Former NBA star Russell Westbrook and his wife, Nina Westbrook, will host the 6th Annual ‘Why Not? Foundation Poker Night’ on 18 September at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
The charity poker night with celebrities offers more than just bragging rights. It’s also a chance to play for a good cause. The annual poker night has raised over $2 million for the Why Not? Foundation (WNF) so far. Last year’s attendees included poker pro Antonio Esfandiari, as well as basketball players like DeAndre Jordan and DeMar DeRozan.
The event takes place next Friday in Sin City. The host is the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Things kick off with a poker refresher at 5:30 pm, and the poker night starts at 6 pm. Anyone keen to take a seat must buy a ticket for $10,000. That includes a place in the charity tournament, a one‑night stay at the Fontainebleau, chef‑crafted bites, premium cocktails, and commemorative gifts.
“Our upcoming 6th Annual Poker Night is a signature cornerstone of our ongoing work to unlock game-changing futures for underserved youth. With that purpose in mind, my retirement is beyond a farewell; it’s a new door opened for impact at the highest level.
Basketball gave me the platform, but purpose has helped me reimagine what’s possible. This next chapter gives me the opportunity to invest further in the next generation. Since 2012, it’s been an honour to build new pathways to success for young people in my hometown of South Los Angeles with the ‘Why Not? Foundation’,” said Russell Westbrook.
Each tournament player can also bring two guests. Anyone more interested in the entertainment and charity side of the event can buy general admission tickets for $1,500. These include access to the event, food and drinks, and the premium gifts. Tickets can be purchased here.
The event is presented in partnership with the World Poker Tour. Drea Renee hosts the evening, with Vince Van Patten as co‑host. “‘Why Not? Poker Night’ has become an incredible annual tradition, now entering its sixth year, and the WPT Foundation is honoured to be a long-time partner of the ‘Why Not? Foundation.
We’re proud to stand alongside Russell and Nina Westbrook and support their commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people through education, workforce development, and mental health and wellness,” said WPT CEO Adam Pliska.
