Luke Littler has his sights set on a successful title defence as the Premier League Darts season gets underway in Belfast tonight.
The reigning champion spoke to SportsBoom about life with a target firmly on his back, his impact on the sport’s record-breaking Sky Sports deal, and a remarkable rugby league tribute in his hometown.
Growing Pressure and Growing Expectations
After last year’s dramatic final, which saw the Warrington-born prodigy defeat Luke Humphries, Littler went on to lift his first televised ranking title at the Grand Slam of Darts before clinching the World Championship at Alexandra Palace in January.
Now at 18 years old, he arrives in this year’s competition as an adult for the first time—though he insists that has made little difference.
“If anyone comes at me in any sort of way, they know deep down that they’re going to have to throw the ton-plus average. If I don’t throw a ton-plus average, and they know they’re going to do it, they’re going to win nine times out of ten.
His achievements have made him the player others raise their game against, and that pressure no longer comes as a surprise. Yet he remains unfazed, trusting his ability to deliver under the spotlight.
Sky Sports Deal and ‘The Littler Effect’
With the new Premier League season upon us, attention also turns to darts’ lucrative five-year broadcasting agreement with Sky Sports. Valued at a reported £125 million, the deal reflects the sport’s soaring popularity—a rise many attribute to the “Littler effect.”
Since his breakthrough at the 2024 World Championship, interest in darts has surged, bringing fresh audiences and heightened commercial appeal.
“Obviously, it’s a good thing for the PDC to get it over the line. Personally, I couldn’t imagine anyone else taking over, but within a few years there might be. After the five-year deal, it might be, well, I dunno, TNT or ITV might take over the whole lot, but yeah, it’d feel weird.”
Honoured at Home
Beyond the oche, Littler is being celebrated in his hometown. His beloved Warrington Wolves plan to rename the Halliwell Jones Stadium in his honour for one night only when they face Catalan Dragons on 21 February—a gesture that follows his recent appearance at Old Trafford, where he showed off his World Championship trophy ahead of Manchester United’s match against Brighton.
“I didn’t give [Manchester] United any luck when I went, so hopefully I can give the boys [Warrington Wolves] some luck this time.”
As Littler steps up to defend his crown, his rivals know they must be at their peak to challenge him. Meanwhile, he remains focused on delivering another electrifying performance—a champion accustomed to carrying both the weight of expectation and the hopes of a fast-growing sport on his shoulders.