MMA commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan has struck an exclusive, multiyear podcast deal with Spotify, worth more than $100 million. Rogan, who’s been hosting his podcast, ‘The Joe Rogan Experience,’ for the past 11 years, has become a notable figure in the podcast world, and now he’s capitalizing via a unique deal with the music and podcast-streaming platform.
On Tuesday (May 19), the news hit about Rogan moving his show to the digital platform, via the hefty deal. Since, Rogan confirmed the move on his YouTube channel. In the video, he explains, “The podcast is moving to Spotify. I signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Spotify that will start on September 1. Starting on September 1, the entire JRE library will be available on Spotify as well as all the other platform, then, somewhere around the end of the year, it will become exclusive to Spotify, including the video version of the podcast.”
He adds, “It will be the exact same show. I am not going to be an employee of Spotify. We are going to be working with the same crew doing the exact same show, the only difference will be it will now be available on the largest audio platform in the world. Nothing else will change. It will be free. It will be free to you, you just have to go to Spotify to get it. We’re very excited to begin this new chapter of the JRE and I hope you’re there when we cross over. Thanks.”
It’s reported that the podcaster expressed hesitation previously in moving his show, reportedly feeling that he’d miss out on grander opportunities with other platforms. But, he’s since relaxed his worries as the platform’s been acquiring other media companies and podcasts, making them the go-to platform.
Spotify accompanied with a statement on their newest acquisition. They state:
“Since its launch in 2009, the pioneering Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) has broken ground and built one of the most loyal and engaged fan bases in the world. Rogan brings his sensibilities as a stand-up comic to the show, and alongside dynamic and diverse guests, he fearlessly broaches far-ranging topics including neuroscience, sports, comedy, health, infectious disease, and our ever-changing culture—all with a mix of curiosity and humor. Bringing the JRE to Spotify will mean that the platform’s more than 286 million active users will have access to one of culture’s leading voices.”
