Podcasting sensation Alex Cooper recently made waves in the industry with the announcement of her three-year deal with SiriusXM, reportedly valued at up to $125 million. This deal, surpassing her previous $60 million agreement with Spotify, has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the future of podcasting contracts.
Insiders familiar with the negotiations revealed that Cooper's contract with SiriusXM includes various caveats and targets that must be met in order for her to earn the full $125 million. These safeguards, referred to as "download insurance," ensure that the podcast host delivers on certain metrics, such as a specified number of monthly downloads. Failure to meet these targets could result in a reduction of her payout.
Additionally, Cooper's deal with SiriusXM extends beyond her popular show "Call Her Daddy" to encompass her Unwell Network's entire slate of current and future podcasts. This includes content from other influencers like Alix Earle, Madeline Argy, Harry Jowsey, and Owen Thiele. SiriusXM will pay Cooper for these shows, but she will be responsible for compensating the other hosts in the network.
Industry experts noted that contracts like Cooper's are becoming more structured and risk-averse, with podcasting companies seeking assurances of a return on their investment. SiriusXM's agreement with Cooper also includes provisions for live events and programming on the company's satellite radio platform, further emphasizing the need to meet specific targets for the deal to reach its full potential.
Despite the hefty price tag, SiriusXM sees Cooper as a valuable asset in attracting new listeners and expanding their audience. Scott Greenstein, president and chief content officer at SiriusXM, expressed excitement about the partnership and highlighted Cooper's influence as a voice of a new generation.
As Cooper embarks on this new chapter with SiriusXM, the podcasting industry continues to evolve, with contracts becoming more structured and performance-driven to ensure a return on investment for both parties involved. Only time will tell if Cooper's deal will prove to be a lucrative investment for SiriusXM over the next three years.