SKY’S THE LIMIT Barry Hearn hints darts could LEAVE Sky Sports as Matchroom chief reveals negotiations with rival broadcasters
Hearn, 76, has a long-term relationship and affinity with Sky developed over many years.
But the Matchroom supremo has admitted that he will not let sentiment affect his business acumen when rights packages are next sold.
Speaking on The Barry Hearn Show, the veteran promoter was asked if loyalty “goes out the window” if Sky don’t offer enough money.
He replied: “Absolutely. Let’s be perfectly clear about it. My loyalty is to Sky because they were one of the reasons why my life changed, personally.
Why darts, and sports like darts – boxing, pool, all the things I love…
“(But) There’s a price. There’s a price – if it’s close, loyalty beats everybody.”
Asked about the potential percentage increase he is looking for, Hearn added: “I’m not even going to tell you that because it’s massive, mate.
“I’m only limited as Sky are, as TNT, as Amazon, Netflix – we’re only limited by our own imagination and I have an enormous imagination, an enormous desire to make my little imprint on this sporting world by saying, you know it’s ego as well for me, ‘look what I’ve done’.
