Drake has sold a majority stake in the intellectual property of his lifestyle brand October’s Very Own (OVO) to Authentic Brands Group, a company known for managing the likenesses and brands of icons like Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Hart, and Muhammad Ali. Authentic now owns 51% of OVO’s IP, while Drake retains a 44% stake, and Vince Holding Corp. holds the remaining 5%. Despite the sale, Drake will continue to lead the brand’s creative direction, working collaboratively with Authentic and Vince Holding to scale OVO’s global presence.

OVO, which Drake co-founded with Oliver El-Khatib and Noah “40” Shebib, is a Canadian lifestyle brand recognized for its high-end apparel and accessories, especially its signature owl logo and black-and-gold design. Currently, the brand operates 12 flagship stores worldwide and maintains a strong online retail presence. As part of the deal, Vince Holding Corp. has taken over OVO’s operational aspects, including design, product development, merchandising, and store management, following Authentic’s strategy of coupling its brand ownership with specialized operators to drive sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, OVO plans to expand its retail footprint in the United States significantly. Vince Holding Corp. aims to launch three new U.S. stores within the next year and introduce OVO products in major U.S. retail outlets starting in 2027. The brand will maintain its separate division status, with creative and design teams remaining in Toronto, ensuring that OVO’s unique aesthetic and identity are preserved while supporting its growth ambitions.

Joining Authentic Brands Group places Drake and OVO alongside a portfolio of over 50 influential brands and cultural icons managed by the company. Authentic’s network spans more than 1,700 licensees and partners across 150 countries, generating over $38 billion in annual retail sales globally. This partnership positions OVO for accelerated expansion and greater market penetration while maintaining Drake’s creative influence and a committed operational strategy through Vince Holding Corp.