No one could have predicted that an independent talk show launched in 2009 would eventually turn into a multimillion-dollar empire. We’re talking about The Joe Rogan Experience, of course! Joe Rogan and co-host Brian Redban launched the podcast on Ustream in December 2009 before expanding to YouTube, iTunes, and other podcast platforms.
For its first decade, the show operated independently, making money primarily through traditional podcast advertisements from brands such as Fleshlight, DraftKings, ZipRecruiter, and Onnit, along with YouTube ad revenue.
By the late 2010s, the podcast was pulling in tens of millions of downloads every month, establishing itself as one of the most popular shows in the world. That success caught Spotify’s attention, and in May 2020, Rogan announced a blockbuster multiyear partnership with the audio streaming giant.
The deal was initially estimated to be worth more than $100 million over three and a half years. Despite nearly facing cancellation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rogan remained a major force in podcasting.
Spotify renewed its partnership with the comedian and UFC color commentator in 2024 in a deal reportedly worth $250 million. This time, however, the agreement was non-exclusive, allowing Rogan to bring his show back to YouTube.
Now, six years after their initial partnership, Rogan and Spotify are ready to keep the relationship going, with their latest agreement reportedly worth another $250 million.
Joe Rogan Says Spotify Partnership Has Been an “Amazing Fit” After Deal Renewal
According to The Wall Street Journal, the UFC commentator and Spotify have renewed their partnership through 2028. Citing people familiar with the matter, the publication reported that the new agreement has terms similar to Rogan’s previous deal in 2024, which carried an estimated earnout of $250 million. Spotify has not disclosed the financial details of the renewal.
The numbers behind The Joe Rogan Experience explain why the streaming giant is keen to keep him around. The podcast has more than 18 million followers on Spotify and over 21 million subscribers on YouTube. It was also the No. 1 podcast in the United States by reach in the second quarter of 2026, according to Edison Research.
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The research firm has estimated that the show reaches 28.4 million Americans every month in 2026, making it a valuable property in an increasingly competitive podcasting market.
Rogan also shared his excitement about continuing the partnership in comments to The Wall Street Journal. He said, “The partnership with Spotify has been an amazing fit, and they’re incredible to work with. I’m extremely happy and excited to continue with them for years to come.”
Of course, Rogan’s success extends well beyond podcasting. He has served as the UFC’s lead color commentator since 2002 and has welcomed an incredible range of guests to his show, including Georges St-Pierre, Donald Trump, The Undertaker, Elon Musk, and MrBeast.
Kshitiz Kumar Singh is a UFC Writer at NY Fights with over three years of experience in sports journalism and content creation. Known for his sharp storytelling and passion for combat sports, he has written in-depth features on stars like Brock Lesnar, Randy Couture, and Ilia Topuria. Before joining NY Fights, Kshitiz worked as a UFC Editor at EssentiallySports while currently serving as a WWE Editor at FirstSportz. His admiration for legends like Georges St-Pierre continues to inspire his detailed and engaging MMA coverage. Whether he’s covering the Octagon or the squared circle, Kshitiz is committed to delivering accurate, high-quality content. Outside the world of sports, he’s a dedicated cinephile, often found practicing monologues from his favorite Al Pacino films, combining his love for cinema with storytelling.
