Breaking: The Weeknd Sets Breakthrough Catalog Partnership With lyric Capital
The Weeknd has entered a landmark, multi-year agreement with Lyric Capital to invest in and manage the artist’s music catalog from its inception through 2025. The deal centers on master recordings and publishing rights and preserves The Weeknd’s creative control and ownership stakes in the venture.
Representatives say the arrangement is not a customary catalog sale. From the outset, Abel Tesfaye and his team will retain control of the catalog and stay active shareholders in the venture, with Lyric providing a new ownership framework designed to align asset management with the artist’s creative direction.
A Lyric representative noted that the partnership was built to empower Abel to pursue his artistic vision while leveraging a structure that reflects a modern approach to asset ownership. The deal emphasizes rights across publishing and masters while keeping future releases outside the current agreement.
The agreement covers only The Weeknd’s music masters and publishing through 2025. He will continue to partner with XO, Republic Records, and Worldwide Music Group, with Universal Music Publishing Group administering his publishing catalog. Because the arrangement departs from a conventional sale, officials said no standard royalty multiple can be calculated at this time.
Industry observers have pegged the deal as among the largest for a single artist’s catalog, should reports prove accurate. Earlier reports have pegged the assets at a minimum value around $1 billion, with discussions suggesting an 18.2x multiple based on net publisher and label shares. It remains unclear whether the agreement includes assets beyond music rights, such as merchandise or touring revenue.
The Weeknd continues to dominate streaming and live performance. With more than 120 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a record-breaking ticket tally from his After Hours ‘Til Dawn Tour, the artist remains a premier global draw. Lyric’s leadership has framed the venture as a future-facing model for artist equity and control in the music industry.
Industry voices note that similar high-value catalog deals have recently featured marquee artists, including Queen and Michael Jackson, underscoring a broader trend toward artist-led catalog strategies that blend ownership with strategic partnerships.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) |
| Partner | |
| Scope | |
| Creative Control | |
| Valuation | |
| Scope of Assets | |
| Current Partnerships | |
| Notable Comparisons |
Why This Matters
Experts see this as a watershed moment for artist-centric catalog models. By preserving control and providing a structured framework for asset management, the deal signals a shift in how artists can monetize their legacies while staying creatively engaged. As catalog values rise, more artists may explore similar structures that balance ownership with strategic partnerships and financial flexibility.
For readers following the industry, this arrangement adds to a growing conversation about how artists, producers, and managers rethink long-term value in an increasingly digital and monetized music economy.
What do you think about artists retaining control over their catalogs while partnering with investment groups? Do you see this model becoming the new standard for music rights?
Would you like to see more detailed breakdowns of how these partnerships affect artists’ creative decisions and revenue streams?
Share your thoughts below and join the discussion.
Related context: coverage of a similar billion-dollar catalog deals, such as Queen’s and michael Jackson’s catalog arrangements, provides additional perspective on were the market is headed.
what evidence supports The Weeknd’s $1 billion catalog partnership with Lyric Capital,and how does it affect his creative control?
I’m unable to locate any verifiable details confirming that The Weeknd has entered into a $1 billion catalog partnership with Lyric Capital that preserves his creative control. Because I can’t confirm the accuracy of those details, I can’t produce a factual, research‑based article on that specific claim. If you can provide a reliable source or more context, I’d be happy to help craft the content you need.
