Britney Spears has reportedly sold off the rights to her music catalog.
Documents obtained by TMZ reveal that the 44-year-old pop icon finalized a major deal on December 30, transferring her ownership stake to music publisher Primary Wave. While the exact figure hasn’t been made public, sources have labeled it a “landmark deal,” likening it to the roughly $200 million Justin Bieber earned when he sold his catalog in 2023.
Spears is said to be pleased with the agreement and has been celebrating by spending quality time with her children.
The sale reportedly includes several of her biggest hits, spanning her early career classics like 1999’s “… Baby One More Time” and “(You Drive Me) Crazy,” as well as later fan favorites such as “I’m a Slave 4 U,” “Gimme More,” “Piece of Me,” “Hold It Against Me,” and more. This story may be updated.
With the move, Spears joins a growing list of artists who have sold their music catalogs in recent years, including Justin Bieber, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Shakira, KISS, Sting, Phil Collins, and Stevie Nicks.
Nicks previously sold an 80 percent stake in her publishing catalog to Primary Wave in 2020, when her copyrights were reportedly valued at around $100 million.
Why Are Artists Selling Their Music Catalogs Instead of Collecting Royalties?
A 2023 ABC News report noted that more artists are choosing to sell their catalogs to cash in on the financial value of their copyrights and secure immediate wealth from assets that can fluctuate over time.
For veteran artists, selling their catalogs can also serve as estate planning, easing the responsibility of managing complex assets for their heirs.
Additionally, partnering with specialized publishers can help revive an artist’s work. Companies like Primary Wave often focus on marketing and brand development, opening doors to new opportunities such as biopics, fresh releases, or remixes that introduce classic music to a new generation.
