Sky Sports have retained the broadcast rights for Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events in a record-breaking £125 million deal, outbidding streaming giant Netflix.
This new agreement solidifies Sky’s position as the long-term home of darts amid the sport’s growing global appeal.
The Largest PDC TV Deal to Date
The five-year deal, running until the end of 2030, doubles the value of Sky Sports’ previous contract, which was worth around £12 million annually.
Key tournaments covered include the iconic World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, as well as the World Matchplay and Premier League Darts.
The agreement could increase in value further as the World Championship continues to break revenue and viewership records. The PDC’s flagship event remains the second most-watched sport on Sky Sports, only trailing behind football.
Netflix’s Bid Highlights Darts’ Mainstream Appeal
The streaming giant Netflix was among a host of competitors eager to acquire PDC rights.
Netflix are seeking to expand its live sports portfolio, having already acquired the TV rights for WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night RAW, and the company’s interest in darts signals the sport’s surging popularity.
However, Sky Sports ultimately outbid Netflix, highlighting their commitment to the PDC since its inaugural World Championship broadcast in 1993/94.
Record-Breaking Audiences Drive Demand
Recent years have seen unprecedented viewing figures for darts.
The 2024 World Championship final drew a record 3.71 million peak viewers, while the 2025 final saw slightly lower but still significant engagement, with a peak of 3.1 million viewers.
The average audience figures consistently outperform major sporting events like the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, which averaged 2.2 million viewers.
Expanding Horizons: New Venues and Prize Money
As demand for tickets continues to grow, PDC are exploring a move to larger venues, potentially relocating within Alexandra Palace to its Great Hall, which can accommodate up to 8,000 fans.
The World Championship format will also expand from 96 to 128 players next year, opening the tournament to more international talent.
Prize money is also set to rise dramatically, with plans to offer the first £1 million jackpot to the World Championship winner.
Barry Hearn, former PDC chairman and a driving force behind the sport’s growth, highlighted the need for these changes, stating, “I’ve got to massively increase the prize money. Would I make it £1 million to the winner? I’d like to do it next year.”
A Bright Future for Darts
Under the leadership of Hearn and PDC CEO Matt Porter, the sport is set to continue expanding.
Global demand for spots in the World Championship is surging, and the PDC is projecting prize funds to double within the next three to four years.
Sky Sports’ 60 days of live darts coverage will continue to feature its marquee events, while ITV is expected to retain rights to certain other tournaments like the Players Championship and UK Open.
The new deal ensures that fans will enjoy unparalleled coverage of a sport that has become a staple of British entertainment.
