"You never want to know what the ceiling will be": More spectators at the 2027 World Championship, but PDC chief Matt Porter sees no limit

The World Darts Championship stands on the brink of the biggest change in its rich history. Although the World Darts Championship has been inseparably linked to Alexandra Palace in London since 2008, better known as ‘Ally Pally’, the iconic tournament will take on a completely new shape from 2027. PDC director Matt Porter offered a fascinating glimpse of the plans on Talksport, which aim to deliver the greatest darts experience ever.

The 2026 edition was a major success once again. With the expansion of the field to 128 players, among other things, the PDC showed that the Worlds are keeping pace with the sport’s explosive popularity. That growth has only accelerated in recent years, thanks in part to the rise of young stars like Luke Littler, who has tapped into a new generation of fans. The result: ‘Ally Pally’ is bursting at the seams more and more often.

Since the move from the legendary Circus Tavern to Alexandra Palace in 2008, the World Darts Championship has grown into a true pilgrimage for darts fans. Thousands of supporters tackle the hill to the palace each year, dressed in eye-catching costumes, ready for weeks of spectacle, song, and darts fun. Even so, the PDC began to question whether the current concept was still sufficient for the future.

Behind the scenes, there was even speculation about a possible move to another, larger venue. In that context, interest from Saudi Arabia was also mentioned, which sparked plenty of debate among fans. Ultimately, however, there was reassuring news: the Worlds will remain at ‘Ally Pally’. In fact, the PDC has struck a deal through 2031, securing the tournament’s future in London for the time being.

That does not mean everything will stay the same. Quite the opposite. The biggest change is that from 2027 the Worlds will no longer be played in the current hall, but will move to the imposing Great Hall of Alexandra Palace. This space is currently used as a fan zone, but will be converted into a fully-fledged darts arena.

According to Matt Porter, the event will be “completely different,” though the recognizable atmosphere will remain. "Yeah I mean it will be a completely different event. The only thing that is changing really is the players' practice room and the players lounge," he said as per talkSPORT.

"Everything else will move, it will have the same look and feel and same style of arena. But it will be much bigger and the whole configuration of the tournament will be vastly different.

The numbers speak for themselves. With the move to the Great Hall, capacity per evening session rises to no less than 5,200 spectators. That is an increase of 2,000 per night compared to the current 3,200. Across the tournament, this means a total of around 180,000 visitors, an increase of no less than 70,000. From 2027, the biggest attendances in darts history will be recorded.

Porter also reflected on the huge growth the Worlds have already undergone. "When we started here, it was initially like 1600 and we had doubled from the 800 at Circus Tavern. We are now at 3200 and we will now go to 5200 in the Great Hall when we move."

"You never want to know what the ceiling will be, it is always a number that can be broken. So our next level is 5200 and we will see if and what comes after that, but it is an exciting time."

Whether capacity can increase even further in the future remains uncertain for now. What is clear is that with this step the PDC is responding to the unprecedented popularity of darts and wants to give fans more chances to experience the Worlds live. One thing is certain: from 2027, ‘Ally Pally’ will be the backdrop for a World Darts Championship that is bigger, more impressive, and louder than ever. For players and supporters alike, a new era begins, but on the familiar, magical hill in North London.