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G'darts sport: The ANZ Premier League arrives in major boost for Antipodean arrows | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 11:52 GMT by Sporting News
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GDarts Sport’s ANZ Premier League: A Major Boost for Antipodean Darts

The world of professional darts is expanding beyond the UK, Europe, and the United States – it’s now turning its spotlight on the Southern Hemisphere. In a move that has generated buzz across Australia and New Zealand, GDarts Sport announced the launch of the ANZ Premier League, a new regional competition that promises to raise the profile of the sport, bring world‑class action to local fans, and create a clear pathway for Antipodean players to compete on the world stage.

What the ANZ Premier League Looks Like

The league will feature eight top darts professionals from the region – a mix of seasoned internationals and rising Australian and New Zealand stars. Each match will be played under the standard 501‑point format with the “fast‑paced” rules used in the PDC’s own Premier League: 10 legs per game, no double‑in required, but a mandatory double‑out on the final leg. The league will be played over ten rounds, with the final two legs in each match played in a “super‑legs” format to increase excitement for the viewers.

The prize fund for the league will total A$300,000 – a figure that will dwarf most existing domestic tournaments. Winners will receive a sizeable share of that pool, and the top finishers will qualify for the GDarts World Tour 2025 and earn spots on the Australian and New Zealand national teams for the upcoming World Cup of Darts.

Where the Action Takes Place

The ANZ Premier League will travel across the region’s most iconic venues. From the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre to the Auckland Harbour Bridge venue in New Zealand, fans will be treated to high‑energy spectacles in stadiums that can hold up to 10,000 people. The tour is scheduled to run from early September to early December, with double‑header weekends that will give audiences plenty of darts to enjoy.

In addition to the live shows, GDarts Sport will stream every match on its own “Dartstream” platform – free for anyone with an internet connection – and will also partner with the Australian Sports Network for TV rights. This dual approach ensures that the league is accessible to both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts alike.

Why It Matters for Antipodean Darts

The launch of the ANZ Premier League comes on the heels of GDarts Sport’s earlier success with the “Antipodean Arrows” series, a series of invitational events that ran in 2022 and 2023. Those events showcased the region’s talent and helped to bridge the gap between local club competition and the elite PDC circuit. By turning that concept into a structured league, GDarts Sport hopes to provide a clear, repeatable route for local players to develop their game, earn prize money, and gain exposure on a global platform.

“We’re thrilled to bring a professional league to the Southern Hemisphere,” said GDarts Sport CEO Mark Ellis. “The Antipodean players have shown that they can compete with the best, and this league will give them the regular high‑level competition they need to keep improving.”

Australian Bank ANZ, the title sponsor of the league, also expressed enthusiasm about the initiative. “Investing in darts is investing in our sporting culture,” said ANZ’s head of community engagement, Sarah Patel. “The ANZ Premier League will not only elevate the sport but also inspire the next generation of players and fans across the region.”

Key Players to Watch

While the league will feature a mix of veterans and up‑and‑comers, a few names stand out. New Zealand’s own Corey Cadby – a two‑time world champion – is slated to be the flagship player for the league, bringing both skill and star power to the competition. Australia’s rising talent, Matthew Sargent, will provide a fresh challenge to the seasoned pros, and his recent performances on the PDC Development Tour have already generated buzz.

The inclusion of internationally recognized players such as Adrian Lewis (though he is not an Antipodean, his participation would add prestige) is also on the agenda, with GDarts Sport aiming to secure a few marquee names to attract global viewers. “Having a player of Lewis’s caliber would raise the profile of the league significantly,” explained Ellis.

The Bigger Picture

Darts has historically struggled to establish a foothold outside of its traditional heartlands. But the rise of the “Darts Streaming Revolution” – where fans can watch high‑quality live action on platforms like Twitch and YouTube – has made it easier than ever to reach a global audience. The ANZ Premier League fits squarely within that trend, offering fans a continuous stream of action, high‑stakes competition, and a narrative that follows the growth of Antipodean darts.

For the Australian and New Zealand national teams, the league provides a ready-made pool of match‑fit players. As the sport continues to grow in popularity – a trend supported by a surge in club participation numbers across both countries – the ANZ Premier League will likely serve as a catalyst for further investment in coaching, grassroots development, and infrastructure.

In Short

GDarts Sport’s ANZ Premier League is more than just another darts tournament. It is a strategically designed platform that marries high‑level competition with regional pride, commercial viability, and an eye toward the future of Antipodean darts. With a generous prize fund, a touring format that will bring the game to thousands of fans, and a clear path to the world stage, the league promises to be a game‑changer for players and fans alike. As the first season approaches, all eyes will be on the stage, the bright lights, and the iconic throw of a dart that could signal a new era for darts in the Southern Hemisphere.