Sony Music has triumphed in the battle for Queen’s recording and publishing rights, along with their associated revenue streams, including those from the Disney deal. House Stringer and Platt reportedly clinched the winning bid at a staggering 1 billion pounds sterling.
Disney, which has held the recording rights in North America since a $10 million deal in 1990, has been paying substantial royalties to Queen—these will now be directed to Sony under the new arrangement. Similarly, revenue from the licensing deal with UMG for the rest of the world will flow to Sony when that agreement expires in 2026 or 2027, making Sony Music Entertainment the global distributor and owner of all Queen content.
Sony Music Publishing currently manages the catalog, and while this deal has a long term, all resulting income will now benefit Sony.
Additionally, Sony’s significant investment includes acquiring name and likeness rights, paving the way for potential Broadway shows and other brand monetization opportunities (Bohemian Rap-Soda, anyone?).
The only revenue not covered by this massive agreement will be from live performances, which will continue to be generated by the two surviving band members, Brian May and Roger Taylor.
