PDC chief considers radical change to Premier League Darts format –’that’s a great idea’

PDC chief executive Matt Porter showed interest in a radical new change to the Premier League Darts format that could benefit Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, insisting it’s “a great idea”

PDC chief executive Matt Porter was interested by a radical new change to the Premier League Darts format.

The PDC boss has revelled in the growth of darts over the past few years, especially with the emergence and rise of Luke Littler. And the opportunity to make the sport more exciting continues to be at the forefront of his plans.

Porter was offered an idea of how to add a new dimension to the Premier League while speaking to Online Darts. In its current guise, the fixture scheduling for weeks eight and 16 of the tournament pits top of the league against bottom of the league.

Other fixtures are arranged by position order, with second playing seventh, and so on. But an intriguing new suggestion planted the seed in Porter’s head for the players to pick their opponents.

It was suggested that first place would be able to choose who they face in the coming week, with the PDC’s YouTube channel to host the announcement live.

Porter appeared interested in the idea and replied with a grin: “It’d be amazing drama wouldn’t it. Maybe…”

The host then acknowledged the storylines that would emerge from hearing the players explain their decision.

Seeing Porter jump in: “And then it blows up in your face when he beats you 6-0 on Thursday? From a purely storytelling perspective, that’s a great idea. I don’t know. Would the players go for it?”

The potential change would open the door to more drama between players, with some potentially taking the chance to settle scores, or even risk the opportunity of playing their league rival to gain an increased points advantage.

Porter added that he would be incredibly eager to learn the feeling of the idea from players and implored the hosts to put the question to the players when they have the chance to speak to someone in the Premier League conversation.

He said: “Between now and the end of the year, when you interview a player who you think will or might be in the Premier League, ask them what they think of that idea, and I’ll watch the answers, and then we’ll see where we go.”