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Luke Littler Surge Drives Darts to Record Payouts and a Scheduling Squeeze

A Netflix series debuts to show how Matchroom’s darts business is straining under unprecedented demand.

Overview

  • Barry Hearn says global interest has grown so fast he could fill the darts calendar twice, with extra European events and a Premier League stop in Belgium planned.
  • The PDC’s 2025 prize fund will exceed £25 million, and the World Championship winner’s cheque rises to £1 million for the first time.
  • A five-year, £125 million Sky Sports rights deal through 2030 underpins the sport’s revenue surge and prize-money escalation.
  • Netflix releases Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen, which shows behind-the-scenes moments from Luke Littler’s world-title win, including his request for the match board.
  • Executives report darts turnover north of £60 million and flag unresolved pressures around the calendar, formats and governance, with the series also depicting discussions about potential outside investment including talks with Turki Al‑Sheikh.