscription Agreement.
10-Q
001-40373
10.8
06/02/2021
10.30+
Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.28
04/20/2021
10.31+
Form of Nonqualified Option Award Agreement under the Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.29
04/20/2021
10.32+
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award under the Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.30
04/20/2021
10.33+
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-Employee Directors under the Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.31
04/20/2021
10.34+
Second Amended and Restated Term Employment Agreement by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company, LLC and Ariel Emanuel, dated March 13, 2019.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.32
04/20/2021
10.35+
Second Amended and Restated Term Employment Agreement by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company, LLC and Patrick Whitesell, dated March 13, 2019.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.33
04/20/2021
10.36+
Term Employment Agreement by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company, LLC and Jason Lublin, dated April 19, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.13
06/02/2021
10.37+
Amendment No. 1 to Term Employment Agreement by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company, LLC and Jason Lublin, dated February 23, 2023
*
10.38+
Term Employment Agreement by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company, LLC and Mark Shapiro, dated April 19, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.14
06/02/2021
10.39+
Term Employment Agreement by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company, LLC and Seth Krauss, dated April 19, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.15
06/02/2021
10.40+
Restrictive Covenant Agreement by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company, LLC and Ariel Emanuel, dated March 13, 2019.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.39
04/20/2021
10.41+
Restrictive Covenant Agreement by and among Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Endeavor Operating Company, LLC and Patrick Whitesell, dated March 13, 2019.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.40
04/20/2021
10.42+
Future Incentive Units Award Agreement by and among Endeavor Operating Company, LLC, Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Ariel Emanuel and solely for purposes of Section 1 and 4, WME Iris Management Holdco II, LLC, WME Iris Management V Holdco, LLC and WME Holdco, LLC, dated March 13, 2019.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.41
04/20/2021
10.43+
Award Agreement by and among Endeavor Operating Company, LLC, Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Patrick Whitesell and solely for purposes of Section 1 and 3, WME Iris Management Holdco II, LLC, WME Iris Management V Holdco, LLC, WME Holdco and LLC, dated March 13, 2019.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.42
04/20/2021
10.44+
Equity Award Agreement by and among Endeavor Operating Company, LLC, Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Jason Lublin, WME Iris Management Holdco II, LLC, WME Iris Management IV Holdco, LLC and WME Holdco, LLC,
dated April 19, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.17
06/02/2021
10.45+
Equity Award Agreement by and among Endeavor Operating Company, LLC, Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Mark Shapiro, WME Iris Management Holdco, LLC, WME Iris Management Holdco II, LLC and WME Iris Management IV Holdco, LLC, dated April 19, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.18
06/02/2021
10.46+
Equity Award Agreement by and among Endeavor Operating Company, LLC, Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., Seth Krauss, WME Iris Management Holdco, LLC, WME Iris Management IV Holdco, LLC and WME Iris Management V Holdco, LLC, dated April 19, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.19
06/02/2021
10.47+
Award Agreement, by and between Zuffa Parent, LLC and Ariel Emanuel, dated March 13, 2019, as amended.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.47
04/20/2021
10.48+
Letter Agreement, by and between Zuffa Parent, LLC and Ariel Emanuel, dated April 1, 2019.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.48
04/20/2021
10.49+
Award Agreement, by and between Zuffa Parent, LLC and Patrick Whitesell, dated November 15, 2016.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.49
04/20/2021
10.50+
Award Agreement, by and between Zuffa Parent, LLC and Patrick Whitesell, dated December 16, 2016.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.50
04/20/2021
10.51+
Management Unit Award Agreement, by and between UFC Management Holdco LLC and Jason Lublin, dated December 16, 2016.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.51
04/20/2021
10.52+
Management Unit Award Agreement, by and between UFC Management Holdco LLC and Mark Shapiro, dated December 16, 2016.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.52
04/20/2021
10.53+
Management Unit Award Agreement, by and between UFC Management Holdco LLC and Seth Krauss, dated February 6, 2017.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.53
04/20/2021
10.54+
Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.55
04/20/2021
10.55+
Class B Unit Award Agreement, by and between Endeavor China Direct, LLC and Grantee.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.57
04/20/2021
10.56+
Profits Interest Award Agreement, by and between WME IMG China, LP and Grantee.
S-1/A
333-254908
10.58
04/20/2021
10.57+
Time-Vesting and Performance-Vesting Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan, by and between Ariel Emanuel and Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., dated May 3, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.24
06/02/2021
10.58+
Time-Vesting Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan, by and between Ariel Emanuel and Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., dated May 3, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.25
06/02/2021
10.59+
Performance-Vesting Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. 2021 Incentive Award Plan, by and between Patrick Whitesell and Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc., dated May 3, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.26
06/02/2021
10.60+
Zuffa Future Incentive Unit Cancellation Agreement, by and between Zuffa Parent, LLC and Ariel Emanuel, dated April 19, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.27
06/02/2021
10.61+
Future Incentive Unit Cancellation Agreement, by and among Endeavor Operating Company, LLC, Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. and Ariel Emanuel, dated April 19, 2021.
10-Q
001-40373
10.28
06/02/2021
21.1
Subsidiaries of Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc.
*
23.1
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered accounting firm
*
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*
32.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
**
32.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
**
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
*
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
*
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
*
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
*
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
*
Cover Page Interactive Data File - formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101
*
* Filed herewith
** Furnished herewith
+ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
^Certain portions of this exhibit (indicated by “[***]”) have been omitted as we have determined (i) the omitted information is not material and (ii) the omitted information would likely cause harm to us if publicly disclosed.
# Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Registrant undertakes to furnish supplemental copies of any of the omitted schedules upon request by the SEC.