DART OF WAR
Darts could be set for major broadcasting change with Luke Littler and Co moving from Sky Sports
Big deal could hinge on whether one major request is met
DARTS could be set for a major broadcasting change with stars such as Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen moving away from Sky Sports.
The broadcaster has been airing PDC darts action ever since the inaugural World Matchplay in 1994.
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Since then, the sport has grown into a money-spinning giant after spawning new heroes such as Littler and Luke Humphries.
But PDC king Barry Hearn has now thrown the future of darts on Sky into doubt.
The broadcaster’s contract to show PDC darts expires next year.
And while Hearn is grateful to Sky for keeping faith for the past two decades, he feels his organisation deserves a better deal.
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The supremo claims that other sports shown by Sky get a great slice of the pie.
Humphreys pocketed £500,000 for winning the World Championship this year.
In comparison, Dennis Priestley only received £16,000 when he won the same tournament in 1994.
But Hearn feels his current stable of darts stars need to be getting a bigger reward for their work.
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He said: “(Deal expiring?) Handy, that’s very handy. You know, timing is the essence of everything, isn’t it?
“Listen, we owe Sky a massive, massive debt. They stuck with us in the early days, and loyalty is a big part of our business.
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“But, also, I have a responsibility to players to maximise their earnings.
“There’s going to be some interesting conversations. I really hope Sky raise the ante, understand what they’ve built. What it’s worth.
“Compare us to anyone else. Show me what you pay rugby union, league, golf, and tell me why I don’t get the same or more.
“It’s my job, a passion, and I’m building something that is my own legacy for when I’m not around.
“I would like the darts players in 50 years’ time to raise a glass to me. Is that big-headed? I don’t really care if it is, because I know I’m doing a good job.
“Everybody’s got to do well out of this deal, it has got to work for everyone, and I hope it’s Sky because they deserve it because of the work they put on.
“But, respect. Just give us respect and we’ll be fine. We’ll be fine and we’ll deliver value on a global scale you’ve not seen before.”
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