Britney Spears has sold her music catalog to Primary Wave, a New York-based music publishing company, according to multiple sources. The deal encompasses the rights to a vast collection of hits that defined a generation of pop music, though the financial terms remain undisclosed.
The sale, first reported by TMZ and subsequently confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, includes ownership stakes in iconic tracks like “… Baby One More Time,” “Oops! … I Did It Again,” “Toxic,” “Gimme More,” and “Womanizer.” Primary Wave’s portfolio already boasts catalogs from music legends such as Bob Marley, Stevie Nicks, Prince, and Whitney Houston, solidifying its position as a major player in music rights acquisition.
The specifics of what rights were transferred remain somewhat unclear. Sony Music retains ownership and control of the recordings themselves, meaning Primary Wave’s acquisition likely centers on publishing rights – those tied to the composition and lyrics of the songs. Spears is not credited as a songwriter on many of her biggest hits, further suggesting the value of the deal lies primarily in the recordings and associated publishing revenue streams.
While the exact amount Primary Wave paid has not been revealed, sources suggest it could be comparable to the $200 million Justin Bieber received for selling his catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Capital in 2023. This underscores the escalating value of music catalogs as investment assets, particularly for artists with extensive and enduring back catalogs.
The timing of the sale comes after a period of significant personal and professional change for Spears. Following the termination of her 13-year conservatorship in November 2021, she married Sam Asghari in 2022, a union that subsequently ended in divorce. She published her memoir, The Woman in Me, in 2023, which was acquired by Universal and is slated to be adapted into a biopic directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Marc Platt. In 2022 and 2023, Spears also released collaborative tracks, “Hold Me Closer” with Elton John and “Mind Your Business” with will.i.am, signaling a cautious return to music after years of legal battles and personal turmoil.
Spears’ decision to sell her catalog aligns with a growing trend among established artists who are capitalizing on the current market for music rights. Catalog sales offer artists a significant upfront payment and can relieve them of the ongoing responsibilities of managing and administering their intellectual property. For buyers like Primary Wave, acquiring established catalogs provides a steady stream of revenue from royalties and licensing fees.
The move also comes as Spears has publicly expressed reservations about performing live in the United States, stating in a January Instagram post that she would “never perform in the U.S. Again” due to “extremely sensitive reasons.” She indicated a desire to potentially perform in the UK and Australia, but her future touring plans remain uncertain.
The sale to Primary Wave represents a significant financial transaction for Spears and a strategic acquisition for the music publisher. It also reflects a broader shift in the music industry, where the value of established catalogs is increasingly recognized as a lucrative asset. As artists continue to explore new ways to monetize their work and secure their financial futures, catalog sales are likely to remain a prominent feature of the music landscape.
Spears’ career, spanning nearly three decades, has left an indelible mark on pop culture. From her breakout success as a teenager to her status as a global icon, she has consistently pushed boundaries and captivated audiences with her music and performances. The songs included in the sale to Primary Wave represent a soundtrack for an entire generation, and their continued success will undoubtedly benefit the publisher for years to come.
Representatives for Spears and Primary Wave have not yet publicly commented on the deal. However, the confirmation from multiple industry sources indicates that the transaction is complete, marking a new chapter for both the artist and the music publisher.
