Best Entertainment Industry Books of 2026

The book "Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America" is a fascinating biography of Vince McMahon, the former WWE chairman and CEO who rose from rural poverty to become one of the most influential figures in American pro wrestling. The book features exclusive interviews with over 150 individuals who witnessed, aided, and suffered from his ascent. Even if you're not a fan of wrestling, this unauthorized and independent investigative chronicle offers a new lens for understanding contemporary American culture. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the entertainment industry and American politics.

All You Need to Know About the Music Business, now in its tenth edition, is the definitive guide to the music industry. Written by veteran music lawyer Don Passman, this book offers timely and authoritative information on the most profound change in the music industry yet: streaming. Passman leads novices and experts alike through how to select and hire a winning team of advisors, navigate the ins and outs of record deals, songwriting, publishing, and copyrights, and how the game is played in a streaming world. This updated edition is more essential than ever for anyone trying to navigate the rapid transformation of the industry.

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how to foster creativity in business and leadership. As a co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, Catmull shares his insights into the company's unique environment that has produced some of the most successful films in history. The book provides an inside look into Pixar's meetings, postmortems, and "Braintrust" sessions, revealing the ideals and techniques that have made it so widely admired and profitable. Overall, Creativity, Inc. is an insightful and inspiring read that offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to unleash their creativity and achieve success.

Agent You: Show Up, Do the Work, and Succeed on Your Own Terms by Nicole Lynn is a self-help book that teaches readers how to achieve their personal and professional goals. As the first Black female agent to represent a top three NFL draft pick, Nicole shares her journey and key strategies for creating a plan and executing it. Each chapter includes exercises to help readers implement the strategies presented, making it easy to start working towards their goals. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to own their success story and walk in their purpose.

The New York Times bestseller, "No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention" by Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, is a fascinating look at the unorthodox management principles that have allowed the company to become one of the most innovative and successful in the world. Hastings rejected traditional business practices and built a culture focused on freedom and responsibility, which has allowed Netflix to adapt and innovate as the needs of its members and the world have changed. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in leadership and organizational culture.

How to Make It in the New Music Business by Ari Herstand is a comprehensive guide that offers practical tips on how to build a loyal following and make a living as a musician. The book has become an indispensable resource for aspiring artists who want to take control of their careers in the music industry. In this updated third edition, Herstand provides valuable insights on how to navigate the post-COVID era and the digital landscape, including social media and fan connection. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to succeed in the modern music business.

The League: How Five Rivals Created the NFL and Launched a Sports Empire by John Eisenberg is a fascinating account of the pioneering sportsmen who kept the NFL alive in its early years. The book focuses on the sacrifices made by Art Rooney, George Halas, Tim Mara, George Preston Marshall, and Bert Bell, who believed in pro football when few others did, and ultimately succeeded in building the most popular sport in America. Eisenberg's deeply researched and surprise-on-every-page book is an essential read for any fan of the NFL and a remarkable story of business ingenuity. Overall, this is a compelling history of a sport and an exemplary chapter in American capitalism and popular culture.

The LEGO Story is a must-read for LEGO enthusiasts and business professionals alike. The book provides a comprehensive history of the company and its impact on the world of play. Based on exclusive access to the LEGO archives and interviews with the founding family, The LEGO Story offers a fascinating case study of innovation and creativity. Richly illustrated with never-before-seen photos, this cultural history is a riveting account of changing views of childhood and the importance of play. Overall, The LEGO Story is an insightful and engaging book that highlights the significance of LEGO in our lives.

LIV and Let Die by Alan Shipnuck is a fascinating and well-researched book that delves into the PGA Tour's battle against the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League. Alan Shipnuck, a trusted correspondent, delivers the inside story in real-time, with fly-on-the-wall reporting from the decadent yachts where LIV was hatched and within the corridors of power as the PGA Tour flailed to fend off the threat. Shipnuck's unparalleled access and award-winning reporting chops provide rich portraits of the brand-name protagonists to this sprawling story, making it a must-read for anyone who has a stake in professional golf. The book is unique in its ability to reveal numerous revelations about what really happened, and why, during the most chaotic moment in golf history.

"I Am Debra Lee: A Memoir" is a captivating book by the former CEO of Black Entertainment Television (BET), Debra Lee. In this memoir, Lee shares her experiences as a high-powered Black woman executive in the entertainment industry, and how she broke the glass ceiling to elevate Black images and storytelling. She talks about the challenges she faced as a Black woman CEO, including motherhood, reproductive choice, and navigating the #MeToo movement. Lee's story is inspiring and empowering, and her narrative is filled with personal revelations, juicy celebrity intel, and electrifying behind-the-scenes stories. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a unique perspective on building an unapologetically Black enterprise as a Black woman."