Poker Night in America Inks Sponsorship Deal with 888poker

Poker Night in America (PNIA), which made its long-awaited broadcast debut last Sunday, June 29, has formed an alliance with 888poker via a sponsorship agreement through 888's All-American Poker Network (AAPN).

AAPN operates in New Jersey's regulated market and is comprised of a joint venture between Avenue Capital Group and 888 Holdings. AAPN currently holds down third place in the Garden State's online poker market.

"This agreement represents a unique cooperative alliance in both gaming and entertainment and which increases the potential for further expansion," stated a press release posted on the PNIA website.

888poker trails only PokerStars in the global market and while much of the online poker industry has experienced declines in player traffic over the past year, 888poker has attracted a larger customer base. Currently, players logging onto the site will typically find 2,000 players seated at the cash tables, according to PokerScout.

PNIA showed its first two 30-minute broadcasts back-to-back on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. CST over the CBS Sports Network. A deal with CBS has been reached in which PNIA will be shown every Sunday evening until 2015. Players and fans who missed the inaugural episodes can catch reruns this coming Saturday at midnight CST on the same network.