Free-to-air darts on the move from ITV as Players Championship Finals set to be final tournament in current deal
ITV’s Darts Deal Ends After 2025 Players Championship Finals
ITV’s long-standing free-to-air partnership with the PDC for darts is set to conclude following the 2025 Players Championship Finals in Minehead (November 21-23), marking the end of an era after 15 years of coverage. The broadcaster, which has aired iconic events like the UK Open, European Championship, and World Series Finals since 2010, secured a one-year extension in September 2024 to include The Masters, UK Open, European Championship, and Players Championship Finals through 2025. This extension was ITV’s “biggest-ever year of darts,” featuring expanded fields like The Masters (24 to 32 players) and at least seven World Series events. However, no further renewal has been announced, with Channel 5 reportedly in pole position to acquire the rights starting in 2026, according to industry sources.
The Deal’s Legacy: 15 Years of Iconic Moments
ITV’s coverage began with a three-year agreement in 2010 for The Masters, UK Open, European Championship, World Series Finals, and Players Championship Finals, extended multiple times to 2025. Highlights include broadcasting Littler’s 2024 Worlds run (9.2 million viewers) and Humphries’ 2023 Grand Slam triumph. PDC CEO Matt Porter praised ITV: “A valued partner for over 15 years, showcasing iconic moments.” ITV Sport Director Niall Sloane added: “Thrilling 2025 coverage for fans.”
The 2025 Players Championship Finals will be the finale under the deal, featuring the top 64 from the Players Championship Order of Merit (£600,000 prize pool, £120,000 to winner).
What’s Next? Channel 5 in Line for 2026 Rights
Reports from LiveDarts and TV Zone UK indicate Channel 5 is poised to take over, expanding its sports slate after sublicensing DAZN’s Club World Cup matches. A deal could include free-to-air coverage of majors like the UK Open and Worlds qualifiers, with Matchroom (PDC’s promoter) deciding commentary (potential shake-up from ITV’s team). No official confirmation yet, but the shift aligns with darts’ boom (15% viewership growth).
| Event | ITV Coverage (2025) | Potential 2026 Shift |
|——-|———————|———————-|
| UK Open | Yes | Channel 5/Free-to-Air |
| European Championship | Yes | Channel 5/Free-to-Air |
| Players Championship Finals | Yes (Final Event) | Channel 5/Free-to-Air |
| World Championship | Partial (Select Matches) | Sky Sports (Main) + Channel 5 (Free-to-Air) |
Fan Reactions: “End of an Era”
Social media under #ITVDartsEnd: “ITV’s darts gone? Channel 5 next—free-to-air lives!” (100k likes). Mardle: “Grateful for ITV’s years—new chapter.” As Minehead nears, the deal’s end isn’t closure—it’s evolution. Darts’ free-to-air legacy endures.
