WWE held a conference call with media on Monday to discuss the latest WWE Network subscriber numbers. Michael Weitz (SVP of Financial Planning & Investor Relations) opened the call. George Barrios, Chief Strategy & Financial Officer, was up next.
Barrios talks about breaking the company’s own attendance record at WrestleMania 32 last night in Dallas from AT&T Stadium.
Here are some highlights from the call.
* WWE Network reached a record of 1.82 million total subscribers as of April 4, 2016.
* Total domestic subscribers increased by 24% to 1.39 million.
* Total international subscribers increased 126% to 434,000 since the day after WrestleMania 31 in 2015.
* WWE Network reached 1.11 million domestic and international paid subscribers as of April 4, 2016.
* Barrios said they are continuing to fine tune the streaming technology.
* WrestleMania 32 garnered a record of 10.9 million social media fan engagement, up 19% from last year.
* Video views for WrestleMania reached 65 million across all social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine and YouTube), an increase in 87% from last year.
* Regarding offering WrestleMania as part of the free trial, Barrios said offering the free trial was the best way to bring people in and see if the network was right for them. He said it was the best source of bringing new subscribers in.
* When the topic was brought up about any concern about piracy, Barrios said they are aware it happens “to some degree.” He said they are aware of account sharing and took steps with technology to prevent people from getting access without a subscription.
* A question was asked if they plan to get the network in the China market. Barrios wouldn’t commit to any plans regarding that market just yet.