Betfred World Matchplay: Partnership extended until at least 2030

Betfred's title sponsorship of the World Matchplay and Women's World Matchplay darts tournaments will continue until at least 2030 after the leading bookmakers extended their partnership with the PDC.

The new deal means that Betfred's association with the blockbuster summer event will extend beyond a decade, and it comes on the eve of the 2025 edition of the championships which get underway at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Saturday.

News of the continued sponsorship agreement comes at a time when the sport of darts is thriving in the glow of world champion teenager Luke Littler's rise to national prominence.

Betfred boss Fred Done said upon the announcement: "The Betfred World Matchplay is one of the highlights of the year - I love the seaside party atmosphere coupled with top quality sport.

"We're delighted to extend our sponsorship with the PDC for another five years, during an exciting period for darts as a sport.

"The quality of the field has never been stronger, and we can only see these tournaments continuing to grow in the coming years."

This year's Betfred World Matchplay will see world number one Luke Humphries looking to defend his title amongst a fantastic 32-player field, with 18-year-old Littler leading the chasing pack. There are also six more former Matchplay champions in the draw, with the tournament having been won by eight different players in the last eight editions since the last of Phil Taylor's 16 titles in 2017.

And the Betfred Women's World Matchplay's fourth staging takes place on Sunday, July 27 when Beau Greaves sets about her title defence.

Betfred World Matchplay Odds

Prize money for the Betfred World Matchplay will increase to £1 million in 2026, including £225,000 to the eventual champion, while the Betfred Women's World Matchplay prize fund will rise to £40,000.

"Betfred have become synonymous with the World Matchplay since joining us as title sponsor in 2019, and it's wonderful that they've extended that support for a further five years," said PDC chief executive Matt Porter.

"Their backing of the Betfred Women's World Matchplay echoes their commitment to the sport, and we're excited that prize money for both events will increase from 2026.

"This year's Betfred World Matchplay sold out in record time following the huge success of our 2024 tournament, and we can't wait to get back to Blackpool alongside Betfred next week."

Darts Odds

The pre-tournament favourite with the title sponsors is the world champion Littler, who Betfred have priced at 2/1 and guaranteed the top price available among bookmakers - to become the ninth victor of the Phil Taylor Trophy in nine years. Meanwhile Beau Greaves is 2/5 to win the Women's World Matchplay title for a third successive year next Sunday.

Find more Darts Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights