Peyton Manning Brings WSOP Back to ESPN Exclusive
According to an exclusive report by The Hollywood Reporter, NFL legend Peyton Manning is bringing the World Series of Poker WSOP back to ESPN through his production company. This collaboration is expected to attract a wider audience to poker events and enhance the mainstream influence of the WSOP.
According to an exclusive report by The Hollywood Reporter, former NFL superstar Peyton Manning is bringing the World Series of Poker (WSOP) back to ESPN through his production company. Manning, an iconic figure in football who has also been active in media production in recent years, marks a significant shift in WSOP's television rights with this collaboration.
WSOP was previously broadcast on ESPN for many years, but in recent times, broadcasting rights were fragmented, with some events moving to digital platforms such as PokerGO. Manning's involvement is expected to reintroduce WSOP to a broader traditional television audience, especially ESPN's sports fans. It is reported that Manning himself is passionate about poker, having participated in the WSOP Main Event multiple times and maintaining deep connections within the poker community.
Specific details of the collaboration have yet to be announced, but it is anticipated that Manning's production company will handle the content production and promotion of WSOP events, bringing them closer to the production standards of mainstream sports programs. As the largest sports television network in the United States, ESPN will provide WSOP with prime-time broadcast slots, significantly increasing its exposure.
Industry observers believe that Manning's star power and ESPN's reach will attract more newcomers to poker and drive growth in tournament prize pools and participation numbers. WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart stated, "Manning's love for poker and his experience in the sports media field will help us present the event in a whole new way."
As of now, WSOP has not confirmed a specific broadcast schedule, but it is expected that the new season will debut on ESPN alongside the 2026 summer series. Poker enthusiasts can look forward to higher-quality broadcasts and richer storytelling, including player profiles, hand analysis, and special appearances by Manning.
FAQ
- Manning will be responsible for content production and promotion of the WSOP event through his production company, possibly as a host or producer, but the specific role has not been disclosed.