PDC Under Fire: The Broadcasting Battle That's About to Get Messy

By Lewis Barnett 3 July, 2025 5 mins read 44 Views

Well, this is awkward.

The PDC just got slapped with legal threats over how they control darts broadcasting, and honestly? It was bound to happen eventually. The whole mess started last weekend at the World Seniors Darts Champion of Champions event, where Ross Montgomery beat Richie Howson 8-5 in what should have been a straightforward final.

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When Raymond Shows Up Uninvited

But then Raymond van Barneveld appeared out of nowhere. The Dutch legend was a complete shock addition to the lineup - nobody saw that coming. He made it to the semis before Montgomery knocked him out, but his presence alone sent ripples through the darting community like a stone thrown into a quiet pond.

Here's where it gets complicated (and frankly, a bit ridiculous). The tournament is part of the World Seniors Darts Tour, but Van Barneveld holds an active PDC Tour card. PDC stars are normally locked into competitions sanctioned by their own group - it's like an exclusive club with very strict rules about where you can play.

The PlutoTV Problem

Any non-PDC tournaments that players sneak into are supposed to be non-televised. Quiet affairs. But the Champion of Champions was broadcast live on PlutoTV, which is where everything went sideways.

Jason Francis, the WSDT promoter, is now claiming the PDC has a "monopoly" on broadcasting live darts. And he's not wrong - they pretty much do. Francis believes his group should be able to showcase the game's top stars if those players want to compete in WSDT tournaments.

Makes sense, right?

Fighting Over More Than Just Prize Money

Francis told the Weekly Dartscast something that made my ears perk up: "The PDC have a monopoly on broadcast darts. And if Raymond van Barneveld wants to be a professional player, he has to sign a PDC contract. There's no negotiation, there's no option, and because of their dominant position, what other choice do players have?"

He's got a point. When you control the entire ecosystem, players don't really have alternatives. It's like being the only grocery store in town - you can charge whatever you want for milk because where else are people gonna go?

But here's where Francis gets interesting: "If you have more than one person competing for the services of a professional sportsman, who wins? Ultimately, the player wins and the darts fan wins."

The Snooker Precedent (This Could Get Expensive)

Francis dropped a bombshell that caught my attention. There's already a legal challenge happening in snooker over broadcasting monopolies. If that succeeds, darts could be next in line for a similar fight.

"It's no different to when supermarkets compete over a loaf of bread," Francis explained. "Competition is good because the customer gets the best deal. But there is no competition in darts."

The PDC probably didn't wake up last Monday expecting legal threats over Van Barneveld's tournament appearance. But when you control an entire sport's broadcasting landscape, these challenges become inevitable.

Poor Raymond probably just wanted to throw some darts.

This whole situation feels like watching a slow-motion car crash. The PDC has built their empire on exclusive contracts and controlled broadcasting, but now someone's finally calling them out on it. Whether Francis has the legal firepower to back up his threats remains to be seen, but the snooker precedent gives him ammunition.

One thing's certain: the darting world just got a lot more complicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?

The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.

Wait, so how exactly do you score in darts? I always get confused.

Dart scoring is straightforward once you get the hang of it! The standard game (501 or 301) starts with that number, and you subtract whatever you hit with each throw. The goal is to reach exactly zero, with your final dart landing in a double.

Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?

Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.

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.

Statistics

The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.

External Links

How To

Setting Up Your Practice Space

The official height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor to the bullseye. The throwing line (oche) should be 7 feet 9¼ inches from the face of the board. I used to have mine hung too low and wondered why my game never improved at the pub! Measuring tape is your friend here.