Premier League Darts 2025: Luke Littler on Being a Target, Sky Sports’ Huge Deal, and Rugby League Tribute

The 2025 Premier League Darts season kicks off tonight, with teenage sensation Luke Littler looking to retain his title. 

A lot has changed since last year’s final when Littler triumphed over world number one Luke Humphries to claim his first PDC major. Since then, he has added more silverware to his collection, securing his first televised ranking title at the Grand Slam of Darts and, most significantly, winning the World Championship at Alexandra Palace in January.

But it’s not just trophies that have changed for the Warrington-born star. Littler is now 18 years old, entering the competition as an adult for the first time.

At yesterday’s Premier League media launch in Belfast, SportsBoom caught up with Littler to discuss his mindset heading into the tournament and how the world of darts has evolved over the past year.

"It’s Just a Number"

Now officially an adult, has Littler’s approach or routine changed ahead of this year’s competition? The young champion kept his response simple.

“It’s just a number,” Littler said.

That no-nonsense attitude reflects his confidence. He knows his ability and is aware of the growing pressure on his shoulders. Opponents now see playing against Littler as a final in itself, raising their game whenever they face him.

“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,” he told SportsBoom.com. 

Raising the Bar

Unlike other players on tour, Littler doesn’t have the luxury of an off night. While some can scrape through matches with below-par performances, he knows he must always be at his best because his name and status mean rivals bring their A-game.

“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.”

The Littler Effect and Darts’ Sky-High Future

The conversation then turned to the sport’s new landmark five-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports, reportedly worth £125 million—roughly four times the previous agreement. The deal cements darts as one of the broadcaster’s top sports, with only football generating higher viewership numbers.

Much of that success is credited to the "Littler effect." Since his breakthrough at the 2024 World Championship, interest in the sport has surged, bringing in a new audience and expanding darts’ global reach.

Littler acknowledges his role in this growth but is simply pleased to see the PDC secure such a major deal.

“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.”

Home-Town Honour: The ‘Luke Littler Stadium’

Littler’s impact extends beyond darts. A proud Warrington native and rugby league fan, his local club, the Warrington Wolves, recently announced they will rename their stadium in his honour for one night only. 

The Halliwell Jones Stadium will become the ‘Luke Littler Stadium’ for the club’s first home Super League match of the season against Catalan Dragons on February 21.

This tribute follows another huge moment for Littler, who recently paraded his World Championship trophy at Old Trafford, the home of his football team, Manchester United, ahead of their match against Brighton.

So, how does having a stadium named after him compare to his visit to Old Trafford?

“I’ll see how the performance goes, then I’ll rank it. I know our form against Catalan isn’t the best.”

And as for his football team? Littler joked that his presence might have been a bad omen, with United losing 3-1 to Brighton that day.

“I didn’t give [Manchester] United any luck when I went, so hopefully I can give the boys some luck this time.”

As Littler prepares to step onto the Premier League stage once again, his journey continues to inspire. Now an established champion, he remains focused on his game, aware of the growing expectations but unfazed by the spotlight. The next chapter of his career starts tonight.