Luke Littler has voiced his support for the World Darts Championship relocating to a larger hall at Alexandra Palace, a change that could see prize money rise for future winners. The 18-year-old, who retained his title with a 7-0 win over Gian van Veen, believes the move reflects the sport's rapid growth.
Under a new five-year agreement, the PDC World Darts Championship will remain at Ally Pally until at least 2031. From the 2026/27 edition, however, matches will take place in the Great Hall, which boasts a capacity of 8,300 – 5,000 more than the current West Hall venue. Organisers said the expansion was necessary due to overwhelming ticket demand.
Littler, who earned £1 million for his latest victory, welcomed the increased capacity. 'It's going to be massive,' he said. 'The prize money's gone up and now the capacity is going up. So, who knows where darts is going to be in the next 10 years.'
The move will allow approximately 180,000 additional spectators to attend across the December and January period – a 70,000 jump on this year's attendance figures. PDC chief executive Matt Porter expressed delight at extending the partnership, stating, 'Ally Pally at Christmas is the identity of the tournament – its atmosphere is unmatched anywhere in sport.'
Emma Dagnes OBE, chief executive of Alexandra Palace, noted the charity's benefits, saying, 'Events like the World Darts Championship create unforgettable experiences and generate vital revenue that supports our work.' The championships have been held at the venue since 2007.
