World Series of Poker returns to ESPN in landmark multi-year broadcast deal starting 2026

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) will return to ESPN under a new multi-year agreement 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 on linear television, signaling a renewed push to reach broader mainstream audiences.

Coverage of the Main Event will begin on July 2 with Day 1A, featuring at least six hours of programming per day. In total, ESPN platforms are expected to air around 100 hours of original WSOP content annually.

In a return to a “cliffhanger” broadcast style, play will pause once the final table is reached on July 13. The remaining players will then reconvene after a 20-day break for a live, three-day finale scheduled from August 3 to 5, airing nightly from 9 p.m. to midnight EST. During the hiatus, ESPN will broadcast curated prime-time episodes designed to build anticipation and introduce the finalists to a global audience.

In a bid to elevate the upcoming broadcast "to the standards of major league sports," WSOP has partnered with Omaha Productions, known for projects such as the “ManningCast” and Netflix sports documentaries.

Ty Stewart, CEO of the WSOP, said: "The World Series of Poker is a global phenomenon that transcends the gaming category, and our goal is to bring it to the widest possible audience."

"Returning to ESPN - the home of our most iconic moments since 1987 - allows us to showcase the human drama of the Main Event like never before. With our new ownership's commitment to growth, this is the perfect time to bring the 'World Championship' back to the biggest stage in sports."

"We're proud to welcome the World Series of Poker back to ESPN," said Ashley O'Connor, Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions at ESPN. "Poker is filled with unexpected storylines, and nobody is better equipped to showcase the stories that unfold throughout a tournament more than ESPN. Bringing the WSOP back reflects our continued commitment to delivering premium competition and that connects with fans in new and exciting ways."

ESPN originally began broadcasting the WSOP Main Event in 1987 and played a pivotal role in popularising poker worldwide. The company's new agreement restores that long-standing relationship.