Good news for Luke Littler and co: The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) announced a new television deal last weekend that will further bolster the association’s and players’ coffers in the future.
The professional sport of darts is experiencing a new growth spurt. A new contract and multi-year partnership has been agreed with US sports television giant ESPN, the PDC announced over the weekend.
This means that American fans will also be able to watch major darts tournaments live on television or ESPN in the future. This means that Luke Littler and Co. have additional sources of income.
Commenting on the new signing, PDC boss Matt Porter said: “Interest in the sport continues to grow at an incredible rate, particularly in North America. Bringing our events to ESPN platforms will allow even more fans to follow the biggest events and players.” The association looks forward to a “new era.”
The Darts Association regulates numerous rights issues
By signing a deal with ESPN, the PDC has taken the next step in further globalizing darts and ensuring its future-proofing. Over the past few months, the association has already regulated broadcast rights in countries such as France, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, as well as Germany, where DAZN owns the rights. Sky Sports remains the largest darts rights package in the UK.
Over the last two and a half years the whole of darts has experienced a huge growth spurt. The main reason for this was the meteoric rise of Luke Littler, who took the spotlight to previously unimaginable levels and quickly became the best player in the world. In the future, Newk will also get a piece of the huge US pie.