by Selena Hill
June 18, 2026
Partnering with one of many world’s largest model licensing companies might considerably develop OVO’s world licensing and retail footprint.
As Drake continues to dominate music charts with the success of his newest album Iceman, the rapper may additionally be making ready to make a significant enterprise transfer.
In keeping with Puck Information, Drake and his crew are in discussions to promote a 50% stake in October’s Very Personal (OVO), the life-style and attire model he co-founded, to Genuine Manufacturers Group (ABG), a worldwide model growth and licensing firm identified for managing a number of the world’s most recognizable shopper manufacturers. Whereas monetary phrases haven’t been disclosed, the transaction might symbolize one of the crucial important enterprise strikes within the historical past of the Toronto-born model.
Based by Drake, Oliver El-Khatib, and Noah “40” Shebib, OVO developed from a music collective right into a globally acknowledged trend and life-style firm. The model has constructed a loyal following by way of limited-edition drops and collaborations with main organizations, together with skilled sports activities leagues and leisure properties, reviews HotNewHipHop.
A partnership with ABG might dramatically develop OVO’s licensing alternatives. The New York-based firm oversees a portfolio of greater than 50 manufacturers and generates greater than $36 billion in annual world retail gross sales by way of its intensive community of companions and retail channels. Its portfolio consists of manufacturers comparable to Champion, Reebok, Sports activities Illustrated, and Lee, together with the mental property rights related to cultural icons together with Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe.
Trade observers word that ABG’s enterprise mannequin facilities on scaling manufacturers by way of licensing, strategic partnerships, and world distribution. If accomplished, the deal might place OVO for broader worldwide growth whereas permitting Drake and his companions to retain important possession and inventive affect.
Neither Drake nor Genuine Manufacturers Group has publicly confirmed the negotiations. Sources point out discussions are ongoing, and it stays unclear whether or not the deal will finally be finalized. Nonetheless, the reported talks underscore the rising worth of celebrity-founded manufacturers and spotlight how artists are more and more leveraging their cultural affect to construct scalable enterprise empires past music.
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