The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has reinforced its long-term partnership with UK-based bookmaker Betfred, announcing a multi-year extension that will see Betfred remain the title sponsor of both the men’s and women’s World Matchplay tournaments through at least 2030.
This development coincides with the start of the 2025 World Matchplay in Blackpool, where 32 of the top-ranked male players will compete from July 19 to July 27. The Women’s World Matchplay, which was first introduced in 2022, will also conclude on July 27, highlighting the growing commitment to the women’s game.
Betfred originally took over naming rights for the men’s tournament in late 2018 and added the women’s competition to its portfolio in 2022. Under the new terms, the bookmaker will continue its association across both events for an additional five years.
From a commercial perspective, this renewal represents more than just title rights. It signals strategic alignment between a major betting operator and a fast-evolving sport with growing international relevance. Prize money for both events is set to rise starting in 2026, with the men’s tournament already offering a total pool of £1 million — £225,000 of which goes to the winner. The women’s prize fund will increase to £40,000.
Matt Porter, CEO of the PDC, emphasized the stability and credibility Betfred brings to the World Matchplay brand, calling the company “synonymous” with the event since its involvement began. Betfred founder Fred Done echoed that sentiment, framing the deal as part of a broader vision for the sport’s growth.
This commercial extension comes at a time of expansion for darts as a televised and streamed product. In June, the PDC secured a broadcast deal in the U.S. with NBC Sports, marking a strategic push into the North American market. Coverage of high-profile events — including the Premier League Play-Offs and World Darts Championship — is now available via NBC’s Peacock streaming platform.
Meanwhile, in the UK, the PDC renewed its long-standing agreement with Sky Sports earlier this year, ensuring continued high-profile domestic visibility.
Strategic Insight:
Betfred’s extended sponsorship reflects a broader trend in sports where betting firms seek deeper, more institutionalized relationships with rights holders. In return, rights holders like the PDC gain multi-year commercial stability, global promotional value, and the ability to invest further in growing both men’s and women’s competitions. The alignment of media rights growth and commercial partnerships is creating a more bankable, global-facing product — something the PDC appears well-positioned to capitalize on.
IMAGE: PDC
