Sky Sports had NO offers to make Luke Littler darts final free to air with millions of fans set to miss out
SKY SPORTS have confirmed they received no offers to make Luke Littler’s World Championship final free to watch.
The 16-year-old takes on Luke Humphries in the final of the World Darts Championship tonight.
The eyes of the country will be on Aly Pally as Littler tries to win the £500,000 jackpot on his debut.
But the teen’s incredible attempt at darts’ top prize is not available to watch for free.
This follows as terrestrial broadcasters failed to ask for permission in time to screen the blockbuster showdown.
Around 2.3million tuned into his semi-final against Rob Cross on Tuesday and is shattering previous records for darts on Sky Sports.
MP’s have urged Sky to broadcast the final for free as it will allow the public to enjoy Littler’s attempts at becoming the youngest champion in WDC history.
But industry sources have confirmed that the likes of Channel 4 – who in the past have broadcast major sporting events – did not request to have rights for the final tonight.
A Channel 4 spokesman said: “We don’t comment on speculation about sports rights.”
The viewing peak for Littler’s semi-final doubled the previous record from December 2017 when Phil Taylor was making his last WDC appearance after winning 16 titles.
Sky confirmed the viewing figures matched major sporting events like the Premier League, the League Cup final and Championship play-offs.
Jamie Stone, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, reckons millions of eager Brits will miss the “historic moment.”
The Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport believes Sky should share footage with the BBC or ITV.
Stone tweeted: “The country is gripped by darts fever and the spectacle of 16-year-old Luke Littler becoming a world champion.
“The final must be free to air on TV so that millions of Brits don’t lose out on this historic moment.
“Sky Sports should share the rights with the likes of BBC or ITV.”
Before Littler’s semi-final win over Cross, Stone noted: “Luke Littler has stolen the country’s heart and had everyone talking about darts.
“Ministers should stop showing snobbery towards a sport which has grabbed the country’s attention.”