Chapter 416: Miami FC

Michael Jackson's 50% stake in the Sony/ATV publishing company was something Charles really wanted, but he didn't push for it too hard.

With his own music rights and image rights, Michael Jackson's income wasn't low either.

However, Michael Jackson's reputation and media coverage weren't great at that time, and without new works, these royalties couldn't cover his expenses!

"Did Michael agree to it?" Brittany, lying on Charles' chest in the bedroom of the Capet mansion in Beverly Hills, asked if Michael Jackson was considering signing with Capet Records.

"Haha, how could it be that quick? He just signed a concert contract with AEG, and he needs to take care of his health first. We'll wait," Charles said, shaking his head.

"Let's wait until the conflict between him and AEG intensifies!"

With more investments from AEG Entertainment, they demanded more and more concerts from Michael Jackson.

Charles had already left an opening for Michael Jackson; he believed Michael would accept his offer once he couldn't handle the pressure from AEG Entertainment.

"Michael Jackson had always been a signed artist with Sony. Their conflict intensified a few years ago, and their relationship turned really bad," Brittany reminded him, "Sony Records president Tommy Mottola was even publicly criticized by Michael a few years back!"

Tommy Mottola, the ex-husband of American pop diva Mariah Carey, also left Sony Records after Michael Jackson.

"Sony, so what?" Charles wasn't worried about Sony. Many of Michael Jackson's album rights were with Sony Records, but Charles' advice to Michael was to let go of those rights and just take the dividends!

Just like Brittany, her album rights before signing with Capet Records were with Sony's Jive Records.

Most of Madonna's album rights were also with Warner Records and so on. If Michael Jackson tried to reclaim his album rights from Sony, he might even lose his stake in Sony/ATV.

This would set off a chain reaction, and the consequences would be severe!

"Michael spent $47 million acquiring ATV Music Publishing in 1985. Ten years later, Sony paid Michael Jackson $95 million to form Sony/ATV Music Publishing, with both parties holding 50% stakes. As the music market expanded, these rights became more valuable, and obviously, it was tempting for everyone!"

Charles sighed. Michael Jackson had tasted the sweetness of music publishing rights and was publicly advocating for artists to own their rights.

Reclaiming his album rights from Sony not only angered Sony, but all record companies couldn't accept it either!

"Michael isn't in great health. Hopefully, all goes well for his tour next year," said Brittany, who had just finished more than ten performances this year. The economic crisis made things tough for everyone.

"Don't worry, I still love Michael's music. I'll step in when needed!"

Charles couldn't let him die because of a medical error. AEG Entertainment's concert contract could always be bought out.

After meeting Michael Jackson, Charles didn't pay much more attention, as these matters primarily depended on Michael's own willingness.

Charles couldn't directly step in to help Michael deal with his $400 million debt, right?

However, Charles seriously considered Philip Anschutz's suggestion and idea of forming a soccer team.

"Form a Miami soccer team?" Tom Garfinkel, president of the Miami Dolphins, was busy securing the naming rights for the Dolphin Stadium. He was surprised to hear about Charles' idea to form a soccer team.

"Yes, Philip Anschutz and MLS President Don Garber both support it. Plus, there are already many experienced soccer people with CSE, which owns Arsenal Football Club," Charles thought it was worth a try.

The U.S. still held a lot of appeal for many European soccer stars!

"Charles, shouldn't you remember that Miami had a team that got disbanded a few years ago? It's hard to promote," Tom said.

"Let's give it a try. After all, MLS has seen some development over the past ten years. Forming a Miami team, I have a natural advantage. Work with me on this," Charles said, thinking they could use the Miami Dolphins' resources to promote the soccer team regionally.

"Understood!"

After hanging up, Charles called David Dein, the CEO of Arsenal Club in London. David was supportive of forming a soccer team in the U.S.

Leaning back on the sofa, Charles quickly decided to form The Miami Football Club, abbreviated as Miami FC!

This would likely prevent David Beckham from forming a soccer team called Inter Miami in the future, right?

"Charles, I'm heading to Las Vegas for an event," Britney Spears said as she approached Charles.

"We just spent two days together, and now we have to part again!"

"It's all about work," Charles smiled, letting her lean into his arms. Britney looked youthful and sexy in just a T-shirt and shorts.

"Last night, you seemed to get along well with David Beckham's wife, Victoria. Are you two close?" Charles asked.

Britney Spears shook her head, "We've met a few times at events, and since we're both singers, we had more to talk about."

"Victoria loves being in the public eye. Since moving to LA, she's been endlessly attending fashion parties and events!"

"Charles, wanna come with me to Vegas for a holiday?" Britney Spears wrapped her arms around Charles' neck.

Charles smiled, "I need to check the final cuts of Transformers 2 and Iron Man 2, which are coming out next year. Also, the new The Incredible Hulk is still filming, and I have to keep an eye on it. These are major productions for Capet Pictures, can't be careless!"

"Alright, I'll find you when I get back," Britney said, understanding Charles' busy schedule.

"Sweetheart, wasn't last night enough?" Charles whispered into her ear, "We went at it four or five times, didn't we?"

Britney, hearing that, couldn't help but start rubbing Charles over his pants, kissing him passionately...

*****

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