Alexandra Palace has secured the hosting rights for the PDC World Darts Championship until 2031 under a new five-year deal, dispelling rumors of a potential relocation. The tournament will now be held in the Great Hall starting from the 2026/27 season, accommodating up to 180,000 spectators per session, a substantial increase from the previous capacity.
Since 2007, Alexandra Palace has been the iconic venue for the World Darts Championship, a fact celebrated by PDC chief executive Matt Porter who expressed excitement about extending the partnership. The festive season at Alexandra Palace has long been synonymous with the championship, drawing unprecedented ticket demand. Moving to the Great Hall from 2026/27 will provide more fans with the opportunity to experience this remarkable event, with previous challenges hindering the use of the venue now resolved.
Emma Dagnes OBE, the chief executive of Alexandra Palace, highlighted the profound impact events like the World Darts Championship have on the community. Revenue generated from such events supports various cultural and educational programs benefiting millions annually across the Park and Palace.
Ahead of this year’s event, which will witness Luke Littler defending his title, it was announced that the Matchroom Charitable Foundation will continue to support Alexandra Palace’s Creative Learning Programme. This initiative includes funding for arts sessions for individuals with dementia, outdoor learning for schools, and creative industry training for youth, demonstrating a commitment to community engagement.
Littler, despite the allure of expanding the championship to the Middle East, affirmed his loyalty to Alexandra Palace, asserting his reluctance to participate if the event were to be relocated. The World Series is scheduled to debut in Saudi Arabia next year, forming part of the annual Riyadh Season and featuring top players like Luke Humphries.
While the decision not to sell alcohol at the 1,000-capacity venue in Saudi Arabia sparked mixed reactions, the World Series will kick off with the Bahrain Darts Masters before traveling to various countries including Denmark, the US, New Zealand, Australia, and the Netherlands.
The PDC World Darts Championship is set to commence on December 11, with exclusive live coverage available through Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.