Premier League Darts 2026 Line-Up LIVE: Luke Littler and Van Veen Learn Opponents for New Season — Three Stars AXED.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has unveiled the official Premier League Darts 2026 line-up, confirming an exciting eight-player field that blends established global stars with rising talents — but also sees some familiar names missing from the elite event. The new campaign gets underway on February 5, 2026, in Newcastle, and will span 16 weeks across the UK and Europe, concluding with Finals Night on May 28 at London’s O2 Arena.
At the top of the list is Luke Littler, the 18-year-old English phenom who retained his PDC World Darts Championship title earlier this month, cementing his place as world No. 1 heading into the Premier League. He will be joined by Luke Humphries, the defending Premier League champion and world No. 2, who aims to defend his crown and continue last season’s strong form.
Also among the automatic qualifiers are Gian van Veen — the Dutch star and World Championship runner-up — and Michael van Gerwen, the seven-time Premier League winner and one of the most successful players in darts history. Both secured their spots through their high rankings in the PDC Order of Merit following the World Darts Championship.
Wildcards and New Faces
Alongside the automatic qualifiers, PDC selectors have confirmed four wildcard entries to complete the 2026 roster:
Jonny Clayton – the seasoned Welsh campaigner returns to the Premier League after strong tour performances.
Stephen Bunting – retained despite mixed results, sparking debate among fans.
Gerwyn Price – the former world champion brings experience and fierce competitiveness.
Josh Rock – the Northern Ireland youngster earns his Premier League debut after an impressive season.
Both Van Veen and Rock will make their Premier League debuts in 2026, showcasing the PDC’s willingness to integrate emerging talents into its premier invitational series.
Stars Missing Out
The announcement also brought notable absences that have shocked some followers of the sport. Three familiar faces from last year’s line-up — Nathan Aspinall, Chris Dobey, and Rob Cross — were not selected for 2026, reflecting the increasingly competitive nature of Elite League darts. These changes follow intense debate around wildcard picks and performance standards over the past season.
Elsewhere, players like Ryan Searle, Danny Noppert, and James Wade also missed out on selection, while Gary Anderson opted out of the Premier League due to travel commitments, consistent with his previous stance on the demands of the league circuit.
Format and Expectations
The Premier League maintains its eight-player format, with each weekly event featuring round-robin play and nightly winners across venues in multiple countries — including a first-ever stop in Antwerp, Belgium. Points accumulate to determine the top four who will advance to Playoff Night in London. The champion is set to earn a substantial prize purse, with the top prize estimated at around £350,000, alongside bonus earnings throughout the season.
Key Storylines
A major narrative for the 2026 season will be the Littler vs. Humphries rivalry, as the two English aces battle across 16 nights. Meanwhile, van Veen’s rapid ascent and van Gerwen’s quest for more Premier League silverware add further intrigue. Wildcard choices — particularly the inclusion of Bunting and Rock — have already sparked discussion among fans and pundits as players prepare for a marathon of weekly drama on the oche.
The 2026 Premier League Darts promises intensity, fresh rivalries and a showcase of darts at its very best.
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