Darts to remain on free-to-air TV as ITV agree new deal – but shake-up to presenting line-up on the cards
Darts Stays Free-to-Air: ITV Secures Multi-Year PDC Deal Amid Major Presentation Overhaul
On October 29, 2025, ITV Sport announced a groundbreaking three-year extension with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), ensuring that key darts tournaments remain accessible on free-to-air television in the UK through 2028. This deal averts earlier fears of a shift to Channel 5 and preserves ITV’s role as the terrestrial home for the sport, building on nearly two decades of coverage. However, the agreement introduces a seismic shift: PDC’s parent company, Matchroom Media, will take full control of production for non-Sky Sports events starting in 2026, leading to a complete refresh of the on-screen team, commentators, and broadcast style.
The extension comes at a pivotal moment for darts, fueled by the meteoric rise of stars like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, with global viewership surging post-2024 World Championship. ITV Director of Sport Niall Sloane hailed it as a “win for fans,” emphasizing continued accessibility on ITV4 and ITVX, while PDC CEO Matt Porter noted ITV’s role in “broadcasting many iconic moments.”
Deal Highlights: What Stays the Same (and What Changes)
The new pact locks in free-to-air rights for ITV’s marquee PDC events, expanding on the one-year extension secured in September 2024 for the 2024-25 season. Here’s a breakdown:
| Tournament | Coverage Details | Key Notes |
|————|——————|———–|
| **The Masters** | Live on ITV4/ITVX (expanded to 32 players in Jan 2025) | ITV’s biggest-ever darts slate; Littler defended title in 2024. |
| **UK Open** | Multi-session live coverage (March) | “FA Cup of Darts” – entry for all PDC pros; record 180,000+ peak viewers in 2024. |
| **European Championship** | October event in Germany | Features top 32 from Order of Merit; Humphries won 2024 final. |
| **Players Championship Finals** | November in Minehead | Top 64 earners; marks end of current deal – last with old production. |
| **World Series of Darts** | At least 7 global events + Finals (e.g., Bahrain, Netherlands) | High-profile internationals; Littler claimed 2024 Finals. |
From 2026, Matchroom’s oversight aims to modernize production for younger audiences, blending digital flair with traditional appeal—think Netflix-style graphics and social media integration. Barry Hearn, Matchroom chairman, stressed evolving with viewer habits: “The future is more digital… involving multiple broadcasters.” Sky Sports retains exclusive rights to majors like the World Championship until 2030, ensuring a hybrid model.
The Presenting Shake-Up: End of an Era for ITV Stalwarts
The most talked-about element is the overhaul of the broadcast team. ITV’s in-house production ends, with Matchroom handpicking commentators, pundits, and hosts to inject fresh energy. Longtime favorites face uncertainty:
– **Current ITV Line-Up (Likely Out)**: Hosts like Dan Dawson and Ali Drew; pundits Mark Webster (ex-pro) and Mark Wilson; commentators who’ve covered 15+ years of highlights.
– **Potential Matchroom Picks**: Insiders speculate a mix of ex-players (e.g., Gerwyn Price or Gary Anderson for punditry) and rising media talents. World Series events in 2025 may still feature the old guard, but 2026 signals a “huge shake-up.”
This mirrors May 2025 rumors of Channel 5 poaching rights, which were quashed by ITV’s aggressive bid. Fans on Reddit and X have mixed reactions: some lament the “end of an era” for reliable coverage, while others welcome innovation to counter ITV’s past critiques (e.g., shaky cameras, poor spotting).
Broader Impact: Boosting Darts’ Boom
With Littler’s teen sensation status and Humphries’ world No. 1 dominance, darts hit 2.5 million UK viewers for the 2024 Worlds final—up 20% year-on-year. The ITV deal secures free access for casual fans, complementing Sky’s deep dives. Globally, it aligns with PDC’s push into emerging markets via World Series events.
As one X post summed it: “Darts on free TV till ’28? Massive W. But who’s calling the 180s now? 👀” Eyes on the Players Championship Finals next month for a farewell to the familiar format. Darts just got a lifeline—and a makeover. 🎯📺
