Friday, July 18, 2008

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WPT inks deal with Fox Sports Net

By Sarah Polson

World Poker Tour Enterprises Inc. announced Thursday it has entered into a partnership with Fox Sports Network for the broadcast of Season 7 of the World Poker Tour.

In the deal, FSN received exclusive rights to air 26 one-hour episodes in the United States across its network. The current season of the WPT is airing on GSN, and before that it was on the Travel Channel.

The first two episodes for the new season were shot on Thursday during the final table of the Bellagio Cup IV in Las Vegas. The remaining episodes will be filmed at the WPT's events taking place all over North America over the next year.

"The World Poker Tour has a track record as the ultimate brand name in televised poker," said George Greenberg, FSN executive vice president of programming and production. "FSN is very happy to televise such quality content and we look forward to future programming opportunities with the WPT."

FSN is already home to Major League Baseball, National Hockey League and National Basketball Association events. Now the network will be home to one of the most recognizable poker tournaments in the world as well.

According to a press release from the WPT, FSN's 16 owned and operated regional networks and its affiliated networks reach more than 80 million homes across the United States.

"FSN and News Corporation are two incredible powerhouses in the television industry that have played key roles in the growth and popularity of televised poker," said Steve Lipscomb, WPT founder, president and CEO. "It couldn't be a better fit for WPT and our fans. We're thrilled."

FSN and the WPT plan to announce the time slot and schedule for the complete season at a later date.

To see the schedule of events for the WPT's seventh season, visit WorldPokerTour.com.

Related Articles:

• WPT rolls into Vegas for Bellagio Cup IV
• WPT discusses Season 7 with GSN

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