Epic Poker League To Be Broadcast On CBS and Velocity NetworksThe Two Networks Will Split 20 Hours of EPL Coverage |
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The Epic Poker League has announced a new TV deal that will bring 20 hours of televised coverage to CBS and the new Velocity Network.
“Epic Poker is proud to partner with CBS Television and Discovery Communications in our inaugural season,” said Jeffrey Pollack, Chairman of Federated Sports and Gaming. “Both companies share our commitment to providing a world-class stage and significant new exposure for poker’s most talented live tournament players.”
The Velocity Network is set to take the place of Discovery’s HD Theater in late September. Air dates for the EPL have not yet been released, but a total of seven hours will be designated for first-run programming on CBS. Those episodes will then be repeated on Velocity along with 13 additional hours of new programming.
Each broadcast will be produced by 441 Productions along with David Neal, who has previously worked other sporting events for the NBA. The shows will be hosted by Pat O’Brien and Ali Nejad.
“Epic will provide a rich storytelling environment for our television production,” said Neal. “We’ll capture the rivalries, the personalities, and the strategies brought to each event by an elite roster of player. It’s high stakes competition, with prestige and prize money on the line, and that makes an ideal setting for compelling entertainment.”
The EPL is set to kick off on August 5th with it’s first event. The main event will begin August 9th at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.