Barry Hearn reveals the darts song he hates the most as Paddy Power announce new five-year World Darts Championship deal
The PDC has officially secured the future of the sport’s biggest event, announcing a new five-year extension with Paddy Power that will keep the Irish bookmaker as title sponsor of the World Darts Championship until at least 2031. But while the deal signals a vibrant future for darts at Alexandra Palace, the announcement video delivered an unexpected bonus: Barry Hearn revealing the one fan-favourite chant he simply cannot stand.
Paddy Power Extend Ally Pally Era to 2031
The PDC confirmed the agreement in a statement celebrating one of its most successful commercial partnerships. The Paddy Power World Darts Championship has become the most-watched event in the sport’s history, with record viewing figures, packed crowds, and a growing global audience.
The new contract guarantees Paddy Power’s branding at Ally Pally for another half-decade and continues the sponsorship’s blend of humour, high-energy promotion, and charitable initiatives, including significant fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK.
PDC chairman Eddie Hearn praised the extension as a “huge moment” for the sport, noting that Paddy Power had helped inject “creativity, energy, and entertainment” into darts’ flagship tournament.
Barry Hearn’s Unexpected Outburst: “I Hate That Song”
While the long-term deal dominated headlines, fans were treated to an entertaining subplot in the promotional video featuring long-time PDC figurehead Barry Hearn. During a tongue-in-cheek marketing pitch, a creative team suggested launching the sponsorship announcement with a rousing rendition of the crowd-favourite “Yaya/Kolo Touré” chant — a football-inspired song that often spills into darts arenas.
Hearn shut the idea down instantly.
“I hate that song,” he snapped, sparking laughter among fans who know the chant is a staple of British sporting culture.
The off-hand comment quickly made waves online, with supporters amused — and a little shocked — to hear the veteran promoter take aim at a chant beloved on the Ally Pally terraces.
Why It Matters: Darts Culture Meets Corporate Branding
The clip reflects the ongoing balance the sport tries to strike. Darts thrives on its rowdy, colourful fan culture — walk-on music, chants, costumes, and party-atmosphere crowds. But as the sport’s commercial partnerships grow, there’s a careful line between embracing that culture and refining it for sponsors and broadcasters.
Hearn’s comment was light-hearted, but it shows how even the most iconic chants can divide opinion behind the scenes.
A Long Future for the Ally Pally Showpiece
With the new deal in place, the Paddy Power World Darts Championship looks set for an era of stability and continued growth. From bigger prize funds to enhanced fan experiences, the next five years are expected to deliver even more spectacle to the sport’s most iconic stage.
And one thing is guaranteed: chants will continue to echo through Alexandra Palace — whether Barry Hearn likes them or not.
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