ASCAP Hits Record $1.945B Revenue & Launches New Member Wellness Program

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced record-breaking financial results for 2025, reporting $1.945 billion in total revenue. This represents a 6.0% increase – or $110 million – over 2024’s figures, marking the highest annual revenue in the organization’s history.

Alongside record revenue, ASCAP reported $1.759 billion available for royalty distributions to its members – songwriters, composers, and music publishers – a 3.7% increase, or $63 million, compared to the previous year. This also represents the highest royalty distribution figure ever reported by ASCAP.

These financial achievements underscore ASCAP’s unique position within the landscape of performing rights organizations (PROs) in the United States. Notably, ASCAP operates without debt and maintains the lowest overhead rate in the US, at just 10%. Crucially, ASCAP is the only US PRO not owned by private equity or outside investors, ensuring that its financial growth directly benefits its creator and publisher members.

“ASCAP remains a powerful advocate for creators facing an increasingly uncertain economy and rapidly shifting music landscape,” stated ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. “While creators are under attack globally by disruptive technologies and opportunistic private businesses, ASCAP’s sole focus is to serve our members. We deliver on that mission every single day.”

Paul Williams, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President, echoed this sentiment, stating, “ASCAP once again delivered historic record-breaking revenues and distributions. We showed the world that our fierce commitment to putting creators first is our number one imperative. Songwriters know they belong at ASCAP and that we always have their back.”

The revenue growth was driven by increases in both domestic and international licensing. Domestic revenue from US-licensed performances totaled $1.471 billion, a 5.3% increase, or $74 million, year-over-year. This growth was fueled by revenue from streaming audio, radio, and general licensing. Foreign revenue, stemming from the public performance of ASCAP’s repertoire internationally, also saw a significant rise, reaching $474 million – an 8.2% increase, or $36 million.

ASCAP’s commitment to its members extends beyond financial distributions. The organization highlighted its practice of returning 90 cents of every dollar collected to its members as royalties, without charging commissions or taking a profit. After deducting expenses, all remaining funds are distributed as royalties, adhering to the organization’s unique governance and operating principles.

In addition to the positive financial news, ASCAP announced the launch of a new virtual care offering as part of its ASCAP Wellness Program. This program provides a broad range of health and well-being benefits exclusively to its members. Through a collaboration with MDLive by Evernorth, ASCAP members and their eligible dependents can now access virtual visits with board-certified clinicians for mental health support, dermatology consultations, and 24/7 urgent care services, all at discounted pricing.

“We know that health and wellness are foundational to creative work and longevity in our industry, but many music creators struggle to access and afford health insurance,” explained Nick Lehman, ASCAP Chief Strategy and Digital Officer. “That is why it’s important for us to launch this service for our members, providing easy access to high-quality care at very reasonable costs – regardless if they have insurance or not. As the only truly creator-first PRO in the US, our commitment to our members is to support them with the resources they need to be at their creative best.”

MDLive, a leading provider of virtual health care services, offers a national network of board-certified doctors, pediatricians, dermatologists, psychiatrists, and therapists. ASCAP members can access these services through the ASCAP Member Access portal.

Vontrelle Roundtree, MD, MPT, Associate Chief Medical Officer at MDLive, emphasized the convenience of virtual care, stating, “Virtual care is a huge benefit for people with busy lives who want to stay on top of their health. By connecting with doctors via phone or video calls, People can empower ASCAP members to take control of their health without sacrificing convenience.”

The record-breaking financial performance and the expansion of wellness benefits demonstrate ASCAP’s ongoing commitment to supporting the creative community and ensuring that music creators are fairly compensated for their work, while also prioritizing their overall well-being. Further details regarding ASCAP’s 2025 performance are available in the full ASCAP 2025 Annual Report.