WME/IMG has added another event franchise to its holdings, cutting a deal with Donald Trump to acquire the Miss Universe Organization. The sale follows the messy breakup in July of the 12-year partnership between Trump, now the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, and NBCUniversal in the beauty pageant business. (Variety)
The deal comes shortly after Trump had bought NBCUniversal’s interest in The Miss Universe Organization as part of the settlement of his litigation against NBCUniversal. WME in 2011 had entered a partnership on the Miss USA/Universe pageants, expanding on their previous licensing agreement, and IMG has served as executive producers of both Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants. There had been speculation that Trump had been looking to sell his 49 percent in the events, with WME/IMG as an interested buyer. (Deadline)
Trump and NBCUniversal’s joint venture in the organization began in 2002. Univision, meanwhile, was set to begin a five-year deal for the Spanish-language rights to the Miss USA pageant with the July 12 telecast. However, both networks refused to air the pageant after Trump, a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, made controversial comments about Mexican immigrants. Trump then filed lawsuits against both networks. (LA Times / Company Town)