Omaha Productions is heading to the felt. Peyton Manning’s company will produce the 2026 World Series of Poker Main Event and Final Table in Las Vegas for its return to ESPN.
What We Know: The WSOP returns to ESPN after last airing on the network in 2021. Last year, it aired on CBS Sports Network and PokerGo. Omaha will deploy more than 50 cameras across three feature tables. Coverage includes player profiles, commentary from Ali Nejad, Nick Schulman, Lon McEachern, and Norman Chad. Also, features giving viewers an inside look at amateur and professional gameplay.
What They Said: Ty Stewart, CEO of the World Series of Poker (via The Hollywood Reporter): “We’re thrilled to partner with Omaha Productions to lead our broadcast production as we return to ESPN. The WSOP Main Event and Final Table are the most exciting moments of the year for poker fans. Omaha understands how to tell stories to fans around live competition, which will elevate our broadcasts to new heights. We’re excited to have them bring this year’s event to viewers as WSOP returns to ESPN platforms.”
Dan Gati, head of content at Omaha Productions: “As a company, we continue to look for opportunities that allow us to grow and tell compelling stories across sports and entertainment. Producing the World Series of Poker Main Event & Main Event Final Table gives us an exciting opportunity to expand our live event slate and bring our production approach to one of the most recognizable competitions in sports and entertainment.”
What Remains Unclear: The WSOP broadcast schedule is unknown. It’s also unclear which ESPN platforms will carry the event or how many episodes are planned. Omaha’s growing portfolio — including Monday Night Football’s Manning Cast on ESPN, Netflix’s Quarterback, Receiver, and Starting 5.
What It Means: This deal signals Omaha Productions’ expands on the company’s push into live event programming. In addition, the WSOP partnership follows its weekly League One Volleyball commitment and expands its ESPN relationship. For poker fans, the return to ESPN — with a proven storytelling outfit running production — is a significant upgrade.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
