2026 WSOP on ESPN: Main Event Returns to Live Broadcast

Broadcast schedule and format

The World Series of Poker has announced a new multi-year agreement with ESPN, which will begin broadcasting the WSOP Main Event starting in 2026.

Coverage kicks off on July 2 with Day 1A, with each day of play receiving at least six hours of airtime, adding up to roughly 100 hours of content annually.

Once the final table is set on July 13, the tournament will pause for 20 days. During this break, dedicated episodes profiling the final table players will air.

The final table itself will be broadcast live over three consecutive nights, August 3–5, from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM EST, bringing the total coverage to more than 100 hours.

The WSOP has hired Omaha Productions, the team behind Monday Night Football and Netflix projects, to develop the visual presentation and storytelling. The goal is to ensure the broadcast is as consistent as possible with major sporting events.

The WSOP  follows the poker enthusiasts’ request

ESPN first aired the WSOP Main Event back in 1988. Since 2020, broadcast rights have been held by PokerGO, with coverage available exclusively via subscription.

ESPN is one of the largest sports networks in the United States, with an international audience. It is available through cable, satellite, and digital platforms, making the WSOP accessible to millions of viewers worldwide.

WSOP CEO Ty Stewart mentioned:

"The World Series of Poker is a global phenomenon that extends beyond the gaming industry, and our goal is to bring it to the widest possible audience."

The owners of the World Series of Poker are aiming to expand the Main Event’s audience. In the future, this could also lead to broader coverage of other major Las Vegas tournaments on ESPN, including the $50,000 Poker Players Championship (PPC) and various high roller events.