Darts legend Phil Taylor has predicted a humongous increase in prize money – and it could tempt him to brush off the darts.
Last week, Barry Hearn exclusively told talkSPORT that there is some good news around the corner for Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and co.
Amid this news, talkSPORT caught up with the legendary Taylor at the Premier League.
Taylor announced his retirement at the end of last year. He was poised to compete in the World Senior Masters in November but had to withdraw due to an injury.
The 16-time world champion had been suffering with hip issues, which ultimately led to his withdrawal from the competition.
At 64, Taylor decided it was time to step away from darts for good, having not participated in a major PDC event since 2018.
But could an increase in prize money lure him back into the fray?
“Would I come back? I would ask to be sent some darts and a dartboard, definitely,” he admitted.
“I think also, if it does go to Saudi Arabia, I wouldn’t put it past Barry – £10million for the winner.
“I think Saudi Arabia is that big of a sports country now, I think they could make it £10m.
“That’s how big I think Barry will make it. I’ll be doing something, trust me.”
Taylor wasn’t kidding when he mentioned needing some darts and a board.
Incredibly, he revealed that he doesn’t have any darts memorabilia at home.
Taylor said: “I don’t even have a set of darts anymore or a dartboard. The grandkids have got my dartboard and my mates have got my darts.”
He also shared that not a single trophy graces his mantlepiece.
Taylor added: “I’ve not got one trophy. My daughter has them all, and my family and friends have them.
“You can’t eat trophies. So I’m not too bothered; you have to clean them, so I’ve given them to somebody else.”
It was then pointed out to Taylor that if someone were to break into his home, they wouldn’t even know he was a darts player.
Taylor said: “You wouldn’t know it was my house! I’ve got pictures up of me and my grandsons from when I was on stage at Blackpool, my favourite one, but other than that, you wouldn’t know.”
Taylor boasts an astounding 16 World Championships, 85 major titles, and triumph in 214 professional tournaments.
‘The Power’ also clinched the Premier League title six times and led England to victory four times in the World Cup.
He proudly held the world number-one ranking for an impressive total of 13 years, including eight consecutive years from 2006 to 2013.
Speaking about the proposed increase in prize money, Hearn told talkSPORT last week: “We’re on fire. there’s no other way to describe it.
“We’ve announced a new five-year deal with Sky, which I’m very pleased with, and we’re going away now for four or five weeks with a pile of money in the bank, thinking about what to do with it.
“In March, we’ll be making an announcement that will put a lot of smiles on a lot of darts players’ faces.”
Hearn hinted that this announcement might revolve around an exciting boost in prize money.
The historic new deal with Sky is valued at an impressive £125 million, and players are poised to enjoy the benefits.
Hearn added: “We’re investing a lot all over the world: Southeast Asia, in China, and in the Chinese Premier League.
“What people don’t see is the hundreds and hundreds of tournaments that we’re supporting in one way or another to make sure this game becomes truly global.
“And as it sifts through, it goes to the TV companies, and they say, ‘Well, we’ve got to have that.’
“So you’re boosting your income all the time. And as I say, we’re going to make a massive increase in prize money coming up, which we’ll announce soon.”
The second night of the 2025 tournament is on Thursday, February 13th, at the OVO Arena in Glasgow, starting at 7:15 pm.
Live commentary will be available on talkSPORT’s Darts YouTube channel.
