Spotify and Joe Rogan Extend Partnership in New Multiyear Deal

Key points

• Spotify and Joe Rogan have entered into a new multiyear licensing agreement, extending their partnership that began in 2020.
• The Wall Street Journal reported that the deal includes an estimated earnout of $250 million for Rogan over the term, though specific financial terms were not disclosed by Spotify.
• Under the new agreement, 'The Joe Rogan Experience' will continue to be available on Spotify but will also be distributed across multiple other services, ending the previous exclusivity arrangement that ended in 2024.
• Spotify will continue to handle ad sales and licensing for the podcast.
• The podcast has 18 million followers on Spotify, making it the most-followed podcast on the platform since 2020, and was the No. 1 most-listened-to podcast on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts in 2025.
• Rogan stated that the partnership with Spotify has been an 'amazing fit' and expressed excitement to continue the collaboration for years to come.

Background

The original partnership between Spotify and Joe Rogan began in 2020, when 'The Joe Rogan Experience' became exclusive to the platform. In 2024, Rogan ended the exclusivity deal, allowing the podcast to be distributed more widely. This new agreement continues the relationship but maintains the non-exclusive distribution model. The podcast has been a significant driver of Spotify's podcast business, and its popularity has been a key factor in the platform's growth in the podcasting space.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and The Hollywood Reporter both reported on the renewal, with Variety citing the Wall Street Journal for the $250 million figure. The Hollywood Reporter also cited the Wall Street Journal for the same figure. Spotify's official announcement confirmed the multiyear agreement but did not disclose financial terms. All three sources emphasized the show's popularity and the positive relationship between Rogan and Spotify. Variety noted Rogan's rightward-leaning politics and his endorsement of Trump in 2024, while The Hollywood Reporter mentioned the 2022 controversy involving Neil Young and vaccine misinformation. Spotify's announcement focused on the show's global audience and format, without mentioning political controversies.

Why it matters

The renewal of the Joe Rogan-Spotify deal underscores the continued importance of high-profile podcasts in the digital media landscape. The $250 million figure, if accurate, highlights the significant revenue potential of top-tier podcast content. The deal also reflects the evolving strategy of platforms like Spotify to maintain exclusive or preferred partnerships with major creators while allowing for wider distribution to maximize reach. The show's popularity and influence make it a key asset for Spotify's podcast business, and the renewal signals a long-term commitment to maintaining that relationship.

What to watch

The new multiyear agreement will likely see 'The Joe Rogan Experience' continue to be a major draw for Spotify users, with new episodes released weekly. The wider distribution across other platforms may increase the show's reach and influence, potentially leading to new opportunities for Rogan and Spotify. The financial terms of the deal, if accurate, suggest a significant investment in the podcast, which could impact Spotify's overall strategy for podcast content. The show's continued popularity and influence may also lead to new collaborations and partnerships for Rogan.