The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has announced a landmark multi-year agreement with ESPN, marking the return of poker’s most prestigious tournament to one of sports broadcasting’s biggest platforms.
Beginning in 2026, ESPN will deliver extensive coverage of the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship—widely known as the WSOP Main Event. The tournament will culminate in a three-night live finale airing in prime time from August 3 to August 5, bringing the final table to a broad television audience.
Expanded Coverage and New Format
Coverage of the Main Event will begin on July 2 with Day 1A, offering fans a comprehensive viewing experience. Each day of the tournament is set to receive at least six hours of programming, contributing to an estimated 100 hours of original WSOP content annually across ESPN platforms.
In a notable shift, organizers are reintroducing a “cliffhanger” format. Once the tournament reaches the final table on July 13, play will pause for 20 days. The remaining players will return for the live finale in August. During this break, ESPN will air curated prime-time episodes designed to build anticipation and introduce audiences to the finalists.
Elevating Production Standards
To enhance the broadcast quality, WSOP has partnered with Omaha Productions, an award-winning studio known for innovative sports storytelling. The company, co-founded by Peyton Manning, has produced acclaimed projects such as the “ManningCast” and Netflix series including Quarterback and Receiver. Its involvement signals a push to present poker with the production value and narrative depth of major league sports.
Leadership Perspectives
WSOP Chief Executive Officer Ty Stewart described the agreement as a pivotal moment for the brand, emphasizing its ambition to reach a broader global audience. He highlighted ESPN’s historic role in showcasing poker’s most iconic moments and expressed confidence that the new partnership would elevate the storytelling around the Main Event.
Ashley O’Connor, ESPN’s Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions, echoed that sentiment, noting that poker’s unpredictability and rich narratives make it well-suited for ESPN’s storytelling approach. She added that the deal reflects the network’s commitment to delivering premium competitive content that resonates with modern audiences.
A Historic Partnership Renewed
ESPN first aired the WSOP Main Event in 1987 and played a central role in popularizing poker worldwide during its peak years. The new agreement revives that long-standing relationship, positioning the tournament once again on a major sports stage and ensuring that future champions will be crowned under the spotlight of prime-time television.
