Saudi billionaire wants to change darts: what the initiator of the crazy concept plans.

Turki Al-Sheikh wants to change darts

According to The Sun: One of the most influential figures in the sports world is interested in the development of darts and plans to implement a "crazy" concept for its conduct.

Turki Al-Sheikh is a Saudi politician who has significant resources from oil sales and seeks to spend them on improving his country's image, transforming it into a significant hub for sports and entertainment events.

Over the past two years, he has significantly influenced boxing, hosting the largest fights in the kingdom. Now, darts, which has become a popular sport in the UK over the past 15 years, has also become one of his priorities.

Al-Sheikh has already proposed the creation of a new 20-ball golden ball for a snooker tournament that will take place in Riyadh in March 2024. This innovation will allow reaching 167 points on the table.

According to him, whoever can achieve the maximum break of 147 and throw the 23rd ball will receive a bonus of 1 million dollars (£733,000).

In the new Netflix series "Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen," his ideas for a radical change in darts are actively discussed during negotiations about the possibility of acquiring a stake in Matchroom Sport, founded in 1982.

This Essex-based company organizes competitions in darts, boxing, snooker, fishing, and nine-ball pool.

The discussion of the idea took place during the fight between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn in April, where the conversations were captured by Netflix cameras and will appear in six episodes of the series.

Continuation of negotiations

Eddie Hearn noted: "This is another big night as we reach an important moment in the future of Matchroom." He emphasized the importance of deeper cooperation.

“This even goes beyond my authority because it is his company. Everything starts with him and ends with him.”

Barry Hearn said: “Every journey comes to an end. What do you want to do? Tell me. And if it makes me smile, then we will have a deal.”

Turki Al-Sheikh confirmed his interest in darts, but only under a new, "crazy" concept.

Barry replied: “We are on a mission. We want to have relationships with people like you on a long-term basis, and then we want to develop a huge business.”

Currently, negotiations are ongoing, and it remains unknown what to expect from this "crazy concept," which may not be to the liking of traditionalists.

According to PDC CEO Mette Portera, dart revenues exceed 60 million pounds a year, and Eddie claims it is more dynamic than in his boxing stable. The world champion of 2026 will receive 1 million pounds in January, while a new five-year deal worth 125 million pounds with Sky Sports is being finalized.

Barry remarked: “Despite Turki's enthusiasm, I trust contracts more than people. I need to see everything in black and white.”

Given Al-Sheikh's activity in the sports industry, his plans could significantly impact the future of darts, opening new horizons for this ancient sport. If his vision is realized, it could radically change both spectators' and participants' attitudes towards darts, and create new opportunities for development. So let’s keep an eye on events and await the outcome of the negotiations.