NBA icon Russell Westbrook and his ‘Why Not? Foundation’ (WNF) will host the 6th Annual ‘Why Not? Foundation Poker Night’ on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at Fontainebleau Las Vegas in their exclusive members-only Poodle Room. Hosted by Russell and Nina Westbrook, the event will once again be held in partnership with the World Poker Tour® Foundation, combining philanthropy and world-class poker for an upscale evening of entertainment and impact. This year marks the event’s debut at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the Strip’s only resort and casino with a 2025 MICHELIN One-Key recognition.

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The annual Poker Night fundraiser has become a cornerstone philanthropic event for the ‘Why Not? Foundation,’ raising more than $2 million to date, with all proceeds benefiting WNF’s mission to create pathways of empowerment through educational access, workforce development, and vital mental health and wellness programs in underserved communities. Tickets are available here.

This year’s Poker Night also comes on the heels of a special milestone from ‘Why Not? Foundation’ founder Russell Westbrook, who recently announced his retirement from the NBA after an 18-year legendary career.

“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,” said Russell Westbrook. “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 honor to build new pathways to success for young people in my hometown of South Los Angeles with the ‘Why Not? Foundation.’”

Last year’s event brought together poker pros, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and supporters including DeAndre Jordan, DeMar DeRozan, Princess Love, Antonio Esfandiari, and Adin Hill, for a night of poker, purpose, and impact. Additional notable past participants include Chris Paul, Jason Koon, and Maria Ho.

“Fontainebleau Las Vegas is proud to welcome Nina and Russell Westbrook and the ‘Why Not? Foundation’ to our resort for the 6th Annual Poker Night,” said Fontainebleau Las Vegas President, Maurice Wooden. “As Russell embarks on this new chapter, we are honored to help carry forward the incredible legacy of impact he and the ‘Why Not? Foundation’ have built for the young people of Los Angeles. We look forward to an unforgettable night of poker, purpose, and philanthropy within our exclusive Poodle Room.”

Presented in partnership with the World Poker Tour® (WPT) Foundation, this year’s event continues a legacy of delivering an elevated poker experience that brings together world-class poker professionals, celebrity players, and devoted supporters in an immersive tournament setting. This year’s event will be hosted by Poker Reporter Drea Renee with Vince VanPatten serving as co-host. The event will begin on Friday, Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. with a Poker Refresher, and the official Poker Night and Entertainment will begin at 6 p.m.

“‘Why Not? Poker Night’ has become an incredible annual tradition, now entering its sixth year, and the WPT Foundation is honored to be a longtime partner of the ‘Why Not? Foundation,” said Adam Pliska, CEO, World Poker Tour. “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.”

For ticketing and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the link HERE or contact events@whynotfoundation.org. More information on Fontainebleau Las Vegas dining, events, entertainment, rooms and suites can be found at fontainebleaulasvegas.com.

About the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation

Founded in 2012, the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation aims to create pathways of empowerment for underserved populations. The foundation is committed to the perseverance of underserved communities by implementing structured educational opportunities, workforce development, and accessible mental health resources. With “Why Not?” being a personal ignition for Russell Westbrook, the foundation looks to instill this mindset in the youth while offering resources to set children and their communities up for continued success. For more information, please visit: whynotfoundation.org.

About Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Fontainebleau Las Vegas is a 67-story, vertically integrated luxury resort and casino that brings a legacy of timeless elegance and unparalleled service to the Strip. It is the only resort and casino in Nevada to receive the coveted One Key designation from the 2025 MICHELIN Guide, recognizing its bold design and award-winning collection of luxury amenities and accommodations. Certified by the Green Building Initiative with three Green Globes, the resort’s thoughtful design allows guests to move effortlessly among 3,644 luxury hotel rooms and suites, 550,000 square feet of customizable meeting and convention space, 150,000 square feet of gaming space, a collection of world-class restaurants and shops, exquisite pools, vibrant nightlife, and vitality enhancing spa and wellness offerings. Located at 2777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., adjacent to the acclaimed Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall expansion, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is created by Fontainebleau Development in partnership with Koch Real Estate Investments.

About the World Poker Tour®

World Poker Tour® (WPT®) is the premier name in internationally televised gaming and entertainment with brand presence in land-based tournaments, television, online, and mobile. WPT has hosted live poker tournaments in 48 countries, drawn more than 400,000 total entries, and awarded more than $1.5 billion in prize money. Leading innovation in the sport of poker since 2002, WPT ignited the global poker boom with the creation of a unique television show, which has broadcast globally in more than 150 countries and territories. In 2012, the WPT Foundation was launched, which has gone on to raise more than $50 million over more than 50 events, dedicated to supporting key charities in the areas of human rights, education, world hunger, and the environment. For more information, go to World Poker Tour Foundation (wptfoundation.org).

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