What is a Versus Deal?

A versus deal (often written "£X vs Y%") is a show deal where the artist is paid either a guaranteed fee or a percentage of the show's net income, whichever is higher. It gives the artist a safe minimum while letting them share in a strong sell-out. Versus deals are common for established touring acts, where both sides expect the show to sell reasonably well but want protection if it does not.

How a versus deal works

A versus deal is worked out at the settlement:

  1. Agree the deal: for example, £1,000 versus 70% of net.
  2. Agree the costs: the offer lists the show costs that can be deducted.
  3. Work out net income: take ticket income, remove VAT and fees, then deduct agreed costs.
  4. Calculate the percentage: apply the percentage to the net figure.
  5. Pay the higher amount: the artist receives either the guarantee or the percentage, whichever is bigger.

Versus deals need accurate cost and income figures on the night, which promoters keep together with invoices in Crescat.

Versus deal vs backend deal

In a versus deal, the artist gets the guarantee or the percentage, not both. In a backend deal (or "plus" deal), the artist gets the guarantee plus a share of profit after the show breaks even. The wording in the offer matters, so read it carefully.

Example versus deal

  • Deal: £1,000 versus 70% of net
  • Net income after VAT and costs, quiet night: £1,000. 70% = £700, so the artist gets the £1,000 guarantee
  • Net income after VAT and costs, busy night: £2,500. 70% = £1,750, so the artist gets £1,750
  • The promoter keeps the rest, or covers the loss on a quiet night

Frequently asked questions

Why would a promoter offer a versus deal?

It can win a show from competing promoters without paying a high fixed fee. The promoter shares the upside but keeps a fixed minimum cost.

Is promoter profit included in a versus deal?

Sometimes. Some deals let the promoter take a set profit before the percentage applies. This should be written into the offer.

What is a typical versus percentage?

It depends on the market and the artist, but percentages of 70% to 85% of net are common. Agents negotiate this alongside the guarantee.

Related terms