Music license for gyms in the US: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR explained

If your members can hear music in your gym, in the US you generally need public performance licenses from the organizations that represent songwriters, as well as a music source that is allowed for business use.

Who issues the licenses

The US has four main performing rights organizations, or PROs: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR (Global Music Rights). A songwriter belongs to only one of them, so each PRO looks after a different part of the music you hear. That’s why most gyms that play popular music need a license from each one: it’s almost impossible to play only songs from one catalog.

What the licenses cover

• Background music on the gym floor, in reception, changing rooms and any café.
• Music in group exercise classes, which the PROs usually price separately from background music.
• Each PRO sells an annual “blanket” license that covers every song in its catalog.

What affects the cost

Each PRO sets its own rates, and they change, so check the current figures with each one. For gyms, the cost usually depends on:

• the size of your gym and how many members or people it holds;
• how many areas and speakers play music;
• how many classes with music you run each week;
• whether you charge membership or entry fees (gyms usually do).

What about the recordings?

Unlike the UK, Ireland or Canada, the US doesn’t have a separate venue license for the recordings themselves when you play music in your gym. The PRO licenses cover the songwriting side. Your music source still has to be allowed for business use, though.

The small business exemption doesn’t help gyms

US law has an exemption that lets some small businesses play the radio or TV without a license. It only covers radio and TV broadcasts, so it doesn’t apply to a gym playing a music service, a playlist or music in classes.

Your music source matters too

PRO licenses don’t make a personal Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube account legal in a gym: their terms only allow personal use. You need a music service built for businesses. Here’s why Spotify isn’t allowed.

We have secured music supplier licenses, but in the US you also need public performance licenses from the PROs.

What happens if you don’t have them

Playing music to members without the right licenses is copyright infringement. The PROs do check businesses, and US law allows damages of $750 to $150,000 for each song used without permission, so it’s much cheaper to get licensed.

How to get them

1. Go to the ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR websites and find the license for fitness clubs or health clubs.
2. Have your gym’s size, number of members and weekly class numbers ready.
3. Apply to each one; the licenses normally run for a year and renew each year.

For other countries, see our music licensing guide for gyms and our page on gym music in the US.

Questions