ITV Renews Partnership with Matchroom Sports for Extended Broadcasting Agreement
ITV has announced a one-year extension of its partnership with Matchroom Sports, ensuring that major snooker and darts events will continue to be televised on the network. This agreement will see the continuation of free-to-air coverage for a variety of prestigious tournaments, including the World Snooker Tour’s British Open, Champion of Champions, Players Championship, and Tour Championship, all broadcasted on ITV and ITVX.
In addition to snooker events, the extended partnership also encompasses a range of Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tournaments. Fans can look forward to watching The Masters, UK Open, European Championship, Players Championship Finals, at least seven World Series of Darts global events, and the World Series of Darts Finals, which was recently claimed by Luke Littler. Notably, The Masters has been expanded from 24 to 32 players for the 2025 season, offering viewers an extra session in January.
Niall Sloane, ITV’s Director of Sport, expressed his excitement about the continued collaboration with Matchroom, emphasizing the network’s commitment to providing free-to-air coverage of darts and snooker. He highlighted the inclusion of The Masters in the extended deal, noting the tournament’s expansion as a testament to the growing popularity of darts and snooker among viewers.
Tom Rowell, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at the World Snooker Tour, echoed Sloane’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the partnership for snooker fans. Rowell assured fans that they would have access to top-tier snooker action through ITV’s platforms throughout the 2024/25 season, starting with the British Open in Cheltenham.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter also expressed his enthusiasm for the extended partnership with ITV, citing the network’s longstanding relationship with the PDC and the memorable moments that have been broadcasted over the years. With a surge of excitement surrounding the sport, Porter anticipates a thrilling 2025 season for darts fans.
Enhanced Viewer Experience with Expanded Coverage
The extension of the ITV and Matchroom partnership promises an enhanced viewing experience for fans of snooker and darts. With the inclusion of prestigious events like The Masters and the British Open, viewers can look forward to captivating matches featuring some of the biggest names in the sports. The expansion of The Masters to accommodate more players reflects the growing demand for high-quality darts competitions on television.
By continuing to offer free-to-air coverage of these events on ITV and ITVX, the partnership ensures that fans can easily access and enjoy the excitement of live snooker and darts action. The convenience of tuning in to watch their favorite players compete in premier tournaments adds to the appeal of these sports, attracting both dedicated fans and casual viewers alike.
Strategic Collaboration for Sporting Excellence
The ongoing collaboration between ITV and Matchroom Sports is a testament to their shared commitment to promoting and showcasing the best of snooker and darts. By extending their partnership, both entities reaffirm their dedication to providing top-tier sports entertainment to audiences across the UK. The inclusion of a diverse range of tournaments in the broadcasting agreement demonstrates the breadth and depth of talent within the snooker and darts communities.
As the sports landscape continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between ITV and Matchroom play a vital role in elevating the profile of snooker and darts on a national scale. By working together to bring these thrilling events to viewers, the partners contribute to the growth and popularity of the sports, fostering a vibrant and engaged fan base that spans generations.
In conclusion, the extension of the broadcasting agreement between ITV and Matchroom Sports marks a significant milestone for snooker and darts fans. With continued coverage of major tournaments and the addition of new events, viewers can look forward to an exciting lineup of matches and competitions in the upcoming season. The partnership between ITV and Matchroom exemplifies a shared vision for promoting sporting excellence and delivering unparalleled entertainment to audiences nationwide.