In a ten-year creative drought, Britney Spears has reportedly sold the rights to her music catalog. The buyer is Primary Wave, a leading independent publisher. The news is anonymously sourced, unconfirmed by principals at the time of this post.
The price is disappointingly but understandably not publicized. But these acquisitions typically cost many multiples of annual earnings.
Also unreported: Whether only some, or all rights have been transferred; original recorded music is a complicated product. It is not unusual for original star music collections to transfer for hundreds of millions of dollars.
Below is an (undated) list of just a few high-profile catalog sales:
- Queen: Sold their catalog for a record $1.27 billion in 2024.
- Bruce Springsteen: Sold his entire catalog to Sony Music for an estimated $550 million in 2021.
- Michael Jackson (Estate): Sold 50% stake in his catalog for an estimated $600 million in 2024.
- Bob Dylan: Sold his publishing to Universal for $300M+ and recordings to Sony for $150M-$200M.
- Justin Bieber: Sold his catalog to Hipgnosis for over $200 million.
- Katy Perry: Sold her catalog to Litmus Music for $225 million.
- Shakira: Sold her catalog to Hipgnosis.
- KISS: Sold their catalog, brand, and IP to Pophouse Entertainment.
- Neil Young: Sold 50% of his catalog to Hipgnosis.
