Sesame Place in Langhorne faces an uncertain future after Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit that owns the Sesame Street brand, has accused the park’s owner, SeaWorld, of not paying royalties as the exclusive licensee, writes Abraham Gutman for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The nonprofit has filed a federal lawsuit claiming, among other things, that the theme park conglomerate carried out a retaliation campaign after it tried to recover the owed payments.

Sesame Workshop now wants to terminate its nearly 50-year licensing agreement, raising uncertainty over the future of the Bucks County attraction. A spokesperson for the nonprofit explained that ending the partnership was the only feasible course of action.

“SeaWorld’s actions have harmed Sesame Workshop, wrongfully withholding royalty payments that are vital to supporting our charitable mission and undermining our ability to oversee SeaWorld’s use of our beloved characters and brand,” said the Sesame Workshop spokesperson.

The nonprofit enjoyed a positive relationship with SeaWorld until 2022, when the company started withholding millions in royalties.

When Sesame Workshop took steps to recoup the owed money, SeaWorld responded with retaliatory actions, such as suddenly closing the Sesame Street Bay of Play area at SeaWorld San Antonio.

Read more about the rocky future of Langhorne’s Sesame Place and the dispute with SeaWorld in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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