Wayne Mardle poised to join new-look ITV Darts coverage

Wayne Mardle is reportedly set to join to ITV Sport’s revamped coverage of PDC Darts in 2026.

Mardle, 52, is understood to be the preferred choice as lead analyst for ITV events from next season, with the coverage set for a fresh new look under Matchroom production.

Mardle has worked exclusively on Sky Sports events since retiring from professional darts in 2011, but is no longer contractually tied to the broadcaster.

The three-time major finalist has commentated on a host of the sport’s most iconic moments, including the ‘perfect leg’ between Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith in the 2023 World Championship final and has been a stalwart of Sky’s coverage for the past two decades.

Whilst retaining his ties with Sky Sports, Mardle is set to double up by joining the new ITV team – which is also expected to include esteemed commentator Dan Dawson and established pundits Mark Webster and Chris Mason.

ITV Sport’s 18-year production stint came to an end following last weekend’s Players Championship Finals, with presenter Jacqui Oatley, reporter Ned Boulting and commentator Stuart Pyke among those to confirm their departure.

With production shifting under the banner of Matchroom, the PDC aims to sharpen up its coverage by combining fresh presentation with familiar voices who work across the tour.

The three-year deal incorporates the UK Open, European Championship, all World Series events, the World Series Finals, Players Championship Finals and the Winmau World Masters.

It remains unclear as to who will front the coverage, with Ali Drew having notably presented coverage of a number of World Series events in 2025.

The first major on ITV under the new production will be the Winmau World Masters in Milton Keynes from January 29 to February, while the first World Series event of the campaign will be the Bahrain Masters from January 15-16.

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