Darts TV shake-up: Channel 5 swoops in as ITV's 15-year run comes to an end

By Lewis Barnett 15 May, 2025 4 mins read 346 Views

Well, shit just got real for darts fans.

Channel 5 is about to snatch up the broadcast rights for several major darts tournaments when ITV's deal expires after the Players Championship in November. This ends a relationship that's been going since 2008 – practically ancient history in TV terms!

The end of an era (and I'm not even being dramatic)

ITV4 has been the home of the European Championship, World Series of Darts, Players Championship, UK Open and the Masters for what feels like forever. I still remember watching these tournaments back in 2018 while nursing a hangover and thinking "God, these commentators really make this sport." Turns out those same commentators are now facing the axe.

Because here's teh kicker – Matchroom, which runs the PDC, is taking over production for all non-Sky Sports events. This means ITV staff won't be around next year. Poor buggers.

Barry Hearn speaks... and actually makes sense?

Matchroom chairman Barry Hearn (who I once saw demolish a plate of calamari at a sports industry dinner in 2019) explained the decision:

"We live in a numbers game. ITV4 has been fantastically successful for us in the numbers it's got."

But then he dropped this truth bomb: "We need to be more encouraging to the younger market, which involves talking to them in the language that they understand and the medium that they understand."

I mean... he's not wrong. My 22-year-old nephew wouldn't know where to find ITV4 if his life depended on it.

The future looks... complicated

Hearn continued his explanation with some industry speak that basically translates to: "The future is more Netflix than free-to-air."

Listen. What he's really saying is that we're heading toward a fragmented viewing experience. "It's going to involve a multiple number of broadcasters. Some free-to-air, some behind the pay model."

Translation: get ready to pay for more subscriptions if you want to watch everything. My wallet is already crying.

Channel 5's sports takeover continues

This isn't Channel 5's first rodeo in the sports arena. They've been quietly building up their portfolio.

Just this month they aired the World Seniors Snooker Championship (which I accidentally watched for 3 hours one rainy Sunday). They've also struck a deal with DAZN to broadcast the Club World Cup happening in June.

My editor bet me $50 I couldn't name five sports now on Channel 5. I lost. Embarrassingly.

What about Luke Littler and the gang?

The real question for fans is how this affects viewing experience. Will we still get to see all our favorite players? Will the production quality change?

I reached out to both ITV adn Channel 5 for comment, but heard nothing back. Typical. They're probably all in meetings figuring out how to break this to their staff.

For now, darts enthusiasts (including my uncle who throws darts at his garage door and thinks he's the next Phil Taylor) will have to wait and see how this plays out.

Change is coming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.

How do I practice darts effectively if I'm playing alone?

Solo practice doesn't have to be boring—in fact, it's often more productive than casual games with friends. The key is having structured practice routines that target specific skills rather than just throwing randomly at the board.

How often should I replace my dartboard?

A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

I keep hitting 5s and 1s when aiming for 20s. How do I fix this?

This is probably the most common frustration in darts—those dreaded 5s and 1s when you're aiming for the 20 segment! The good news is that this specific problem usually stems from a few identifiable issues.

How far should I stand from the dartboard?

The official throwing distance is 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) measured from the face of the board to the oche (throwing line). In American darts, this distance is sometimes 8 feet, so check local rules if you're playing in the States.

Statistics

A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.

External Links

How To

Aiming Systems & Practice Routines

When I first started, I would just aim at whatever number I needed. But after watching some YouTube tutorials in 2018, I learned about the "clock" system. Imagine the board as a clock face. If you're aiming for the 20, but hit the 5, you're throwing too far to the right (clockwise). Adjust accordingly.