ITV Secures Extended PDC Darts Deal Until 2028

PDC and ITV agree new multi-year broadcast partnership that keeps darts free-to-air for UK fans

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has confirmed a new long-term broadcast deal with ITV, extending one of sport’s most enduring media partnerships and ensuring that live coverage of the organisation’s biggest tournaments will remain free-to-air in the United Kingdom until at least 2028.

The agreement guarantees that UK audiences will continue to enjoy PDC action live on ITV4 and ITVX, with all the broadcaster’s key events staying within its darts portfolio. Fans will be able to follow the World Masters, UK Open, European Championship, Players Championship Finals, and every World Series of Darts global event — culminating in the World Series of Darts Finals each season.

Free-to-Air Commitment Strengthened

The new contract cements ITV’s position as a cornerstone of televised darts, complementing Sky Sports’ exclusive coverage of other PDC majors such as the World Championship and Premier League. While Sky continues to showcase subscription-based events, ITV’s continued commitment ensures the sport remains accessible to millions of casual fans who can tune in free of charge.

ITV has been part of the PDC’s television landscape since 2007, when it first broadcast the Grand Slam of Darts from Wolverhampton. Nearly two decades later, that relationship has evolved into one of mutual growth, with both parties helping to deliver record viewing figures and greater exposure for the sport.

The latest deal means that partnership will now surpass the 20-year mark — a rare milestone in modern sports broadcasting.

Record Year for Darts Coverage

The extension follows a landmark 2025 season that saw ITV deliver more live darts than ever before. Across ITV4 and streaming service ITVX, the network aired more days of PDC action than in any previous year, reflecting the growing appetite for the sport among British viewers.

Crowds across the PDC’s major tournaments have also surged to record levels, while global viewing figures continue to climb — fuelled in part by the rise of new stars such as Luke Littler and Gian van Veen alongside established names including Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.

As part of the new broadcast arrangement, the PDC will take direct control of event production, with a revamped presentation package and fresh graphics planned to give the coverage a more contemporary look.

“A Partnership Beyond 20 Years”

PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter hailed the agreement as a testament to the strength of the relationship between the two organisations and the enduring appeal of televised darts.

“We’re delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with ITV, with this new deal taking our partnership beyond 20 years,” Porter said.“There’s more buzz around darts now than ever before, and we’re thrilled to keep offering fans free-to-air access to some of our biggest events. ITV have been fantastic partners — professional, innovative and passionate about growing the sport.”

Porter added that the PDC’s decision to oversee production would help evolve how fans experience tournaments on screen.

“We’re looking forward to giving the broadcasts a new look and feel that reflects the modern direction of the PDC,” he said.

ITV: “A Sport on the Rise”

ITV’s Director of Sport, Niall Sloane, welcomed the deal, describing darts as one of the network’s most popular and accessible sports.

“We’re delighted to extend and expand our partnership with the PDC,” Sloane said. “Our aim is to keep the biggest events in professional darts free-to-air for UK audiences, and this agreement does exactly that.The sport has never been stronger — the crowds, the personalities, the drama — and we’re proud to continue bringing it to viewers through to 2028.”

A Bright Future for Darts on Television

The renewal comes at a time when darts continues to experience unprecedented growth, both in terms of participation and audience numbers. The sport’s global reach has expanded rapidly, with major events now staged across Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Oceania.

For UK fans, the new agreement guarantees consistent, high-quality coverage across the sport’s biggest weekends, reinforcing ITV’s commitment to live sport and ensuring the PDC’s most prestigious tournaments remain accessible to all.

With the partnership now locked in through to 2028 — and both organisations promising a refreshed broadcast approach — darts looks set to maintain its status as one of Britain’s most-watched and most-loved sports for years to come.