The Global Poker Index and USA TODAY Sports Media Group announced on Thursday that they had penned a multi-year content agreement, under which USA TODAY Sports is to host a poker-only page that would feature GPI assets and related information. The website is slated to be launched in January 2016.
The GPI, which is owned by Mediarex Sports and Entertainment, has always pointed out that its main goal is to “sportify poker.” It is trying to achieve this not only through the existing rankings of world’s most successful and profitable poker players but also through the organization of different competitions and leagues. And the Global Poker League is to be one such competition. It will be streamed live online and will feature teams from around the world competing against each other.
The Global Poker League is scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2016 as part of GPI’s strategy to completely change the world of poker by increasing the entertainment value of the game through exciting customer content and the organization of equally exciting events. At first, the league will feature 12 franchises, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York-based teams.
Commenting on the recent agreement, Jason Ford, Vice President of Sports Marketing for USA TODAY Sports, said that the GPI has achieved more than any other such organization in unifying poker and creating a “’big league’ atmosphere around play.” The executive also noted that they are looking forward to working closely together to create what would be a 24/7 digital poker network and to covering a number of the upcoming “groundbreaking” competitions and related events the GPI is set to launch in the months and years to come.
GPI CEO Alexandre Dreyfus said that they are extremely happy to announce the multi-year media partnership with USA TODAY Sports. The executive also explained that the two organizations are planning to create “an essential platform” for showcasing GPI’s newest events and promoting its rankings.
Mr. Dreyfus further noted that they are looking forward to being supported by an industry leader like USA TODAY Sports that shares their own vision to “sportify poker.”
