By Olly Powell
As the biggest event on the darting calendar rapidly approaches, the famous Alexandra Palace will once again host the PDC World Championships. An agreement was reached for ‘Ally Pally’ to remain as the host of the event until at least 2031, with a move next year to take the darts into the Palace’s Great Hall as the capacity will reach over 5,000 fans per session.
However, we’re looking at a hypothetical scenario where PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter ends the 18-year relationship between Ally Pally and the World Champs and where could be next for the most coveted event in the sport.
1. Co-Op Live, Manchester
Where better to start than the newly constructed largest arena in the UK? The Co-Op Live arena can host a capacity of 23,500 visitors, with brand new facilities and technology surely meeting the needs of the PDC.
It would also see the World Championships head up north for the first time, in particular the North-West which homes reigning champion Luke Littler, as well as fan favourites Stephen Bunting and Nathan Aspinall.
For supporters hoping to make a good night out of the trip to the darts, Manchester undoubtedly trumps the current host city London, with the vibrant Northern nightlife perfect for the extra-curriculars that follow watching the darts.
2. The Sage, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
This one may have to put the breaks on until 2027, but a new arena in the North East is on the horizon.
The Sage is set to be a 12,500 capacity arena, and for its grand opening to secure the rights of the legendary Darts World Championships would certainly lay down its marker as a venue for the rest of the country to visit.
Similarly to Manchester, Newcastle would be an ideal location for Darts-Mania with supporters taking over ana already buzzing nightlife.
Chris Dobey would certainly make no complaints considering the reception he received heading home in the 2025 Premier League, and the Geordies would certainly know how to crank up the atmosphere for the biggest occasion of the players’ season.
3. The O2 Arena, London
Currently the host of the Premier League finals night, why not take the biggest event to arguably the most well-recognised venue in the UK.
Holding a capacity of 20,000 people, The O2 is built for big occasions as the ninth largest building in the world by volume and has endless choices of eateries and bars under its canopy to wet the palette of eagerly anticipating supporters.
The O2 also has much stronger transport links than Ally Pally, with the Jubilee tube line running into London hot spots, such as London Bridge and Waterloo.
4. First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds
A third northern location on the list, Leeds would happily put its name forward as the liveliest city in the country.
Leeds United supporter Luke Humphries would attest to that, and Cool Hands’ walk-on song ‘I predict a riot’ hits the nail on the head for what visiting darts fans can expect from a city that loves a party.
The arena can hold over 13,000 fans and was constructed in a ‘fan-shaped’ orientation to ensure every visitor has a good view of the stage.
5. Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
A controversial final inclusion that takes the pinnacle of the darting calendar out of the UK, but with the prominence of Dutch players and Amsterdam’s formidable reputation as a destination for a party, it feels a match made in heaven.
The Ziggo Dome holds over 17,000 people, and the Eurostar connections from London or hour-long flight across the channel to the Netherlands makes the journey shorter than trips to the North of the UK for supporters based in the South.
The legacies of Raymond Van Barneveld and Michael Van Gerwen, plus Gian Van Veen and Danny Noppert in the top 10 for odds of winning this years’ championship, the Dutch certainly have a strong seat at the table and a switch to Amsterdam could be exactly what the competition needs.
EDITORS PICKS:
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- The 5 biggest shocks in World Championship Darts History
- Why Jermaine Wattimena will be the shock of the 2026 World Championships
- The 10 greatest darts players of all-time (Ranked 10-1)
- Luke Littler finally speaks out on being accused of ‘cheating’
- World Darts Championship 2025/26 Draw Confirmed: Luke Littler faces tough First Round test at Ally Pally