Paddy Power Agrees World Darts Championship Extension; 180 Challenge Launched

Paddy Power will stay on top of the oche at London’s Alexandra Palace for six more years after agreeing a new contract extension to remain as the World Darts Championship’s title sponsor. The betting company announced the deal via social platform X, using Matchroom President Barry Hearn to confirm the news as part of its skit.

In continuing its partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) until 2031, Paddy Power will ensure that the flagship event remains bigger and bolder than ever. Despite the financial challenges faced by Paddy Power in the wake of last week’s budget, Paddy Power remains unwavering in its support of the World Darts Championship.

Launch of exciting 180 challenge

Although punters will flock to leading darts betting sites to place wagers on a variety of lines, such as the match winner or highest checkouts, the sporting drama will continue at Alexandra Palace unbounded. And Paddy Power will be hoping that a few 9 dart legs are thrown.

Originally, Paddy Power introduced its first-of-its-kind 9-dart bonus, where if a player threw a perfect leg, one lucky fan in the crowd, the player, and Prostate Cancer UK equally shared a prize of £180,000. To switch things up slightly this year as part of its ‘Darts of Destiny’ fundraiser challenge, a fan will be selected at random to go on stage. If they throw 180 from nine darts, they will pocket £180,000.

Delivering a financial commitment

Paddy Power first signed on as the chief World Darts Championship sponsor in 2023. Over the past couple of years, it has donated more than £2 million to Prostate Cancer UK.

The funds have helped Prostate Cancer UK’s ground-breaking trial. It is supposed to be the most ambitious prostate cancer screening trial in 20 years, aimed at revolutionising the diagnosis of the disease. Over 300,000 men have been urged to use the online risk checker to establish whether they are at risk of getting prostate cancer.

Apart from trying to spread awareness of prostate cancer, Paddy Power is driving home fan initiatives. There will be a fully-branded Fan Zone to keep fans entertained before the action gets underway, and there will be plenty of viral social content filmed to capture the atmosphere of the event. Paddy Power also noted that it will continue to bring its ‘unmistakable mischief’ to an event in a statement.

Taking the flagship event to new heights

The World Darts Championship has become increasingly popular, and it has captured the interest of the viewing public. As far as Paddy Power is concerned, PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter couldn’t conceal his excitement over the contract extension, revealing the importance of the deal.

He said:

“Paddy Power has had a hugely positive impact on the World Darts Championship over the past two years. Their creativity, investment and passion for the sport have taken the event to new heights, enhancing the experience for fans in the arena and millions watching worldwide.

“We are delighted to extend this partnership to 2031 and look forward to building on this success while continuing to support Prostate Cancer UK’s essential work.”

The World Darts Championship kicks off on Thursday, 11 December 2025, with the final taking place on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Luke Littler will have a target on his back as the reigning champion after seeing off Michael van Gerwen in last year’s final.