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BARRY HEARN aims to elevate the World Darts Championship prize fund to an impressive £5 million by 2035.
The UK’s top sports promoter has made an
Barry Hearn seeks to raise the grand prize at the World Darts Championship to a transformative amountCredit: Getty
He has urged for the world champion’s prize to increase from £1 million to £5 MILLIONCredit: AFP
Despite experiencing a THIRD heart attack in the spring, the 77-year-old is back to his audacious self with a remarkable financial commitment.
Darts is thriving—primarily due to Sky Sports' £125 million five-year television deal—but Hearn believes the sport’s financial potential can rise even further.
He stated: “I observe darts today and think, okay, we’ve achieved a lot—£25 million in prize money, £1 million for the winner.
“The next objective is to reach £100 million in total prize money, with £5 million for the victor.
“I believe we can reach £100 million in ten years. I see no limits because we truly represent the working man’s golf.”
Discussing the interest from broadcasters and sponsors, Hearn added: “Paddy Power… look at the work they’re doing for the World Darts Championship. It's incredible.
“And a new agreement with Sky has more than doubled their previous payments.”
Next, the Great Hall at Alexandra Palace will host the daily sessions, increasing capacity from 3,300 to over 5,000 spectators.
Hearn remarked: “We are starting to be recognized as a major sport that attracts substantial audiences and readership, meeting any criteria you choose to evaluate it by. Thus, we face no limits.
“Darts is no longer something people look down on. The stereotype of overweight individuals smoking and drinking on stage is a relic from 25 years ago.
“Today, these individuals…their aspiration is to become a professional darts player, just like other kids dream of being professional footballers or boxers.”
Hearn has dismissed concerns that he might slow down after his heart issues, asserting: “I’m not going anywhere—and I’m still contributing to my team!”
The self-made millionaire's latest health scare occurred while he was watching Leyton Orient's playoff first-leg 2-2 draw against Stockport at Brisbane Road on May 10.
Hearn, a lifelong supporter and former owner of the East London club, felt unwell.
He left the stands and informed his wife that he needed medical assistance in the stadium's lower levels.
Within a few hours, he was on an operating table as surgeons inserted a stent.
This marked the third heart attack for the businessman.
The first occurred in 2002, and the second incident, which he described as “mild,” took place in April 2020 when he underwent an emergency procedure to insert two additional stents.
Speaking to SunSport about the recent incident, Hearn, in his usual straightforward style, dismissed any worries or concerns.
As far as he is concerned, it was resolved promptly, and Hearn—the founder and current president of Matchroom Sport—will continue to be at the forefront of the next deal.
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