In a development that has disappointed pageant communities across Belize, the Miss Universe Belize Foundation has confirmed it will no longer hold the national franchise for the iconic Miss Universe competition, with the licensing rights transferred to an El Salvador-based organization. This transition brings a sudden end to the Foundation’s tenure overseeing the Belizean national pageant, at least for the immediate future.
According to an official statement from the Foundation, the organization had already notified the global Miss Universe leadership of its plan to step back temporarily after the 2025 pageant cycle. The Foundation intended to use the pause to restructure its internal operations and community outreach programs, with a clear goal of reclaiming the franchise and returning to host the national competition in 2027.
Despite this arranged temporary exit, Miss Universe’s central governing body made the final call to reassign the Belize franchise to the Salvadoran organization, derailing the Foundation’s planned comeback timeline.
The Belizean foundation expressed deep disappointment over the outcome, but took time to highlight the meaningful work it has advanced during its years of stewardship. Over its tenure, the organization prioritized empowering the young women who competed as delegates and titleholders, fostering personal growth that has transformed many of its past queens into prominent community leaders, respected role models, and public ambassadors for Belize on global stages.
Beyond empowering contestants, the Foundation also embedded support for local economic growth into its pageant operations. It intentionally built pathways for Belizean creatives, independent entrepreneurs, and small local businesses to showcase their products and skills to national audiences, allowing these local stakeholders to contribute directly to the pageant’s success while gaining valuable exposure.
In closing, the Foundation confirmed that the current titleholder, Miss Universe Belize 2025 Isabella Zabaneh, will continue to fulfill her scheduled duties. She remains available for public appearances, speaking engagements, brand partnerships, local community events, and marketing opportunities throughout her remaining tenure.