Alexandra Palace has secured the hosting rights for the PDC World Darts Championship until 2031 under a new five-year deal. This agreement dispels any uncertainties about the tournament potentially moving to a different location in London or outside of England.
Starting from the 2026/27 season, the championship will shift to the Great Hall, offering a capacity for approximately 180,000 spectators, a significant increase from the previous capacity of 110,000 in the 2025/26 season. This expansion means each session will accommodate over 5,000 fans.
Since 2007, Alexandra Palace has been the home of the World Darts Championship. PDC’s Chief Executive, Matt Porter, expressed excitement about extending the partnership until 2031, emphasizing the iconic association between Alexandra Palace and the championship.
The festive ambiance at Alexandra Palace during Christmas has been a hallmark of the tournament, creating an unparalleled atmosphere for sports events. The move to the Great Hall from 2026/27 will enable a larger number of fans to experience this remarkable event, with previous obstacles now resolved.
Emma Dagnes OBE, the Chief Executive of Alexandra Palace, highlighted the significant impact events like the World Darts Championship have on the charity. Beyond providing unforgettable experiences, these events generate crucial revenue supporting various programs benefiting millions annually at the Park and Palace.
The current venue for the holiday-season championship can accommodate 3,300 fans. This decision precedes the upcoming tournament, where Luke Littler will defend his title against Darius Labanauskas in the first round.
As part of the agreement, the Matchroom Charitable Foundation will continue supporting Alexandra Palace’s Creative Learning Programme with a commitment of £300,000 over three years. This funding will aid in providing arts sessions for individuals with dementia, outdoor learning opportunities for schools, and creative industry training for young people.
In a statement made in October, 18-year-old Littler firmly expressed his stance against the potential relocation of the championship, particularly to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the significance of keeping the event at Ally Pally.
The World Series is set to debut in Saudi Arabia from January 19 to 20 next year at the Global Theatre in Riyadh, featuring top players including Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries. The decision to not sell alcohol at the 1,000-capacity venue received mixed reactions, with the Series spanning across various countries after the initial Bahrain Darts Masters event.
The PDC World Darts Championship commences on December 11, and fans can catch all the action live exclusively on Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.