William Hill extends World Darts Championship deal
Extension will see the UK bookmaker sponsor the competition at Alexandra Palace until at least 2022
William Hill has extended its sponsorship of the World Darts Championship until 2022.
The bookmaker has sponsored the iconic tournament since 2015 having previously sponsored the Grand Slam of Darts from 2011 until 2014.
The tournament is set to expand next year to include 96 competitors, up from 72, and a record £2.5m prize fund, including £500k for the 2018/19 champion.
William Hill Online MD Grant William said: “We’re delighted to extend our sponsorship of the World Darts Championship.
“We have a great relationship with Barry Hearn and his team at the PDC and we’re thrilled to continue this partnership until at least 2022.”
William Hill World Champion Rob Cross, Barry Hearn and Michael van Gerwen
In the biggest development for the tournament since its move to London’s Alexandra Palace a decade ago, the event will introduce 24 further qualifiers including two female contenders.
“The William Hill World Darts Championship has become a phenomenon in worldwide sport given its incredible growth in recent years, but this announcement takes the tournament to a whole new level,” said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.
“The backing of our great sponsors at William Hill and worldwide broadcasters led by Sky Sports has been matched by the incredible interest from fans who flock to Alexandra Palace every Christmas and watch around the globe,” he added.