The curtain has been lifted on one of darts’ most anticipated annual spectacles, as the eight-man lineup for the 2026 PDC Premier League Darts was officially unveiled on January 5. The announcement, which followed weeks of speculation and debate, has already set the stage for a compelling 16-week showdown starting February 5 in Newcastle and culminating with a high-stakes finale at London’s O2 Arena on May 28.
This year’s roster is a heady mix of established champions, rising stars, and headline-grabbing wildcards. The four automatic qualifiers, determined by their positions atop the PDC Order of Merit, are none other than double reigning world champion Luke Littler, defending Premier League champion Luke Humphries, World Championship finalist Gian van Veen, and Dutch icon Michael van Gerwen. These names need no introduction to darts fans, with each bringing a unique blend of pedigree and recent form to the oche.
Joining them are four players selected by the Professional Darts Corporation as wildcards: Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price. The selection process, as always, has not been without controversy. While Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price’s inclusions were widely anticipated, the picks of Stephen Bunting—who endured a torrid Premier League campaign last year—and debutant Josh Rock have ignited spirited debate among pundits and supporters alike.
Wayne Mardle, a five-time World Championship semi-finalist and respected Sky Sports pundit, didn’t mince words on Bunting’s selection. “I’m slightly surprised at Stephen Bunting. He’s had a decent enough year but not as good as some in my opinion. He can consider himself a little fortunate. He played OK in the Premier League last year but results didn’t go well, especially for the first eight weeks when he didn’t win a game. You can’t argue with any of them in terms of their ability and what they are capable of but Bunting will be the one who will breathe a huge sigh of relief,” Mardle told Sky Sports News.
Bunting’s struggles have been well documented. After a promising start to 2025, highlighted by two World Series event wins and a Euro Tour title, his form nosedived in the majors during the latter half of the year. He finished bottom of the Premier League table last season, failing to secure a win in the opening eight weeks. His World Championship campaign ended abruptly in the third round with a 4-3 defeat to James Hurrell, despite entering as the fourth seed. Bunting himself has admitted to feeling the pressure, both from critics and the weight of expectations.
The wildcard selection of Josh Rock, on the other hand, has been met with optimism. The 24-year-old Northern Irishman, ranked No. 9 in the world, will make his Premier League debut and is being tipped by many—including Mardle—as perfectly suited for the grueling format. “If there is one player who is made for the Premier League, it is Josh Rock. The World Cup with Daryl Gurney showed that he loves the stage, he thrives on it, and he is ready to win. He is prime. I really believe this format is great for him. Sixteen weeks is made for Josh Rock,” Mardle enthused.
Gian van Veen, another debutant, will also be one to watch. The Dutchman, who Littler defeated to claim his second world crown just a week before the lineup announcement, has expressed his excitement on social media, stating he is “honoured” to have been called up. With Littler, Van Veen, and Rock all under 25, the 2026 Premier League promises a generational clash between established stars and emerging talents.
The absence of certain high-profile names has also made headlines. Danny Noppert, despite a string of major semi-final appearances and a top-ten world ranking, was overlooked. World Championship semi-finalist and current world No. 6 Gary Anderson would likely have been a wildcard pick but revealed he would have declined the invitation to manage his schedule. Nathan Aspinall, who finished third in last year’s Premier League standings and won two nights, misses out on a place for the first time since 2022. Ryan Searle and James Wade, both regulars in major tournaments, also failed to make the cut.
PDC Chairman Matt Porter addressed the selection process on Sky Sports, emphasizing consistency and star quality as key criteria. “We always look for the players that we feel have delivered consistently. It is important. A lot of players deliver once but you have to show you can compete at the top level on a regular basis. You have to show you’ve got real star quality. Most importantly, we don’t want to rush it. We don’t want to put somebody in before they’re ready because that could be a real negative step for their career. The Premier League’s a tough school. If you go up there for 16 weeks and you’re losing first round week in, week out, that’s difficult. You’ve got to take that into Euro Tours and Pro Tours. So, we will make a considered decision. As ever, it won’t be 100 percent popular, but it will be an honest decision.”
The format remains unchanged, with each Thursday night from February to May featuring quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final—each best of 11 legs—across major cities in the UK and Europe. The schedule kicks off in Newcastle on February 5 and includes stops in Antwerp, Glasgow, Belfast, Cardiff, Nottingham, Manchester, Brighton, Rotterdam, Liverpool, Aberdeen, Leeds, Birmingham, and Sheffield, before the grand finale in London.
This year’s prize pot is a record £1.25 million, with the overall winner set to take home £350,000. Each week’s best performer will pocket an additional £10,000, adding extra incentive for players to bring their A-game every night.
Pressure will be on several players, not least Bunting, Van Gerwen, and Humphries. Mardle observed, “I think there is pressure on three players. Stephen [Bunting], yes 100 percent… I think the pressure is also on Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries. I think Humphries needs to re-establish himself with ‘hold on, forget about Gian van Veen.’ Van Veen sorted him out in the quarter-finals and I think he will want to put it right. There is pressure on MVG. Two years ago he wins four years of the Premier League in the same format. Last year he did not make the play-offs and he did not win a week. He needs to hit the ground running.”
With defending champion Luke Humphries aiming to repeat his 11-8 triumph over Littler from last year’s final, and Littler himself seeking to cement his status as darts’ brightest young superstar, the 2026 Premier League Darts is shaping up to be a memorable campaign. The inclusion of fresh faces, the return of seasoned champions, and the ever-present drama of wildcard selections ensure that every Thursday night will offer something special for fans.
As the opening night in Newcastle draws near, all eyes are on the oche. Will a new champion emerge, or will the established order hold firm? One thing’s for sure: in the world of Premier League Darts, expect the unexpected.
