The Darts Split: How Rebels Saved the Sport | Sporting Witness

The world of professional darts experienced a dramatic split in the 1990s, a consequence of rising tensions between players and the governing body, the British Darts Organisation (BDO). What began as a popular televised sport in the 1970s and 80s, with its stars becoming household names, faced a decline by 1989, leaving the World Championship as the sole televised event.

A Game on the Brink

By 1989, darts’ visibility on television had dwindled significantly. Top players felt the BDO wasn’t doing enough to maintain the sport’s presence on TV, leading to a pivotal decision. In 1993, these players broke away from the BDO to establish their own competitive circuit.

Did You Know? John Lowe MBE, a three-time world darts champion, was among the players who chose to form a new tour.

The Rise of a New Organization

The breakaway tour eventually evolved into the Players Darts Council in 1997. This organization now oversees the sport’s most prominent tournaments. The story of this split is brought to life through eyewitness accounts, archival footage, and testimony in the series, Sporting Witness.

Expert Insight: The formation of a new governing body demonstrates the power players can wield when they feel their interests aren’t being adequately represented, a dynamic seen across many professional sports.

Sporting Witness explores a range of sporting histories, from forgotten Women’s World Cups to remarkable individual achievements, including stories of Paralympians, squash champions, and figure skaters. The series also delves into lesser-known narratives, such as a tennis player’s escape from the Nazis and a man’s race against a horse.

Looking Ahead

The Players Darts Council currently manages the biggest tournaments in the sport. The BDO may attempt to regain prominence in the future, but We see also likely that the Players Darts Council will continue to be the dominant force in professional darts. Further fragmentation of the sport could occur if new organizations emerge, or existing ones realign.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the split in darts?

The top players blamed the British Darts Organisation for failing to keep the game on TV and broke away to form their own competitions in 1993.

Who is John Lowe?

John Lowe MBE is a three-time world darts champion and was one of the rebel players who formed a new tour.

What is Sporting Witness?

Sporting Witness is a series that brings sporting history to life through eyewitness accounts, archive footage, and testimony.

How do you think the evolution of darts reflects broader changes in the sports industry?