The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Darts Championship will remain on Sky Sports until 2030, securing its broadcasting future on the platform that has showcased the tournament since its inception in 1993. Sky Sports fended off fierce competition from streaming giants Netflix and Amazon, both of whom submitted bids for the rights. This new five-year deal, reportedly valued at a minimum of £125 million, represents more than double Sky’s previous rights fee, highlighting the escalating value and popularity of the sport. The surge in interest, dubbed the “Luke Littler effect,” is attributed to the meteoric rise of the 17-year-old prodigy who captured his maiden world title in January 2025, defeating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen. This victory, coupled with a recent ticket sales analysis, underscores darts’ burgeoning popularity.
The remarkable triumph of Luke Littler, a teenager who ascended to the pinnacle of the darts world, has been instrumental in catapulting the sport into the mainstream. His victory over the established champion, Michael van Gerwen, resonated with audiences and ignited a wave of new interest. This “Luke Littler effect” has translated into increased viewership, with the final attracting a peak audience of 3.1 million and an average of 2.7 million viewers. The escalating popularity fueled a bidding war for the broadcasting rights, with Sky Sports ultimately prevailing over streaming competitors. This new deal solidifies darts’ position as Sky’s second most popular sport, only surpassed by football, underscoring its growing prominence in the broadcasting landscape.
Sky Sports’ comprehensive coverage of darts extends beyond the World Championship, encompassing prestigious tournaments like the Premier League Darts, the World Matchplay, and the World Cup of Darts. This broad spectrum of events ensures consistent engagement with darts enthusiasts throughout the year and caters to a wide range of fans. The inclusion of these tournaments in Sky’s portfolio cements its position as the primary destination for darts coverage, providing viewers with access to the sport’s most significant competitions. The new agreement guarantees the continuation of this comprehensive coverage, solidifying Sky’s commitment to the sport.
The 2025 World Championship will undergo a significant expansion, with the field increasing by 32 players to a total of 128 participants. This expansion will extend the tournament duration by four days, offering more opportunities for emerging talent to showcase their skills on the world stage. The larger field reflects the growing global interest in darts and provides a platform for a more diverse range of players to compete. This move is anticipated to further enhance the tournament’s appeal and generate even greater excitement among fans.
Luke Littler’s world title victory earned him a substantial £500,000 prize, a testament to the increasing financial rewards available in professional darts. His achievement has propelled him into the spotlight, both within the sporting world and beyond. Following his victory, Littler enjoyed a well-deserved holiday with his family in Benidorm, offering a brief respite before returning to competitive action. His appearance at a local darts tournament in Benidorm, where he watched his brother compete, further underscores the sport’s accessibility and growing popularity.
Littler’s journey continues with his participation in the Bahrain Masters, the inaugural event of the 2025 World Series of Darts. This tournament will provide a platform for Littler to further solidify his position within the elite ranks of professional darts and continue his ascent in the sport. The Bahrain Masters represents the first opportunity in 2025 for Littler to compete against top-tier players and build upon his recent success. His performance in this tournament will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to witness the next chapter in this young prodigy’s remarkable career.
