Tuesday, 4 February 2025

Sky Sports Extends Partnership with PDC, Securing Darts Coverage Until 2030

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky Sports and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) have announced a five-year partnership extension, ensuring Sky Sports remains the home of darts until 2030.  This new agreement continues a near 40-year collaboration, promising over 60 days of exclusive live coverage annually from major tournaments.  Fans can look forward to the PDC World Darts Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay, Grand Slam of Darts, World Grand Prix, and World Cup of Darts all being broadcast on Sky Sports.

The partnership between Sky and the PDC, which began in 1993, has been instrumental in the sport's growth.  Recent viewing figures highlight this success.  The 2023/24 World Darts Championship final, contested between Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, drew a record audience of over 4.8 million, with a peak of 3.71 million, Sky Sports' highest ever non-football peak.  This surge in interest continued throughout the year, with the 2024 Premier League achieving record viewing figures, and the average audience for the 2024/25 World Darts Championship increasing by 29% year-on-year.  Social media engagement has also seen substantial growth, with views on the Sky Sports Darts YouTube channel increasing significantly.

Jonathan Licht, Managing Director of Sky Sports, emphasised the nation's love for darts and the role of the World Championship in attracting new audiences.  He expressed excitement about continuing the partnership and innovating coverage for the next five years.  PDC Chief Executive, Matt Porter, acknowledged Sky Sports' long-term support and highlighted the sport's global growth. He stressed the importance of the partnership in delivering exciting tournaments for players, fans, and viewers.

The 2025 Premier League Darts season begins on Thursday 6 February, with all the action available live on Sky Sports and NOW.  The 17-week season runs until the end of May.

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