Sky Sports stave off Netflix and Amazon to sign new bumper £125 million deal to keep PDC darts coverage
PDC
Sky Sports have reportedly signed a new bumper £125m deal to keep PDC Darts on the channel and stave off interest from Amazon and Netflix as well as DAZN who have ties with parent company Matchroom Sport.
Barry Hearn, PDC President told Sky Sports to up the ante to save their long standing relationship. Elsewhere in their family business, they cut ties with Sky Sports in boxing and moved to DAZN so aren't scared to go where the money is.
But Sky Sports have stumped up the cash in order to keep the rise of Luke Littler in such tournaments as the PDC World Darts Championship, Premier League Darts and World Matchplay on their channel.
They have according to The Guardian paid more than double the existing rights fee in recognition of the Luke Littler effect as well as the growth in darts viewing figures.
The PDC were swayed by the history of Sky in darts with an established history in their involvement in the sport and also links to other sports with footballer Jack Grealish starring in their adverts for the PDC World Darts Championship.
The broadcaster has held exclusive rights for the main tournaments since 1993 when the WDC broke away to form the PDC eventually after the BDO split.
Darts is now Sky's biggest sport other than football and it will see at least 64 days of lived arts every year. It could also increase from the £125m if the World Championship continues to expand. The field will be increased to 128 competitors from next year.
They will likely use the extra money also to expand the prize fund and will now look to sew up the future of their free to air companion with ITV currently showing it and will likely continue to do so including the UK Open, Players Championship Finals and European Championship.
Hey Siri, define 'Aura'. pic.twitter.com/325Rx3CENa
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 2, 2025
Just in
Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter today!
Popular news
Latest comments
- Gutted to hear about Wynand, he was one of those one off championship characters that you always remember. He beat Manley at his own game. Maish was the VAT fiddler. I think it was Webster, Wynand should have beaten in that 3rd round. Thank you Wynand for those brief but everlasting memories.richieburnettrocks11-01-2025
- This coming from the lowest ranked player in it who was only selected by his paranoia for attention from the crowd by having to conduct the crowd to his walk on music. I know a lot of darts fans who cannot stand Arsepinall, oddly I know people who don't like darts but frequently attend events for the atmosphere and have no idea who was playing. So for all the whining players not selected, change your walk on music and pathetically beg for affection from the crowd....please cheer for me ohhh please cheer.richieburnettrocks11-01-2025
- A floor layer called Bissell …. Be looking to hoover up the titles.Mysstree10-01-2025
- "For the past 20 years, the Grand Prix winner was there every time" Because all former winners were Top 8 players, as simple as that. "Now they say you get into the Premier League based on results. So apparently that's not the case" Results ? You just have ONE result over 2 years. Without these 3 days wonders, you wouldn't be Top 32... "Aspinall and Price. They didn't deserve it" Maybe, but never seems that you do. Other players must be picked before.cycyP309-01-2025
- Premier League is nothing more now than a pantomime where the crowd turn up and boo at the villain and cheer on the hero while getting pissed out their brains. Basically its the WWE of darts.Mysstree09-01-2025
- Is this the start of an attempt to say that he (Littler) is the best ever as he has won most money. Perhaps adjust all prize money earned by allowing for inflation. If Littler gets close too (does not even have to overtake) both MVG’s and Taylor’s Major titles total then he is in the conversation. Indicates to me that the prize money is skewed to much towards the top players, meritocracy must rule but a fair distribution of the money is needed otherwise its only ever about a select few.Mysstree09-01-2025
- £500 for 3 games seems so steep especially for those that lost 5-0 each time. I used to think Conan Whitehead was going to be a great player and was improving through the BDO but has just fizzled outrichieburnettrocks09-01-2025
- COME ON RICHIE BURNETT Safely through to the final stage an closing in on that card.richieburnettrocks09-01-2025
- It is shocking and unbelievable that 2 Hotty who was always such a decent player, 2 time World Champion and won the Grand Slam when it meant something. He really should have joined the PDC earlier. He has just disappeared off the radar. Such a shame when one of your favourite players just dissappears. I guess he is concentrating on the carpentry. I made a sign at Lakeside which must have been the biggest ever. It said we're potty for 2 Hotty, each word was on its own flip chart sheet of paper and gaffer taped together. Maybe Scotty should return to the WDF or whatever it is now.richieburnettrocks09-01-2025
- What the hell has happened to Scott Waites, didn’t even win a point.Mysstree08-01-2025