SOCAN Sports Events Tariff 2024–2026

Summary#

The Copyright Board set a new music-licence tariff called SOCAN Tariff 9 – Sports Events (2024-2026) and published it on July 8, 2023. It requires organisers of sports events that play music (live or recorded) to pay royalties based mainly on ticket sales: 0.1% of gross ticket receipts per event, with a minimum of $8.

What it does#

• Charges 0.1% of gross ticket receipts (before sales and amusement taxes) for the public performance of works in SOCAN’s repertoire at sports events in the years 2024 to 2026.
• Values each complimentary ticket at half the lowest paid ticket price in the same ticket category for that event.
• Sets a minimum fee of $8 per event, even if admission is free.
• Does not cover music played at opening or closing events that charge a separate admission; those are outside this tariff.
• Requires event organisers to file a report and pay fees no later than 30 days after the end of each quarter.
• Gives SOCAN the right to audit users’ books to check reported figures.
• Charges interest on late payments at a rate equal to 1% above the Bank Rate (as published by the Bank of Canada). All amounts are exclusive of any taxes.

Who's affected#

• Event organisers, promoters, venues, teams, leagues, and production companies that run sports events (baseball, hockey, football, basketball, skating competitions, races, track meets, etc.) and play recorded music or use live performers.
• Smaller or free community events that still must pay the $8 minimum per event.
• Ticketing and accounting staff who must value complimentary tickets and report sales quarterly.
• It is unclear from the notice whether some niche situations (for example, non-ticketed broadcasts or certain charity events) are covered; organisers in unclear cases may need to contact SOCAN or the Copyright Board.

Why it matters#

• It creates a predictable, small-percentage cost for using copyrighted music at sports events. For many events that cost will be small, but it is a recurring and enforceable fee.
• The $8 minimum means even free events or very small gatherings may owe something.
• Organisers must track ticket sales, value complimentary tickets, submit quarterly reports, and be prepared for audits — adding administrative work.
• If fees are passed to customers, ticket prices could rise slightly; if absorbed, they affect event budgets.