PokerWorks

Only weeks short of the kick-off of the 2008 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, and on the heels of its announcement to delay the final table of the main event in order to garner more excitement and publicity, the World Series of Poker has entered into a merchandising deal. The multi-year alliance with XP Events will bring WSOP-branded items to retail kiosks, a website, and a brick-and-mortar store.

XP Events is a provider of authentic branded merchandise that already provides merchandising and fulfillment services for major sports and entertainment events, such as the Olympic Games, Tour de France, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, and others. The company is now the official branded merchandise provider for the World Series of Poker as well.

Jeffrey Pollack, Commissioner of the World Series of Poker, said, “XP Events is a leader in sports merchandising and marketing and we’ve been impressed by their work with the NBA and NHL. XP’s expertise will broaden our footprint and provide our fans and players, and poker enthusiasts everywhere, with a world-class shopping experience.”

President of XP Events, Alan Fey, added, “Poker is a sports and cultural phenomenon and we are thrilled to align with the best brand in the business, the World Series of Poker. From e-commerce to retail, we think this alliance will benefit consumers allowing them multiple touch points to support their poker passion.”

XP Events will manage the officially-licensed WSOP online store, which will be located at ShopWSOP.com. It has been updated from the previous store offering and re-launched on May 15th with new products and an easier shopping experience than before.

The agreement also includes the management of licensed retail outlets throughout Las Vegas during the time of the 2008 WSOP – May 30th through July 14th – as well as a Las Vegas retail store at a location yet to be determined.