Pop icon Britney Spears has officially sold her ownership stake in her music and publishing catalog to independent music publisher Primary Wave. The deal was finalized on December 30, 2025, encompassing some of her most iconic songs like “…Baby One More Time,” “Toxic,” and “Oops!… I Did It Again.” It’s considered one of Spears’ biggest business moves since her conservatorship ended in 2021.
According to industry sources, the agreement covers artist royalties and a portion of Britney's publishing rights from her nine studio albums released from 1999 to 2016. While Sony Music will retain the original master recordings, Primary Wave will now have the rights to earn from streams, TV placements, and commercial licensing of songs like “Gimme More,” “Womanizer,” and “Circus.” The deal was signed by Spears under the management of Cade Hudson.
Although the exact amount was not stated in the legal documents, the transaction is estimated to be in the $200 million USD, one of the largest in a decade for an artist-rights acquisition. The value is similar to Justin Bieber's sale of his catalog in 2023, which also showed a “low nine figures” deal.
Britney's move is part of a broader trend where legendary artists like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Nicks are monetizing their legacies through specialized publishers. This gives artists greater control over their earnings and long-term revenue from their music.
For Britney, this landmark deal is not only a major achievement in her career as a pop icon but also in her financial independence, proving her stability in the industry. As streaming and commercial platforms continue to evolve, her music will remain relevant and profitable for the next generation of fans.
