Irving Azoff in Talks to Merge iHeartMedia and SiriusXM into Radio Streaming Giant

Legendary music mogul Irving Azoff is in talks to acquire iHeartMedia and SiriusXM and merge the companies into a single radio and streaming powerhouse, according to a person familiar with the situation. While negotiations are ongoing, there is no guarantee a deal will be finalized.

A successful merger would unite iHeartMedia, the nation’s largest radio company with more than 860 stations across 160 U.S. markets, with SiriusXM, the leading satellite radio provider, creating an unparalleled platform in both traditional and digital audio content.

Who is Irving Azoff?

Irving Azoff is one of the most influential figures in live music and entertainment. He represents major artists including Chicago and The Eagles, maintains a close partnership with James Dolan, owner of MSG, and heads The Azoff Company, which has acquired significant music catalogs. Azoff is also a co-founder of the Oak View Group, a global leader in venue development, management, and hospitality, serving over 300 client-partners such as arenas, stadiums, and convention centers.

“Azoff isn’t traditionally in radio or streaming, but this deal represents a strategic expansion into a space deeply connected to his lifelong work in music and entertainment.”

Expanding Beyond Traditional Radio

Both iHeartMedia and SiriusXM have evolved beyond their core offerings. iHeartMedia has invested heavily in streaming and podcasting, launching successful programs such as:

• Charlamagne tha God’s “The Breakfast Club”
• “This Is Important” with Adam Devine, Anders Holm, and Blake Anderson from “Workaholics”

These podcasts have expanded into video content, enabling partnerships with major platforms like Netflix and TikTok.

SiriusXM, meanwhile, has broadened its reach with streaming options across news, talk, and podcast genres. Its top programs include:

• Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy
• SmartLess, featuring Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett
• Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

These shows have secured nine-figure licensing deals with SiriusXM, underscoring the platform’s dominance in audio entertainment.

A Potential Counterweight to Tech Giants

The combined entity could emerge as a significant counterbalance to the growing influence of technology companies in media. Azoff has been vocal about his criticism of platforms like YouTube, which he described as a “bully” during a September 2025 panel at TheWrap’s TheGrill conference.

Company Responses

iHeartMedia declined to comment on the reported talks. SiriusXM did not immediately respond to a request for comment from TheWrap.