2024-08-21 09:55:02
Alex Cooper’s popular unfiltered sex and dating podcast, “Call Her Daddy,” is starting a new (business) relationship.
The podcaster — who has a following of millions of listeners, nicknamed the “Daddy Gang” — signed a new multiyear deal with SiriusXM, dropping Spotify as the show’s exclusive distributor.
Spotify had reportedly previously paid about $60 million for a three-year exclusive deal for the podcast in 2021. In January, the podcast was made available on all major audio platforms, a move that reflected Spotify’s shift in strategy away from exclusive rights.
Terms of SiriusXM’s deal were not disclosed. However, numerous reports have suggested it is valued at more than $100 million.
A spokesperson for Cooper did not immediately respond to a request for comment. SiriusXM and Spotify declined to comment.
The deal is the latest instance of a popular podcast leaving Spotify exclusivity behind. Last month, Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” signed a deal with Amazon’s podcast network Wondery after three years under Spotify. In February, Spotify signed a new multiyear partnership deal for controversial podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.” The podcast, which is the No. 1 rated podcast on Spotify, is no longer exclusive to the platform, however.
“Call Her Daddy” and the Unwell Network will still be available on Spotify.
But SiriusXM said in its announcement that it will have exclusive rights to distribution, advertising, events and more for “Call Her Daddy,” as well as the slate of shows from Cooper’s production company, Unwell Audio Network. Starting next year, SiriusXM is also expected to roll out exclusive content as part of the deal.
Scott Greenstein, president and chief content officer at SiriusXM, said in a statement that Cooper’s “fearless, unfiltered approach, where no topic is off the table has created a passionate and dedicated fanbase that is unmatched in podcasting.”
He said the podcast “perfectly aligns with the content that SiriusXM subscribers have come to love and expect from us.”
Cooper, 29, and former co-host Sofia Franklyn shot to viral fame with the podcast in 2018, which was then under Barstool Sports. It became known for candid conversations about commonly taboo topics.
After a professional split with Franklyn in 2020, Cooper hosted the podcast solo. She’s since interviewed a slew of celebrities and influencers — including Miley Cyrus, Paris Hilton and Zayn, Madison Beer and John Legend.
Cooper’s profile has continued to rise. In 2023, Spotify ranked “Call Her Daddy” the No. 2 biggest podcast globally. This year, Cooper also partnered with NBCUniversal to host a series of interactive watch parties for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Cooper and her husband, Matt Kaplan of ACE Entertainment, have continued to add to their company’s talent pool. Unwell Network’s talent signings include Alix Earle, Madeline Argy and Harry Jowsey. Most recently, Cooper also signed actor Owen Thiele.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Cooper thanked SiriusXM.
“WE ARE AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE AND DOING IT EVEN BIGGER IN 2025,” she wrote.
In a statement in the news release, she said the “Daddy Gang” remains a “top priority” when it comes to the podcast.
“The Daddy Gang wants more, so we’re getting ready to give them more…I can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.”
