Saudi Arabia tipped to target Luke Littler and other darts stars in major shake-up of the sport

Saudi Arabia has been tipped to host major darts events in the wake of Luke Littler’s success.

Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has looked to invest in several major sports in the past few years as a means of diversifying the Gulf State's revenue streams and ‘cleansing’ its global image.

PIF owns the LIV golf series, has controlling stakes in Newcastle United, Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli while it has pumped hundreds of millions of pounds into the esports industry.

Moreover, PIF has acquired a minority stake in the US’ Professional Fighters League - a rival to the UFC - and has hosted some of the biggest boxing bouts in recent history.

One expert has suggested that, amid Littler’s growing profile, darts could be the next sport targeted by Saudi Arabia.

Dr Rob Wilson, football finance expert and professor of economics at Sheffield Business School, told OLBG: “I do not doubt that Luke Littler will be on the map. However, keep in mind that darts is promoted and governed like boxing is.

“Boxing and UFC have both moved into Saudi Arabia and hosted successful events over the last four or five years, and I'd expect darts to be another fixture on their agenda if it shows the growth potential.

“Luke Littler burst onto the scene in the recent World Championships and now he's set to compete in Premier League darts despite not originally being permitted to play in it!

“Luke Littler is increasing demand for tickets, and a lot of Premier League fixtures have had a surplus of tickets as the demand wasn't quite there beforehand. Numbers were good, but not saturated.

We're now seeing a demand for tickets, and that's due to Littler. That's proof that he's attracted new fans to darts, and anybody who's looking around the sport will want to get a piece of that action.

Littler has become one of the biggest names in the world of darts (Getty)

“They'll be thinking of how they can bring that success to another country and have Premier League darts in Saudi, Qatar, or somewhere else.

“I'm not a darts expert by any means, but what I saw over the Christmas and New Year period was a competitively balanced sport.

“There is a clear hierarchy in darts. Michael van Gerwen has grabbed the headlines over the last few years, as has Fallon Sherrock. There are darts players who are balanced, and Littler has shaken up the status quo, something that's healthy.

“Whether or not darts needs more Luke Littlers is up for debate. He seems to be doing well by himself, but the older players will naturally decline in performance, and that's why you need that next wave.”