NBC Sports Group and Poker Central said they reached a media rights deal that will see poker programming air on NBC Sports Network on Monday nights as early as this summer, notably including the programmer's Super High Roller Bowl and other unspecified events. The Super High Roller Bowl, with a buy-in of $300,000, will see 56 players compete for a share of a $16.8 million prize pool, with the top finisher earning $6 million, the programmer said. The 2015 version aired on NBCSN, according to Poker Central, which at the end of 2016 folded its linear channel.
NBC also gains rights to stream poker programming on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app. The programmer said NBC will air additional poker fare starting this fall.
In a release, Poker Central chief digital officer JR McCabe said: “With our large slate of premier tournaments combined with our experienced team of content creators, Poker Central is creating a comprehensive platform that truly stands out in a crowded content space. Partnering with the distinguished NBC Sports Group allows us to distribute our content to a platform agnostic audience.”
Gary Quinn, VP of programming at NBC Sports Group, added in the release: “NBCSN is thrilled to present Poker Central’s high-stakes action. Partnering with Poker Central allows us to continue to deliver high-quality programming, while creating a destination for both existing and new poker fans alike.”
