Major Darts tournaments set to switch from channels with ITV deal ending

Darts is set on a shock with a number of tournaments that must be broadcast by channel 5.

There will be a switch from ITV When their deal ends after the players Championship In November.

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ITV4 has shown the European Championship, World Series or DartsPlayers Championship, UK Open and the masters Since 2008.

But Channel 5 Are now close to securing the free broadcasting rights for those tournaments.

Matchrome, which runs the PDC, takes the lead on production for all events that are not displayed on Air Sport.

That means ITV staff, including presenters and commentators, will no longer be present at events by next Years, with matchroom to select the new teams.

Matchrome -chairman Barry Hearn said about the Switch: “We live in a number game. ITV4 has been fantastic successful for us in the figures it has.

“We must be more encouraging for the younger market, where they talk to them in the language they understand and the medium they understand.

“And that is why the world is becoming more digital. The future is more Netflix Then free-to-air.

“It is a multiple number of broadcasters. Some free-to-air, some behind the wage model.

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“People will be able to see what they want to view, the sports they want to view, when they want to view it and for a price they can afford. I find that really exciting.”

Channel 5 will continue with their expansion of sports coverage after broadcasting the World Seniors Snooker Championship This month.

The broadcaster too A deal agreed of Dazn around the World Cup ClubThat takes place in June.

Sunsport has contacted ITV and Channel 5 for comments.