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She has one of the most iconic discographies in pop music.
So why, then, did feel compelled to sell the hit songs that made her a legend?
News broke this week that the 44-year-old global superstar had inked a sweeping deal to to music publishing giant Primary Wave, reportedly worth $200 million - a deal, and a staggering figure, that doubtless raised eyebrows.
And mere days later, Spears was spotted behind the wheel of her Mercedes SUV appearing to break the law, her cell phone pressed to her face.
On Thursday, she was photographed taking a spin around while appearing to be talking on the phone, which is illegal in under the 'No Touch' law (Vehicle Code 23123.5).
It is, however, not an isolated incident for Spears, who, in recent months, was filmed after a night out. At the time, sources feared she was 'spiraling' amid the release of her ex-husband 's memoir.
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Now, insiders speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail have revealed what they say drove Spears to sell the hits that cemented her as a pop icon - most notably, said one source close to the star, her 'heavy spending.'
Days after news broke that she sold her music catalog, Spears was spotted driving around Los Angeles with her cell phone pressed to her face
She appeared to be talking on the phone while behind the wheel, which is illegal in California under the 'No Touch' law (Vehicle Code 23123.5)
Spears reportedly inked a deal to sell her music in December
Meanwhile, a second source suggested that Spears may also be faced with a brutal reality check: that her music career may already be behind her.
'Everyone has to be realistic with Britney's future, including herself, so selling her catalog was wise because she isn't going to get back into music,' the second insider told the Daily Mail.
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Indeed, Spears has not released a full studio album since 2016's Glory, nor has she toured the US since her 2017 Piece of Me run, fueling speculation that her performing days are over.
She has confirmed as recently as January 2026 that she does not plan to return to the music industry - though she has .
Spears has also paid a princely sum every month to Federline - with whom she shares sons Jayden and Sean Preston Federline, 20 - since their 2007 divorce.
For years, Spears paid $20,000 per month in child support, a figure that doubled in 2018. In total, the popstar doled out an estimated $5 million over the course of nearly two decades.
The payments stopped, however, in 2024 when her youngest son turned 18.
Spears has not released a full studio album since 2016's Glory, nor has she toured the US since her 2017 Piece of Me run, fueling speculation that her performing days are over
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One source told the Daily Mail that the decision to ink the deal is motivated by finances
'Everyone has to be realistic with Britney's future, including herself, so selling her catalog was wise because she isn't going to get back into music,' the second insider told the Daily Mail
She has confirmed as recently as January 2026 that she does not plan to return to the music industry
The first source explained, 'Without her Vegas shows, she is really suffering. Those shows made her a fortune, but that ended years ago, sadly. The best thing for her is to go back to Vegas to perform again and have a steady paycheck, but I don't think she wants to work that hard'
Another source, however, has denied that Spears is facing money woes, telling the Daily Mail, 'Britney is not low on money, it's just a good time to sell her catalog because the marketplace is hot at the moment.'
