By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel and WWE have signed a multi-year extension to their long-standing global agreement for licensed toys and roleplay items. The multi-year agreement marks a continuation of Mattel's role as a major producer of licensed toys, games and costumes inspired by WWE athletes and branding. Launched in 2010, the ongoing partnership between the … [Read more...] about Mattel and WWE Renew Global Licensing Partnership
WWE
Hot & Spicy Fire Wok Brings the Heat to WWE
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Nissin Foods Hot & Spicy Fire Wok ramen brand has been named an official sponsorship partner of World Wrestling Entertainment. As an official WWE partner, Hot & Spicy Fire Wok will receive prominent exposure across numerous WWE assets and programming. This includes serving as the presenting partner for WWE's recent Men's … [Read more...] about Hot & Spicy Fire Wok Brings the Heat to WWE
Mergers: UFC Tag Teams With WWE to Form $21 Billion Sports Company
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Big news in sports licensing this week as UFC announced it has agreed to merge with fellow pugilistic company WWE. The deal would see UFC parent Endeavor Group Holdings holding a 51% controlling interest in the new company, while existing WWE shareholders will own a 49% interest. It combines the world's leading mixed martial arts … [Read more...] about Mergers: UFC Tag Teams With WWE to Form $21 Billion Sports Company
Who’s News: July 2020
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com to announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. Direct contact information is made available through TLL's Licensing Sourcebook Online (subscription required). Spin Master hires Heather Oster as … [Read more...] about Who’s News: July 2020
Retail Sales of Licensed Merchandise Based on $100MM+ Entertainment/Character Properties
This chart was most recencently updated November 2019 in conjunction with an analysis of entertainment/character properties generating more than $100 million in licensed retail sales in the U.S. and Canada. For more information on TLL's methodology, click here. … [Read more...] about Retail Sales of Licensed Merchandise Based on $100MM+ Entertainment/Character Properties
What’s the [Toy] Story? Same as Last Year, Just Better!
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Straight from the floor of New York Toy Fair, TLL brings you the latest and greatest in toy trends. They just happen to be the same as last year's—only more nuanced, thoughtful, and developed. The good news this year: No one's freaking out about the ability of America's largest toy retailer to actually pay its vendors. More … [Read more...] about What’s the [Toy] Story? Same as Last Year, Just Better!
Who’s News—January 2019
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com to announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. 1/14/2019 Margie Cohn, currently President of DreamWorks Animation Television, takes on the additional role of President of DreamWorks Animation. Cohn … [Read more...] about Who’s News—January 2019
Roundup: Sports & Sportswear News
Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com. Athletic specialty retailer Hibbett Sports will acquire City Gear, a city specialty retailer of premium athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories with 135 stores in 15 states, by early December. The transaction includes $88 million in cash to be paid at closing and the potential for up to $25 million in additional … [Read more...] about Roundup: Sports & Sportswear News
37 Entertainment/Character Brands Earned Over $100 MM in the U.S./Canada
Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com This year, a total of 37 properties made TLL’s annual list of entertainment/character brands that generated over $100 million in licensed retail sales in the U.S./Canada for 2017. Last year, TLL tracked 46 brands that qualified for the list based on 2016 sales. And the year before that, 44 brands made the list based on estimated … [Read more...] about 37 Entertainment/Character Brands Earned Over $100 MM in the U.S./Canada
Who’s News—3/19/2018
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Email Jen at jen@plainlanguagemedia.com and we'll announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. Scott Halpern is promoted to Director North American Licensing at WWE. Funko hires Molly Hartney as CMO & SVP E-commerce. Hartney is responsible for … [Read more...] about Who’s News—3/19/2018