Jacqui Oatley has bid farewell to ITV after more than ten years with the network. Renowned for her expertise in commentary and presenting, Oatley has been a familiar face covering football and darts for the major broadcaster.
Notably, 18 years ago, at the BBC, Oatley made history as the first female commentator on the iconic Match of the Day program. She has since juggled roles at BBC, ITV, and Sky Sports over the years.
Following the conclusion of the Players Championship Finals, Oatley confirmed her departure from ITV. She expressed her gratitude for her time with the production team, highlighting her work on presenting football, including major events like Euro 2016 and World Cup 2018, alongside her extensive involvement in darts coverage.
ITV will continue to showcase darts on ITV4 and ITVX but under the management of Matchroom, led by Eddie Hearn. The departure of Oatley and fellow commentator Ned Boulting marks the end of an era for ITV’s sports coverage.
Despite these changes, ITV remains committed to airing various tournaments, including the European Championship Finals, Players Championship Finals, and World Masters. Meanwhile, Sky Sports has inked a new five-year deal to broadcast key events like the World Championship, World Cup of Darts, Premier League, and Grand Slam.
Niall Sloane, ITV’s director of sport, emphasized the network’s dedication to expanding live darts coverage and maintaining a strong partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation through 2028. PDC chief executive Matt Porter echoed the sentiment, highlighting the enduring collaboration with ITV spanning over two decades.
Additionally, Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle, now offering a comprehensive range of streaming services and channels, including HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, and more. With an extensive lineup of live sports coverage, including Premier League matches, Formula 1, darts, and golf, Sky continues to be a leading destination for sports enthusiasts.