WSOP coverage continues on ESPN through 2018
Harrah’s Entertainment has extended a contract with ESPN that will keep the World Series of Poker on the cable television network through 2018.
ESPN had been under contract to carry taped coverage of the World Series of Poker through 2011.
Under the terms of the new seven-year extension, ESPN will telecast a minimum of 32 hours of event coverage from the annual tournament in Las Vegas, including a selection of gold bracelet events and the final table action of the main event in November.
The World Series of Poker attracts a total audience of nearly 82 million U.S. viewers each year.
"This long-term agreement ensures that our content will continue to reach sports fans around the world through every medium that matters,” said Jeffrey Pollack, president of Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment and commissioner of the World Series of Poker.
The World Series of Poker will be shown on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN2, ESPN2 HD, ESPN Classic, ESPN.com, ESPN360.com, ESPN Mobile TV and ESPN International outlets outside of the United States.
“Poker continues to be a solid ratings performer for us and allows us to continue offering diverse programming to our viewers,” said Doug White, ESPN’s senior director of programming and acquisitions.
ESPN has broadcast World Series of Poker events every year since 2003. The current coverage airs every Tuesday night on ESPN. Norman Chad and Lon McEachern call the action.