WSOP Extends “Exclusive Provider” Partnership with 888poker
This was published 17-02-2017The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has extended its contract with 888poker that was signed in 2015.
The extension will see the online brand become the exclusive provider of online qualifier satellites and promotions for the third year running and will cover 2017 and 2018 with an additional two-year option.
The announcement was made by WSOP when it confirmed its schedule for 2017 and WSOP will work with 888poker in order to provide players with entry opportunities to its tournaments.
Ty Steward, World Series of Poker Executive Director, commented on the extension of the contract by saying that they have seen 888poker really up the stakes in the past few years, with a refreshing new online and offline approach which aims to give the power back to the players. Stewart went on to say that this shared vision and love of the game means that it is a natural partnership for both their brands. He added that this mutually beneficial approach will continue to enhance their user experience and wished their players the best of luck in the tournament.
The new partnership deal will also see 888poker being the exclusive telecast partner for the series with Kara Scott, an ambassador for 888poker also serving as anchor during the ESPN coverage together with Lon McEachern and Norman Chad.
888poker sent 128 players to the WSOP in 2015 when the two companies started working together. The event was won by 888poker’s own sponsored pro, Joe McKeehen.
In 2016, 888poker sent more than 250 players to the Main Event, including November Niners Fernando Pons, who finished ninth, and Griffin Benger, who finished seventh, qualifiers for the Main Event with €30 and €160 satellites respectively. This year, 888poker intends sending even more qualifiers.
Itai Pazner, Senior Vice President & Head of B2C at 888 Holdings, revealed that their extended partnership with the WSOP is a testament to their increasingly dominant position in the industry and their longstanding commitment to making poker more exciting and accessible for players around the world.
The sponsorship will also see the WSOP holding the inaugural $888,888 top prize as well as eight-handed play at each table. The online brand will also get exposure through ESPN and live streaming on the Main Event and final tables.
