Garth Brooks Reportedly Exploring $2 Billion Catalog Sale That Could Make Him the Richest Singer

Country music icon Garth Brooks is reportedly considering one of the biggest deals the music industry has ever seen. According to The Wall Street Journal, the singer is exploring a potential sale of his music catalog that could be valued at around $2 billion.

If completed near that figure, the deal would not only shatter previous records for music catalog sales but could also lift Brooks to the top of the global rich list for singers. The scale of the rumored transaction reflects both the value of his decades-spanning career and the growing importance of music rights in the streaming era.

Why This $2 Billion Deal Would Be Historic

Music catalog sales have surged in recent years, with major artists cashing in on their life’s work as streaming platforms continue to generate long-term revenue. However, a potential $2 billion deal for Brooks would stand far above recent transactions.

For comparison, Bruce Springsteen sold his catalog for over $500 million, while Bob Dylan and Sting also secured deals in the hundreds of millions. Even high-profile agreements involving Michael Jackson and Queen have reportedly crossed the billion-dollar mark only in recent years.

What sets Brooks apart is that the proposed sale could include both his publishing rights and master recordings. This combination gives buyers control over songwriting royalties and recorded music revenue, significantly increasing the value of the catalog.

Close-up of Garth Brooks during a live performance, highlighting his long-standing presence in the music industry

The Catalog That Changed Country Music

Brooks’ catalog is not just valuable because of its size, but because of its cultural impact. His albums, including No Fences, Ropin’ the Wind, and The Chase, helped transform country music into a stadium-level genre during the 1990s.

His biggest hits, such as “Friends in Low Places” and “The Dance,” remain staples of American music. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Brooks has sold over 200 million albums in the United States alone, making him one of the best-selling artists in history.

This level of success has made his catalog one of the most commercially powerful collections in the industry, capable of generating revenue across streaming, licensing, and media placements.

A Unique Case in the Streaming Era

One of the most intriguing aspects of Brooks’ catalog is how tightly he has controlled it over the years. Unlike many artists, he resisted putting his music on major streaming platforms for a long time, preferring to maintain control over how it was distributed.

He also opposed breaking albums into individual tracks, emphasizing a more traditional listening experience. Eventually, he signed an exclusive deal with Amazon Music, making his catalog available there while still limiting broader distribution.

This strategy has made his catalog somewhat underutilized in the streaming ecosystem compared to other major artists. For potential buyers, this could represent a major opportunity for growth.

The Untapped Value of Streaming and Licensing

The rise of streaming has transformed older music into long-term revenue generators. Songs can now earn money through playlists, social media, film placements, and digital content.

In Brooks’ case, the limited availability of his catalog could mean significant untapped potential. If a buyer were to expand its presence on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok, the catalog could see a surge in earnings.

This possibility is likely a key factor behind the reported $2 billion valuation. Buyers are not just purchasing current revenue, but betting on future growth driven by wider accessibility.

Could This Make Him the Richest Singer?

If the deal goes through at or near the reported figure, Brooks’ financial standing would change dramatically. Current estimates place his net worth far below top earners like Taylor Swift and Rihanna.

However, after taxes, a sale of this size could push his net worth close to or beyond $1.8 billion, potentially making him the richest singer in the world. Unlike many other artists, whose wealth is tied to business ventures, Brooks would achieve this largely through his music catalog alone.