The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has released its topline figures for 2025, touting another year of growth for the performing-rights organization.
The group generated $1.94 billion in overall revenues last year, distributing $1.759 billion of that in the form of royalties to its membership of music writers, composers and publishers – both figures are high-water marks for the organization. Last year it reported $1.83 billion revenue and $1.69 in royalties distributed.
ASCAP has announced record-breaking revenues every year going back to 2021. In 2020, like many in the music business, it took a significant financial hit due to venue closures through the pandemic.
Domestic revenue from U.S.-licensed performances accounted for $1.47 billion of total revenue, an increase of 5.3%, or $74 million year-over-year, with streaming audio, radio and general licensing driving the increase. Collections from foreign revenue for the exploitation of the public performances repertory also increased to a total of $474 million, up by $36 million, or 8.2%. Distributions from public performances outside of the US grew to $455 million, a 10.6% increase over 2024.
The organization says that 90% of the money it collects goes back to its members as royalties – the PRO does not charge a commission or take profit on revenues and only deducts expenses from that bottom line.
ASCAP also says it gained 80,000 members in 2025, bringing that total to over 1.1 million creators or their representatives. Its members include Beyoncé, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa, Garth Brooks, Jay-Z, Joni Mitchell, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Marc Anthony, Mariah Carey, Neil Young, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, among others.
“ASCAP remains a powerful advocate for creators facing an increasingly uncertain economy and rapidly shifting music landscape,” said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. “While creators are under attack globally by disruptive technologies and opportunistic private businesses, ASCAP’s sole focus is to serve our members.”