For example, in July 2025, the U.S Congress enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) which includes significant provisions, including tax cut extensions and modifications to the international tax framework. While Skillz continues to evaluate the impact of these legislative changes as additional guidance becomes available, uncertainty remains regarding the timing and interpretation by tax authorities in affected jurisdictions.
For example, in July 2025, the U.S Congress enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes significant provisions, including tax cut extensions and modifications to the international tax framework. While Skillz continues to evaluate the impact of these legislative changes as additional guidance becomes available, uncertainty remains regarding the timing and interpretation by tax authorities in affected jurisdictions.
In February 2024, we and Big Run Studios, Inc. (“Big Run”) brought suit against AviaGames, Inc. (“AviaGames”) for false advertising, copyright infringement, and violations of California’s state unfair competition law in relation to AviaGames’ use of bots on its platform. We are currently involved in other ongoing litigation with other defendants in relation to similar claims related to bot misuse.
In February 2024, we and Big Run Studios, Inc. (“Big Run”) brought suit against AviaGames for false advertising, copyright infringement, and violations of California’s state unfair competition law in relation to AviaGames’ use of bots on its platform. We are currently involved in other ongoing litigation with other defendants in relation to similar claims related to bot misuse.
The market price of our Class A common stock has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including: • actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial condition and operating results; • changes in projected operational and financial results; • changes in laws or regulations applicable to our offerings; • the commencement or conclusion of legal proceedings that involve us; • actual or anticipated changes in our growth rate relative to our competitors; • announcements of new offerings by us or our competitors; • announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital-raising activities or commitments; • additions or departures of key personnel; • issuance of new or updated research or reports by securities analysts; • the use by investors or analysts of third-party data regarding our business that may not reflect our financial performance; • fluctuations in the valuation of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us; • sales of our Class A common stock; 38 TABLE OF CONTENTS • repurchases of our Class A common stock, including both repurchases as part of publicly announced programs and outside of such programs; • share price and volume fluctuations attributable to inconsistent trading volume levels of our shares; • impact of the recent elections in the United States; and • general economic and global market conditions.
The market price of our Class A common stock has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including: • actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial condition and operating results; • changes in projected operational and financial results; • changes in laws or regulations applicable to our offerings; • the commencement or conclusion of legal proceedings that involve us; • actual or anticipated changes in our growth rate relative to our competitors; • announcements of new offerings by us or our competitors; • announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital-raising activities or commitments; • additions or departures of key personnel; • issuance of new or updated research or reports by securities analysts; • the use by investors or analysts of third-party data regarding our business that may not reflect our financial performance; • fluctuations in the valuation of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us; • sales of our Class A common stock; • repurchases of our Class A common stock, including both repurchases as part of publicly announced programs and outside of such programs; • share price and volume fluctuations attributable to inconsistent trading volume levels of our shares; • impact of the recent elections in the United States; and • general economic and global market conditions.
Challenges and risks from such investments and acquisitions include: • negative effects on business initiatives and strategies from the changes and potential disruption that may follow the acquisition; • diversion of our management’s attention; • declining employee morale and retention issues resulting from changes in compensation, or changes in management, reporting relationships, or future prospects; • the need to integrate the operations, systems, technologies, products and personnel of each acquired company, the inefficiencies and lack of control that may result if such integration is delayed or not implemented, and unforeseen difficulties and expenditures that may arise in connection with integration; • the difficulty in determining the appropriate purchase price of acquired companies may lead to the overpayment for certain acquisitions and the potential impairment of intangible assets and goodwill acquired in the acquisitions; • the difficulty in successfully evaluating and utilizing the acquired products, technology or personnel; • the potential incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses or restructuring charges in connection with any acquisition; • the need to implement controls, procedures and policies appropriate for a larger, U.S.-based public company at companies that prior to acquisition may not have as robust controls, procedures and policies, in particular, with respect to the effectiveness of cyber and information security practices and incident response plans, compliance with privacy and other regulations protecting the rights of developers and users, and compliance with U.S.-based economic policies and sanctions which may not have previously been applicable to the acquired company’s operations; • the difficulty in accurately forecasting and accounting for the financial impact of an acquisition transaction, including accounting charges and integrating and reporting results for acquired companies that have not historically followed GAAP; • the fact that we may be required to pay contingent consideration in excess of the initial fair value, and contingent consideration may become payable at a time when we do not have sufficient cash available to pay such consideration; • under purchase accounting, we may be required to write off deferred revenue which may impair our ability to recognize revenue that would have otherwise been recognizable which may impact our financial performance or that of the acquired company; 29 TABLE OF CONTENTS • risks associated with our expansion into new international markets and doing business internationally, including those described under the risk factor caption “Our strategy to expand internationally will be subject to increased challenges and risks”; • in the case of foreign acquisitions, the need to integrate operations across different cultures and languages and to address the particular economic, currency, political and regulatory risks associated with specific countries; • the need to transition operations, third-party developers and players onto our existing or new platforms and the potential loss of, or harm to, our relationships with employees, third-party developers, players and other suppliers as a result of integration of new businesses; • the implications of our management team balancing levels of oversight over acquired businesses which continue their operations under contingent consideration provisions in acquisition agreements; • our dependence on the accuracy and completeness of statements and disclosures made or actions taken by the companies we acquire or their representatives, when conducting due diligence and evaluating the results of such due diligence; and • liability for activities of the acquired company before the acquisition, including intellectual property and other litigation claims or disputes, cyber and information security vulnerabilities, violations of laws, rules and regulations, commercial disputes, tax liabilities and other known and unknown liabilities.
Challenges and risks from such investments and acquisitions include: • negative effects on business initiatives and strategies from the changes and potential disruption that may follow the acquisition; • diversion of our management’s attention; • declining employee morale and retention issues resulting from changes in compensation, or changes in management, reporting relationships, or future prospects; • the need to integrate the operations, systems, technologies, products and personnel of each acquired company, the inefficiencies and lack of control that may result if such integration is delayed or not implemented, and unforeseen difficulties and expenditures that may arise in connection with integration; • the difficulty in determining the appropriate purchase price of acquired companies may lead to the overpayment for certain acquisitions and the potential impairment of intangible assets and goodwill acquired in the acquisitions; • the difficulty in successfully evaluating and utilizing the acquired products, technology or personnel; • the potential incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses or restructuring charges in connection with any acquisition; • the need to implement controls, procedures and policies appropriate for a larger, U.S.-based public company at companies that prior to acquisition may not have as robust controls, procedures and policies, in particular, with respect to the effectiveness of cyber and information security practices and incident response plans, compliance with privacy and other regulations protecting the rights of developers and users, and compliance with U.S.-based economic policies and sanctions which may not have previously been applicable to the acquired company’s operations; • the difficulty in accurately forecasting and accounting for the financial impact of an acquisition transaction, including accounting charges and integrating and reporting results for acquired companies that have not historically followed generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”); • the fact that we may be required to pay contingent consideration in excess of the initial fair value, and contingent consideration may become payable at a time when we do not have sufficient cash available to pay such consideration; • under purchase accounting, we may be required to write off deferred revenue which may impair our ability to recognize revenue that would have otherwise been recognizable which may impact our financial performance or that of the acquired company; • risks associated with our expansion into new international markets and doing business internationally, including those described under the risk factor caption “Our strategy to expand internationally will be subject to increased challenges and risks”; • in the case of foreign acquisitions, the need to integrate operations across different cultures and languages and to address the particular economic, currency, political and regulatory risks associated with specific countries; • the need to transition operations, third-party developers and players onto our existing or new platforms and the potential loss of, or harm to, our relationships with employees, third-party developers, players and other suppliers as a result of integration of new businesses; 33 TABLE OF CONTENTS • the implications of our management team balancing levels of oversight over acquired businesses which continue their operations under contingent consideration provisions in acquisition agreements; • our dependence on the accuracy and completeness of statements and disclosures made or actions taken by the companies we acquire or their representatives, when conducting due diligence and evaluating the results of such due diligence; and • liability for activities of the acquired company before the acquisition, including intellectual property and other litigation claims or disputes, cyber and information security vulnerabilities, violations of laws, rules and regulations, commercial disputes, tax liabilities and other known and unknown liabilities.
We may fail to maintain or be unable to obtain adequate protections for certain of our intellectual property rights in certain foreign countries because effective intellectual property protection may not be available to us in every country in which our services are available, and our intellectual property rights may not receive the same degree of protection in foreign countries as they would in the United States because of the differences in foreign patent, trademark, copyright, and other laws concerning intellectual property and proprietary rights. 32 TABLE OF CONTENTS We enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and consultants and enter into confidentiality agreements with our third-party providers and strategic partners.
We may fail to maintain or be unable to obtain adequate protections for certain of our intellectual property rights in certain foreign countries because effective intellectual property protection may not be available to us in every country in which our services are available, and our intellectual property rights may not receive the same degree of protection in foreign countries as they would in the United States because of the differences in foreign patent, trademark, copyright, and other laws concerning intellectual property and proprietary rights. 30 TABLE OF CONTENTS We enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and consultants and enter into confidentiality agreements with our third-party providers and strategic partners.
The credit facility and the indenture governing the senior secured notes include covenants restricting, among other things, our ability to do the following under certain circumstances: • incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue certain disqualified or preferred stock; • pay dividends or make other distributions on, or redeem or purchase any equity interests or make other restricted payments; • make certain acquisitions or investments; 42 TABLE OF CONTENTS • create or incur liens; • transfer or sell assets; • incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from our restricted subsidiaries; • alter the business that we conduct; • enter into transactions with affiliates; • conduct buy-back or share repurchase programs; and • consummate a merger or consolidation or sell, assign, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all our assets.
The credit facility and the indenture governing the senior secured notes include covenants restricting, among other things, our ability to do the following under certain circumstances: • incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue certain disqualified or preferred stock; • pay dividends or make other distributions on, or redeem or purchase any equity interests or make other restricted payments; • make certain acquisitions or investments; • create or incur liens; • transfer or sell assets; • incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from our restricted subsidiaries; • alter the business that we conduct; • enter into transactions with affiliates; • conduct buy-back or share repurchase programs; and • consummate a merger or consolidation or sell, assign, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all our assets.
Certain stock indices exclude companies with multi-class share structures, and funds tracking those indices may be unable to invest in our stock, which could further reduce demand and adversely affect our Class A share price. 40 TABLE OF CONTENTS Delaware law and provisions in our Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (our “Charter”) and Amended and Restated Bylaws (our “Bylaws”) could make a takeover proposal more difficult.
Certain stock indices exclude companies with multi-class share structures, and funds tracking those indices may be unable to invest in our stock, which could further reduce demand and adversely affect our Class A share price. 37 TABLE OF CONTENTS Delaware law and provisions in our Fifth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (our “Charter”) and Amended and Restated Bylaws (our “Bylaws”) could make a takeover proposal more difficult.
As supervisory authorities issue further guidance on personal data export mechanisms, including circumstances where the standard contractual clauses and other mechanisms cannot be used, and/or start taking enforcement action, we could suffer additional costs, complaints and/or regulatory investigations or fines, or if we are otherwise unable to transfer personal data between and among countries and regions in which we operate, it 31 TABLE OF CONTENTS could affect the manner in which we do business, the geographical location or segregation of our relevant operations, and could adversely affect our financial results.
As supervisory authorities issue further guidance on personal data export mechanisms, including circumstances where the standard contractual clauses and other mechanisms cannot be used, and/or start taking enforcement action, we could suffer additional costs, complaints and/or regulatory investigations or fines, or if we are otherwise unable to transfer personal data between and among countries and regions in which we operate, it could affect the manner in which we do business, the geographical location or segregation of our relevant operations, and could adversely affect our financial results.
If the 20 TABLE OF CONTENTS mobile devices on which our games are available decline in popularity or become obsolete faster than anticipated, we could experience a decline in revenue and Gross Marketplace Volume (“GMV”) and may not achieve the anticipated return on our development efforts.
If the mobile devices on which our games are available decline in popularity or become obsolete faster than anticipated, we could experience a 14 TABLE OF CONTENTS decline in revenue and Gross Marketplace Volume (“GMV”) and may not achieve the anticipated return on our development efforts.
Additionally, we are, and in the future, may again become, involved in claims, suits and proceedings with various parties. As a result of such litigation, we are, and int the future may again become party to various settlement agreements pursuant to which the parties agree we have the right to recover cash settlement amounts.
Additionally, we are, and in the future, may again become, involved in claims, suits and proceedings with various parties. As a result of such litigation, we are, and into the future may again become party to various settlement agreements pursuant to which the parties agree we have the right to recover cash settlement amounts.
Any of the foregoing impacts, individually or in aggregate, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations. We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024.
Any of the foregoing impacts, individually or in aggregate, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations. We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
It is also possible that new laws, policies, legal obligations or industry codes of conduct may be passed, or existing laws, policies, legal obligations or industry codes of conduct may be interpreted in such a way that could require us to take further compliance steps and/or could prevent us from being able to offer services to citizens of a certain jurisdiction or may make it costlier or more difficult for us to do so.
It is also possible that new laws, policies, legal obligations or industry codes of conduct may be passed, or existing laws, policies, legal obligations or industry codes of conduct may be interpreted in such a way that could require us to take 27 TABLE OF CONTENTS further compliance steps and/or could prevent us from being able to offer services to citizens of a certain jurisdiction or may make it costlier or more difficult for us to do so.
Competition within the broader entertainment industry is intense and our existing and potential users may be attracted to competing forms of entertainment such as television, movies and sporting events, as well as other entertainment and gaming options on the internet.
Risks Related to Our Industry Competition within the broader entertainment industry is intense and our existing and potential users may be attracted to competing forms of entertainment such as television, movies and sporting events, as well as other entertainment and gaming options on the internet.
If we are unable to negotiate new terms with Tether (or, when necessary, with any other top developers) or any new terms are less favorable to us, or if our litigation against Tether is unsuccessful, and games were to be removed from our platform and 17 TABLE OF CONTENTS we are unable to identify and market suitable replacements, there may be a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
If we are unable to negotiate new terms with Tether (or, when necessary, with any other top developers) or any new terms are less favorable to us, or if our litigation against Tether is unsuccessful, and games were to be removed from our platform and we are unable to identify and market suitable replacements, there may be a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our inability to protect our proprietary technology against unauthorized copying or use, as well as any costly litigation or diversion of our management’s attention and resources, could impair the functionality of our platform, delay introductions of enhancements to our platform, result in our substituting inferior or costlier technologies into our platform or harm our reputation or brand and business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our inability to protect our proprietary technology against unauthorized copying or use, as well as any costly litigation or diversion of our management’s attention and resources, could impair the functionality of our platform, delay introductions of enhancements to our platform, result in our substituting 31 TABLE OF CONTENTS inferior or costlier technologies into our platform or harm our reputation or brand and business, financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore, programming errors, defects and data corruption could disrupt our operations, adversely affect the experience of end-users, harm our reputation, cause end-users to stop utilizing our platforms, divert our resources and delay market acceptance of our offerings, any of which could result in legal liability to us or harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Furthermore, programming errors, defects and data corruption could disrupt our operations, adversely affect the experience of end-users, harm our reputation, cause end-users to stop utilizing our platforms, divert our resources and delay market acceptance of our 20 TABLE OF CONTENTS offerings, any of which could result in legal liability to us or harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
If that were to occur, we may be required to seek licenses, authorizations or approvals from relevant regulators, the granting of which may be dependent on us meeting certain capital and other requirements and we may become subject to additional regulation and oversight, all of which could be time consuming and significantly increase our operating costs.
If that were to occur, we may be required to seek licenses, authorizations or approvals from relevant regulators, the granting of which may be dependent on us meeting certain capital and 28 TABLE OF CONTENTS other requirements and we may become subject to additional regulation and oversight, all of which could be time consuming and significantly increase our operating costs.
Our third-party geolocation services provider relies on its ability to obtain information necessary to determine geolocation from mobile devices, operating systems, and other sources. Changes, disruptions or temporary or permanent failure to access such sources by our third-party services providers may result in their inability to accurately determine the location of end-users.
Our third-party geolocation services provider relies on its ability to obtain information necessary to determine geolocation from mobile devices, operating systems, and other sources. Changes, disruptions or temporary or permanent failure to access such 22 TABLE OF CONTENTS sources by our third-party services providers may result in their inability to accurately determine the location of end-users.
We are subject to a variety of laws in the U.S. and abroad that affect our business, including state and federal laws regarding skill-based gaming, consumer protection, electronic marketing, data protection and privacy, competition, taxation, intellectual property, artificial intelligence, export and national security, which are continuously evolving and developing.
We are subject to a variety of laws in the U.S. and abroad that affect our business, including state and federal laws regarding skill-based gaming, consumer protection, electronic marketing, data protection and privacy, competition, taxation, intellectual property, AI, export and national security, which are continuously evolving and developing.
The calculation of our key metrics and examples of how user activity and our systems may impact the calculation of these metrics is described in detail under the heading titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We regularly review and may adjust our processes for calculating our internal metrics to improve their accuracy.
The calculation of our key metrics and 18 TABLE OF CONTENTS examples of how user activity and our systems may impact the calculation of these metrics is described in detail under the heading titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We regularly review and may adjust our processes for calculating our internal metrics to improve their accuracy.
The negotiated agreements provide Skillz with the discretion, but not the obligation, to provide marketing support for specified games and for revenue sharing with the developers that is more favorable to Skillz than our standard terms. These negotiated agreements restrict the removal of the applicable games from our platform for at least 12 months following termination.
The negotiated agreements provide Skillz with the discretion, but not the obligation, to provide marketing support for specified games and for 15 TABLE OF CONTENTS revenue sharing with the developers that is more favorable to Skillz than our standard terms. These negotiated agreements restrict the removal of the applicable games from our platform for at least 12 months following termination.
Our workforce and operations have grown substantially since our inception. If we are unable to effectively manage future expected growth, our financial performance and future prospects will be adversely affected. We have experienced rapid growth since our inception, which has increased the complexity of our operations and placed significant demands on our management, personnel, systems, and internal controls.
If we are unable to effectively manage future expected growth, our financial performance and future prospects will be adversely affected. We have experienced rapid growth since our inception, which has increased the complexity of our operations and placed significant demands on our management, personnel, systems, and internal controls.
Any inability or failure to protect our intellectual property could adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, reputation and prospects. 33 TABLE OF CONTENTS Our commercial success also depends in part on our ability to operate without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property rights of others.
Any inability or failure to protect our intellectual property could adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, reputation and prospects. Our commercial success also depends in part on our ability to operate without infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property rights of others.
Average end-user incentives, included as sales and marketing expense, per paying active user reflects the average end-user incentives included in sales and marketing expense in a given month divided by PMAUs in that month, averaged over the period.
Average end-user incentives, included as sales and marketing expense, per paying active user reflects the average end-user incentives included in sales and marketing expense in a given month divided by Paying MAUs in that month, averaged over the period.
Our technology infrastructure is critical to the performance of our platform and offerings and to the satisfaction of our developer partners and users. We devote significant resources to network and data security that are designed to protect our systems and data, including resources devoted to the rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
Our technology infrastructure is critical to the performance of our platform and offerings and to the satisfaction of our developer partners and users. We devote significant resources to network and data security that are designed to protect our systems and data, including resources devoted to the rapid evolution and increased adoption of AI technologies.
There is a risk that existing or future laws may be interpreted in a manner that is not consistent with our current practices, and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, 22 TABLE OF CONTENTS results of operations and growth prospects.
There is a risk that existing or future laws may be interpreted in a manner that is not consistent with our current practices, and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Although alternative providers could host our platform on a substantially similar basis, such transition could potentially be disruptive and we could incur significant costs in connection with such transition. 25 TABLE OF CONTENTS Our use of third-party open source software could negatively affect our ability to offer our products and services through our platform and subject us to possible litigation.
Although alternative providers could host our platform on a substantially similar basis, such transition could potentially be disruptive and we could incur significant costs in connection with such transition. 21 TABLE OF CONTENTS Our use of third-party open-source software and AI Technologies could negatively affect our ability to offer our products and services through our platform and subject us to possible litigation.
Certain of our k ey metrics, including Monthly Active Users or “MAUs”, Paying Monthly Active Users or “Paying MAUs”, Average Revenue Per Monthly Active User or “ARPU”, Average Revenue Per Paying Monthly Active User or “ARPPU”, Gross Marketplace Volume “GMV”, Average GMV Per Paying Monthly Active User, Average GMV Per Monthly Active User, Average end-user incentives, included as sales and marketing expense, per paying active user, and Average end-user incentives, included as sales and marketing expense, per playing active user, are calculated using data tracked by our internal analytics systems based on tracking activity of user accounts.
Certain of our key metrics, including Monthly Active Users (“MAUs”), Paying Monthly Active Users (“Paying MAUs”), Average Revenue Per Monthly Active User (“ARPU”), Average Revenue Per Paying Monthly Active User (“ARPPU”), Gross Marketplace Volume (“GMV”), Average GMV Per Paying Monthly Active User, Average GMV Per Monthly Active User, Average end-user incentives, included as sales and marketing expense, per paying active user, and average end-user incentives, included as sales and marketing expense, per playing active user, are calculated using data tracked by our internal analytics systems based on tracking activity of user accounts.
We may become subject to legal proceedings brought by regulatory or governmental authorities, or subject to other legal proceedings, as a result of the errors or the related restatement, which could result in a loss of investor confidence or other reputational harm, the loss of key employees, additional defense and other costs.
We may become subject to legal proceedings brought by regulatory or governmental authorities, or subject to other legal proceedings, as a result of errors or restatements, which could result in a loss of investor confidence or other reputational harm, the loss of key employees, additional defense and other costs.
So long as more than 50% of the voting power for the election of our directors is held by an individual, a group or another company, we will qualify as a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards. As of December 31, 2024, Mr. Paradise controlled 84% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock.
So long as more than 50% of the voting power for the election of our directors is held by an individual, a group or another company, we will qualify as a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards. As of December 31, 2025, Mr. Paradise controlled 87% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock.
Use of open source software may also present additional security risks as the public availability of such software may make it easier for hackers and other third parties to determine how to compromise our platform.
Use of open-source software or open AI Technologies may also present additional security risks as the public availability of such software may make it easier for hackers and other third parties to determine how to compromise our platform.
We cannot predict the impact our dual class structure may have on our stock price of our Class A common stock; the dual class structure of our common stock has the effect of concentrating voting power with our Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, which will limit an investor’s ability to influence the outcome of important transactions, including a change in control.
We cannot predict the impact our dual class structure may have on our stock price of our Class A common stock; the dual class structure of our common stock has the effect of concentrating voting power with our CEO and Co-Founder, which will limit an investor’s ability to influence the outcome of important transactions, including a change in control.
Our operating history and our history of operating losses make it difficult to evaluate our current business and prospects and may increase the risks associated with your investment. Our operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our current business and our future prospects, including our ability to plan for and model future growth.
Risks Related to Financial Matters Our operating history and our history of operating losses make it difficult to evaluate our current business and prospects and may increase the risks associated with your investment. Our operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our current business and our future prospects, including our ability to plan for and model future growth.
In addition, we cannot assure you that digital advertising costs will not continue to increase in 2025 or any other future period.
In addition, we cannot assure you that digital advertising costs will not continue to increase in 2026 or any other future period.
We have agreed to reimburse our payment processors for fines they are assessed by payment card networks if we or the users on our platform violate these rules. 27 TABLE OF CONTENTS Our payment activities are subject to extensive card-network rules and laws governing money transmission, fraud prevention, and data security.
We have agreed to reimburse our payment processors for fines they are assessed by payment card networks if we or the users on our platform violate these rules. Our payment activities are subject to extensive card-network rules and laws governing money transmission, fraud prevention, and data security.
Our ability to compete and grow depends heavily on the efforts and talents of our employees and senior management, including our Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Paradise. The loss of Mr. Paradise or other key members of our leadership team could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our ability to compete and grow depends heavily on the efforts and talents of our employees and senior management, including our Co-Founder and CEO, Andrew Paradise. The loss of Mr. Paradise or other key members of our leadership team could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Failure to obtain, maintain, protect or enforce our intellectual property rights could harm our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Our success depends in part on our ability to protect our intellectual property, including our proprietary technology, content, brand, and know-how.
Risks Relating to Data Security and Intellectual Property Failure to obtain, maintain, protect or enforce our intellectual property rights could harm our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects. Our success depends in part on our ability to protect our intellectual property, including our proprietary technology, content, brand, and know-how.
We may require additional capital to support our growth plans, and such capital may not be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. This could hamper our growth and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We may require additional capital to support our growth plans or refinance our existing indebtedness, and such capital may not be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. This could hamper our growth and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
An adverse outcome in one or more proceedings could adversely affect our business ” below for additional information related to risks associated with our litigation.
An adverse outcome in one or more proceedings could adversely affect our business” below for additional information related to risks associated with our litigation.
Expanding our international focus may subject us to risks that we have not faced before or increase risks that we currently face, including risks associated with: • inability to host certain games in certain foreign countries; • challenges caused by distance, language and cultural differences; • developing and customizing games and other offerings that appeal to the tastes and preferences of players in international markets; • competition from local game makers with significant market share in those markets and with a better understanding of player preferences; • utilizing, protecting, defending and enforcing our intellectual property rights; • the inability to extend proprietary rights in our brand, content or technology into new jurisdictions; • implementing alternative payment methods for virtual items in a manner that complies with local laws and practices and protects us from fraud; • compliance with applicable foreign laws and regulations, including privacy laws and laws relating to content and consumer protection; • compliance with anti-bribery laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; • credit risk and higher levels of payment fraud; • currency exchange rate fluctuations; • protectionist laws and business practices that favor local businesses in some countries; • double taxation of our international earnings and potentially adverse tax consequences due to changes in the tax laws of the U.S. or the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate; • political, economic and social instability; • higher costs associated with doing business internationally; • export or import regulations; and • trade and tariff restrictions. 28 TABLE OF CONTENTS If we are unable to manage the complexity of our global operations successfully, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected.
Expanding our international focus may subject us to risks that we have not faced before or increase risks that we currently face, including risks associated with: • inability to host certain games in certain foreign countries; • challenges caused by distance, language and cultural differences; • developing and customizing games and other offerings that appeal to the tastes and preferences of players in international markets; • competition from local game makers with significant market share in those markets and with a better understanding of player preferences; • utilizing, protecting, defending and enforcing our intellectual property rights; • the inability to extend proprietary rights in our brand, content or technology into new jurisdictions; • implementing alternative payment methods for virtual items in a manner that complies with local laws and practices and protects us from fraud; • compliance with applicable foreign laws and regulations, including privacy laws and laws relating to content and consumer protection; • compliance with anti-bribery laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; • credit risk and higher levels of payment fraud; • currency exchange rate fluctuations; • protectionist laws and business practices that favor local businesses in some countries; • double taxation of our international earnings and potentially adverse tax consequences due to changes in the tax laws of the U.S. or the foreign jurisdictions in which we operate; • political, economic and social instability; • higher costs associated with doing business internationally; • export or import regulations; and • trade and tariff restrictions.
Given our prominence in the gaming industry, we believe we are a particularly attractive target for hackers. Additionally, rapidly evolving technology and capabilities (including artificial 21 TABLE OF CONTENTS intelligence), evolving changes in the sources, capabilities and targets for cybersecurity attacks, as well as the increasing sophistication of cyber criminals increase the risk of material data compromise or business disruption.
Given our prominence in the gaming industry, we believe we are a particularly attractive target for hackers. Additionally, rapidly evolving technology and capabilities (including AI), evolving changes in the sources, capabilities and targets for cybersecurity attacks, as well as the increasing sophistication of cyber criminals increase the risk of material data compromise or business disruption.
End-user liability as of December 31, 2024 amounted to $6.9 million and is reflected in our balance sheet within other current liabilities. Typically, these funds are returned to end-users if they choose to withdraw them from their account.
End-user liability as of December 31, 2025 amounted to $8.2 million and is reflected in our balance sheet within other current liabilities. Typically, these funds are returned to end-users if they choose to withdraw them from their account.
If alternate technology cannot be obtained or developed, we may not be able to offer certain functionality as part of our offerings, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects.
If alternate technology cannot be obtained or developed, we may not be able to offer certain functionality as part of our offerings, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects. Our workforce and operations have fluctuated substantially since our inception.
These provisions provide for, among other things: • the ability of our Board to issue one or more series of preferred stock; • stockholder action by written consent only until the first time when Mr.
These provisions provide for, among other things: • the ability of our Board to issue one or more series of preferred stock and assign the terms of such preferred stock, without stockholder approval; • stockholder action by written consent only until the first time when Mr.
If we are unable to maintain or grow our market share or keep our platform offerings popular with users, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected. We are subject to risks associated with competitors that do not follow ethical fairness practices to grow their businesses.
If we are unable to maintain user engagement or grow our market share, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected. We are subject to risks associated with competitors that do not follow ethical fairness practices to grow their businesses.
Our dual class common stock structure concentrates significant voting power with our Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Andrew Paradise, which limits other stockholders’ ability to influence key corporate decisions. Shares of our Class B common stock carry 20 votes per share, compared to one vote per share for our Class A common stock. As of December 31, 2024, Mr.
Our dual class common stock structure concentrates significant voting power with our CEO and Co-Founder, Andrew Paradise, which limits other stockholders’ ability to influence key corporate decisions. Shares of our Class B common stock carry 20 votes per share, compared to one vote per share for our Class A common stock. As a result, Mr.
Any failure to prevent or mitigate these risks could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and reputation. 19 TABLE OF CONTENTS Maintaining and enhancing our brand and reputation is critical to our business prospects. Failure to maintain or grow our brand and reputation could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our inability to effectively prevent or mitigate these risks could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and reputation. Maintaining and enhancing our brand and reputation is critical to our business prospects. Failure to maintain or grow our brand and reputation could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Any disruption in our payment processing capabilities could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations Our strategy to expand internationally will be subject to increased challenges and risks; our growth prospects and market potential will depend on our ability to operate in a number of jurisdictions and if we fail to do so our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be impaired.
Our strategy to expand internationally will be subject to increased challenges and risks; our growth prospects and market potential will depend on our ability to operate in a number of jurisdictions and if we fail to do so our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be impaired.
As of December 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $1,021.3 million. The industry in which we operate is highly competitive, rapidly changing (including changes with respect to advancements in artificial intelligence), and relies heavily on continually introducing compelling content, products and services.
As of December 31, 2025, we had an accumulated deficit of $1,091.7 million . The industry in which we operate is highly competitive, rapidly changing (including changes with respect to advancements in AI), and relies heavily on continually introducing compelling content, products and services.
We rely on other third-party service providers and if such third parties do not perform adequately or terminate their relationships with us, our costs may increase and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Our success depends in part on our relationships with our third-party service providers.
Any disruption in our payment processing capabilities could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We rely on other third-party service providers and if such third parties do not perform adequately or terminate their relationships with us, our costs may increase and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
As discussed in Part II – 9A, “ Controls and Procedures”, of this Annual Report, our management concluded that material weaknesses existed as of December 31, 2024.
As discussed in Part II, Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, of this Annual Report, our management concluded that material weaknesses existed as of December 31, 2025.
Any of the foregoing could disrupt and harm our business. In addition, the use of third-party open source software typically exposes us to greater risks than the use of third-party commercial software as open source licensors generally do not provide support, warranties, controls, indemnification or other contractual protections regarding the functionality or origin of the software.
In addition, the use of third-party open-source software or open AI Technologies typically exposes us to greater risks than the use of third-party commercial software as open-source licensors generally do not provide support, warranties, controls, indemnification or other contractual protections regarding the functionality or origin of the software.
Compliance with any such legislation may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition results of operations and prospects, either as a result of our determination that a jurisdiction should be blocked, or that a local license or approval may be costly for us or our business partners to obtain and/or such licenses or approvals may contain other commercially undesirable conditions. 23 TABLE OF CONTENTS Changes in tax laws or tax rulings could materially affect our effective tax rates, financial position and results of operations.
Compliance with any such legislation may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition results of operations and prospects, either as a result of our determination that a jurisdiction should be blocked, or that a local license or approval may be costly for us or our business partners to obtain and/or such licenses or approvals may contain other commercially undesirable conditions.
Such losses could adversely affect our business prospects, results of operations and financial condition. 36 TABLE OF CONTENTS The requirements of being a public company, including compliance with the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”), may strain our resources and divert management’s attention, the increases in legal, accounting and compliance expenses may be greater than we anticipate, and there can be no assurance that we will continue to satisfy these obligations.
The requirements of being a public company, including compliance with the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”), may strain our resources and divert management’s attention, the increases in legal, accounting and compliance expenses may be greater than we anticipate, and there can be no assurance that we will continue to satisfy these obligations.
If other banks and financial institutions with whom we have banking relationships enter receivership or become insolvent in the future in response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, we may be unable to access, and we may lose, some or all of our existing cash and cash equivalents and investments to the extent those funds are not insured or otherwise protected by the FDIC.
If banks and financial institutions with whom we have banking relationships enter receivership or become insolvent in the future in response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, we may be unable to access, and we may lose, some or all of our existing cash and cash equivalents and investments to the extent those funds are not insured or otherwise protected by the FDIC. 34 TABLE OF CONTENTS Risks Related to Our Indebtedness Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and our ability to execute our business strategy.
The Company then conducted a review of other foreign jurisdictions and determined it was liable for indirect taxation in various countries. See Note 10 , Commitments and Contingencies, for further details.
The Company then conducted a review of other foreign jurisdictions and determined it was liable for indirect taxation in various countries. See Note 9, Commitments and Contingencies, in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report for further details.
If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us when we require it, our ability to continue to support our business growth and to respond to business challenges could be significantly impaired, and our business, financial condition or results of operations may be harmed. 37 TABLE OF CONTENTS Our investment portfolio and our ability to access cash and cash equivalents may become impaired by deterioration of the financial markets.
If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us when we require it, our ability to continue to support our business growth and to respond to business challenges could be significantly impaired, and our business, financial condition or results of operations may be harmed.
Failure to protect our domain names could adversely affect our reputation and brand and make it more difficult for users to find our website and our online app.
We currently hold various domain names relating to our brand, including Skillz.com. Failure to protect our domain names could adversely affect our reputation and brand and make it more difficult for users to find our website and our online app.
Moreover, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain evidence of bot use in a competitor’s or potential competitor’s products, which would prevent us from successfully deterring bot misuse among our competitors. We are subject to risks associated with disruptive technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Moreover, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain evidence of bot use in a competitor’s or potential competitor’s products, which would prevent us from successfully deterring bot misuse among our competitors.
These games, and the related developers, have historically been subject to our terms of service, which include, among other things, developer exclusivity for certain periods of time, as modified by negotiated agreements.
For the year ended December 31, 2025 , Tether accounted for 51% of our revenue and Big Run accounted for 23% of revenue. These games, and the related developers, have historically been subject to our terms of service, which include, among other things, developer exclusivity for certain periods of time, as modified by negotiated agreements.
If those providers do not perform adequately, end-users may experience issues or interruptions with their experiences on our platform.
Our success depends in part on our relationships with our third-party service providers. If those providers do not perform adequately, end-users may experience issues or interruptions with their experiences on our platform.
If any of these were to occur, there is no assurance that any appeal we undertake in these or other circumstances would be successful, nor is there any assurance that we will remain in compliance with the other NYSE continued listing standards.
If any of these were to occur, there is no assurance that any appeal we undertake in these or other circumstances would be successful, nor is there any assurance that we will remain in compliance with the other NYSE continued listing standards. 36 TABLE OF CONTENTS If we fail to satisfy the NYSE’s continued listing standards, our Class A common stock will be subject to delisting.
Acquisitions could result in potential dilutive issuances of equity securities, use of significant cash balances or incurrence of debt (and increased interest expense), contingent liabilities or amortization expenses related to intangible assets or write-offs of goodwill and/or intangible assets, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and dilute the economic and voting rights of our stockholders. 30 TABLE OF CONTENTS We are subject to laws and regulations concerning privacy, information security, data protection, consumer protection and protection of minors, and these laws and regulations are continually evolving.
Acquisitions could result in potential dilutive issuances of equity securities, use of significant cash balances or incurrence of debt (and increased interest expense), contingent liabilities or amortization expenses related to intangible assets or write-offs of goodwill and/or intangible assets, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and dilute the economic and voting rights of our stockholders.
We cannot be certain that our licensors are not infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property rights of others or that our suppliers and licensors have sufficient rights to such technology in all jurisdictions in which we may operate. In addition, some of our license agreements may be terminated by our licensors for convenience.
We incorporate technology from third parties into our platform. We cannot be certain that our licensors are not infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the intellectual property rights of others or that our suppliers and licensors have sufficient rights to such technology in all jurisdictions in which we may operate.
Any failure to adequately obtain such patent protection, or other intellectual property protection, could later prove to adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects. We currently hold various domain names relating to our brand, including Skillz.com.
Any failure to adequately obtain such patent protection, or other intellectual property protection, could later prove to adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects.
If we are not able to continue to provide high levels of customer service, we may lose acquired users. Our business is subject to a variety of U.S. and foreign laws, many of which are unsettled and still developing and which could subject us to claims or otherwise harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Our business is subject to a variety of U.S. and foreign laws, many of which are unsettled and still developing and which could subject us to claims or otherwise harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
We rely on information technology (“IT”) and other systems and platforms, and any failures, errors, defects or disruptions in our or our vendors’ or other partners’ systems or platforms could diminish our brand and reputation, subject us to liability, disrupt our business, affect our ability to scale our technical infrastructure and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and growth prospects.
Additionally, our ability to successfully gain market acceptance in any particular market is uncertain, and the distraction of our senior management team could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. 19 TABLE OF CONTENTS We rely on information technology (“IT”) and other systems and platforms, and any failures, errors, defects or disruptions in our or our vendors’ or other partners’ systems or platforms could diminish our brand and reputation, subject us to liability, disrupt our business, affect our ability to scale our technical infrastructure and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and growth prospects.
Recruitment and retention of these individuals is vital to growing our business and meeting our business plans. The loss of any of our key executives or other key employees could harm our business.
The growth and success of our business will depend on the performance of the current and future employees of Skillz, including certain key employees. Recruitment and retention of these individuals is vital to growing our business and meeting our business plans. The loss of any of our key executives or other key employees could harm our business.
It may become increasingly difficult and more expensive for us to acquire players for our games and we may not achieve a positive return on investment on our user acquisition efforts.
It may become increasingly difficult and more expensive for us to acquire players for our games and we may not achieve a positive return on investment on our user acquisition efforts. User acquisition is critical to our business and may become more difficult and costly due to increasing competition in mobile and real-money gaming.
In addition, the failure of developers to provide timely and reliable updates to their games could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and prospects. We rely significantly on third-party game developers to develop the games that we host on our platform.
In addition, the failure of developers to provide timely and reliable updates to their games could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Global climate change, the occurrence of an earthquake, other natural disaster or other significant business interruption at or near any of our facilities could cause damage to our facilities and equipment and interfere with our operations.
Any sustained economic weakness or geopolitical instability could adversely affect our user engagement, revenue, and overall business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. Global climate change, the occurrence of an earthquake, other natural disaster or other significant business interruption at or near any of our facilities could cause damage to our facilities and equipment and interfere with our operations.
Compliance with GDPR, CCPA, COPPA and similar legal requirements has required us to devote significant operational resources and incur significant expenses.
Compliance with GDPR, CCPA, COPPA and similar legal requirements adopted in the United States and in other non-U.S. jurisdictions has required us to devote significant operational resources and incur significant expenses.
If we fail to do so, or if future restructuring or reductions in force produce unintended attrition, lower morale, or reputational harm, our ability to attract and retain talent and achieve operational objectives could be materially and adversely affected. 35 TABLE OF CONTENTS The growth and success of our business will depend on the performance of the current and future employees of Skillz, including certain key employees.
If we fail to do so, or if future restructuring or reductions in force produce unintended attrition, lower morale, or reputational harm, our ability to attract and retain talent and achieve operational objectives could be materially and adversely affected.
Economic downturns and political and market conditions beyond our control could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Any failure to effectively recruit, retain, and motivate key executives and employees could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. Economic downturns and political and market conditions beyond our control could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
The decision of developers to remove the Skillz Software Development Kit, or "SDK" from their games or changes in the terms of our commercial relationship with third-party developers could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We rely on our third-party developer partners to develop and update all of the game features on our platform not tied to our SDK. The decision of developers to remove the SDK from their games or changes in the terms of our commercial relationship with third-party developers could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We have incorporated, and may in the future incorporate, third-party open source software in our technologies. Open source software is generally licensed by its authors or other third parties under open source licenses.
We have incorporated, and may in the future incorporate, third-party open-source software in our technologies. Open source software is generally licensed by its authors or other third parties under open-source licenses. From time to time, companies that use third-party open-source software have faced claims challenging the use of such open-source software and requesting compliance with the open-source software license terms.
Moreover, any loss incurred could exceed policy limits and policy payments made to us may not be made on a timely basis.
Moreover, any loss incurred could exceed policy limits and policy payments made to us may not be made on a timely basis. Such losses could adversely affect our business prospects, results of operations and financial condition.
The instruments governing our indebtedness, including the indenture governing our senior secured notes, contain certain covenants imposing restrictions on our business.
The instruments governing our indebtedness impose certain restrictions on our business, and future such instruments could impose new restrictions on our business. The indenture governing our senior secured notes, contains certain covenants imposing restrictions on our business.
In assessing these risks, you should also refer to the other information contained in this Annual Report, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes. SUMMARY RISK FACTORS Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, all of which are more fully described in the Risk Factors below.
In assessing these risks, you should also refer to the other information contained in this Annual Report, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes.
If our revenue does not increase to offset any additional expenses, if we fail to manage or experience unexpected increases in operating expenses or if we are required to take additional charges related to impairments or restructurings, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially adversely affected. 34 TABLE OF CONTENTS We rely on assumptions and estimates to calculate certain of our key metrics, and real or perceived inaccuracies in such metrics may harm our reputation and negatively affect our business.
If our revenue does not increase to offset any additional expenses, if we fail to manage or experience unexpected increases in operating expenses or if we are required to take additional charges related to impairments or restructurings, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially adversely affected. 32 TABLE OF CONTENTS Our results of operations may fluctuate due to seasonality and other factors and, therefore, our periodic operating results will not be guarantees of future performance.