Television coverage of darts from 2026 on the move: Matchroom takes over production

PDC
Monday, 05 May 2025 at 20:42
ITV Darts
Television coverage of darts will change dramatically starting in 2026. Multi-sport promoter Matchroom Media is poised to take over most of the production of both sports, with the exception of some major tournaments that will remain hosted by established broadcasters such as Sky Sports and the BBC.
ITV, which grew into a reliable partner for darts over the past decade, will lose its involvement. With such distinguished presenters as Jill Douglas and Jacqui Oatley, the channel was able to guarantee a high level of coverage. Under their leadership, highlights of the careers of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, among others, were brought before the general public.
ITV provided coverage of such leading events as The Masters, the UK Open, the European Championship, the Players Championship Finals and several tournaments within the World Series of Darts. These productions were known for their journalistic quality and reliable presentation.
Employees have since been informed of the upcoming changes. Especially among freelancers - such as analysts, commentators, floor managers and make-up artists - there is great uncertainty. Many of them fear losing their regular jobs.
A source within the production told Sun Sport. “Gutted as the guys who work on it are brilliant and we’ve all had the best fun working hard to try to produce quality TV. But money talks and that’s life.  
“So, no more ITV presenters and pundits, just whoever Matchroom ‘host’ broadcaster uses.  
“A big kick in the guts. ITV people are brilliant. Everyone’s very upset. Poor freelance floor managers, makeup artists, losing a lot of work.”  
Barry Hearn
Barry Hearn
New broadcasting arrangements
Matchroom founder and chairman Barry Hearn confirms that new broadcasting arrangements are in the works. “We live in a numbers game. ITV4 has been fantastically successful for us in the numbers it’s got."
According to Hearn, there is a lot of interest from multiple parties: “It’s going to involve a multiple number of broadcasters. Some free-to-air, some behind the pay-model. 
Hearn emphasizes the digital shift: “We need to be more encouraging to the younger market, which involves talking to them in the language that they understand and the medium that they understand. 
“And that’s why the world is becoming more digital. The future is more Netflix than free-to-air. 
“People will be able to watch what they want to watch, the sports they want to watch, when they want to watch it and for a price they can afford. I find that really exciting.”
ITV and the PDC declined to comment to The Sun report.
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