Hmm, not sure if I believe that "darts pays more than pool". I think pool is more diversified and the money is spread out more. I would bet there are very, very few dart players that make very much money. Or even enough to to get them from one tournament to the next. And as far as endorsements, well I don't know. Maybe in other countries, but certainly not here. Go search for some dart DVD's to buy. Not much out there, so I don't think they're making much money in that field. And "dart schools" and traveling appearances and trick shot exhibitions? Not likely.
Obviously the dart world is getting sponsorships from somewhere, but where? Who is throwing in extra money? What companies are supporting the tournaments and adding the big bucks? Is it the playing equipment sponsors? Could it be? Dart equipment is cheap. A good set of darts is $60-200, an expensive set might run you $250-500. A good steel tip board is $40-75. Of course the GOOD electronic or coin op boards are much more, $1500+. And I doubt if you'd EVER find a dart case that cost more than $40. And that's pretty much all you need for equipment. No fancy racks, amazing chalk, fingered or fingerless gloves, perfect balls and spotted-measled-whiteys. As I mentioned before, good luck finding any kind of dvd's to buy and I know there are a few books out there, but not many. Now consider how many people on this forum own their own tables and what they've paid for them. And then add in how much is spent on cues and cases and other paraphernalia. So my point is, pool equipment supplies are much more costly and I would assume the pool equipment companies are making as much if not more profit that dart equipment companies, so how could the dart supply companies pay out more to tournaments and sponsorshipts than pool supply companies?
And although pool isn't on TV much, darts is virtually unseen on TV. And man, I can see why! Gees, that's BORING. I played darts for a number of years and I can sit through hours of matches, but it will not draw the attention or keep the attention of non-darters. The announcers sure are fun though! Almost like soccer! They're trying to make it exciting! :grin-square:
Somebody mentioned that there are only 4 major pool tournaments in the US, how many major dart tournaments are there? Is there some sort of "tour"? Last I knew there were only two major tournaments, but they didn't pay much, it was more of a qualifier than anything, but it's been awhile since I've followed anything in the dart world. I know $10,000-$25,000-50,000 guaranteed tournaments were somewhat common. Maybe 20-30 a year throughout the country. Are there more now? Are there very many with payouts over $50,000?