BET Acquires ‘Soul Train’ Franchise From InterMedia Partners, Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa

BET Networks has acquired the “Soul Train “ franchise from InterMedia Partners and Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Companies.

The deal includes more than 1,000 vintage episodes from the dance show that aired from 1971 into the 2000s. BET has aired the Soul Train Awards since 2009 and has aired older episodes of the show on BET and Centric in the past.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. “Soul Train” creator and host Don Cornelius sold the company in 2008. He died in 2012.

“BET Networks is honored to have acquired a brand with such a rich history and unique content that is forever relevant to all segments of our audience,” commented Richard Gay, exec VP of strategy and operations for BET Networks. “With a Broadway play and a concert tour as examples of opportunities in the works, we look forward to finding engaging and smart ways to grow the brand while preserving its heritage and legacy in music, dance and fashion.”

Cynthia Littleton | © 2016 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC