Eagle-eyed darts viewers who were watching the first night of the 2022 Premier League may have noticed that for the first time in over 25 years, the players were throwing at a new brand of dartboard.
Unicorn, which had been supplying dart boards to the PDC for all of its televised tournaments since 1997, recently ended its relationship with the PDC upon the conclusion of the 2022 Masters.
After Unicorn’s decision to step away from the PDC was announced, Eddie Hearn, chairman of the PDC, announced a new record five-year sponsorship deal with Winmau.
Speaking about the deal, Hearn said: “This record-breaking deal is a massive moment for the PDC, Winmau and the sport of darts.
“Winmau is a brand known across the world and it’s exciting that their products, led by the Blade 6 Triple Core dartboard, will be used by the PDC in the coming years and showcased globally in our biggest events.”
Hearn confirmed that Winmau’s deal not only covers the main PDC Tour, but also the Challenge Tour, Development Tour and Women’s Series.
Winmau’s equipment will be used across all levels of the game.
Speaking of his company’s new involvement in the PDC, Winmau managing director Vincent Bluck stated: “Darts is one of those unique sports with no barriers to playing the game.
“Irrespective of age, race, gender, fitness or budget, anyone can have a go and the PDC now have a pathway for players to progress to the very top if they have the ability.
“With the PDC’s prize fund of £15 million in 2022, there has never been a more exciting time in the history of the entire sport to be involved in darts as we embark on this exciting new partnership.”
