Luke Littler’s Behind-the-Scenes Admission: The Real Reason for Shock Management Split
Luke Littler, the darts sensation who has redefined the sport at just 18, has pulled back the curtain on the “behind-the-scenes” factors driving his dramatic split from long-time management company ZXF Sports, revealing a desire for greater control amid a “busier” schedule and evolving priorities. In a candid post-match interview following his triumphant first-round win at the 2025 World Grand Prix on October 7, Littler admitted the decision was about “taking the next step” on his own terms, hinting at frustrations with the non-stop demands of fame and a need to protect his personal life. The announcement, made via Instagram just hours before his clash with Gian van Veen, has left fans and experts buzzing about what this means for “The Nuke’s” future.
The Split: A Mutual “Next Step” After Five Amazing Years
Littler’s departure from ZXF—led by Martin Foulds since the teen joined at age 13 in 2020—marks the end of a partnership that turned him into a global icon. ZXF guided him through his 2023/24 World Championship final breakthrough, negotiated blockbuster endorsements with Target Darts, boohooMAN, and Xbox, and managed the chaos of his 2025 Triple Crown (World Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay), netting over £1.5 million in prize money. In his emotional Instagram post, Littler wrote: “I want to say a massive thank you to ZXF Management, and especially Martin, for everything they’ve done for me so far in my career. We’ve had some amazing times together over the last 5 years… As my career moves forward and the schedule gets busier, we’ve agreed it’s the right time for me to take the next step with new representation.”
Behind the scenes, sources reveal the split stems from Littler’s growing unease with the relentless pace—over 120 matches in 2025 alone—that left little room for rest or reflection. “The schedule is non-stop—that’s what I don’t like about darts,” he confessed in a pre-tournament chat, vowing more holidays with girlfriend Faith Millar in 2026. The management change allows him to prioritize majors and personal time, potentially with a leaner team involving family and Garry Plummer from Target Darts. Foulds, who also reps Nathan Aspinall and Chris Dobey, responded graciously: “After an unbelievable five years… it is time to part ways. I wish Luke nothing but the best.”
Post-Match Admission: “Excited for What’s Ahead”
Fresh off a 2-0 sets victory over van Veen—where he averaged 105.58 to overcome the Dutchman’s record 106.47—Littler addressed the split head-on. “No one knows what’s been going on behind the scenes,” he teased to Sky Sports, smiling as he confirmed self-management with family support. “I’m going to have help from Garry at Target as well. It’s going to be massive; we’re going in the right direction.” The win, his first in the double-in/double-out format after two prior first-round exits, felt like poetic timing—a statement of independence amid change.
Littler’s admission speaks to the hidden pressures of stardom: While the Triple Crown brought glory (£1.5M+ earnings), it also sparked burnout hints, including his elbow niggle and PCOM risks (tied 58th, £21,000). “2025 was non-stop—I didn’t have the chance for a proper getaway,” he reflected, promising Millar “no darts thoughts” on future trips. The split empowers him to curate a sustainable path, possibly eyeing Modus Sports (Phil Taylor’s ex-agency) for darts expertise.
What It Means for Littler’s Future
This “next step” could reshape darts’ biggest story. Littler’s self-management echoes Taylor’s early autonomy, allowing focus on the £120,000 Grand Prix prize and 2026 Worlds defense. With a hinted lighter schedule—fewer Pro Tour events for rest—rivals like Humphries (£1.68M Order of Merit lead) and Rock may close gaps, but Littler’s van Veen masterclass (clutch 144 checkout) reaffirms his edge. Fans on X erupted: “Nuke managing himself? That’s boss level—Grand Prix win is just the start!” (#LittlerSplit trended with 50k+ mentions).
As Littler faces the Wright-De Decker winner next, his behind-the-scenes admission reveals a maturing star: Grateful for the past, excited for control. In darts’ golden era, “The Nuke” is rewriting his script—on his terms.
