Deftones Sell Music Rights in Massive Deal

Deftones have reportedly sold a substantial portion of their music rights to Warner Music Group (WMG). Sources indicate that if the deal concluded recently, the band's catalog could be valued at approximately $75 million, based on an 11-times multiple of recent earnings. This valuation reflects the catalog's impressive growth, with annual album-consumption units in the U.S. averaging 1.322 million between 2023 and 2025.

The surge in the catalog's value is largely attributed to older Deftones albums released before 2016, which are now outperforming newer releases. This phenomenon is part of a broader trend where younger audiences are discovering and embracing classic rock and heavy music from this century, with platforms like TikTok playing a significant role. Active touring and aggressive physical media stocking by Warner Music have also contributed.

While the exact terms and timing remain undisclosed, the rights package is understood to include master-recording royalties and co-publishing stakes. Some reports suggest that only four of the five band members sold their rights, with one retaining a publishing stake. This acquisition signifies a major financial move for the band, capitalizing on the resurgent popularity of their extensive back catalog.