What is co-management?

2 managers sharing the role on the same artist and splitting one commission between them – not 2 separate cuts. The artist still pays a standard 15–20%; the co-managers divide it.

Does the artist pay double commission with 2 managers?

No, and this is the part that matters. Co-management splits a single commission, so the artist pays the same 15–20% they would with one manager. If a deal is set up so the artist owes both managers in full, that's a red flag, not co-management.

Why would an artist have 2 managers?

Usually because each one brings something the other can't – a hands-on, day-to-day manager working with a more connected, strategic one, two managers covering different markets, or a handover where an established manager brings a newer one up to speed.

Co-management and management teams, explained

Co-management is 2 managers sharing the role – and splitting one commission – on the same artist, usually because each brings something the other can't. It works when the split of work and money is clear in writing, and falls apart when it isn't.

One commission, split – not two

The most important thing to know about co-management is the money: the artist still pays one commission, usually the standard 15–20%, and the 2 managers split it between them. The artist doesn’t pay double for having 2 managers. If a deal is ever set up so the talent owes each manager a full cut, that’s a problem to fix, not a structure to accept.

Why it happens

2 managers on 1 act almost always comes down to each one bringing something different:

A hands-on, day-to-day manager working with a more connected, strategic one
Two managers covering different markets or territories
A handover, where an established manager brings a newer one up to speed on a growing act

Done right, the artist gets more than either could give alone. Done wrong, it’s 2 people each assuming the other has it covered.

How the split works

The commission splits between the co-managers however they agree – often 50/50, but it can follow the actual division of work. What matters is that the split, and who owns what, is written down. The cleanest setups define lanes: who handles the money, who handles the deals, who’s the artist’s main point of contact. When that’s unclear, it usually shows up first in the accounting.

When it works, when it breaks

Co-management works when the division of work and money is clear and both managers actually pull their weight. It breaks when the lines blur – duplicated effort, dropped balls, or one manager quietly resenting that they’re doing more for the same cut. The fix is the same thing behind good management in general: get it in writing, keep the money transparent and revisit it honestly as the act grows.

The wider team

Co-management is one shape of the team around an artist. As a career grows, more specialists join – an agent, a lawyer, a business manager – each handling their own part. Knowing who does what keeps it clean: manager vs agent vs business manager vs lawyer.

Common questions

What is co-management?: 2 managers sharing the role on the same artist and splitting one commission between them – not 2 separate cuts. The artist still pays a standard 15–20%; the co-managers divide it.
Does the artist pay double commission with 2 managers?: No, and this is the part that matters. Co-management splits a single commission, so the artist pays the same 15–20% they would with one manager. If a deal is set up so the artist owes both managers in full, that's a red flag, not co-management.
Why would an artist have 2 managers?: Usually because each one brings something the other can't – a hands-on, day-to-day manager working with a more connected, strategic one, two managers covering different markets, or a handover where an established manager brings a newer one up to speed.