"There isn't room for a lot more": Rising demand provides luxury problem for PDC amid Luke Littler effect

As Chief Executive of the Professional Darts Corporation, Matt Porter has overseen a period of enormous growth for the sport. With record crowds, global expansion, and the World Championship at Alexandra Palace selling out faster than ever before, Porter believes darts is operating at full throttle — and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We’ve spent a lot of effort, money, time, and blood, sweat and tears over the last two decades building our calendar,” Porter explained to Online Darts. “Building it to a point where it’s recognisable, where events are identifiable with cities or times of the year. I think we’re at that point now. We’re right on capacity where we are now.”

Despite huge demand, Porter is cautious about oversaturating the schedule. “I don’t think putting another five, six, seven events in is going to increase the demand. I think it’s just going to shift the demand from one area to another,” he said. “I wouldn’t say we’re at breaking point, but there isn’t room for a lot more.”

One of the biggest talking points is the future of the World Series of Darts. Expansion is very much on the agenda, with conversations taking place across the globe. “I think there’ll be at least one new country in 2026,” Porter revealed. “We’ve got ongoing conversations with places in North America, Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Far East — you name it. Everywhere’s interested. But these conversations take a long time. You’ve got to get the venue, the timing, the local interest, and the broadcast sorted. We’ll get there.”

The Netherlands remains uncertain, however, with the Dutch Darts Masters under review following restrictions on betting sponsorship. “We haven’t crossed it off, but it’s obviously an event where its future is under review,” he admitted.

Elsewhere, the World Series is booming. “The big pluses for me this year were: Bahrain, crowd numbers up. Copenhagen, crowd numbers up. Australia and New Zealand in particular, hugely up. New York, hugely up. The Dutch event sold out — it was a small venue, but it sold out. The Polish event stayed at the same level, but that was fine, because it was a good level,” Porter said.

For him, the real success is seeing new audiences converted into fans and players. “We’re definitely seeing people in those countries coming to events because they know it’s in their town, not necessarily because they’re darts people who follow it year-round. The data shows we’re getting repeat buyers, we’re getting people from out of town. It’s a real positive because it’s a conversion process: from someone being interested in darts, to buying a ticket, to rebooking, and then playing.”

In North America, the Madison Square Garden setting has given darts a foothold in one of sport’s biggest markets. “New York’s a glamour city, isn’t it? America’s a big market. Being at Madison Square Garden puts you on a different level. That’s probably why it gets so much attention,” Porter said.

Down under, the PDC has also been working to rebuild the domestic scene. “At the moment, it’s about trying to get domestic darts in Australia back to the level it was maybe a decade ago,” he said. “An opportunity presented itself with a promoter down there for the Australian and New Zealand Premier League. Now there’s a new opportunity for domestic players. We know there’s a talent pool, we know there’s an appetite to commit — Whitlock, Anderson, Blessing, Heta, even Cadby for a short period. They’ve all shown that appetite. It’s just about harnessing it and presenting opportunities.”

That commitment was underlined by the creation of the Kyle Anderson Trophy. “He was such a great guy,” Porter said warmly. “There wasn’t a person in darts who didn’t like Kyle Anderson and he’s still missed. It’s important for us to keep his flame burning when we go down there.”

Back in the UK, demand for the World Darts Championship continues to outstrip supply. Even after four extra days and eight extra sessions were added, tickets sold out in record time. “It flew out, which was great. It shows people love visiting Ally Pally at Christmas,” Porter said. “The demand is insatiable — from fans, media, broadcasters, not just here but around the world. We’ve got to do everything we can to maximise the event.”

The future of the tournament venue has been widely discussed, but Porter insists the special atmosphere must be preserved. “There’s that ‘X factor’ of the ticket. You don’t want them to be too easy to get,” he explained. “We think we’re fair with ticket prices. People criticise us for a lot of things, but not many say, ‘Your tickets are a rip-off.’ Our fans are great and loyal to us, and we want to be loyal back.” While London would remain the priority, Porter admits the PDC will always consider options if expansion is needed.

Looking ahead, the World Championship is set to welcome 128 players, while prize money continues to rise thanks to a new Sky Sports deal. “This is the start of a really exciting time for us all,” Porter said. “With prize money going up, the calendar in place, new countries on the horizon — it’s a cliché, but there’s never been a better time for darts or to be a dart player. Bring it on.”

In the US, a new broadcasting arrangement has already shown promise. “We did see a big uptake when we moved to Peacock,” he confirmed. “The advantage we’ll have is that they show Premier League football, which helps bring new viewers across.”