Luke Littler’s Shock New Management Reveal: “No One Knows” Who’s Next After ZXF Split
In a move that sent shockwaves through the darts world, reigning PDC World Champion Luke Littler has confirmed his split from long-time management company ZXF Sports, teasing a mysterious new partnership with a cryptic “No one knows” when pressed on his next step. The 18-year-old sensation announced the amicable departure on Instagram just hours before his World Grand Prix opener against Gian van Veen on October 7, 2025, crediting ZXF and founder Martin Foulds for an “amazing” five-year journey that catapulted him from junior prodigy to global icon.
The Split: Gratitude Amid Change
Littler, who joined ZXF at age 13 in 2020, expressed deep appreciation for the team’s role in his meteoric rise. “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,” he wrote in his post, which garnered over 500,000 likes within hours. “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.” Foulds, who also manages stars like Nathan Aspinall and Chris Dobey, reciprocated the sentiment on social media: “After an unbelievable five years guiding the career of Luke Littler with ZXF Management, it is time to part ways. I wish Luke nothing but the best for the future.”
ZXF’s stewardship included navigating Littler’s 2023/24 World Championship final breakthrough at 16, securing endorsements with brands like Target Darts, boohooMAN, and Xbox, and handling the media frenzy around his 2025 Triple Crown (World Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay), which netted over £1.5 million in prize money. The split appears driven by Littler’s desire for greater autonomy as his global profile explodes—potentially £100 million in future earnings, per sports finance expert Dr. Rob Wilson—amid plans for a lighter 2026 schedule to include holidays with girlfriend Faith Millar.
The Tease: “No One Knows” – Speculation Runs Wild
When quizzed on his new management during a pre-match interview at the Mattioli Arena, Littler kept details under wraps with a playful yet evasive “No one knows,” fueling immediate speculation. Industry insiders point to Modus Sports Management—former home of Phil Taylor—as a frontrunner, given their expertise with darts legends and Littler’s admiration for “The Power.” Other whispers suggest a high-profile agency like Wasserman or a hybrid setup with family involvement and Garry Plummer from Target Darts. Littler, fresh off a 2-0 sets win over van Veen (averaging 105.58 to the Dutchman’s record 106.47), hinted at the change’s timing: “It’s exciting—new energy for what’s ahead.”
The ambiguity has sparked a frenzy on social media, with #LittlerNewManagement trending globally. Fans theorize: “Modus? Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom for the showbiz side?” while experts like Wayne Mardle called it “a power move for independence at 18.” Littler’s recent dismissal of retirement rumors (a September prank video for EA Sports FC 26) and management split suggest he’s plotting a sustainable path to challenge Taylor’s 16 world titles.
Impact on Littler’s Career: Autonomy Amid Pressure
The move aligns with Littler’s hints at burnout from a 120+ match 2025, including his elbow niggle and PCOM risks (tied 58th, £21,000). By going solo or with a fresh team, he gains flexibility for majors like the World Grand Prix (£120,000 winner’s purse) and 2026 Worlds defense, while protecting his personal life with Millar. As No. 2 seed, his van Veen victory—despite the opponent’s historic average—reaffirms his elite status, but the management shake-up adds intrigue to his No. 1 chase against Humphries (£1.68M Order of Merit lead).
Littler’s “no one knows” cliffhanger keeps the darts world guessing, but one thing’s clear: “The Nuke” is reloading for dominance on his terms. Watch for reveals post-Grand Prix—darts’ next chapter is about to explode.
