Jacqui Oatley has bid farewell to ITV after a long tenure with the network spanning more than ten years. Renowned for her skills as a commentator and presenter, Oatley has been a fixture in football and darts coverage on the popular channel.
In a groundbreaking moment 18 years ago, the 50-year-old became the first female commentator on BBC’s iconic Match of the Day program. Since then, she has juggled roles at BBC, ITV, and Sky Sports, showcasing her versatility and talent in sports broadcasting.
Following the conclusion of the Players Championship Finals, Oatley confirmed her departure from ITV, where she had been a prominent figure in their free-to-air darts coverage for over a decade. Expressing her gratitude, she reflected on her time with the network, highlighting the camaraderie and dedication of the production team she worked with.
Moving forward, ITV’s darts coverage on ITV4 and ITVX will now be overseen by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom. The transition marks the end of an era for Oatley and her colleagues, with fellow commentator Stuart Pyke and experienced cycling and darts commentator Ned Boulting also parting ways with the network.
Despite these changes, ITV remains committed to showcasing top-tier tournaments like the European Championship Finals, Players Championship Finals, and World Masters. Meanwhile, Sky Sports has inked a new five-year deal to broadcast key events such as the World Championship, World Cup of Darts, Premier League, and Grand Slam.
Niall Sloane, ITV’s director of sport, affirmed the network’s dedication to expanding their live darts coverage and maintaining a strong partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation. PDC chief executive Matt Porter echoed these sentiments, expressing delight at the continued collaboration with ITV.
Looking ahead, Sky has introduced significant savings on its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, offering an extensive lineup of live matches across various sports leagues. With an increased number of live Premier League games and a diverse sports portfolio, Sky continues to cater to sports enthusiasts with a wide array of content.