Figure Skating Faces Music Licensing Headache on Eve of Olympics

Key Highlights

• In a free online training module about music rights in sports, the ISU recommends skaters use the third-party platform called ClicknClear, which negotiates sports performance licenses for thousands of songs from Sony, Universal, Warner Music and others.
• The 45-minute online course describes ClicknClear, a UK-based startup, as “the ISU approved music licensing partner.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement‘All Required Procedures’The denial of Guarino’s music sent shockwaves through the figure skating world on Monday, in part because, according to his statement, he had adhered to prescribed ISU guidelines by using ClicknClear.“I followed all required procedures and submitted my music through the ISU ClicknClear system back in August, and I competed with this program throughout the entire system.”In a statement, an ISU spokesperson said the governing body was aware of the clearance issue faced by Guarino and would share further details “as appropriate.” They added that “while the ISU does not have a contractual relationship with ClicknClear, we continue to work collaboratively with rights clearance stakeholders to ensure that thrilling performances can be accompanied by stirring music.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementChantal Epp, founder and chief executive of ClicknClear, told Sportico the company signed “a multiyear agreement with the ISU in 2024” and co-produced the ISU’s online training module for skaters.
• She declined to answer questions about Guarino’s case, saying she was unable to comment on individual athletes’ music, but added that “record labels and publishers … have the sole discretion to approve or deny uses of their music and set license fees.”Broadly, Epp said, if a skater were to perform at the Olympics to music without proper licensing, it could lead to litigation, or broadcasters may choose not to air the program on television or streaming, therefore denying the skater their Olympic exposure.
• If a legal claim is brought by a third party, such as a musician or record label, the athlete and their national Olympic committee “would be responsible for handling and settling any disputes with the music rights holder (at the NOC’s cost).”Neither Spain’.