ESPN adds European Darts Championship to autumn line-up

UK pay-television broadcaster ESPN has acquired exclusive rights for the 2012 European Darts Championship, in a deal with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) governing body.

ESPN will show live coverage from the championship, which takes place in Mülheim, Germany, next month. The championship begins on Thursday, September 20 and concludes on Sunday, September 23.

Jeroen Oerlemans, vice-president of television channels at ESPN’s Europe, Middle East and Africa division, said: “Our live and exclusive coverage of the European Darts Championship will bring viewers some of the best players in the world competing for one of the most prestigious trophies in darts. We’ll continue to look to add more darts programming as we expand and solidify the range of our programming.”

PDC chairman Barry Hearn said: “The European Darts Championship has established itself as one of our most exciting and colourful events over the past four years, and it is a pleasure to welcome ESPN as our broadcast partner for the 2012 event.”