The National Music Publishers’ Association has reached landmark AI licensing agreements with music firms Udio and KLAY. NMPA president and CEO David Israelite announced the deals at the group’s annual meeting on June 10. The pacts are described as the first industry-wide licensing arrangements for publisher members.
Israelite stated that the agreements provide equal compensation for publishers and record labels on the AI training side. He emphasized that NMPA will continue both litigation against unauthorized AI users and partnerships with compliant companies. The Udio deal allows NMPA members in good standing to review and join starting June 15. KLAY’s agreement is set to launch later this summer, with members receiving opt-in instructions. Israelite also announced an AI Songs Summit to be held in Nashville this fall. He highlighted ongoing concerns about AI-enabled streaming fraud, calling it a national security issue. P!nk received the Songwriter Icon award for 2026, while Julian Bunetta was named Non-Performing Songwriter Icon.
