Alexandra Palace has secured a new five-year agreement to host the prestigious PDC World Darts Championship until at least 2031. This deal puts an end to speculations about potential relocations within London or outside of England.
Under the new agreement, the championship playing arena will be relocated to the Great Hall starting from the 2026/27 season. This move will increase the capacity to approximately 180,000, a significant rise from the previous capacity of 110,000 in the 2025/26 season, allowing each session to accommodate over 5,000 fans.
Since 2007, Alexandra Palace has been the home of the World Darts Championship, a fact celebrated by PDC chief executive Matt Porter. He emphasized the significance of Alexandra Palace as the heart of the tournament, especially during the festive season, with its unparalleled atmosphere. The move to the Great Hall in 2026/27 is seen as a pivotal moment for the sport, with previous challenges now resolved.
Emma Dagnes OBE, the chief executive of Alexandra Palace, highlighted the positive impact of events like the World Darts Championship on the charity. Revenue generated from such events supports crucial programs benefiting millions annually across the Park and Palace.
The current capacity for the festive event stands at 3,300 supporters, but with the venue change, more fans will be able to experience the championship. The agreement also ensures the continuation of support for Alexandra Palace’s Creative Learning Programme by the Matchroom Charitable Foundation, with a commitment of £300,000 over three years for various educational and cultural initiatives.
Luke Littler, the defending champion, expressed his firm stance against the potential relocation of the championship. The upcoming World Series in Saudi Arabia, set for January 19 to 20, will feature Littler and world number one Luke Humphries. The decision to hold the tournament in Saudi Arabia, with strict rules on alcohol sales, has sparked mixed reactions.
The PDC World Darts Championship will kick off on December 11, with fans having the opportunity to watch every match live exclusively through Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.