The growing number of poker fans in Europe will soon have easier access to World Poker Tour merchandise following a deal signed between the US poker competition group and ITV’s Granada Ventures.
Andrea Green the vice president of global consumer products at WPT Entertainment Inc. says that the partnership with Granada will work well for WPT: “Europe has already proven to be a wonderfully receptive region for WPT-branded products, in particular in the U.K., and we are truly excited to be joining forces with Granada Ventures because they have the expertise to exponentially increase our licensing line-up in the region.”
Spring 2006 is the target date Granada has set for WPT-licensed products to appear on the shelves of European stores. The company has built up considerable expertise in marketing famous brands, and manages licensing programs for the Arsenal and Liverpool soccer clubs.
Europe has embraced poker with poker themed television networks, magazines and the acceptance of online play and tournaments.