OLYMPICS: Universal Music and ClicknClear sign global deal for sports routines

Universal Music Group (UMG) and rights‑tech platform ClicknClear have signed a global licensing deal that allows athletes to legally use UMG music in choreographed sports routines, the companies announced Thursday.

The agreement gives athletes around the world access to UMG's extensive catalogue for use in gymnastics, figure skating, artistic swimming, dance, dressage, jump rope, and other choreographed disciplines.

The deal comes days after Spanish figure skater Tomas‑Llorenc Guarino Sabate almost missed performing his Minions-themed short program at the Milano Cortina Olympics due to a rights dispute. Universal Studios and Pharrell Williams, who contributed to the music, eventually lifted their objection following widespread social media support for the skater.

“This deal marks another step in bridging the gap between the music industry and choreographed sports,” ClicknClear Founder and CEO Chantal Epp said. She added that the partnership would create new monetization opportunities for UMG artists.

“We have seen strong demand from athletes for access to UMG's catalogue, which features some of the world’s most iconic music,” she said.

With over 150 million athletes competing in choreographed disciplines globally, UMG and ClicknClear said the deal addresses a multi‑billion‑dollar need for proper music licensing in sports.

Before 2014, only ice dancers were allowed to use music with lyrics in competition. The International Skating Union expanded the rules for the Sochi Olympics, permitting spoken and sung music across all figure skating disciplines and transforming the sport’s soundscape.

ClicknClear, which already partners with international and national federations including World Gymnastics and the ISU, will provide licensing and verification tools to ensure compliance, along with access to its pre‑cleared music catalogue.

James Healy, UMG's senior vice president of digital strategy and business development, said the partnership creates “meaningful opportunities” for artists.

“We’re excited for our artists to benefit from this deal, generating new revenue streams and reaching audiences worldwide,” he said.

Guarino Sabate was not the only athlete facing music rights challenges at the Olympics. U.S. national champion Amber Glenn encountered a dispute when Canadian artist Seb McKinnon raised concerns about her use of his music. Glenn confirmed that the issue was resolved and praised the artist for recognizing her performance.

“It was a dream come true to perform at the Olympic Games, and Seb congratulating me afterward made the moment even more special,” Glenn said.

-Reporting by Agnieszka Flak; Editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters