Brunson, Super/System, and WPT

[Shaman]

Back in 1975, Brunson used 150k (in 1975 dollars) to start a publishing company that would publish only one book which would sell for $100. Naturally, the business didn't work out.

Now he wants to run the WPT. What businesses has Brunson successfully run between Super/System and now?

[nuclear500]

Owning and running are two different things.

Brunson was offered to buy into the WPT by Lipscomb back before it started.

[Phill S]

No one can buy the WPT and make it fail, its up there as an indestructable entity in todays market.

Few years down the line, ok, but frankly, how hard can it be even if he wants to take a few of the big decisions.

But im sure he wont be doing more than acting like the uber boss, others will take care of the company day-to-day.

Phill

[arod15]

From my recollection super system sold quite of few copies so opening his company was+EV. Also why not have a big name as the head. If he is smart he will surround himself with business tycoons and they can all conjour up ways to make the WPT a bigger and better buisness. For example having a WPT video game . If there is not one already.....

[benfranklin]

[ QUOTE ]
No one can buy the WPT and make it fail, its up there as an indestructable entity in todays market.

[/ QUOTE ]

WARNING: unsubstantiated rumor ahead!!

I have read speculation (can't remember where) that the WPT not a particularly profitable operation, and may even be losing money.

When you think about it, that is quite possible. They have essentially one product, they film tournaments put on by casinos. (They also have WPT DVDs, which are of questionable profitability.) The casinos make the money from the tournaments, the rake and the side action. I assume the casino pays the WPT a licensing fee to put on a WPT event, but have no idea what it is.

They have one customer, the Travel Channel. The Travel Channel takes in the advertising revenue, and pays the WPT something for the shows.

This does not strike me as a business model that is going to become the next Disney. I don't see much room to expand and diversify. It strikes me as a business model that could make a couple of people fairly wealthy. It's all in the negotiations with the casinos and the network.

[Kevmath]

WPTE Financials

Kevin...

[Brad22]

I forgot on which ESPN telecast it was (I think the Tourney of Champs - the 1-table with Chan, TJ, Phil....etc.), but Norman Chad mentioned that Doyle was doing a movie of his life story.

Any more new on that one?