Global licensing agents drove US$117.7 billion in retail sales of licensed consumer products in 2025, and most of that comes from the top 10 agencies, according to License Global.
The licensing-focused media org listed the leading performers in its new Top Global Licensing Agents 2026 whitepaper, which is available today. The report details the 60 top global licensing agents, which collectively grew sales by 12.7% from 2024 to hit a milestone US$117 billion.
The top 10 licensing agents drove a large chunk of this, contributing US$80.1 billion of the retail sales in 2025, up 7.8% from the previous year. The success of these most successful companies is an “interesting barometer” of the strength of the licensed CP business, said Amanda Cioletti, VP of content and strategy for Global Licensing Group. “The retail sales achieved in 2025 reflects not only the strength of established brands but also the growing influence of trending categories and fan-based IPs,” said Cioletti.
The rise of social media and creator-led brands like Ms. Rachel is one of the biggest changes in the licensing business at the moment, according to License Global. The media company also noticed a surge in licensed consumer product deals for food and beverage, K-pop and anime.
The whitepaper signals growth in the CP industry at a time when it’s had to contend with price-sensitive consumers, rising inflation and overall business uncertainty thanks to the geopolitical climate.
License Global bases its annual report on a survey of licensing agents worldwide, as well as communication with the agencies. Its rankings are determined by retail sales figures submitted for the 2025 calendar year.
The top 10 agents were:
- IMG Licensing
- CAA Brand Management
- Beanstalk
- LMCA
- Alifish
- Brand Central
- Brandgenuity
- Global Icons
- Wildbrain CPLG
- CLC
License Global expects some changes to the rankings in the future, since CAA Brand Management and Beanstalk are now in the midst of a merger following a deal in February.
License Global also found that North America was the top region for licensing agents last year, generating US$56.4 billion in retail sales, and APAC was next with US$22.3 billion, while Europe and the UK drove a combined US$20 billion and LatAm generated US$11.1 billion.
The licensing community will gather at Global Licensing Group’s Licensing Expo next month from May 19 to May 21 in Las Vegas..
Newsletter
