Darts On TV: Your Ultimate Viewing Guide

by Jhon Lennon 41 views

Darts, a sport often associated with smoky pubs and friendly competition, has exploded in popularity, becoming a thrilling spectacle broadcasted to millions around the globe. If you're looking to dive into the exciting world of televised darts, or if you're a seasoned fan wanting to keep up with the schedule, then this is for you! This guide provides everything you need to know about where to watch darts on TV, ensuring you never miss a bullseye.

Channels Broadcasting Darts

So, where can you catch all the action? The answer varies depending on your location, but here are some of the major broadcasters that frequently air darts tournaments:

  • Sky Sports: Sky Sports is a major player in broadcasting darts, particularly in the UK and Ireland. They hold the rights to many of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tournaments, including the prestigious World Darts Championship, the Premier League Darts, the World Matchplay, and the World Grand Prix. Sky Sports typically dedicates a specific channel, such as Sky Sports Arena or Sky Sports Main Event, to darts coverage during major tournaments, ensuring extensive viewing options. If you're a hardcore darts fan in the UK or Ireland, a Sky Sports subscription is almost essential.
  • DAZN: DAZN has become a significant broadcaster of darts in various regions, including the US, Canada, and parts of Europe. They have secured rights to several PDC events, offering live coverage and on-demand replays. DAZN's streaming service provides flexibility, allowing you to watch darts on various devices, including smart TVs, computers, tablets, and smartphones. For fans outside the UK and Ireland, DAZN is often a primary source for watching major darts tournaments. It's great for streaming! You can usually find the darts schedule on their website or within the app.
  • ITV: ITV occasionally broadcasts darts tournaments, often including events like the Players Championship Finals and the World Series of Darts events held in various international locations. ITV's coverage provides free-to-air access to darts, making it accessible to a wider audience in the UK. Checking ITV's schedule closer to tournament dates will keep you informed about their darts broadcasts. They really bring the excitement to freeview! Keep an eye on their listings, especially around major events.
  • ESPN: In some regions, particularly in parts of Latin America, ESPN may broadcast certain darts tournaments. ESPN's coverage can vary, so it's best to check their local listings to confirm whether they are showing specific PDC events. ESPN's broadcasts often include commentary in local languages, catering to regional audiences.

Other Streaming Services

Beyond traditional TV channels, several streaming services offer darts coverage:

  • PDCTV: PDCTV is the official streaming service of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). It provides live coverage of a wide range of PDC tournaments, including European Tour events, Players Championship events, and other smaller tournaments that may not be broadcast on traditional TV channels. A PDCTV subscription offers comprehensive access to the PDC circuit, making it ideal for dedicated darts enthusiasts who want to follow all the action.
  • Other Sports Streaming Platforms: Be sure to also check other sports streaming platforms available in your region. These platforms sometimes acquire rights to specific darts tournaments, expanding the viewing options for fans. Keep an eye on announcements from these platforms, especially leading up to major darts events.

Finding the Darts Schedule

Keeping track of when and where to watch darts requires a bit of planning. Here are some tips for staying updated:

  • Official Tournament Websites: The PDC's official website is a fantastic resource for schedules, results, and news. Major tournaments like the World Darts Championship and the Premier League Darts have dedicated websites with detailed schedules and broadcast information.
  • TV Listings Websites: TV listings websites such as TVGuide and similar regional providers offer comprehensive schedules for sports broadcasts. You can search for darts events and set reminders to ensure you don't miss any matches.
  • Sports News Websites and Apps: Sports news websites and apps like ESPN, BBC Sport, and Sky Sports provide up-to-date schedules and broadcast information for major darts tournaments. These platforms often have dedicated darts sections, making it easy to find the information you need.
  • Social Media: Follow the PDC, darts players, and sports broadcasters on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. They often announce broadcast schedules and provide real-time updates during tournaments. Social media can be an excellent way to stay informed and engage with other darts fans.

Key Darts Tournaments to Watch

To make sure you're all set, here are some of the major darts tournaments you should definitely mark on your calendar:

  • PDC World Darts Championship: This is the crown jewel of darts, held every year in December and January at Alexandra Palace in London. The atmosphere is electric, and the competition is fierce. It’s the most prestigious title in darts.
  • Premier League Darts: A weekly tournament held from February to May, featuring the top darts players competing in arenas across the UK and Europe. The Premier League Darts is known for its high-energy atmosphere and intense matches.
  • World Matchplay: Held in July, this tournament features a unique format with longer legs, testing the players' endurance and consistency. The World Matchplay is a test of stamina and mental strength.
  • World Grand Prix: This tournament, held in October, is unique because players must start and finish each leg with a double. The World Grand Prix is a strategic challenge. It requires precision and accuracy from the very first dart.
  • Grand Slam of Darts: Held in November, this tournament features players from both the PDC and BDO (British Darts Organisation), creating intriguing matchups. The Grand Slam of Darts is a clash of different darts styles. It brings together players from different organizations, making for unpredictable and exciting matches.

Tips for Enjoying Darts on TV

To enhance your viewing experience, consider these tips:

  • Learn the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the rules of darts, including scoring, checkout combinations, and tournament formats. Understanding the rules will help you appreciate the skill and strategy involved.
  • Understand the Terminology: Darts has its own unique vocabulary, such as