Barry Hearn reveals decision on Premier League Darts’ future as players queue up to criticise format

BARRY HEARN has defended the current Premier League Darts format after another hugely successful season played out in front of packed arenas across Europe.

The competition’s existing structure sees eight elite players face each other repeatedly over 16 weeks, with a mini knockout tournament held on every night of action to determine a weekly winner.

Although some players and supporters have questioned the repetitive nature of the format, the PDC chairman insists the event’s popularity suggests there is no urgent need for a major overhaul.

Speaking to HLN, Hearn said: “Every year we review the tournament, and we’ll do exactly the same again now.

“But if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”

The Premier League once again proved a major draw in 2026, attracting huge crowds throughout its European tour and regularly filling arenas wherever it travelled.

Hearn revealed that an impressive 98.2 per cent of all available tickets were sold during this year’s campaign.

He said: “That’s incredible. You might notice the occasional empty seat, but in reality almost every arena was completely full.

“That tells you fans still want to come and watch these players.

“Darts continues to grow, and because of that we are always looking at ways to improve our events.

“The Premier League could change in the future, but first we’ll take our time and evaluate everything properly.”

The sport’s growing international appeal was highlighted earlier this year when the Premier League visited Belgium for the first time.

More than 10,000 supporters packed into the AFAS Dome in Antwerp, producing one of the most memorable atmospheres of the season.

Hearn said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we finally brought the Premier League to Antwerp.

“It had been a dream for years, and the fans made it a truly unforgettable night.”

The veteran promoter believes the next stage of darts’ expansion will depend on developing top stars from a wider range of countries.

He added: “People love seeing players from their own nation succeed.

“That’s one of the things that makes sport so special.

“I hope we eventually see major champions emerging from every country where darts has a strong following, including the Netherlands and Belgium.”

For now, however, England remains the dominant force in the sport, led by reigning world champion Luke Littler, who secured his second Premier League title earlier this year.