The Evolving Role of Entertainment Business Managers in 2026
Elite business managers are navigating complex global tax landscapes and new revenue streams for talent.
1Expanding Scope of Management
Modern business managers in entertainment have moved far beyond basic bill paying and cash flow monitoring. Today, they must master complex international tax policies, currency fluctuations, and royalty audits. As clients face unpredictable career paths, these advisers now act as essential partners in long-term financial forecasting and strategic wealth preservation.
2Shifting from Reactive to Proactive
The industry has transitioned from reporting past earnings to forecasting future net income from tours and publishing deals. Managers now run detailed financial models before major decisions are finalized. This shift requires a deep understanding of how specific contract terms and market conditions impact a client's bottom line over time.
3Navigating Industry Instability
The aftermath of recent strikes and global health crises has fundamentally altered the entertainment landscape. With the disappearance of traditional pilot seasons, managers must plan for worst-case scenarios regarding relocation and foreign tax liabilities. Education and preparedness are now considered the primary tools for ensuring client survival in an uncertain market.
4Consolidation and Boutique Growth
Large financial firms are increasingly merging with accounting giants, such as the 2025 merger between Adeptus and Current. Despite this consolidation, many clients still prefer boutique firms that offer high-touch, personalized experiences. These smaller outfits often provide specialized expertise in forensic financial skills, royalty compliance, and bespoke advisory services for creatives.
5Efficiency Through AI Integration
Many firms are now implementing artificial intelligence to automate routine tasks and streamline office operations. While AI helps track data and improve bottom-line efficiencies, managers emphasize that human oversight remains critical. The technology serves as a tool to support, rather than replace, the essential personal relationship between manager and client.
6New Revenue in Sports
The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights has created entirely new revenue streams for college and high school athletes. This shift has forced business managers to expand their rosters and adapt their strategies to younger clients. Managing these assets requires agility and a deep understanding of emerging digital revenue models.
7Building Financial Fortresses
Managers are increasingly focused on insulating clients from the volatility of the entertainment industry. By diversifying investments and reducing reliance on singular, high-stakes projects, they aim to protect a client's quality of life. The goal is to ensure that financial stability is maintained even when major career opportunities face unexpected delays.
8The Rise of Multihyphenates
Clients are increasingly pushing toward ownership of their own content, acting as producers, podcasters, and entrepreneurs. This trend requires business managers to navigate complex landscapes involving business entity structuring and investment management. Managers must now understand the inner workings of diverse industries to support their clients' multifaceted professional and personal goals.
9Touring as a Business
Touring remains a high-stakes operation built around immovable deadlines. Managers must coordinate teams across multiple markets while committing significant capital before revenue arrives. Success depends on understanding the client's family expectations and relationship with money, ensuring that financial decisions align with the individual's broader life goals and long-term stability.
10Private Equity and Diversification
Clients are increasingly seeking opportunities within the private equity space, prompting managers to educate themselves on emerging sectors. This evolution requires firms to provide personal CFO services that extend beyond traditional entertainment accounting. Managers must remain versatile to advise on investments that their clients might not have otherwise been versed in.
11Risk Management and Insurance
In regions prone to natural disasters, insurance costs have become a primary factor in major financial decisions. Managers now prioritize assessing insurance premiums before clients commit to high-value real estate purchases. This proactive approach ensures that potential catastrophic losses are factored into the total cost of ownership and long-term financial planning.
12Human-Centric Financial Advisory
Despite technological advancements, the core of business management remains the personal relationship. Managers must communicate effectively to manage expectations and provide clarity during industry upheavals. The ultimate value of these professionals lies in their ability to translate complex data into actionable solutions that protect and grow their clients' total wealth.
Original article: Variety – TV — The Evolving Role of Entertainment Business Managers in 2026