The 2025 Betfred World Matchplay Darts, a cornerstone of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) calendar, is set to electrify fans from July 19 to July 27 at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, England. This nine-day spectacle, one of the three legs of darts’ prestigious Triple Crown, brings together 32 of the world’s top players to compete for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy and a share of the £800,000 prize pot. With defending champion Luke Humphries, who clinched the 2024 title against Michael van Gerwen, leading a star-studded field, the tournament promises high-octane drama in the Empress Ballroom. For fans in the UK, USA, and Australia eager to catch every dart thrown, here’s your comprehensive guide to watching the action live on TV or streaming platforms.
In the UK, Sky Sports remains the go-to destination for comprehensive coverage of the World Matchplay. The tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Arena, with additional coverage on Sky Sports Main Event for select sessions. Fans can expect wall-to-wall action, starting with the first round from July 19 at 7:00 p.m. BST, featuring top seeds like Humphries and three-time champion Michael van Gerwen. Afternoon sessions, such as the one on July 20 at 1:00 p.m. BST, will showcase early-round clashes, while evening sessions ramp up as the tournament progresses, with quarter-finals on July 24 and 25 starting at 8:00 p.m. BST. The semi-finals on July 26 and the men’s final on July 27, alongside the Women’s World Matchplay, will cap off the event, with the final evening session kicking off at 8:00 p.m. BST. “Every single day and game of this year’s World Matchplay will once again be broadcast live entirely by Sky Sports,” ensuring UK viewers won’t miss a moment. For those without a Sky subscription, a NOW Sports Pass offers flexible streaming options at £14.99 for 24-hour access or £34.99 monthly, with a current discount bringing the monthly rate to £26. Sky Go also allows subscribers to stream on mobile devices, laptops, or gaming consoles, perfect for fans on the move.
In the USA, DAZN is the primary platform for catching the World Matchplay live. With a subscription priced at $29.99 per month or $239.88 annually, American fans can access full coverage of every match, from the opening round to the final, either live or on catch-up. The first round begins at 2:00 p.m. ET on July 19, with subsequent rounds following a similar schedule, adjusted for time zones. For darts enthusiasts seeking an alternative, PDCTV offers streaming for viewers outside the UK, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with a Rest of the World Monthly Pass priced at £9.99. This service is ideal for catching the action on devices ranging from smartphones to smart TVs, ensuring “you can watch all the matches anywhere in the world,” provided you’re not in a restricted region. For those traveling abroad, a VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN can help bypass geographical restrictions, offering a secure connection to stream on DAZN or PDCTV. ExpressVPN, with its 10-Gbps servers and compatibility across devices, is a popular choice, complete with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Australian fans can tune in through Fox Sports, which will broadcast the tournament live via Foxtel. For those preferring a streaming option, Kayo Sports is a standout choice, with plans starting at $25 per month and a free trial for new subscribers. Coverage begins in the early hours of July 20 due to the time difference, with the first round airing around 4:00 a.m. AEST. Kayo’s flexibility allows viewers to watch live or on-demand, making it easy to catch up on matches like the anticipated first-round clash between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen. “Fox Sports and Foxtel have the rights Down Under to show the 2024 World Matchplay Darts,” and Kayo’s commitment-free plans ensure fans can enjoy the tournament without a long-term subscription. PDCTV is also available for Australian viewers outside restricted regions, offering another avenue to stream the event.
The 2025 World Matchplay, with its £200,000 winner’s prize and storied history—Phil Taylor’s 16 titles and nine nine-darters set the stage—promises intense competition. Whether you’re in the UK, USA, or Australia, these viewing options ensure you can witness every heart-pounding moment, from the first dart to the final checkout, as the world’s best battle for glory in Blackpool’s historic Empress Ballroom.
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