Stephen Bunting has been named as one of four wildcard selections for the 2026 Premier League Darts tournament, with pundit Wayne Mardle suggesting the world No 7 can consider himself “fortunate” to have been chosen. The full eight-man lineup was announced on Monday, with Bunting joining Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock and Gerwyn Price as the PDC’s wildcard picks.
The four automatic qualifiers – Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen – secured their spots via the PDC Order of Merit. Northern Irishman Rock and Dutchman Van Veen will make their Premier League debuts, while Bunting’s inclusion has drawn criticism after a mixed 2025 campaign. The 40-year-old won two World Series events and a Euro Tour title in the first half of the year but struggled in the second half, finishing bottom of the Premier League table last season after failing to win a game in the first eight weeks. He exited the World Championship in the third round, losing 4-3 to James Hurrell after a narrow first-round win.
Sky Sports pundit Mardle expressed surprise at Bunting’s selection, saying: “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. Bunting will be the one who will breathe a huge sigh of relief.”
Bunting’s selection means Nathan Aspinall misses out on the Premier League for the first time since 2022, despite finishing third in last year’s standings and winning two nights. Danny Noppert, world No 10, was also overlooked despite reaching four major semi-finals in 2025. Mardle added: “Danny Noppert has been really unlucky. He's reached the semi-finals of four majors. Nathan Aspinall had a squeak but Noppert I feel – what's he got to do? He won the UK Open a few years ago. Since then he's got better and better.”
Gary Anderson, who reached the World Championship semi-finals and rose to world No 6, would have been a strong contender for a wildcard but declined, citing a desire to limit his tournament schedule. “I can't do it for 16 weeks on the road,” said the 55-year-old Scot. The competition will begin in Newcastle on 5 February, with the top four after 16 league nights contesting the final at London’s O2 Arena on 28 May. Luke Humphries defeated Littler 11-8 in last year’s showpiece.
