Get ready, darts fans! A major shake-up is coming to professional darts broadcasting. From 2027 to 2032, the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) will officially stream ALL four of its major tours: the Players Championships, Women’s Series, and for the very first time, the Development Tour and Challenge Tour. This landmark decision means unprecedented access to emerging talent and high-stakes darts, ensuring you won’t miss a single dart thrown by the sport’s next big stars.
A New Era for Darts Broadcasting
In a groundbreaking move, the PDC is set to transform how fans experience professional darts. Reports from Europe confirm that the Development Tour and Challenge Tour will join the already streamed Players Championships and Women’s Series as official PDC streamed events. This comprehensive coverage is slated to run from 2027 until 2032.
What Does This Mean for Fans?
- Unprecedented Access: For the first time ever, all four major PDC tours will be available for viewing.
- Global Reach: While DAZN will be the platform in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, it’s widely expected that PDC TV will carry these events for viewers in the UK and worldwide, dramatically increasing global accessibility.
- Spotlight on New Talent: This move will provide invaluable exposure for hundreds of new and upcoming darting talents, giving them a platform they’ve never had before.
Understanding the New Tours
Many fans might be familiar with the main PDC tour, but the inclusion of the Development and Challenge Tours opens up a whole new world of darts. These tours are crucial pathways for aspiring professionals:
- The Development Tour: This tour is specifically designed for young, aspiring players, typically under the age of 24. It’s a breeding ground for future champions, offering vital competitive experience. Rising star and world championship finalist Luke Littler is a prime example of a player who honed his skills on the Development Tour, alongside other rising stars like Beau Greaves and Gian van Veen. Expect to see incredible, raw talent and exciting future prospects here.
- The Challenge Tour: This tour serves as a second chance for players who narrowly miss out on a coveted PDC Tour Card. It allows them to continue competing at a high level, earn prize money, and potentially secure a Tour Card for the following season. It’s a highly competitive circuit where players fight to keep their professional dreams alive.
Why This Expansion Matters
This expansion isn’t just about more darts; it’s about the future of the sport. By streaming the Development and Challenge Tours, the PDC is investing in its grassroots and feeder systems. This means:
- Greater Exposure for Players: Young talents will gain invaluable experience playing in front of a streamed audience, helping them prepare for the pressures of the main tour.
- Increased Fan Engagement: Fans can follow their favorite emerging players from the very start of their careers, building deeper connections with the sport.
- Excitement for the Future: Imagine watching the next Luke Littler or Michael van Gerwen emerge live on screen! Future stars like Mitchell Lawrie, who will be eligible for the Development Tour when these streams begin, are exactly the kind of talent you can expect to discover.
With more darts, more talent, and more stories to follow, 2027 promises to be a pivotal year for darts fans worldwide. Get ready to witness the next generation of darting legends unfold!
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
