The landscape of professional darts is set for a seismic financial shift, with plans unveiled that could see future world champions pocket a staggering £5 million for lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy.
Littler's Life-Changing Win Sets New Benchmark
Luke Littler's successful title defence at Alexandra Palace on Saturday night earned the 18-year-old a monumental £1 million winner's cheque. The world number one produced a dominant display, defeating Dutch opponent Gian van Veen 7-1 in the final with a stunning average of 106, after dropping the first set. This victory marks his second world title in just three appearances at the tournament, cementing his incredible dominance in the sport.
Van Veen's runner-up finish earned him £400,000, double the amount Michael van Gerwen received for reaching the same stage a year earlier. The prize fund has skyrocketed in recent years, partly driven by Littler's superstar emergence, with the champion's purse jumping from £500,000 in 2025 to this year's seven-figure sum.
Hearn's "No Limits" Vision for the Sport
Matchroom Sport president and PDC chairman Barry Hearn has now set an audacious target for the next decade. He envisions a total prize pool of £100 million for the World Championship, with a whopping £5 million going to the champion. "I think in ten years we'll get to £100m," Hearn told The Sun. "I don't think there's any limit because I believe we really are the working-man's golf."
Hearn emphasised the sport's transformed image and growing appeal. "Darts is not something that people any longer look down their noses at. Fat guys who smoke and drink on stage was 25 years ago," he stated. "Today, these people... their dream is to become a darts professional in the same way as other kids want to be a professional footballer or a boxer."
Sky Sports Deal Fuels Financial Firepower
This ambitious growth is underpinned by significant broadcast investment. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) signed a new £125 million contract with Sky Sports in February 2025, which runs until 2030. This deal, worth £25 million per year, more than doubles the value of the previous arrangement, which stood at £12 million annually for certain events.
Hearn credits the sport's consistent delivery for this commercial success. "We're beginning to be recognised as a major sport that's delivering good audiences, readership, whatever criteria you want to judge it on," he added. "So we have no limits." For Littler, the immediate impact is profound. "To win a million pounds – it is absolutely life-changing," he said, noting the win also extends his lead at the top of the world rankings. However, the teenager insists his journey is far from over: "I've got to keep going. I want to keep adding more titles. I can't stop here."
