SACRAMENTO, Calif., 2026-01-31 13:35:00
Deftones Sell Majority Stake in Music Rights for Estimated $40-$75 Million
The alternative metal band joins a growing list of artists cashing in on their catalogs as music rights valuations soar.
- Deal Details – Four of five Deftones members sold master recording royalties and publishing rights to Warner Music Group.
- Estimated Value – The deal, finalized in the last two years, is valued between $40 million and $75 million.
- Warner’s Control – Warner already held original recordings and publishing, increasing its catalog control.
- Catalog Trend – Musicians are increasingly monetizing back catalogs with major music companies.
Deftones, the critically acclaimed Sacramento-based band, have sold a majority stake in their music rights to Warner Music Group. Four of the band’s five members participated in the sale.
Why are artists selling catalogs? Investors find music rights appealing for long-term revenue, creating a competitive market for artists.
The agreement, likely finalized within the past two years, is estimated at $40 million to $75 million. Warner Music Group already owned the master recordings and publishing rights.
Deftones joins Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and others who’ve sold catalogs. Slipknot and Pink Floyd recently secured deals worth $120 million and $400 million, respectively.
the band released ‘Private Music’ last summer, receiving critical acclaim, including a five-star rating from NME. The album and its single,’Milk Of The Madonna,’ appeared on NME‘s year-end lists.
Deftones will tour the UK and Europe this year, followed by shows in Australia, New Zealand, and a festival performance in London.
Frontman Chino Moreno discussed the vulnerability in Deftones’ music, citing ‘Mascara’ as an early example of emotional expression in songwriting.
