Britney Spears Sells Music Catalog

Pop star parts ways with ownership of her music in deal with publisher Primary Wave

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Britney Spears has sold a portion of her music catalog and other rights to publisher Primary Wave, according to multiple reports. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but legal documents show Spears signed over her ownership stake in her music catalog in December. Spears, who last released an album in 2016, has been focusing on her relationship with her two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, in recent years, including gifting her grand piano to one of them.

Why it matters

Spears' catalog sale is the latest in a string of high-profile music rights deals, as artists and publishers seek to capitalize on the growing value of music intellectual property. While Spears no longer fully owns her catalog, the sale allows her to potentially profit from its continued use and popularity. The move also reflects broader industry trends around artists exerting more control over their work.

The details

According to reports, Spears sold a portion of her music catalog and other rights to publisher Primary Wave in December. Primary Wave has previously purchased the catalogs of artists like Stevie Nicks, Prince, Whitney Houston and Biggie Smalls. The price tag for Spears' catalog was not disclosed. Spears, who last released an album in 2016, has been focused on her relationship with her two sons in recent years, including gifting her grand piano to one of them and showcasing their musical talents on social media.

  • Britney Spears sold a portion of her music catalog in December 2025.
  • Spears last released a studio album in 2016.

The players

Britney Spears

A pop star who rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for hits like "...Baby One More Time" and "Toxic". She last released an album in 2016 and has since focused on her family life.

Primary Wave

A music publisher that has purchased the catalogs of various high-profile artists in recent years, including Stevie Nicks, Prince, Whitney Houston and Biggie Smalls.

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What they’re saying

“Excuse me crying and breathing hard !!! I was excited !!! Mamas don't get enough credit at all these days !!! I mean just saying !!!”

— Britney Spears (Instagram)

“I made a person !!! A live breathing person and I made two of them !!! And my boys are so incredibly sweet and charming !!! I'm so blessed.”

— Britney Spears (Instagram)

The takeaway

Britney Spears' decision to sell a portion of her music catalog reflects broader industry trends around artists seeking to capitalize on the growing value of music intellectual property. While she no longer fully owns her catalog, the sale allows her to potentially profit from its continued use and popularity as she focuses more on her family life in recent years.