The PDC World Darts Championship will remain at Alexandra Palace until 2031 after a new five-year deal was confirmed, with the venue moving to the Great Hall from 2026/27
Alexandra Palace will continue to stage the PDC World Darts Championship through to 2031 at minimum, after securing a fresh five-year deal.
The announcement puts to bed rumours that the Worlds might relocate elsewhere in London or leave England entirely. From the 2026/27 campaign, the tournament will shift into the Great Hall, which boasts capacity for approximately 180,000 spectators – a massive 70,000 jump from the 2025/26 limit, allowing over 5,000 fans per session.
Since 2007, Alexandra Palace has been the home of the World Darts Championship. PDC chief executive Matt Porter expressed his delight: “Alexandra Palace has become synonymous with the World Darts Championship, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership through to at least 2031.
“Ally Pally at Christmas is the identity of the tournament – its atmosphere is unmatched anywhere in sport. Demand for tickets has never been higher, and moving into the Great Hall from 2026/27 will allow more fans than ever to enjoy this incredible event.
“Previous obstacles to using the Great Hall have now been resolved, and this move represents a landmark moment for the sport.”
Emma Dagnes OBE, chief executive of Alexandra Palace, commented: “As a charity, events like the World Darts Championship have a profound impact. Not only do they create unforgettable experiences, but they generate vital revenue that supports our work across the Park and Palace, delivering cultural and learning programmes that benefit millions each year.”
Currently, the venue for the festive-season event accommodates 3,300 supporters. The announcement comes just before the start of this year’s tournament, which will see Luke Littler defend his crown, beginning against Darius Labanauskas in the opening round.
Under the arrangement, Alexandra Palace’s Creative Learning Programme will continue to receive backing from the Matchroom Charitable Foundation. £300,000 will be pledged over three years to help fund arts sessions for people living with dementia, as well as outdoor learning opportunities for schools, and creative industry training for young people.
The 18 year old had previously been resolute about a potential relocation of the Championship. Speaking in October, Littler insisted he wouldn’t attend the Worlds in Saudi Arabia if the expansion to the Middle East relocated the tournament.
“I definitely wouldn’t go over there for the worlds [championships],” he told SportsBoom. “I think you’ve got to keep it at Ally Pally.”
The World Series will head to Saudi Arabia for the first time next year, taking place from January 19 to 20 at the Global Theatre in Riyadh. The tournament will form part of the annual Riyadh Season and is expected to feature Littler and world number one Luke Humphries expected to participate.
The decision that no alcohol would be sold at the 1,000-capacity venue received a mixed reaction. The Series will kick off with the Bahrain Darts Masters from 15-19 January, followed by stops in Saudi Arabia, Denmark, the US, New Zealand, Australia and the Netherlands.