Saban Brings “Power Rangers” Franchise To Nickelodeon

Saban has acquired the Power Rangers property from The Walt Disney Company, returning the global franchise to its original developer, Haim Saban, who introduced the first Power Rangers series in 1993. The acquisition includes worldwide rights to the brand as well as over 700 episodes produced over 17 years. Saban has partnered with Nickelodeon to make Nick the U.S. television platform for Power Rangers, the long-running kids’ TV phenomenon now heading into its 18th television season.

“We are truly excited to be partners with Haim Saban and his team,” said Cyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group.  “As one of the original leaders in kids’ television he helped to create powerful brand equity for Power Rangers and with partnerships like this Nickelodeon will be able to build a broader audience, superserve multiple demos, especially boys, and expand our programming offerings.”

“We are delighted to be partnering with Nickelodeon to bring the ever-popular Power Rangers to a whole new generation of viewers,” said Haim Saban, the original developer of Power Rangers.  “With Nickelodeon’s reach we are at the beginning of a new era for one of the world’s leading children’s entertainment properties.”

“The Saban Brands team is looking forward to collaborating with the experts at Nick to re-launch and propel the new Power Rangers like never before,” said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands.

Power Rangers marks the first property for Saban Brands, the recently formed subsidiary of Saban Capital Group, Inc., which was created to manage and license entertainment properties and consumer brands across media and consumer platforms throughout the world. Concurrent with the acquisition of the Power Rangers franchise, Saban Brands has announced a new, long-term master toy and video game license agreement with BANDAI NAMCO Group. Bandai has been the toy partner for Power Rangers since its inception.

“Power Rangers is one of the world’s leading children’s entertainment properties and we are delighted to see its return,” said Haim Saban, chairman and chief executive officer, Saban Capital Group, Inc. “We are also very proud and excited to renew our long-standing partnership with Namco/Bandai and know that this powerful combination of experience and capabilities will continue to support the global success of Power Rangers.”

Following its introduction in 1993 on the Fox Kids Network, Power Rangers quickly became the most watched children’s television program in the United States. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and helping others Power Rangers follows the always exciting and often humorous adventures of a group of ordinary young people who “morphed” into superheroes. The series has been translated into numerous languages and rose to become the #1 boys brand in the world from 1993-97, based on toy sales and television ratings. The Walt Disney Company acquired the franchise in 2001 as part of its purchase of Fox Family Worldwide, which included Saban Entertainment and its library of children’s programs. To date, Power Rangers has aired in over 60 countries and the property’s licensed products and promotions have generated well over $5 billion worldwide.