Viaplay seemingly set to bow out of darts with change incoming for Dutch viewers
PDCSunday, 05 July 2026 at 10:00
A significant change is on the horizon for Dutch darts fans. The PDC broadcasting rights will, for now, remain with Viaplay, but if the announced acquisition is approved, darts tournaments will eventually be available on Videoland. This means that in time all major PDC events, including the World Matchplay, the World Darts Championship, the Premier League Darts, and the other televised tournaments, will move to the RTL and DPG Media streaming platform.
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For the time being, nothing changes. Viaplay subscribers can continue to use their existing subscription and the familiar Viaplay app in the coming period. Only after the acquisition is officially completed will the sports rights be integrated into Videoland. It is not yet known when that will happen.
No impact yet for current Viaplay subscribers
According to DPG Media, current subscribers need not worry for now. Until the integration takes place, everything remains the same. With the acquisition, DPG Media aims to give sport a much more prominent place within Videoland. “It has long been our ambition to build a strong second pillar with sport alongside our entertainment offering,” says Ellen van den Berghe, Director of Streaming at DPG Media.
She believes the move fits the changing way the Dutch experience sport. “Watching sport together is deeply rooted in Dutch culture, and that experience is shifting at high speed to streaming. With the programming, the sports rights, and the platform that Viaplay has successfully established in the Netherlands, we can bring a fantastic sports package to Videoland.”
She continues: “With this step, we are building a future-proof Dutch streaming platform that can compete with the biggest international players.”
In time, darts rights in the Netherlands will move from Viaplay to Videoland
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Major PDC tournaments to move as well
Once the acquisition is finalized, not only the Formula 1 rights but also the PDC rights will transfer to Videoland. That means Dutch fans will be able to follow the performances of Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, and the other top players there in the future.
In addition to darts, the broadcasting rights for the English Premier League and the German Bundesliga will also ultimately move to Videoland.
Viaplay active in the Netherlands since 2022
Viaplay entered the Dutch market in early 2022 and immediately triggered a major shift in the sports landscape. The Swedish streaming service took over Formula 1 broadcasting rights from Ziggo Sport and also secured the PDC television rights.
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The rollout was not without criticism. In the early period, many users complained about stream picture quality. In addition, Viaplay regularly sparked debate in recent years by implementing multiple subscription price increases.
If the acquisition is approved, that will eventually come to an end and the sports rights, including those of the PDC, will be housed at Videoland. When darts fans will actually need to make the switch is not yet known.
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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