The upping in popularity of darts is due to it becoming a TV sport and its SKY coverage isn't it that has turned the game around? Don't watch it so don't reallly know. The TV makes it look great.
We have the second highest viewing figures for SKY Sports so surely in that regard SL is doing ok. Our trouble is we can't get major sponsorship and advertising on the back of it.
Immediately we have to look for more ways to increase revenue from existing sources as well as continue to search for sponsors/advertisers.
One way is to increase gates at current fixtures and perhaps drop poorly attended matches when better games are available.
First, I would start with the Magic. Transfer it to the C Cup at the last 16 stage and bring SL clubs in at that point. Eight games with a minimum of six between SL clubs. Within a year or two that Cup Magic weekend may well sell out with little or no discounting. Increased crowds and improved revenue.
Second, The Cup rounds including Magic to take place on the first weekend of each month. People in general are paid from work towards the end of the month so have the C Cup the first weekend of each month when we have money in our bank accounts, pockets and purses. That way whether it's this year, next year or whatever year we would know when the C Cup would start and when the Final would be. Last 16 first w/e in June, Quarters 1st in July, Semi 1st in Aug with the Final Bank Holiday Weekend. I'm pretty convinced that if we did that attendances for all C Cup rounds and matches would improve massively as would be revenue..
Third, look to replace game that are poorly attended by ones that will be very well attended. It is rumoured that the World Club Challenge will be extended to three clubs from each hemisphere. That's three extra games for our top clubs and elite players. International Rugby is the way forward and the WCC could add to RL's international profile very well indeed. Though something has to give to prevent burnout.
The fixtures to go are the Magic out of the SL, as mentioned.
One round less in the C Cup, as mentioned.
Two games less in the play offs. Either top three with L Leaders to the GF with 2 & 3 playing off for the other final place. Or top four as has been mentioned in other replies, 1 v 4, 2 v 3 and winners to the GF. Either will give a two week play off and not four weeks as at present which is too long and with poor crowds.
Overall basic thoughts, replace poorly attended matches by games that will have great crowds and maybe sell outs thereby increasing the crowds and revenue.
