The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has unveiled the highly anticipated eight-player line-up for the 2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts season, setting the stage for a thrilling 17-week campaign.
Littler Leads the Charge as Wildcards Are Revealed
Fresh from his historic victory at the World Darts Championship, double world champion Luke Littler will headline the tournament as the world number one. He is joined by the top four players from the PDC Order of Merit: defending champion Luke Humphries, Dutch sensation Gian van Veen, and the legendary Michael van Gerwen.
The PDC has also confirmed the four wildcard selections for this year's competition. The chosen quartet are 2021 champion Jonny Clayton, the in-form Stephen Bunting, Northern Ireland's World Cup hero Josh Rock, and the formidable Gerwyn Price.
New Faces and Seasoned Champions Set for Battle
This year's selection introduces exciting new blood to the Premier League stage. Both Gian van Veen and Josh Rock will be making their debuts in the prestigious event. Van Veen's remarkable run to the World Championship final at Alexandra Palace catapulted him to world number three, making him the new Dutch number one ahead of the seven-time Premier League champion Van Gerwen.
The season promises intense rivalries, not least the ongoing duel between Littler and Humphries, who have contested the last two Premier League finals. Littler triumphed in 2024 before Humphries claimed the title in 2025. All players will be competing for a record top prize of £350,000.
PDC Chief Executive Hails "Fresh New Look"
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, stating the selection process was particularly challenging due to the high standard of play over the past year. "There’s a fresh new look to this year’s line-up, which I’m sure will entertain our incredible crowds across the UK and Europe," said Porter.
He added, "Following on from a historic World Championship, we’re determined to build on this momentum in 2026, and we’re particularly looking forward to taking the BetMGM Premier League to Belgium for the first time."
The 2026 Premier League Darts season will commence on Thursday, February 5 in Newcastle. The 16 weeks of league action will culminate in the Play-Offs at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28. Each league night will feature quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final played over the best of 11 legs, with points awarded to form the overall league table.
