Assessing the meteoric rise of darts in recent years
The sport of darts was once something that made mainstream headlines only during December, as the PDC World Championships brought Alexandra Palace to life.
But today, the landscape looks very different. The game has exploded in popularity, becoming a year-round spectacle with huge global appeal — and as fans track the latest darts world championship odds, it’s clear the sport has never been bigger or more competitive.
What was long considered a pub pastime has transformed into a major international enterprise. Events such as the Grand Slam of Darts, Premier League, and World Matchplay now sell out arenas across the UK and beyond.
Darts has even become Matchroom’s most profitable sport, reportedly generating an astonishing £60 million a year — outstripping boxing and snooker within the Hearn empire.
Much of this success stems from the sport’s expanding global footprint. TV rights deals are now worth in excess of £120 million, tournaments take place on multiple continents, and viewing figures continue to soar.
Credit is undoubtedly due to Barry Hearn and PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter, who have professionalised, globalised, and modernised darts on an unprecedented scale. But as with any sport, it’s the personalities and storylines that truly drive interest.
The new generation is changing the game
In previous eras, audiences tuned in for icons like Phil Taylor and, later, Michael van Gerwen. But today’s surge in popularity is largely fuelled by a new wave of young talent — with one name standing above the rest: Luke Littler.
Littler’s remarkable breakthrough at the World Championships a few years ago created worldwide interest. His final against Luke Humphries peaked at over 3.7 million viewers on Sky Sports — the broadcaster’s biggest non-football audience ever.
That level of exposure brought darts into mainstream culture, sparking interest from younger fans and major sponsors alike.
This new generation — Littler, Gian van Veen, Josh Rock, Humphries, and others — has injected fresh energy into the sport, helping drive attendance, streaming figures, social media engagement, and overall commercial appeal.
With fans also increasingly engaged in matchday markets and darts tonight odds, this new era has broadened participation beyond traditional supporters, boosting the sport’s presence across betting, content, and live entertainment sectors.
Is Ally Pally still big enough?
Such unprecedented growth has sparked debate about whether the World Championships may soon outgrow its iconic home. Alexandra Palace currently holds around 3,200 spectators per session — a number dwarfed by modern entertainment venues.
With ticket applications now said to rival those for Glastonbury, many argue it’s only a matter of time before the event moves to a larger location such as London’s O2 Arena, which already hosts the Premier League final each year.
While the PDC says relocation isn’t in the immediate plans, the financial and logistical advantages are undeniable: larger crowds, increased revenue, and more opportunities for fans worldwide to experience darts’ biggest stage.
In the meantime, the PDC has agreed to an extension to stay at Ally Pally until 2031. However, the event will move to the Great Hall from the 2026/27 Championships. The Great Hall can host up to 5,000 at any one time, which will be welcomed by many fans who have been unable to secure a ticket for the 2025/26 event.
Prize money and investment at record levels
The sport’s financial growth is reflected in a huge increase in prize money. This year, the World Championship purse has doubled from £2.5 million to £5 million, with the winner now collecting £1 million — up from £500,000 previously.
This isn’t just a reward for the sport’s top players; it signals darts’ transformation into a global powerhouse capable of attracting elite athletes, sponsorship giants, and massive broadcast deals.
A sport still climbing.
From record-breaking TV numbers to sold-out arenas and unprecedented prize pools, darts has undergone one of the most dramatic rises in modern sporting history.
Its future appears even brighter. The athletes are younger, the coverage is wider, the demand is overwhelming, and the product itself has never been more entertaining.
hat was once a festive novelty is now a global juggernaut — and it’s still accelerating
