This summer, the much-anticipated Miss USA and Miss Teen USA competitions will return to live broadcast television, marking a significant milestone for the pageants. Scheduled to take place on August 26 and 27, respectively, both events will be held at the Ziff Ballet Opera House, located within Miami’s renowned Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
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The announcement, made on June 23, revealed that The CW Network will serve as the exclusive broadcast partner for both competitions in 2026. This return to live television follows a tumultuous year for the pageants due to leadership changes and a significant decision to forgo traditional television broadcasting in favour of online streaming in 2025.
Historically, the Miss USA pageant has been a staple of American television since 1965, making last year’s absence particularly notable. In 2025, the pageant was accessible exclusively through the Queen Beauty Network, representing a substantial shift away from its long-standing tradition of being televised.
The leadership of the Miss USA franchise has undergone considerable upheaval in recent years. Thom Brodeur took over as president and CEO in the autumn of 2025, succeeding Laylah Rose following a contentious transition of power. His appointment was confirmed by the Miss Universe organisation, which oversees both pageants. Almost immediately, Brodeur faced public disputes regarding his authority and the management of the franchise.
The pageantry had already begun to attract media attention when both Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava resigned from their positions, citing allegations of abuse and a toxic environment within the organisation. This event marked a historic moment, as it was the first time that titleholders had stepped down in the 72-year history of the competitions. Voigt’s resignation letter made headlines for its serious accusations against the former CEO, prompting a vehement denial from Rose.
In light of these controversies, Brodeur expressed his commitment to reforming the organisation. His vision includes dismantling restrictive non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that he believes have stifled contestants’ voices. “If you have nothing to hide, there’s no reason to hide,” Brodeur stated, emphasising the need for transparency within the leadership.
Additionally, Brodeur aims to reform the judging process. Suggestions include moving away from the previous system, which he claims allowed for undue influence from management, thereby ensuring that judges’ decisions are based solely on their assessments of the contestants. By affording judges more autonomy, he hopes to maintain a standard of integrity that aligns with best practices in similar organisations.
As the pageants approach their airing dates, Brodeur conveyed his excitement, stating, “The CW reaches audiences in every corner of the country, and there is no better stage on which to showcase these 102 extraordinary women as they compete for two of the most iconic titles in the world.” His enthusiasm reflects a broader hope to rejuvenate the pageant’s image, capitalising on the franchise’s 75-year history to reconnect with audiences.
In conclusion, the return of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA to live television is not only about restoring a tradition but also represents an opportunity for renewal amidst past challenges. With a new leadership direction under Brodeur, the upcoming broadcasts aim to highlight the achievements and stories of the contestants while fostering an atmosphere of openness and accountability within the organisation. As preparations continue, many will be watching closely to see how these changes will impact the pageants and their future.