The Weeknd, real name is Abel Tesfaye, has reportedly entered a partnership with Lyric Capital Group, to sell more shares of the singer's music catalog. This particular collaboration involves Lyric investing in the Weeknd's music catalog from its inception through 2025, as confirmed by representatives for the artist told Variety.

A key aspect of the venture is that the Weeknd and his team will retain creative control over the music catalog while also being part shareholders in the business. According to a representative, the agreement is not a traditional catalog sale. The intention according to Lyric was to explore a more inventive approach to partnership. This led to the establishment of a new business model that provides the artist and his team the freedom to pursue their creative vision while holding onto their rights, both in publishing and master recordings.

The specific details of financial arrangements were not disclosed, but reports from sources such as Billboard and Bloomberg earlier in the year suggested that the associated assets could be valued at around $1 billion based on an estimated net label and publisher share of roughly $55 million. That scenario would imply a multiple of about 18.2 times.

Interestingly, prior to this agreement, half of the Weeknd's publishing rights were already held by Chord Music Partners, which is associated with Universal Music Group and Dundee Partners. Lyric Capital, known for investing in music royalties, also manages the Spirit Music Group, which encompasses various catalogs from well-known artists.