Country Music Association

What Country Music Association does

The Country Music Association (CMA), founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee, is the first trade organization formed to promote a single genre of music. It operates as a private, member-governed trade association serving 8,000+ music industry professionals across roughly 40 countries, with a more recent homepage figure of 8,100 members in 16 countries, and reaches an estimated 6.2 million fans globally each year across digital platforms.

CMA's product portfolio is anchored by three flagship annual television properties: CMA Fest (a four-day festival in Nashville drawing an estimated 100,000 daily attendees, evolved from Fan Fair in 1972), CMA Awards (the longest-running annual music awards program on network television, with the 60th edition scheduled for November 18, 2026), and CMA Country Christmas (a holiday TV special in its 16th year). Supporting products include Fan Fair X (an indoor fan marketplace at Music City Center), the CMA Songwriters Series and Introducing Nashville (international touring showcases), and a suite of secondary award programs (CMA Touring Awards, Triple Play Awards, Broadcast Awards, International Awards, and the Country Music Hall of Fame). The wholly-owned CMA Foundation, established in 2011, has invested over $29 million in music education through programs such as Music Teachers of Excellence, which has recognized 200+ educators across 12 states.

CMA's revenue model is a diversified five-stream mix: recurring membership dues from 8,000+ industry professionals, event ticketing (stadium passes, Fan Fair X passes starting at $13/day, VIP packages), broadcast and streaming rights from a Disney/ABC partnership extended through 2032 (now including live Disney+ streaming), corporate sponsorships (presenting sponsors SoFi and STRAUSS, plus Chevrolet, Busch Light, Dr Pepper, CELSIUS, Wrangler, Tractor Supply, and Good Molecules), and merchandise sales. Distribution spans ABC broadcast, Disney+ and Hulu streaming, and media partnerships with Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, and iHeartCountry. CMA is governed by a Board of Directors with established succession planning; CEO Sarah Trahern is retiring at year-end 2026. No venture capital, private equity, or strategic parent ownership is indicated in the source materials.

Name

Country Music Association

Legal name

Country Music Association, Inc.

Website

https://cmaworld.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization promoting Country Music. It serves 8,000+ industry professionals and millions of fans through flagship events including CMA Fest, CMA Awards, and CMA Country Christmas.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Music Industry Trade Association

NAICS

Other Performing Arts Companies (71119)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Concerts & Music Festivals (THAJAFAA)

Keywords

• Music industry trade association
• Country music membership
• Live music festivals
• Music awards broadcasting
• Music education philanthropy

Headquarters

HQ city

Nashville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: CMA operates as a membership organization with 8,000+ members in 40 countries. Professionals pay membership dues to access industry benefits, voting rights, networking, and professional development resources.
2. Event Ticketing: Revenue from CMA Fest ticket sales including four-night stadium passes, single-night tickets, Fan Fair X passes, VIP packages, and Riverside Retreat upgrades. Portion of proceeds support CMA Foundation music education initiatives.
3. Broadcast & Streaming Rights: CMA earns revenue from broadcast and streaming partnerships with Disney/ABC and Hulu for airing CMA Awards, CMA Fest, and CMA Country Christmas television specials.
4. Sponsorship & Partnerships: Brand partnerships including presenting sponsors (SoFi for CMA Fest, STRAUSS for CMA Touring Awards), official sponsors (Busch Light, Chevrolet, Dr Pepper, CELSIUS), and media partners generate significant sponsorship revenue.
5. Merchandise Sales: Sale of CMA branded merchandise including festival memorabilia, posters, custom bracelets, and artist wardrobe proceeds through Fan Fair X and The Archives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels19 records

Core offering

The Country Music Association is a privately held trade association that promotes and supports the country music industry through three flagship annual television events (CMA Awards, CMA Fest, CMA Country Christmas) broadcast on ABC and streamed on Disney+/Hulu, a paid membership program serving 8,000+ music industry professionals across 40 countries, multiple industry award programs (CMA Touring Awards, Triple Play, Broadcast, International, Country Music Hall of Fame), live fan experiences such as Fan Fair X, international touring series, and a 501(c)(3) philanthropic foundation that has invested $29 million in music education.

Product overview

The Country Music Association (CMA) is a trade association operating three core annual television properties: CMA Fest (the longest-running Country Music festival in the world), CMA Awards (Country Music's Biggest Night and longest-running annual music awards on network television), and CMA Country Christmas (holiday television special). Supporting products include Fan Fair X (indoor fan marketplace), CMA Songwriters Series, Introducing Nashville (international touring series), and the CMA Foundation (philanthropic arm focused on music education). The association also manages multiple award programs including CMA Touring Awards, CMA Triple Play Awards, CMA Broadcast Awards, CMA International Awards, and Country Music Hall of Fame inductions. Membership services provide 8,000+ industry professionals with voting rights, networking, and professional development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CMA Fest: The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience - annual festival in Nashville featuring hundreds of artists across multiple stages
• CMA Awards
• CMA Country Christmas
• CMA Songwriters Series
• CMA Foundation
• Introducing Nashville
• CMA Triple Play Awards
• CMA Touring Awards
• CMA Broadcast Awards
• CMA International Awards

Products and services

• CMA Fest The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience — an annual four-day festival in Nashville featuring hundreds of artists across multiple stages. Began in 1972 as Fan Fair and now draws an estimated 100,000 daily attendees from all 50 states and 39 countries. All festival performances are filmed for an ABC Television Network special. Targeted to country music fans and industry partners.
• CMA Awards Country Music's Biggest Night — the longest-running annual music awards program on network television. Nominees and winners are determined by over 7,300 industry professional CMA members. Aired each November on ABC; the 60th Annual CMA Awards is scheduled for November 18, 2026, and will also stream live on Disney+. Targeted to country music fans, industry professionals, and broadcast partners.
• CMA Country Christmas Annual holiday television special featuring festive classics and one-of-a-kind country music performances. Taped at Belmont University in Nashville and airs each holiday season on ABC, with streaming on Hulu and Disney+. Targeted to country music fans and family audiences.
• Fan Fair X Indoor fan marketplace and destination within CMA Fest at Music City Center in Nashville, offering meet-and-greets with artists, exclusive performances on the CMA Close Up Stage and Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage, shopping, and intimate fan interactions. Targeted to country music fans attending CMA Fest.
• CMA Songwriters Series Showcase series featuring successful country music songwriters performing and sharing the stories behind their hit songs in a traditional Nashville songwriter's round format. Events held in various cities worldwide. Targeted to country music fans, songwriters, and industry professionals.
• Introducing Nashville International touring series featuring stripped-back shows in a traditional Nashville writers round format. Nashville artists introduce their songs and share stories, followed by intimate meet-and-greet opportunities. Targeted to international country music fans.
• CMA Membership Trade association membership for music industry professionals with 8,000+ members across 40 countries. Benefits include CMA Awards voting rights, ticket presales, healthcare resources, networking opportunities, CMA EDU professional development, research access, and industry discounts. Targeted to music industry professionals (artists, labels, publishers, managers, agents, venues, touring personnel).
• CMA Foundation Nonprofit 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of CMA, established in 2011, that invests in high-quality music education programs, supports teachers through professional development, equips classrooms with instruments and resources, and creates opportunities for students. Has invested over $29 million in music education.
• CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence Flagship recognition program of the CMA Foundation honoring 30 outstanding K-12 music educators across 12 states each year. Each honoree receives a $5,000 award and participates in professional development and industry experiences. The program has recognized 200+ educators across its 10-year history.
• CMA Touring Awards Annual awards program recognizing professional achievement within the country music touring industry across 20 award categories covering crew, production, management, and venue excellence. Determined by CMA professional voting members.
• CMA Triple Play Awards Awards presented to songwriters who have written three No. 1 songs in a 12-month period across Billboard Country Airplay, Billboard Hot Country Songs, and Country Aircheck charts. Over 300 awards presented since 1991.
• CMA Broadcast Awards Prestigious annual awards recognizing excellence in country broadcasting across U.S. and Canadian radio stations and on-air personalities, judged by a panel of broadcast professionals. Categories established by market size based on Nielsen rankings.
• CMA International Awards Annual awards honoring country music professionals working outside the United States, determined by CMA Members residing outside the U.S. and a select domestic panel.
• Country Music Hall of Fame (CMA program) Country Music's highest honor, created in 1961 to recognize individuals for outstanding contributions to the genre. Inductees are chosen by CMA's Hall of Fame Panels of Electors and honored during a Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Quantifiable outcome

• $29 million invested through CMA Foundation supporting music education
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship, core and major.

• CventminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026Cvent is co-hosting Cvent CONNECT 2026 with Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, featuring performances by Chris Janson and Carly Pearce. CMA leaders participating in industry panel.
• Nashville Convention & Visitors CorpminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026Co-host of Cvent CONNECT 2026 conference in Nashville. Partnership showcases Nashville's entertainment and hospitality offerings to industry professionals.
• SoFi TechnologiesflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026SoFi serves as the presenting sponsor and Official Bank of CMA Fest. Partnership aims to inspire financial independence through music. Includes exclusive member perks at CMA Fest (SoFi Studio lounge, meet-and-greets, 25% cash back rewards), and the Amplify Your Ambitions Contest with $200,000 grand prize for emerging artists. First-ever broadcast presenting sponsor.
• ChevroletcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026CMA's longest-standing partner returns as Official Vehicle of CMA Fest with major presence including Chevy Riverfront Stage and Chevy Vibes Stage. Fan activations include Bolt Charge-Up Lounge, 'Catch A Chevy' complimentary rides, and GM Store shopping at Fan Fair X.
• Busch Light (Anheuser-Busch)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Official Beer Sponsor of CMA Fest returns with Busch Light. Includes Busch Country experience in Ascend Park with artist meet-and-greets, Flavor Showdown sampling, and merchandise. Also sponsors NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer.
• Dr PeppermajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Official Carbonated Soft Drink of CMA Fest returns with destination at Dr Pepper Amp Stage in Ascend Park. Offers free merchandise including cowboy hats, cooling towels, t-shirts, buttons, and Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut samples.
• CELSIUSminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Returns to bring energy to the riverfront with two-story CELSIUS Saloon inside Fan Alley. Offers complimentary CELSIUS, upper deck recharging, and custom merch giveaways.
• Good MoleculesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Official Skin Care partner of CMA Fest. Provides skincare sample packs, festival visors, and sponsors Good Molecules Reverb Stage. Includes 'CMA Fest History Walk presented by Good Molecules' along John Siegenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
• WranglermajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026New for 2026, Wrangler joins as title sponsor of new Wrangler Remix Stage in Fan Alley. Bringing The Wrangler Ranch to Acme Feed and Seed with artist meet-and-greets, line dancing, and giveaways.
• Tractor Supply CompanymajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026First-ever presenting partner of Spotlight Stage inside Fan Fair X. Fans can create custom bandana necklaces at brand's adjacent activation.
• ABCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 28 May 2026Broadcast partner for CMA Fest television special airing at 8/7c on ABC. CMA has produced summer concert TV specials for 23 consecutive years. Joint marketing support partner.
• HulucoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 28 May 2026Streaming partner for CMA Fest concert special airing next day on Hulu.
• Amazon MusicminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Media partner for CMA Fest. Features Amazon Music's 'Country Heat Weekly' Live at Fan Fair X CMA Close Up Stage.
• Apple MusicminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Media partner for CMA Fest marketing support.
• AudacyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Radio media partner for CMA Fest coverage.
• iHeartCountryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Radio partner for CMA Fest and CMA Awards coverage.
• PandoraminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Streaming partner for CMA Fest as media partner.
• SpotifyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Streaming partner for CMA Fest as media partner.
• SiriusXMminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Satellite radio partner for CMA Fest as media partner.
• Cumulus MediaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Radio media partner for CMA Fest.
• Country Music Hall of Fame and MuseummajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2026Media partner for CMA Fest. Hosts Medallion Ceremony for Country Music Hall of Fame inductees in CMA Theater.
• Opry Entertainment GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2026Entertainment partner for CMA Fest. Hosts Opry NextStage Live at Luke Combs' Category 10 as ancillary event benefiting CMA Foundation.
• Alani NuminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Brand partner bringing two-story Pony Up Club to life in Ascend Park with embroidered bandana giveaways, immersive photo ops, and samples.
• SONICminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Brand partner keeping fans cool with SONIC Frozen Refreshers at 'Thirst Trap' activation in Fan Alley.
• Sam's ClubminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Brand partner featuring summertime favorites at 'Win Summer with Sam's Club' experience at CMA Fest.
• American IdolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2026Television talent competition returning to CMA Fest to hold in-person auditions for producers at Music City Center on June 5, 2026.
• DisneycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 May 2026Disney and CMA extended their broadcast and streaming partnership through 2032. The agreement includes CMA Awards, CMA Fest, and CMA Country Christmas. Beginning in 2026, the CMA Awards will stream live on Disney+ alongside traditional ABC broadcast, starting with the 60th Annual CMA Awards on November 18, 2026. This builds on a 20-year collaboration.
• Kelsea BalleriniflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 April 2026Artist partner with SoFi and CMA for 'Amplify Your Ambitions Contest' supporting emerging artists. Contest offers $200,000 grand prize and two $50,000 runner-up prizes. Judge on panel with Vivian Tu and Shane McAnally.
• STRAUSS (Engelbert Strauss)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 November 2025STRAUSS announced partnership during the 59th Annual CMA Awards in November 2025. Serves as presenting sponsor of CMA Touring Awards and exclusive workwear provider for CMA Fest 2026. Partnership includes plans to expand presence in Nashville through 2026. Founded in 1948, STRAUSS is a global leader in technical workwear.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Americana Music Association: Trade organization for Americana music with annual AmericanaFest conference and Honors & Awards. Closely comparable in structure, size, and membership-based trade association model.
• Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI): Trade association specifically for songwriters, also Nashville-based. Comparable membership structure and advocacy focus, though narrower in scope than CMA's industry-wide remit.
• Recording Academy: The trade organization behind the Grammy Awards, serving music creators across all genres. Most structurally comparable peer given similar membership model, awards-show television property, and advocacy mission.
• International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA): Trade association for Bluegrass music operating the IBMA World Conference and Awards. Comparable genre-trade model with annual conference, awards, and member services.
• Academy of Country Music (ACM): The competing Country Music trade association operating ACM Awards and ACM Lifting Lives. Directly comparable as a genre-specific trade body with overlapping membership, awards, and philanthropic activities.
• Gospel Music Association (GMA): Genre-specific trade association operating the GMA Dove Awards. Highly comparable as another faith/genre trade body with awards show, membership, and Hall of Fame components.

Broad incumbents

• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Sister institution to CMA in Nashville, hosting the CMA-created Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony. Closely intertwined with CMA through shared heritage mission, though operates as separate museum/education entity.
• Billboard: Music industry trade media outlet publishing the Country charts (Billboard Country Airplay, Hot Country Songs) that underpin CMA Triple Play Awards. Adjacent industry coverage role rather than direct competitor.

Emerging players

• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation: Operates the Rock Hall of Fame inductions with industry electorate voting model analogous to CMA's Hall of Fame. Comparable mission of honoring genre-defining artists and stewarding heritage.

Others

• ASCAP: Performing Rights Organization collecting royalties for songwriters and publishers. Comparable as a music industry member services organization, though focused on rights administration rather than events and awards.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CountryMusic
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CountryMusicAssoc
• Facebookfacebook.com/cma
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-country-music-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/cma
• TikToktiktok.com/@countrymusicassociation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Country Music Association