A Global Empire: Bruno Mars and Avex Music Group Strike Major Publishing Deal
Bruno Mars has entered a global publishing partnership with Avex Music Group, linking up with a company that has been expanding its reach outside Japan. The agreement gives Avex the responsibility of managing the business of the songs Mars writes during the deal. This includes paying royalties and licensing the songs to different markets.
That role will begin once his current publishing agreement with BMG/Warner Chappell comes to an end. The setup allows both sides to move forward without interrupting any ongoing work tied to his catalog.
Avex’s Vision: Expanding the Mars Footprint
Executives see the partnership as a long-term move. CEO Katsumi Kuroiwa described Mars as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, pointing to a track record built on global hits. Avex Music Group CEO Brandon Silverstein shared a similar view, saying the company plans to support Mars' future releases while helping his songs reach more listeners worldwide.
The deal also reflects how Avex has been building its presence beyond its home market. The company runs its global music operations from Tokyo and Los Angeles, covering publishing, recorded music, artist management, and catalog deals. It works with hundreds of artists and represents a wide range of groups, showing the scale it has built over time
Billion-Dollar Backing and Chart-Topping Stats
Annual revenue has passed a billion dollar, supported by activities that include touring, merchandise, animation, and talent development. Large tours across Asia for artists like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber show how the company connects international acts with audiences in the region. That kind of setup matters when working with a global artist.
Mars enters this partnership with strong momentum. He has earned 10 No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including "I Just Might," which reached the top spot earlier this year. The track comes from his latest album The Romantic, his first full release since 24K Magic in 2016. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 186,000 units. Does a long gap between albums slow him down? The numbers suggest otherwise.
A major tour ahead
Recent collaborations have kept him visible across different audiences. His duet "Die With A Smile" with Lady Gaga became a global hit, while his feature on Rosé's "APT" picked up Grammy nominations for record and song of the year. These projects show how he continues to work across genres instead of relying only on solo releases. Why stick to one lane when you can reach several?
Plans for the Romantic tour add another layer to that momentum. The tour begins in April and is expected to be one of the biggest live events of 2026. Demand for those shows lines up well with Avex's experience in organizing large-scale tours, especially across Asia. And with that kind of demand, who wouldn't want a partner that already knows how to handle crowds at that scale?
The tour is visiting major stadiums throughout North America and Europe. Here are some of the key stops:
| Date | Location | Venue |
| April 10-11 | Las Vegas, NV | Allegiant Stadium |
| May 9-10 | Detroit, MI | Ford Field |
| May 16-17 | Chicago, IL | Soldier Field |
| May 20 | Columbus, OH | Ohio Stadium |
| May 23-30 | Toronto, ON | Rogers Stadium |
| July 18-28 | London, UK | Wembley Stadium |
| Aug 21-26 | E. Rutherford, NJ | MetLife Stadium |
| Sept 23 | San Antonio, TX | Alamodome |
Bruno Mars’ next tour, The Romantic Tour, sold 2.1 million tickets in one day on Ticketmaster, breaking a record. The tour starts in April and ends in October. It will visit cities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the U.K. His new album, “The Romantic,” comes out on February 27, 2026. The first single, “I Just Might,” came out on Friday.

| Category | Key Metric / Detail |
|---|---|
| New Album Performance | The Romantic (2026) – Debuted at #1 on Billboard 200 |
| First-Week Sales | 186,000 units (Highest solo debut since 24K Magic) |
| Chart Dominance | 10 No. 1 Hits on Billboard Hot 100 (including "I Just Might") |
| Tour Demand | 2.1 Million tickets sold in a single day for The Romantic Tour |
| Partner Revenue | Avex Music Group annual revenue exceeds $1 Billion |
| Global Reach | Operations spanning Tokyo, Los Angeles, and London |
| Recent Honors | Grammy Nominations for "Record of the Year" ("APT" with Rosé) |
| Strategic Markets | Focused expansion into Asia-Pacific and North American touring |