Get ready, America! Professional darts is about to take center stage across the United States, thanks to a groundbreaking new broadcast agreement. ESPN, through ESPN2 and ESPN+, will now air five of the sport’s biggest events live, including the prestigious World Darts Championship and the US Darts Masters. This monumental deal signals a massive leap for darts in North America, kicking off this week with the US Darts Masters live from New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. If you’ve been waiting for darts to go mainstream in the US, the wait is over!
A Game-Changing Partnership for Darts in the USA
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has officially announced a landmark broadcast agreement with ESPN, set to revolutionize how American fans experience the sport. This partnership will bring the thrill and drama of professional darts directly into homes across the U.S., significantly expanding its reach and audience.
For years, the United States has been considered a crucial, untapped market for professional darts, and this new deal is concrete proof that the sport is rapidly gaining traction. With ESPN’s powerful platforms, darts and its biggest stars will receive unprecedented exposure.
What Does This Deal Mean for Fans?
American darts enthusiasts can look forward to extensive live coverage of five of the PDC’s premier events. This means more high-stakes matches, more incredible finishes, and more opportunities to follow the world’s best players.
The key tournaments included in this exciting new agreement are:
- The World Darts Championship: The pinnacle of the sport, where players battle for the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy.
- The World Matchplay: A prestigious nine-day event known for its intense atmosphere and competitive format.
- The Grand Slam of Darts: Featuring players from both the PDC and BDO (British Darts Organisation) circuits, showcasing a diverse range of talent.
- The World Grand Prix: Famous for its unique ‘double-in, double-out’ format, adding an extra layer of challenge.
- The US Darts Masters: A special event bringing top international talent to American soil.
Kicking Off with the US Darts Masters at MSG!
The action begins almost immediately! Darts fans won’t have to wait long to see this new partnership in full swing. Coverage starts this week with the 2026 US Darts Masters, broadcast live from the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York on June 25-26. This event marks a significant moment, bringing elite darts to one of the world’s most famous sporting venues.
Following the New York spectacle, the schedule continues with the highly anticipated World Matchplay event in Blackpool, England, throughout July. This tournament is a staple of the darts calendar, promising thrilling competition.
A Vision for Growth
Matt Porter, Chief Executive of the PDC, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are delighted to be partnering with ESPN to bring world-class darts to fans across the United States,” he stated. “Interest in the sport continues to grow at an incredible rate around the world, particularly in North America. Having our events available on ESPN’s platforms will allow even more fans to follow the sport’s biggest tournaments and players.”
He further emphasized the importance of the American market: “The United States is an increasingly important market for the PDC and we look forward to working with ESPN to continue growing the sport in the years ahead.” This collaboration is clearly a strategic move to solidify darts’ presence and popularity in the US.
Upcoming Major Events on ESPN
Beyond the initial events, mark your calendars for these other major tournaments that will be broadcast:
- World Grand Prix: From Mattioli Arena, Leicester, September 28 – October 4.
- Grand Slam of Darts: From WV Active Aldersley, Wolverhampton, November 14-22.
Further broadcast details for each event, including specific times and channels (ESPN2 or ESPN+), will be announced closer to the tournament dates. Get ready to witness the precision, skill, and excitement of professional darts like never before in the United States!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
