The World Poker Tour (WPT) has partnered with cable TV’s CBS Sports Network in a multi-year deal, making the satellite network the exclusive broadcasting platform for recent seasons and upcoming WPT series. CBS Sports Network, which has been the exclusive partner of the World Series of Poker since 2021, has now added the World Poker Tour to its lineup of poker content.
According to reports, the deal will go live on November 14, airing episodes from WPT’s XXI, XXII, and XXIII seasons. The first episode to air on the network will feature the 2023 WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship, highlighting Josh Reichard’s victory in the Main Event, where he won $839,300.
WPT’s Deal with CBS Sports Network
This is the first time that content from the prestigious WPT, past or present, has appeared within the CBS-branded networks and broadcast services. The WPT launched in 2002 and had massive success with its initial five-year run on the Travel Channel. Since then, the WPT has grown its presence across satellite and online platforms as a top provider of poker content. After the initial five-year deal with the Travel Channel, WPT moved to Fox Sports, then FS1, and most recently aired on Bally Sports Regional Networks before signing with CBS Sports Network.
WPT’s Chief Executive Officer, Adam Pliska, said in a press release, “Since our debut on the Travel Channel in 2002, our WPT television presence has grown significantly in both production quality and reach.”
CBS Sports Network will also air Dan Sepiol’s victory in the $40 Million Guaranteed WPT World Championship 2023. In addition to the older WPT series, the satellite network is set to premiere the upcoming ClubWPT Gold $5M Invitational Freeroll.
WPT’s VP of Studios, Distribution, and Ad Sales, Loc Sondheim, stated, “CBS Sports Network is the ideal partner to elevate WPT TV and expand its reach to new households nationwide. It’s an honor to bring the excitement of poker to a network that showcases some of the biggest events in sports.”
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Image Credit: WPT
