Suno signs BMG to a global licensing deal covering recordings and publishing, with artists opting in
Suno signed a global licensing deal with BMG on August 12, 2026, covering the company’s recorded music and its publishing catalog. BMG is the first significant rightsholder to license the AI music platform since Warner Music Group settled nine months ago. Both companies called it a “global strategic alliance.”
What the Suno and BMG alliance covers
The deal spans recordings and publishing, which is the detail worth slowing down on. Warner’s November 2025 agreement was read across the industry as a recordings play. BMG puts both sides of the copyright inside one frame, so songwriters are named in an AI licensing deal for the first time.
Participation is opt-in. The announcement is specific about it: BMG artists and songwriters “who choose to participate have their rights protected and are compensated for their music, while also settling prior use of BMG recordings and publishing works.”
We believe the future of music will be more participatory, creating entirely new ways for artists and fans to connect.
BMG joins Warner in shaping Suno’s next model, which Suno describes as developed in partnership with the music industry. Warner CEO Robert Kyncl has said the licensed model stays on track for later in 2026. Digital Music News reported the agreement would reach Concord’s publishing and recorded IP too, if the BMG and Concord merger clears as expected.
Why BMG settled prior use without ever suing Suno
BMG was never a plaintiff. Universal Music Group and Sony Music took Suno to court and are still litigating. BMG skipped the lawsuit and got paid for past training anyway, a point Music Ally flagged in its coverage.
Suno’s coverage map is still patchy. There is no deal with Merlin, the independent licensing agency, even after Suno hired former Merlin boss Jeremy Sirota as chief commercial officer in February 2026. In Europe, GEMA beat Suno in a Munich court in July. Denmark’s Koda is still pursuing its own claim.
Competitors are further along on paper. Udio is smaller than Suno and has more deals. Klay Vision has all three majors signed up. Suno can train its next model on whatever it has licensed, but only on the slice where artists and songwriters actively said yes.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Suno and BMG licensing deal cover?
The August 2026 agreement covers BMG's recorded music and its publishing catalog worldwide. It also settles Suno's prior use of BMG recordings and works, meaning the training Suno already did. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Did BMG sue Suno before signing the licensing deal?
No. BMG was never a plaintiff against Suno, unlike Universal Music Group and Sony Music. The deal still backdates payment for prior use, so BMG secured compensation for past training without going to court.
Do BMG artists have to opt in to the Suno deal?
Yes. The announcement states BMG artists and songwriters who choose to participate have their rights protected and are compensated. Suno can only train on the portion of the catalog where creators actively opt in.
Does the Suno and BMG deal include Concord's catalog?
Not yet. Digital Music News reported the agreement would extend to Concord's publishing and recorded IP if the pending BMG and Concord merger completes as anticipated. That merger was confirmed in April 2026 and is still clearing regulators.
Which rightsholders have licensed Suno as of August 2026?
Warner Music Group signed in November 2025 and BMG signed in August 2026. Universal Music Group and Sony Music have not licensed Suno and remain in active litigation, and Suno has no deal with independent licensing agency Merlin.
About the author
Covering AI music tools, industry shifts, and news for music creators and professionals. Twice-weekly newsletter at aimusicpreneur.com.
