Management Agreements
Creator Management Agreements: Terms to Review Before You Sign
A management agreement can affect far more than a single campaign. It can define who may represent you, what revenue is commissionable, how long the relationship lasts, and what happens after it ends.
Start with what the manager is actually managing
The agreement should define the manager's services and the scope of the relationship. Some arrangements focus on brand deals. Others extend to entertainment, licensing, appearances, publishing, merchandising, or nearly every commercial opportunity connected to the creator.
Commission language should be precise
Creators should understand the percentage, the revenue base, and which transactions generate commission. Important questions include whether commission is calculated on gross or net amounts, whether reimbursed expenses are included, and whether revenue from pre-existing or independently sourced deals is covered.
Exclusivity and authority are different issues
An exclusive management relationship may prevent the creator from engaging another representative in the same area. Separate provisions may authorize the manager to negotiate, communicate, collect funds, approve terms, or otherwise act on the creator's behalf. The contract should make those powers clear.
Read the termination and post-term provisions together
A contract may allow termination but still require commissions after the relationship ends for deals sourced, negotiated, renewed, or substantially developed during the term. These post-term or 'sunset' provisions can be economically significant and should be read alongside the termination clause.
Other terms worth reviewing
Expense reimbursement, accounting, audit rights, conflicts, assignment, key-person provisions, dispute resolution, governing law, and ownership of accounts or materials can all matter depending on the relationship.
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Creator Contract Review →This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Contract terms and legal rights depend on the specific agreement and facts. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.