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Sesame Workshop Sues SeaWorld Over Unpaid Royalties

3/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sesame Workshop has filed a lawsuit against SeaWorld and its parent company, United Parks & Resorts, to terminate a 45-year licensing agreement.
The suit alleges SeaWorld failed to pay millions in royalties for Sesame Place.
The suit alleges SeaWorld breached the contract by closing attractions without notice.
Following a 2024 court ruling ordering SeaWorld to pay over $11 million for prior breaches, payments ceased in September 2025.

History

Historical Context

In 1979, Sesame Workshop established a licensing agreement with SeaWorld, allowing the theme park to feature iconic characters like Big Bird and Elmo. A recent court ruling in 2024 found SeaWorld liable for over $11 million in damages for breaching this agreement. This case underscores ongoing tensions in corporate partnerships and may influence future licensing disputes in the entertainment industry.

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Story summary

Sesame Workshop has filed a lawsuit against SeaWorld and its parent company, United Parks & Resorts, to terminate a 45-year licensing agreement.
The suit alleges SeaWorld failed to pay millions in royalties for Sesame Place.
The suit alleges SeaWorld breached the contract by closing attractions without notice.
Following a 2024 court ruling ordering SeaWorld to pay over $11 million for prior breaches, payments ceased in September 2025.

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