The darts world is buzzing with anticipation as the official line-up for the 2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts has been unveiled, promising another thrilling season of high-stakes competition, dramatic nine-darters, and unforgettable rivalries. This year’s roster brings together a mix of established legends, defending champions, and exciting newcomers, setting the stage for what could be one of the most competitive editions yet. With the sport’s popularity soaring after a record-breaking World Championship, fans are eager to see these eight elite players battle it out across arenas in the UK and Europe.
Headlining the field is the teenage sensation Luke Littler, fresh off his second World Championship victory. At just 18 years old, Littler has already cemented his status as a darts prodigy, captivating audiences with his pinpoint accuracy and unflappable composure under pressure. He’ll be joined by the reigning Premier League champion, Luke Humphries, the world number two who triumphed in last year’s finale with an 11-8 win over Littler himself. Humphries, known for his smooth throwing style and mental resilience, is hungry to defend his title and add another major accolade to his growing legacy.
Adding a fresh dynamic to the line-up are two debutants: Gian van Veen and Josh Rock. Van Veen, the rising Dutch star, has skyrocketed to prominence by becoming the new Dutch number one, overtaking compatriot Michael van Gerwen after a stellar run that included a runner-up finish at the World Championship—where he pushed Littler to the brink—and a victory at the European Championship. His inclusion marks a changing of the guard in Dutch darts, and he’s poised to make a bold statement in his Premier League bow. Meanwhile, Josh Rock, the young Northern Irish talent, burst onto the scene by leading his country to their first-ever World Cup of Darts triumph. With semi-final appearances at major events like the UK Open, World Matchplay, and World Series of Darts Finals, Rock’s explosive scoring power and fearless attitude make him a wildcard to watch.
Veterans are well-represented too, ensuring a blend of experience and firepower. Michael van Gerwen, the multiple-time world champion, returns to the fold after a resurgent 2025 highlighted by his World Series of Darts Finals win. The Dutch maestro, famous for his rapid pace and clutch performances, is determined to reclaim his dominance in the Premier League, where he’s lifted the trophy five times before. Jonny Clayton makes a welcome comeback following an impressive year that saw him reach semi-finals at the UK Open, World Matchplay, and World Grand Prix, plus finals at the World Masters and World Cup. The Welshman’s consistency and crowd-pleasing style have earned him a spot among the elite once again.
Rounding out the octet are Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price, both bringing a wealth of recent successes. Bunting, the charismatic Englishman, enjoyed a breakout 2025 with six PDC titles under his belt, including World Series victories in Bahrain and Copenhagen, as well as European Tour wins in Riesa and Basel. His infectious energy and ability to thrive in big atmospheres will add flair to the weekly showdowns. Price, another Welsh powerhouse, secured his return with five ranking titles and two perfect nine-dart finishes in the previous Premier League season, not to mention a semi-final run at the World Championship. Known for his fiery passion and exceptional finishing, Price is ready to ignite the arenas and challenge for the top spots.
The selection process for this year’s Premier League was no easy task, reflecting the depth of talent in professional darts. The top four players in the world rankings—Littler, Humphries, van Veen, and van Gerwen—earned automatic qualification based on their outstanding performances over the past two years. The remaining four spots were filled via invitations from the Professional Darts Corporation, prioritizing players who demonstrated consistent excellence and crowd appeal in major tournaments. This approach has resulted in a “fresh new look” to the line-up, as PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter described it, emphasizing the difficulty of the choices amid an “incredible standard of darts” seen in recent months.
Porter elaborated on the excitement ahead: “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. The selection for this year’s tournament was particularly difficult given the incredible standard of darts we’ve seen over the last 12 months. 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. All eight players boast considerable pedigree on the sport’s biggest stages, and following record-breaking ticket sales for the 2026 season, this year’s event promises to be a memorable one.”
The 2026 season kicks off on February 5 in Newcastle, launching a grueling 17-week campaign that will test the players’ endurance, skill, and mental fortitude. Each league night follows a knockout format: quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final, all played as best-of-11-leg matches. Points are awarded based on nightly performances—five for the winner, three for the runner-up, and two for each semi-finalist—culminating in a league table that determines the top four qualifiers for Finals Night. That climactic event is set for May 28 at London’s iconic O2 Arena, where the semi-finals and final will decide the champion in best-of-19 and best-of-21 leg formats, respectively.
Beyond the UK stops, the tour will venture into Europe, including a historic debut in Belgium, expanding the Premier League’s reach and bringing the electric atmosphere to new fans. Broadcast live on major networks, the series is expected to draw massive viewership, building on the sport’s global surge. With sold-out arenas already reported, the stage is set for rivalries to intensify—think Littler versus van Veen rematches, or Humphries defending against van Gerwen’s onslaught.
As darts continues its ascent as a mainstream spectacle, the 2026 Premier League stands as a pinnacle event, showcasing the perfect storm of youth, experience, and raw talent. Whether it’s a nine-darter that brings the house down or a tense deciding leg, this line-up guarantees edge-of-your-seat action from start to finish. Fans worldwide are counting down the days until the arrows start flying, ready to witness history in the making.
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