June 2 (Reuters) – Country music singer Garth Brooks is exploring the sale of his music catalog, seeking up to about $2 billion in a deal that could rank among the largest for an individual artist, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
• Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Brooks did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
• The potential transaction would include both his songwriting and recorded music rights, the report added.
• Brooks has recently discussed valuations ranging from $1 billion to over $2 billion with potential investors, the newspaper said, without identifying the investors.
• Sony Music has been an active buyer of music rights. In 2021, it acquired Bruce Springsteen’s entire catalog in a deal Billboard said was worth $500 million. Sony was also reported in 2024 to buy Queen’s catalog in a £1 billion deal.
• Brooks has sold a record 200 million albums in the U.S., more than the Beatles’ 183 million, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
• Brooks, known for hits including “The Dance,” “Friends in Low Places” and “The River”, has earned honors including the Kennedy Center Honor and the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize, according to his official website.
(Reporting by Carlos Méndez in Mexico City; additional reporting by Mrinmay Dey; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
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