GERMAN broadcasters SPORT1 have extended their association with the Professional Darts Corporation with a new five-year contract to continue coverage of five top events from 2012 onwards.
SPORT1 will continue to screen the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship, World Matchplay, UK Open, European Championship and Premier League Darts from 2012-2016.
The deal comes only weeks after the hugely successful PartyPoker.net European Championship, which was held at the Maritim Hotel in Dusseldorf and attracted sell-out crowds as well as huge television audiences across Germany.
SPORT1's coverage will extend beyond their exclusive TV rights, with online and mobile platforms also set to broadcast the PDC events.
"By continuing our partnership with SPORT1 we are establishing a long-term presence in Germany for our top events," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.
"We've been delighted with the impact that PDC events have made in Germany in recent years and the growth that the game is experiencing there, epitomised with the European Championship earlier this summer.
"This partnership will guarantee that German audiences continue to see the world's biggest and best darts events live on SPORT1 for the next five years, and we're excited about this partnership."
SPORT1 Managing Director Zeljko Karajica added: "These events have seen an increasing fan base in Germany in recent years.
"We're also noticing this on SPORT1; for our coverage of the World Darts Championship, our audience peaked at one million."