Betfred Extends World Matchplay Sponsorship for a further 5 years in Major Boost for Darts

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has confirmed a major extension of its partnership with Betfred, ensuring the bookmaker’s continued sponsorship of the World Matchplay for at least another five years. The announcement comes just days before the 2025 edition of the tournament kicks off in Blackpool on Saturday, reinforcing Betfred’s long-standing association with one of the sport’s most iconic events.

This extension will take Betfred’s involvement with the summer showpiece well beyond a decade, underlining the brand’s deepening relationship with the sport. Since first taking on title sponsorship duties in 2019, Betfred has become a permanent fixture of the Blackpool spectacle, known for its electric seaside atmosphere and high-stakes competition.

Alongside the main tournament, the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay will also return in 2025 for its fourth edition, with the final set for Sunday, July 27. Women’s darts sensation Beau Greaves will be aiming to defend her crown and capture a third consecutive title on what is expected to be another memorable day at the Winter Gardens.

The men’s tournament boasts a world-class field of 32 players, including reigning champion and current world number one Luke Humphries. The defending titleholder will face stiff competition from a stacked lineup that features six former champions of the event and current World Champion Luke Littler, who is also the pre-tournament favourite according to Betfred’s odds.

Betfred Extends World Matchplay Sponsorship for a further 5 years in Major Boost for Darts

Betfred founder Fred Done shared his enthusiasm about the renewed agreement, calling the World Matchplay one of his personal highlights of the sporting year.

“The Betfred World Matchplay is one of the highlights of the year – I love the seaside party atmosphere coupled with top-quality sport,” Done said. “We’re delighted to extend our sponsorship with the PDC for another five years, during an exciting period for darts as a sport.

“The quality of the field has never been stronger, and we can only see these tournaments continuing to grow in the coming years.”

The future of the World Matchplay looks even brighter with significant increases to the prize fund on the horizon. From 2026, the overall prize pot will rise to a staggering £1 million, with the winner set to walk away with £225,000. The Women’s World Matchplay will also benefit from a bump in prize money, growing to £40,000 from 2026—a move widely praised for supporting the continued growth of the women’s game.

PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter welcomed Betfred’s ongoing commitment and highlighted the positive momentum both events have experienced in recent years.

“Betfred have become synonymous with the World Matchplay since joining us as title sponsor in 2019, and it’s wonderful that they’ve extended that support for a further five years,” Porter said.

“Their backing of the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay echoes their commitment to the sport, and we’re excited that prize money for both events will increase from 2026.

“This year’s Betfred World Matchplay sold out in record time following the huge success of our 2024 tournament, and we can’t wait to get back to Blackpool alongside Betfred next week.”

As excitement builds for this year’s tournament, fans and analysts alike are eagerly watching to see whether Luke Humphries can hold on to his crown or if rising star Luke Littler will add the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy to his rapidly growing list of accomplishments. Meanwhile, Beau Greaves heads into the Women’s World Matchplay as a strong favourite, aiming to etch her name further into the history books with a third straight title.

The 2025 Betfred World Matchplay promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in the storied legacy of one of darts’ premier events—now with the added assurance of continued support from one of the sport’s most loyal partners.