The Paddy Power Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has officially set its calendar for the upcoming season, running from Friday, December 11, through to Sunday, January 3. Organisers have also revealed a historic increase in ticket availability, with a staggering 180,000 seats now on offer for fans eager to witness the world’s elite players compete. A landmark shift for this edition of the tournament is the relocation of the event to the Great Hall of Alexandra Palace.
This marks the first time the championship will be staged in this iconic venue, which boasts a capacity of over 5,200 spectators – a significant jump from the previous limit of roughly 3,200 seats. The larger arena promises a more vibrant atmosphere and gives a greater number of supporters the chance to experience the drama live. Among the headline stories heading into the championship is the impressive form of 19‑year‑old Luke Littler.
After clinching the title in January with a decisive victory over Gian van Veen, Littler is now poised to chase a third consecutive world crown. The young prodigy has already amassed an enviable résumé, having captured the World Masters, UK Open, World Cup, World Matchplay and Premier League titles in 2026. His recent statistics underline his dominance: 19 matches played, 18 wins, 15 centuries of 100+ points, 83 sets won against 27 lost, and an impressive tally of 196 maximum 180s.
Ticket distribution for the championship will also break new ground. For the first time in its history, the PDC will employ a Wimbledon‑style ballot system, split into two distinct phases. Members of PDCTV will enjoy an exclusive priority window, granting them an early opportunity to secure tickets before the general public ballot opens.
The first ballot, reserved for PDC annual members, will run from 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1, until 12:00 pm on Monday, September 7. Following that, the general ballot will open at noon on Tuesday, September 8, and close at 11:59 pm on Monday, September 14. Fans can also look forward to a richer broadcast experience. The tournament will be streamed live on Sky Sports, with the first round commencing four days earlier than in the 2025 edition and featuring a field of 128 competitors.
As usual, there will be a short Christmas pause from December 24 to December 27, after which the competition will resume and ultimately culminate after New Year’s Eve. In addition to live coverage, viewers can access highlights, video clips, and specialist programming such as the "Love the Darts" podcast.
For those who prefer streaming, the NOW platform will also carry darts and a range of other top‑level sports. Alexandra Palace, often affectionately referred to as "Ally Pally," has a storied relationship with the sport, having hosted the World Darts Championship since 2007. Its Great Hall, with its historic architecture and modern facilities, provides an ideal backdrop for the high‑stakes matches that define the championship. The expanded capacity not only allows more fans to attend but also enhances the electric atmosphere that players thrive on.
Looking ahead to other major events on the darts calendar, the BoyleSports World Grand Prix will also be a focal point. World No.
1 Luke Littler will defend his Grand Prix title, offering another opportunity for him to cement his status as the sport’s leading figure. All action from the Grand Prix, like the World Championship, will be broadcast on Sky Sports and available for streaming via NOW, ensuring that supporters worldwide can follow every dart thrown. In summary, the 2026‑2027 PDC World Championship promises a blend of tradition and innovation: a larger venue, a record number of tickets, a new ballot system, and a schedule that maximises fan engagement. With a rising star like Luke Littler leading the charge and a host of other top‑ranked players ready to challenge for glory, the tournament is set to deliver unforgettable moments for both seasoned followers and newcomers to the sport.
Whether you secure a seat in the Great Hall through the ballot, watch live on Sky Sports, or stream via NOW, the excitement of world‑class darts will be at your fingertips throughout the festive season and into the new year.