MINNEAPOLIS -- Metromedia Inc. announced Tuesday it has agreed to sell the Harlem Globetrotters Inc. and Ice Capades Inc. and its 15 Ice Chalets for $30 million to International Broadcasting Corp.
Thomas K. Scallen of Minneapolis, president of International Broadcasting, said the two entertainment companies will continue to be based in their present locations -- Hollywood, Calif., for the Ice Capades and Sherman Oaks, Calif., for the Harlem Globetrotters.
Metromedia, of Secaucus, N.J., which operates six television stations in the United States, is scheduled to be sold to publisher Rupert Murdoch. The Murdoch purchase is scheduled to be closed Thursday, published reports said.
The two companies said the final sale of the Globetrotters and Ice Capades is subject to preparation of formal documentation, regulatory approvals and completion of financing.
'I'm thrilled with this opportunity to be associated with two of the pre-eminent entertainment and sporting attractions in the world,' Scallen said.
Scallen has more than 20 years of experience in the management of sports and entertainment attractions.
Scallen served as president and producer of Shipstead & Johnson's Ice Follies, a touring ice skating entertainment group, and served in the same capacity with 'Holiday On Ice.
Scallen also was producer and chief executive of the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus and has produced shows for Radio City Music Hall in New York City and Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.
'Throughout my many years in the entertainment industry, I've admired Ice Capades for the quality of its shows,' Scallen said. 'The Globetrotters are a unique and exciting American entertainment institution and we intend to maintain that tradition and preserve that excitement.
The Harlem Globetrotters, a world renowed touring basketball team and entertainment troupe, are in their 60th season. This year's Globetrotters team features the first woman player in its history - Lynette Woodard, the 1984 U.S. Women's Basketball Team captain and former University of Kansas star.
The Globetrotters were founded in 1927 by Abe Saperstein and have been part of Metromedia since 1976. The Ice Capades, founded in 1940 by John H. Harris, were purchased by Metromedia in 1963.