Alexandra Palace has secured its position as the host venue for the prestigious PDC World Darts Championship until 2031. The new five-year agreement puts an end to speculations about the event being relocated within London or even outside of England.
Starting from the 2026/27 season, the championship will see a significant change as the playing arena moves to the Great Hall. This venue upgrade will accommodate approximately 180,000 spectators, a substantial increase from the previous capacity of 110,000, ensuring each session can host over 5,000 fans.
Since 2007, Alexandra Palace has been the iconic setting for the World Darts Championship, a fact highlighted by PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter, who expressed excitement about extending the partnership until at least 2031. The festive season at “Ally Pally” has a unique aura that sets the tournament apart, with demand for tickets continuously rising.
The decision to move the event to the Great Hall from 2026/27 is a significant milestone for the sport, addressing previous challenges and paving the way for an enhanced spectator experience. Emma Dagnes OBE, Alexandra Palace’s Chief Executive, emphasized the event’s positive impact, generating crucial revenue to support various programs benefiting millions annually.
The current capacity of 3,300 supporters for the festive event will be significantly expanded with the venue move. Additionally, the agreement ensures ongoing support for Alexandra Palace’s Creative Learning Programme, with the Matchroom Charitable Foundation committing £300,000 over three years to fund arts sessions, outdoor learning opportunities, and creative industry training.
Ahead of the upcoming championship, defending champion Luke Littler remained firm on keeping the tournament at Ally Pally, expressing reluctance to participate if the event were to relocate to Saudi Arabia. However, the World Series is set to debut in Saudi Arabia next year as part of the Riyadh Season, featuring top players like Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries.
The PDC World Darts Championship kicks off on December 11, with exclusive live coverage available on Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.