SiriusXM Inks $125 Million Deal with Podcast Star Alex Cooper
In a groundbreaking move for the podcasting industry, Alex Cooper, host of the popular “Call Her Daddy” podcast, has signed a three-year deal with SiriusXM worth up to $125 million. This agreement surpasses Cooper’s previous $60 million contract with Spotify and exceeds the $100 million deal secured by the “SmartLess” podcast.
Industry insiders reveal that the contract includes specific performance targets and caveats that Cooper must meet to achieve the full value. This reflects a growing trend among podcasting companies to implement downside protection measures in their talent agreements.
A key component of the deal is “download insurance,” which requires Cooper to maintain a certain number of monthly downloads. Failure to meet these targets could result in reduced payouts, highlighting the performance-based nature of the contract.
The agreement extends beyond “Call Her Daddy” to encompass the entire Unwell Network, a slate of current and future shows featuring influencers such as Alix Earle, Madeline Argy, Harry Jowsey, and Owen Thiele. As part of the deal, Cooper assumes responsibility for compensating other hosts within her network.
Additional targets in the contract include live events and satellite radio programming, further expanding Cooper’s potential reach and impact. Her significant influence in the podcasting world, with “Call Her Daddy” consistently ranking high on Spotify and in the US, makes her a valuable asset for SiriusXM in attracting new audio talent.
Scott Greenstein, president and chief content officer at SiriusXM, expressed enthusiasm about Cooper’s potential to introduce new content and attract listeners. “Alex Cooper’s unique voice and perspective align perfectly with our vision for the future of audio entertainment,” Greenstein stated.
As the podcasting landscape continues to evolve, this landmark deal underscores the growing value of top-tier talent in the industry. The full $125 million payout hinges on Cooper’s ability to meet the outlined targets over the next three years, setting a new benchmark for podcast host compensation and performance expectations.