Get ready, darts fans! A monumental shift is coming to the world of professional darts. From 2027 onwards, three crucial circuits – the Players Championship, Development Tour, and Challenge Tour – will be broadcast live on television. This groundbreaking move means unprecedented exposure for a wider range of players, from established pros battling for ranking points to the sport’s most promising young talents and those fighting for a second chance. It promises to elevate the status of these tours, boost prize money, and offer fans more live darts action than ever before.
A New Era for Darts: What This Means
The decision to bring the Players Championship, Development Tour, and Challenge Tour events to live television starting in 2027 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of professional darts. For years, these tours have been vital proving grounds and essential components of the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) structure, yet largely unseen by a global audience outside of online streams or limited highlights. This change will transform how fans engage with the sport and profoundly impact the careers of countless players.
Unlocking Potential: The Players Championship
- What it is: The Players Championship series comprises numerous non-televised ranking events throughout the year, forming the backbone of the PDC ProTour.
- Why it’s important: These events are crucial for players to earn prize money, climb the Order of Merit, and qualify for major televised tournaments like the World Matchplay and the World Championship.
- The impact of live TV: Until now, only the finals of some Players Championship events were occasionally streamed. Live TV coverage will bring the intensity and drama of these crucial matches directly to viewers, showcasing the depth of talent within the PDC. It also offers significant exposure for players who consistently perform well but might not frequently reach the later stages of major televised events.
Nurturing Talent: The Development Tour
- What it is: Specifically designed for players aged 16 to 24, the Development Tour is the primary pathway for young talent to break into the professional ranks.
- Why it’s important: It provides a competitive environment for rising stars to hone their skills, gain experience, and earn Tour Cards to compete on the main PDC circuit.
- The impact of live TV: Imagine watching the next Michael van Gerwen or Luke Littler emerge live on screen! This coverage will give these future legends invaluable early exposure, attract more young athletes to the sport, and allow fans to follow the journeys of promising talents from their formative years.
Second Chances and Fierce Competition: The Challenge Tour
- What it is: The Challenge Tour is for players who competed at Qualifying School but narrowly missed out on securing a coveted PDC Tour Card.
- Why it’s important: It offers a high-level competitive circuit, allowing players to maintain their form, earn prize money, and potentially qualify for major events or even earn a Tour Card for the following season.
- The impact of live TV: The Challenge Tour is often a hotbed of determined players fighting to reclaim their professional status or make their mark. Live TV will highlight these compelling narratives, demonstrating the sheer dedication and skill required to compete at the top level, even for those outside the main tour.
A Game-Changer for the Sport
This expansion of live coverage signifies a profound commitment to the growth and accessibility of darts. It means:
- Increased Sponsorship Opportunities: More visibility translates to greater interest from sponsors, potentially leading to larger prize funds and better support for players.
- Enhanced Fan Engagement: Darts enthusiasts will have more opportunities to watch high-quality matches throughout the year, fostering deeper connections with players and the sport itself.
- Elevated Status of the Tours: These tours will no longer be considered “minor” or “unseen” events but integral, televised components of the professional darts calendar, attracting even stronger fields.
- Inspiration for Future Generations: Young aspiring darters will see clearer pathways and more visible role models, encouraging participation at all levels.
The year 2027 will undoubtedly mark a pivotal moment for professional darts, ushering in an exciting new era of televised action and unprecedented growth for the sport.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
