WPT Strikes an Exclusive Broadcast Deal With CBS Sports Network

In a major win for poker fans, the World Poker Tour (WPT) has inked a multi-year deal with CBS Sports Network, making it the exclusive home for WPT premiere episodes. Starting this November, get ready to witness the high-stakes action from Season XXI and beyond, all from the comfort of your living room!

The first episodes to hit the airwaves will feature the thrilling final table of the 2023 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship, where Josh Reichard etched his name into poker history. This is just the beginning of a strategic partnership that will bring all episodes from Seasons XXII and XXIII to poker fans across the nation, including special events like the 2023 $40 Million GTD WPT World Championship and the highly anticipated ClubWPT Gold $5 Million Invitational Freeroll.

🚨 Major Announcement!🚨

The @WPT is thrilled to partner with @CBSSports Network as our exclusive television home!📺

Starting Nov 14, tune in to @CBSSportsNet for the premiere of Season 21. This is poker on a whole new level— Experience it exclusively on @CBS Sports Network! pic.twitter.com/YC122xScaa

— World Poker Tour (@WPT) November 7, 2024

“Since our debut on the Travel Channel back in 2002, the WPT has grown tremendously in both production quality and reach,” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska. “We’re incredibly excited to partner with a top-tier network like CBS Sports and share our premium poker programming with their vast audience.”

“CBS Sports Network is the perfect partner to elevate WPT TV and bring it to new viewers,” added Loc Sondheim, WPT VP of Studios, Distribution and Ad Sales. “It’s an honour to showcase the excitement of poker on a network that features some of the biggest events in sports.”

Poker’s TV Takeover

CBS Sports Network has been the home of the World Series of Poker since 2021, a mantle it took over from ESPN. Adding WPT events to their lineup solidifies their position as the go-to destination for top-notch poker content. This expansion reflects the growing interest in televised poker, giving fans a front-row seat to some of the most thrilling poker tournaments worldwide.

Relive the 2023 WPT Season

The 2023 WPT season was packed with unforgettable moments, including the $40 Million GTD WPT World Championship at the Wynn Las Vegas. Dan Sepiol took down the championship title and a life-changing $5.30 Million. If you missed the action or want to relive the excitement, tune in to CBS Sports Network in the coming months!

Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown: A Must-See Event

The WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship, which kicked off in South Florida and concluded with a final table showdown in Las Vegas in May, saw Josh Reichard emerge victorious, pocketing $839,300. This victory not only earned him his first World Poker Tour title but also saw him defeat Landon Tice in a dramatic heads-up battle. The broadcast of this championship will be the first in a series of premiere episodes under the new CBS Sports Network deal.

What to Expect

Starting November 14, CBS Sports Network will begin airing these premier poker events, kicking off with the gripping episodes from the 2023 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship. This season marks Josh Reichard’s induction into the elite circle of WPT champions, a momentous occasion that fans can now relive through the network’s comprehensive coverage.

The partnership between the World Poker Tour and CBS Sports Network is set to bring the highest level of poker entertainment to your television screens. This agreement not only enhances the visibility of professional poker but also promises to captivate and educate both seasoned players and new enthusiasts alike.

For even more poker action, check out the WatchWPT app, where you can stream over 150 episodes of past WPT tournaments. This extensive archive includes thrilling content featuring legendary figures like Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, and Daniel Negreanu, allowing you to relive some of the most iconic moments in poker history anytime, anywhere.

Content & Images Courtesy: WPT