GPI Chief Executive Officer Alexandre Dreyfus revealed to PokerNews “I think this is our most ambitious project so far.” Dreyfus also deemed the addition of the Global Poker League to the GPI portfolio as “the missing piece of our puzzle.”
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“The initial vision is to have a series of live events akin to a sports season cohosted by international poker events,” said Dreyfus. “This will evolve with six to eight different 5-player franchises (poker teams) competing against one another with initial seasons lasting a short three to four months.”
The grand project will see investors “own” and operate their franchise, as professional players will compete for their teams, just like in any other team competition. “Draftable” players will be determined based on the GPI’s World Poker Rankings as well as “wildcard” entries.
Plans are in place to have these events live streamed over the Internet through digital sports websites, some of which the GPI already have partnerships with. Live streaming Global Poker League events will allow poker to reach online sports audiences and will create a desirable marking platform for prospective sponsors.
Speaking on the vision for the GPL in the Global Poker Index landscape, Dreyfus added in his most recent blog:
The Global Poker League is set to launch in 2015.
