Sony Music Group and Spotify Announce New Deal, With Direct Licensing for Publishing

Sony Music Group and Spotify have solidified their international alliance by entering into a fresh direct licensing arrangement that includes U.S. publishing rights. As the globe’s biggest music publisher, Sony had previously remained the final major entity operating under statutory rates, lending this transition particular weight. The shift to direct licensing paves the way for more adaptable negotiations, with both firms underscoring that the agreement will help songwriters benefit more directly from streaming’s expansion.

This mirrors recent pacts between Spotify and other leading publishers, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Kobalt. Although exact terms are undisclosed, insiders familiar with Spotify’s January agreement with Universal noted it involved changes to last year’s controversial “bundling” approach—a model that combined music and audiobook subscriptions and was blamed for reducing mechanical royalties. The National Music Publishers’ Association even filed a lawsuit over the practice. Many analysts anticipate Sony’s deal will feature comparable adjustments.

Spotify’s Founder and CEO Daniel Ek highlighted the forward-looking goals of the collaboration, stating, “Partnering with Sony allows us to jointly innovate and expand the music ecosystem. We’re focused on unlocking new opportunities and building a more rewarding environment for creators.” Industry expert Mara Jensen, a streaming analyst at SoundInsights, added, “These bespoke deals reflect a maturing market where platforms and publishers are co-designing sustainable economic frameworks.”

Rob Stringer, Chairman of Sony Music Group—home to legendary artists ranging from Bob Dylan to Beyoncé—echoed the cooperative tone, remarking, “Sony and Spotify have a track record of fostering streaming’s growth. Our renewed partnership aims to develop forward-looking models that ensure fair compensation for creators while enriching the listener experience globally.”

According to Alex Norström, Spotify’s Co-President and Chief Business Officer, the alliance is intended to support artists and songwriters in forging stronger audience connections through innovative content strategies. This movement toward tailored, direct licensing signals a wider industry evolution, moving away from rigid royalty frameworks and toward adaptable, partnership-driven growth models.