Global music star The Weeknd has reportedly sealed a landmark catalog partnership with Lyric Capital Group in a deal valued at close to $1 billion, marking a major shift in how artists approach ownership and control.
Unlike a traditional catalog sale, the agreement is structured as a joint venture, allowing the Canadian singer, born Abel Tesfaye, to remain both a creative leader and long-term stakeholder in his music. The partnership covers his catalog from the beginning of his career through 2025, while preserving full control over both publishing and master recordings.
According to Variety, the deal was deliberately designed to avoid the usual sell-off model common in the industry. Sources close to the agreement stressed that The Weeknd had no intention of relinquishing ownership of his work, describing the structure as a new benchmark for artist equity and independence.
The arrangement does not include future releases and does not affect his current label or publishing agreements. Although official figures were not disclosed, industry insiders say the valuation places it among the largest single-artist catalog deals ever.
With more than 120 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a touring career that has now surpassed $1 billion in revenue, the deal further underscores The Weeknd’s immense commercial power and influence in the global music industry.
