ASCAP has reported record-breaking revenue collections and royalty distributions in 2025.
The PRO (performing rights organisation) delivered $1.945 billion in revenue in 2025, an increase of 6% year-on-year.
After costs, $1.759bn was available for royalty distributions to its ASCAP music creator and publisher members, an increase of 3.7%.
ASCAP operates without debt and has the lowest overhead rate in the US at 10%; it does not charge a commission or take a profit. It is the only US PRO not owned by private equity or outside investors.
After deducting expenses, ASCAP distributes remaining revenue as royalties to its songwriter, composer and music publisher members.
In 2025, ASCAP increased the value and monetisation of its members’ music with domestic revenue from US-licensed performances totaling $1.471bn, an increase of 5.3% year-on-year.
Revenues from streaming audio, radio and general licensing drove the increase.
Collections from foreign revenue for the exploitation of the public performances of the ASCAP repertory increased to a total of $474 million, up by 8.2% year-on-year.
The record high of $1.759bn available for royalty distributions included $1.304bn from US-licensed and administered performances, with $37m distributed through Songwize, ASCAP’s royalty administration service provided to members who directly license their works.
Distributions from public performances outside of the US grew to $455m, a 10.6% increase on the prior year.
ASCAP remains a powerful advocate for creators facing an increasingly uncertain economy and rapidly shifting music landscape
Elizabeth Matthews
In the last 10 years of ASCAP’s strategic growth plan, ASCAP has generated a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for total revenue of 6.7%; and for total distributions, a CAGR of 7.3%.
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews (pictured) said: “ASCAP remains a powerful advocate for creators facing an increasingly uncertain economy and rapidly shifting music landscape. 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 and president, said: “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.”
In 2025, ASCAP added 80,000 new members as the total membership surpassed 1.1m. Among the top music creators who switched to ASCAP in 2025 were Ejae, Rosé, The 1975, Lola Young, Myles Smith, Johnny Marr, Boy George, Michael Pollack, Tyler Johnson, Robin Carolan and Daniel Blumberg, among many others.
ASCAP represents music creators including Beyoncé, Billy Joel, Cardi B, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa, Garth Brooks, Jay-Z, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Katy Perry, Lil Baby, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Marc Anthony, Mariah Carey, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Usher, among many others.
PHOTO: Getty/Robin L Marshall
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