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The Weeknd has reportedly finalized a groundbreaking deal involving his music catalog, valued at approximately $1 billion, marking one of the most significant artist-led catalog agreements to date.
According to Variety, Abel Tesfaye has partnered with Lyric Capital Group to form a new business venture in which Lyric has invested in his music catalog spanning from the beginning of his career through 2025. The agreement notably excludes any future releases, allowing The Weeknd to retain full autonomy over new music moving forward.
Unlike traditional catalog sales, Tesfaye did not relinquish ownership. Instead, he and his team maintain creative control and remain shareholders and owners within the venture, preserving control over both publishing and master recordings. The structure reflects a strategic shift away from outright catalog sales toward partnership-driven models.
A representative from Lyric Capital Group emphasized that selling the catalog was never the goal. “From the beginning of the meeting, it was clear to all at Lyric that Abel would not sell his catalog,” the statement reads. “He wanted to be more innovative and creative in the way we established a partnership.” The deal ultimately led to the creation of a new business model that allows Tesfaye to execute his creative vision while retaining ownership of his rights.
The agreement sets a new benchmark for artist equity and control, signaling a growing trend of top-tier artists reshaping how music catalogs are valued, managed, and monetized in the modern industry.
The Weeknd has sold his music catalog for ~$1 BILLION in a new unique deal.
— Pop Faction (@PopFactions) December 15, 2025
Abel Tesfaye and Lyric Capital Group have closed a deal forming a business venture together wherein Lyric has INVESTED in the his music catalog from inception through 2025. (The deal excludes any future… pic.twitter.com/OA9iIuhMZ6
