The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is set to make its triumphant return to ESPN through a new multi-year deal starting in 2026.
ESPN will provide comprehensive coverage of the prestigious $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship, commonly referred to as the WSOP “Main Event.” This thrilling tournament will culminate in a live finale that airs over three nights in prime time on traditional television, marking a renewed commitment to engage a wider mainstream audience.
Coverage of the Main Event kicks off on July 2 with Day 1A, offering at least six hours of programming each day. The ESPN platforms are anticipated to showcase approximately 100 hours of exclusive WSOP content each year.
In a return to the “cliffhanger” broadcasting model, play will pause once the final table is established on July 13. The remaining contenders will regroup after a 20-day intermission for a live finale planned from August 3 to 5, airing every night from 9 p.m. to midnight EST. During the break, ESPN will air specially curated prime-time episodes to generate excitement and familiarize the finalists with a global audience.
To enhance the forthcoming broadcast “to the caliber of major league sports,” WSOP has partnered with Omaha Productions, known for successful projects like the “ManningCast” and Netflix sports documentaries.
Ty Stewart, CEO of the WSOP, remarked: “The World Series of Poker is a global sensation that transcends the realm of gaming, and our aim is to bring it to an even larger audience.”
“Returning to ESPN – the venue for our unforgettable moments since 1987 – enables us to present the human drama of the Main Event in unprecedented ways. With our new ownership dedicated to expansion, this is an ideal opportunity to elevate the ‘World Championship’ back to the grand stage of sports.”
“We are thrilled to have the World Series of Poker back on ESPN,” stated Ashley O’Connor, Vice President of Programming & Acquisitions at ESPN. “Poker is full of surprising narratives, and nobody is better positioned to highlight the unfolding stories throughout a tournament than ESPN. Bringing the WSOP back underscores our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality competition that connects with fans in new and innovative manners.”
ESPN initially began airing the WSOP Main Event in 1987 and has played a critical role in popularizing poker globally. This new agreement reinstates that long-cherished relationship.