World Darts Championship Prize Money Soars to £1 Million Starting in 2026

The upcoming World Darts Champion is set to take home a staggering £1 million, following a significant increase in the prize money for the championship event.

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) revealed that the winner of the next PDC World Darts Championship will be awarded this impressive sum, a notable rise from the £500,000 received by Luke Littler after his victory at Alexandra Palace earlier this year.

This increase contributes to a broader £7 million rise in prize money across the sport, largely made possible by a lucrative £125 million television deal struck with Sky in February. The growing interest in darts, driven by the performances of young star Littler, who made headlines by reaching the finals in 2024 and then winning in 2025, has helped elevate the sport.

For the 2025-26 championship, participation will be expanded from 96 to 128 players. The tournament is scheduled to begin in December, with the final taking place in early January, and will feature a total prize fund of £5 million. The runner-up will take home £400,000, while the losing semi-finalists will receive £200,000 and quarter-finalists will be awarded £100,000 each.

The Premier League prize pool will also see an increase to £1.25 million, with the champion set to earn £350,000, rising from the £275,000 awarded in the ongoing season. Littler is currently in outstanding form, leading the Premier League table and aiming to defend the title he won last season.

Matt Porter, the PDC chief executive, stated, “The £1 million prize signifies darts’ position as one of the most thrilling and popular sports globally.”

He added, “The remarkable progress of the PDC over recent years has propelled darts to unprecedented heights, both in terms of playing opportunities and worldwide appeal. This moment is vital for all players aspiring to reach the apex of the sport.”

Prize funds for other significant events, including the World Grand Prix, Players Championship Finals, European Championship, and UK Open, will also be raised to £750,000 in the coming year.

The PDC has also announced plans to enhance prize funds for the second-tier Challenge Tour, the Development Tour for emerging players, and events within the Women’s Series.

This newly confirmed TV deal between the PDC and Sky, which extends until 2030, is double the worth of the previous agreement and includes a commitment to air over 60 days of live darts annually.

Littler’s victory over Michael van Gerwen in the world final this year attracted a peak audience of 3.1 million viewers, while his journey to the 2024 final, where he was defeated by Luke Humphries, amassed a total audience of 4.8 million and a peak of 3.7 million, marking Sky’s highest viewership for a non-football event.