‘Signing this relationship off with a bang’ – Nathan Aspinall announces split after ‘eight incredible years’ together
Nathan Aspinall Announces Split from ZXF Management After “Eight Incredible Years”
Nathan Aspinall, the 33-year-old English darts star and two-time PDC major winner, has confirmed his departure from long-standing management company ZXF Sports at the end of the 2025 season, capping “eight incredible years” of partnership with a heartfelt social media statement. The “Asp,” currently ranked world No. 23 after a peak of No. 4 in 2024, revealed the news on October 14, 2025, just weeks after fellow ZXF client Luke Littler announced a similar split. Aspinall’s move, described as amicable, comes amid a challenging year marked by injury setbacks and a dip in form, but he expressed excitement for what’s next while vowing to “sign this relationship off with a bang” in the season’s final tournaments.
The Announcement: Gratitude and a “Bang” Finale
Aspinall’s Instagram post, shared at 9:15 a.m. BST on October 14, was a poignant reflection on his journey with ZXF founder Martin Foulds, who has managed him since 2017. “After 8 incredible years with ZXF Sports Management, I’ll be parting ways with them after the conclusion of this year’s World Championships,” Aspinall wrote. “I’m looking forward to signing this 8-year relationship off with a bang over the last few months of the season, as well as excited about what the future has in store for The Asp.” He added a nod to the enduring friendship: “While their professional relationship may be coming to an end, the friendship between Nathan Aspinall and Martin Foulds will continue long after the final dart of the season is thrown.”
Foulds, responding on ZXF’s channels, echoed the sentiment: “Nathan has been a cornerstone of ZXF since day one—his World Matchplay win in 2023 was a highlight. We wish him every success and look forward to cheering him on.” The split follows Littler’s October 6 departure after five years, where he credited ZXF for his Triple Crown (£1.5M+ earnings). Aspinall, who joined amid his 2019 UK Open breakthrough, has won nine PDC titles under ZXF, including the 2023 World Matchplay and 2019 UK Open.
Aspinall’s 2025: A Year of Setbacks Amid Resilience
Aspinall’s season has been turbulent, a far cry from his 2024 peak (No. 4 ranking, World Grand Prix final). Injuries—a wrist issue sidelining him for eight weeks post-World Matchplay and a back niggle—limited him to 12 Pro Tour events, dropping him to No. 23 on the Order of Merit (£250,000). Highlights included a European Darts Trophy title (6-4 over Joe Cullen) and a Players Championship 10 win, but early exits at the Worlds (third round to Humphries) and Grand Prix (second round to Noppert) stung. “It’s been tough, but I’m Nathan 2.0—focused on family and form,” he told Darts News in July.
His retirement hints in May—”out by 45″—reflect burnout, but the management change signals reinvention. “ZXF got me here; now it’s time for the next chapter,” Aspinall said.
| Tournament | Result | Prize Money |
|————|——–|————-|
| World Matchplay 2025 | Last 16 | £10,000 |
| World Grand Prix 2025 | Last 16 | £15,000 |
| European Darts Trophy 2025 | Champion | £30,000 |
| Players Championship 10 2025 | Champion | £10,000 |
The Split’s Context: Following Littler’s Footsteps
Aspinall’s exit mirrors Littler’s, with both citing a “busier schedule” and desire for autonomy. ZXF, under Foulds, managed Aspinall’s 2019 UK Open win (£250,000) and 2023 Matchplay (£180,000), securing endorsements like Winmau darts. “Martin’s been family—eight years of ups and downs,” Aspinall reflected. Speculation points to Modus Sports (Phil Taylor’s ex-agency) or self-management with family, as Littler did with Target Darts’ Garry Plummer.
The PDC’s global expansion—Saudi Darts Masters in January 2026—adds pressure, with Aspinall eyeing a Tour Card renewal and Minehead spot (top 64 PCOM). His Grand Prix second-round run (£15,000) keeps him 23rd (£250,000), but consistency is key.
Fan and Expert Reactions: “The Asp Deserves a Fresh Start”
Social media buzzed under #AspinallSplit: “Eight years with ZXF—Nathan’s earned his wings” (100k likes). Wayne Mardle praised: “The Asp’s journey with Martin was special—excited for his next act.” Littler commented: “Legend Nathan—bang out the season!” As Aspinall targets the European Championship (October 23-26), his split isn’t an end—it’s evolution. The Asp’s reloaded; darts awaits his roar.
