Barry Hearn reveals he told Saudi chiefs darts hosting off the table unless they implement rule change
Barry Hearn says plans to take darts to Saudi Arabia are at a standstill due to one fundamental rule. Saudi Arabia’s influence has grown tenfold in recent years with the purchase of sports biggest events. Barry Hearn admits to holding talks with Saudi officials with the view to hosting darts in the countryGetty Boxing, WWE, UFC and football are just a few examples of how Saudi is shaping the future of sports events. The country’s Public Investment Fund purchased ownership of Newcastle United in 2021 and this week, Saudi Arabia were announced as hosts of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. But one sport they are likely to miss out on is darts and that’s despite key figures in the country showing a strong interest. Darts’ popularity is currently at an all-time high and the upcoming World Championships are likely to build further traction. Part of its acclaim comes from a party-style atmosphere of chanting, fancy dress and most importantly for those in attendance… alcohol. It is currently illegal to buy or consume alcohol in Saudi Arabia with penalties including fines, imprisonment or deportation for foreign nationals. And it’s for that reason that plans to take darts to the Middle-East country are on hold, for now. “I’ve taken a couple of big events out there and the players are loving it,” Matchroom Sports president Hearn told talkSPORT on Friday. “We actually start the 167 event next Wednesday before the [Tyson] Fury vs [Oleksandr] Usyk fight. This is our busiest time of the year. “The Saudis asked me for darts about a couple months ago and I asked them a simple question. Saudi Arabia has been the backdrop for some of boxing’s biggest fightsMark Robinson/Matchroom Saudi Arabia were recently handed hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup PAThe beers are always in full flow during the World Darts Championship[/caption] “Can we have alcohol? And they said no. I said well then you can’t have the darts.” While alcohol remains prohibited in Saudi Arabia, the country is expected to relax its laws in the coming years which could open the door to future talks. Hearn, who has previously spoken of the need to showcase snooker in Saudi Arabia, is not averse to relocating the PDC World Darts Championship from Alexandra Palace to the Middle East. But for now, all focus is on the latest instalment of the event which kicks off on Sunday, and how he can continue to grow the sport and enhance the fan experience. “We are a party,” he said. “We are the biggest party in the world and there’s going to be 90,000 [people in attendance] and we’ll have to look at trying to make it longer and trying to make it bigger. “Will we look at a new venue one day? Yes of course, it’s our job to look at things and evaluate. “We’re very happy at Ally Pally at the moment,” Hearn explained. “The only danger for me is I’ve got so many people saying they are disappointed. “I don’t want to disappoint punters because one day they’ll turn their attention elsewhere, so I’m not going to be complacent.”
Barry Hearn says plans to take darts to Saudi Arabia are at a standstill due to one fundamental rule.
Saudi Arabia’s influence has grown tenfold in recent years with the purchase of sports biggest events.
Boxing, WWE, UFC and football are just a few examples of how Saudi is shaping the future of sports events.
The country’s Public Investment Fund purchased ownership of Newcastle United in 2021 and this week, Saudi Arabia were announced as hosts of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
But one sport they are likely to miss out on is darts and that’s despite key figures in the country showing a strong interest.
Darts’ popularity is currently at an all-time high and the upcoming World Championships are likely to build further traction.
Part of its acclaim comes from a party-style atmosphere of chanting, fancy dress and most importantly for those in attendance… alcohol.
It is currently illegal to buy or consume alcohol in Saudi Arabia with penalties including fines, imprisonment or deportation for foreign nationals.
And it’s for that reason that plans to take darts to the Middle-East country are on hold, for now.
“I’ve taken a couple of big events out there and the players are loving it,” Matchroom Sports president Hearn told talkSPORT on Friday.
“We actually start the 167 event next Wednesday before the [Tyson] Fury vs [Oleksandr] Usyk fight. This is our busiest time of the year.
“The Saudis asked me for darts about a couple months ago and I asked them a simple question.
“Can we have alcohol? And they said no. I said well then you can’t have the darts.”
While alcohol remains prohibited in Saudi Arabia, the country is expected to relax its laws in the coming years which could open the door to future talks.
Hearn, who has previously spoken of the need to showcase snooker in Saudi Arabia, is not averse to relocating the PDC World Darts Championship from Alexandra Palace to the Middle East.
But for now, all focus is on the latest instalment of the event which kicks off on Sunday, and how he can continue to grow the sport and enhance the fan experience.
“We are a party,” he said. “We are the biggest party in the world and there’s going to be 90,000 [people in attendance] and we’ll have to look at trying to make it longer and trying to make it bigger.
“Will we look at a new venue one day? Yes of course, it’s our job to look at things and evaluate.
“We’re very happy at Ally Pally at the moment,” Hearn explained. “The only danger for me is I’ve got so many people saying they are disappointed.
“I don’t want to disappoint punters because one day they’ll turn their attention elsewhere, so I’m not going to be complacent.”
