The global licensing business continues to climb.
License Global released its Top Global Licensing Agents 2026 whitepaper, reporting $117.7 billion in retail sales of licensed consumer products tied to agent-managed portfolios in 2025. The total marks a 12.7% year-over-year increase, signaling continued momentum across categories and regions.
The Top 10 agencies alone generated $80 billion in retail sales, led by IMG Licensing, CAA Brand Management, and Beanstalk. Rankings may shift further following the planned integration of CAA Brand Management and Beanstalk.
The report highlights a changing landscape shaped by consolidation in the entertainment industry, the rise of digital-first IP, and growing demand for creator-led brands. Categories including food and beverage, anime, and K-pop continue to gain traction, while toys and games posted notable growth, rising to 62% of agents’ focus.
North America led all regions with $56.4 billion in retail sales, followed by APAC and Europe.
“The Top Global Licensing Agents report is such an interesting barometer of the health of the business of licensed consumer products and brand extensions,” said Amanda Cioletti, Vice President of Content and Strategy for the Global Licensing Group, which includes Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, and media brand License Global. “The retail sales achieved in 2025 reflect not only the strength of established brands but also the growing influence of trending categories and fan-based IPs. This report serves as a vital resource for understanding the trends shaping the future of licensing and highlights the incredible work of the agents who drive this dynamic industry forward.”
The report underscores how licensing agents continue to shape retail through strategic brand extensions and partnerships.
The Top 10 Global Licensing Agents*
- IMG Licensing
- CAA Brand Management
- Beanstalk
- LMCA
- Alifish
- Brand Central
- Brandgenuity
- Global Icons
- Wildbrain CPLG
- CLC
*Note: CAA Brand Management and Beanstalk merged in February.
Click here to view the entire list and trends report (registration required for download) at License Global.
Meet The Toy Book Team at Licensing Expo!
The Adventure Media & Events team will be present at Licensing Expo with new issues of The Toy Book and The Pop Insider set to debut on May 19. Visit us at Booth No. F106 to grab The Toy Book‘s 2026 Licensing & Entertainment Issue (featuring The Licensing Book supplement), and the spring edition of The Pop Insider. Both issues are now in production. To book your space in our new issues, please contact Jackie Breyer, James Devin, or Stephanie Katz.
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