Darts’ most iconic summer showcase will remain under the Betfred banner until at least the end of the decade, as the bookmaker has committed to continue sponsoring both the World Matchplay and the Women’s World Matchplay until 2030.
The renewed agreement ensures Betfred’s branding will remain central to the PDC’s flagship July event, with the new contract confirmed just days before the 2025 edition gets underway in Blackpool this Saturday.
Having partnered with the World Matchplay since 2019, Betfred expanded its involvement in 2022 by lending its name to the Women’s World Matchplay as well.
This year’s women’s showdown – the fourth of its kind – will take place on Sunday July 27th, with Beau Greaves looking to defend her crown.
Over in the men’s draw, reigning champion and current world number one Luke Humphries leads a stacked 32-player line-up that includes six former winners and the reigning World Champion, Luke Littler – who also tops the betting as Betfred’s favourite to win the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
Fred Done, the man behind Betfred, expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the partnership:
“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.”
From 2026, prize money will see a significant bump – the World Matchplay purse will hit £1 million, with the winner banking £225,000. The Women’s World Matchplay will also see its prize pot increase, rising to £40,000.
Matt Porter, Chief Executive of the PDC, welcomed the renewed backing:
“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. 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.”
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Images: PDC
