Universal Music Group has entered into a global licensing agreement with rights-technology platform ClicknClear, allowing athletes to access UMG’s extensive music catalog for use in various choreographed sports routines. This partnership aims to facilitate music licensing for athletes engaged in disciplines such as gymnastics, figure skating, artistic swimming, dance, dressage, and jump rope.
The agreement is particularly timely, coming on the heels of recent controversies surrounding music rights at the Milano Cortina Olympics. Notably, Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate faced potential disqualification over music rights issues, which were ultimately resolved following public support. This incident underscores the complexities athletes encounter regarding music licensing.
ClicknClear aims to address these challenges by providing licensing and verification tools to athletes and national federations, ensuring compliance while granting access to a pre-cleared catalog. The partnership is projected to tap into a significant multi-billion-dollar market for music licensing in sports, with over 150 million athletes participating in choreographed events globally.
Executives from both UMG and ClicknClear highlighted the opportunity this collaboration presents for artists to generate new revenue streams and connect with diverse audiences, reflecting the increasing intersection of the music and sports industries.
