Deftones sell majority of catalogue to Warner Music Group
Metal icons Deftones have cashed in on their catalogue, selling most of their music rights to Warner Music Group.
According to Billboard, though terms of the deal and timing specifics are currently unknown, sources share that the band were seeking a mid to high double-digit multiple for the catalog.
This refers to how many times gross profit can be divided by the valuation price. The publication explained that music assets generally trade in a 12 to 18 multiples range, though global superstars might achieve above 20-times multiples.
Master-recording royalties, co-publishing interests, and writers’ royalties have all been included in the recent Deftones sale.
This is not a surprise, given that Warner already owned the band’s master recordings thanks to their long-standing relationship. Additionally, their publishing had remained in-house via Warner Chappell.
However, one member of the band opted out of the sale, choosing instead to retain their share of both publishing and master-recording royalties. In comparison, while the majority of the group opted to sell.
Though Billboard confirms that the sale has taken place in the last two years, the specific time frame is not currently known.
The sale comes at a time when Deftones are enjoying more mainstream success than ever before, thanks to social media platforms like TikTok encouraging a new generation of listeners to discover their music.
Last July, multiple Deftones releases were newly certified gold and platinum in the United States.
Recently, the band was announced as one of the main headliners for Rock en Seine festival in Paris, alongside the likes of Nick Cave, Tyler, the Creator, and Amyl and the Sniffers.
Additionally, the band, who released their last album, Private Music, in 2025, have also been confirmed as headliners for London’s All Points East Outbreak Festival.
They have also been nominated for ‘Best Rock Album’ at the Grammys in 2026.
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