The schedule for the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship has been officially released, running from Friday, December 11, through to Sunday, January 3. Organisers are offering an unprecedented 180,000 tickets, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport. This year marks a significant shift in venue: for the first time the competition will be staged in the Great Hall of Alexandra Palace, a space that can seat more than 5,200 fans, a substantial increase from the previous capacity of roughly 3,200. The change in setting is expected to enhance the atmosphere for both players and spectators, providing a larger stage for the drama that unfolds over the tournament’s three‑week run.
In addition to the venue upgrade, the event will feature a new ticket distribution system modeled after the Wimbledon ballot. The process will be conducted in two distinct phases.
First, members of the PDC’s own TV subscription service, PDCTV, will enjoy an exclusive priority window that gives them a better chance of securing seats before the general public ballot opens. Following that, the PDC annual members ballot will be open from 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1, until 12:00 pm on Monday, September 7.
The general ballot will then commence at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 8, and close at 11:59 pm on Monday, September 14. The competition itself will begin four days earlier than in 2025, with a first round that features 128 players and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The schedule also includes the traditional Christmas pause, with no matches from December 24 to December 27, before the tournament resumes and ultimately concludes after the New Year’s celebrations. Among the headline stories heading into the championship is the remarkable rise of 19‑year‑old Luke Littler.
Littler entered the 2026 season having already amassed an impressive résumé: he captured the World Masters, the UK Open, the World Cup, the World Matchplay, and the Premier League, all before his twentieth birthday. In January, he secured back‑to‑back titles by defeating Gian van Veen in a decisive final, and he now aims to add a third consecutive championship to his growing list of accolades. His statistical record underscores his dominance: out of 19 matches played, he has won 18, recorded 15 averages above 100, taken 196 180s, and posted a set record of 83 won versus 27 lost. Fans can also look forward to a range of ancillary content surrounding the main event.
Highlights, video clips, and analysis will be available through NOW, the streaming platform that carries darts and other top‑tier sports. Sky Sports will continue its comprehensive coverage, and listeners can stay connected via the "Love the Darts" podcast, which offers insider commentary and interviews with the sport’s leading figures. Alexandra Palace, often affectionately called "Ally Pally," has a long‑standing relationship with the World Darts Championship, having hosted the tournament since 2007.
The move to the Great Hall this year is a natural evolution, providing a larger, more modern setting while preserving the historic connection to the venue. Looking ahead to the upcoming BoyleSports World Grand Prix, all eyes will be on world number one Luke Littler as he defends his title. The Grand Prix will also be televised on Sky Sports, with streaming options available on NOW for viewers who prefer digital access.
In summary, the 2026‑2027 PDC World Darts Championship promises a blend of historic tradition and fresh innovation: a larger venue, a new ticketing system designed to be fairer and more transparent, an expanded match schedule, and the continued dominance of a young prodigy poised to rewrite the record books. Whether you are a long‑time fan or a newcomer drawn by the sport’s excitement, the tournament offers a compelling package of high‑stakes competition, memorable moments, and the chance to witness darts history in the making.