The darting world is buzzing with anticipation as the full schedule for the 2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts has been unveiled, promising a thrilling 17-week journey across the UK and Europe. Kicking off in spectacular fashion, teenage sensation Luke Littler will face off against Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen in a highly anticipated rematch of January’s World Championship final. This blockbuster opener sets the tone for what could be one of the most competitive seasons yet, with defending champion Luke Humphries aiming to retain his crown amid a star-studded field of eight elite players.
Humphries, who triumphed in the 2025 final with an 11-8 victory over Littler, begins his title defense against Welsh powerhouse Gerwyn Price on the opening night. The Premier League format remains a fan favorite, featuring quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final each night, all played over the best of 11 legs. Points are awarded to keep the competition fierce: five to the nightly winner, three to the runner-up, and two to each semi-finalist. Over the 16 league nights, these points will shape the table, with the top four advancing to the grand finale at London’s O2 Arena on May 28. Adding extra incentive, a £10,000 bonus awaits the victor of each evening’s showdown.
This year’s lineup blends established legends with emerging talents, creating a perfect storm of rivalries and fresh narratives. At the forefront is Littler, the reigning two-time World Champion whose meteoric rise has captivated fans worldwide. He’ll be joined by Humphries, the cool-headed Englishman looking to build on his recent successes. Van Veen, making his Premier League debut after a stunning run to the World Championship final, brings explosive potential as the Dutch number one. Seven-time Premier League winner Michael van Gerwen returns with his trademark intensity, eager to reclaim glory. Jonny Clayton, the 2021 champion, makes a welcome comeback, while former Masters winner Stephen Bunting adds consistency and flair. Gerwyn Price, the 2023 runner-up, promises fireworks with his passionate style, and debutant Josh Rock, the Northern Irish youngster, is poised to make waves with his fearless approach. Together, these players boast ten Premier League titles and seven PDC World Championships, ensuring every match is a potential classic.
The season launches on February 5 at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, where the quarter-finals promise immediate drama. Rock takes on Clayton in the first tie, setting up a potential semi-final clash with the winner of Littler versus Van Veen. Humphries meets Price, and Bunting challenges Van Gerwen to round out the bracket. As one betting expert noted, “What better way to kick off the new BetMGM Premier League Darts campaign than with the two World Championship finalists, Luke Littler and Gian van Veen, going head-to-head in Newcastle?” Indeed, Littler enters as the pre-tournament favorite, but with such depth in the field, no one can be ruled out when they’re firing on all cylinders.
From there, the action heads to new territory on February 12, with the Premier League’s inaugural visit to Belgium at Antwerp’s AFAS Dome. Here, Littler and Humphries renew their rivalry from last year’s final, while Van Gerwen faces Rock, Clayton meets Bunting, and Price battles Van Veen. Night Three on February 19 shifts to Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, featuring Bunting against Van Veen, Humphries versus Rock, Van Gerwen taking on Littler in another World Championship rematch echo, and Clayton clashing with fellow Welshman Price.
The roadshow continues to Belfast’s SSE Arena on February 26 for Night Four, where Littler faces Clayton, Bunting meets Humphries, Van Gerwen plays Price, and Van Veen goes toe-to-toe with local hero Rock. Cardiff’s Utilita Arena hosts Night Five on March 5, opening with Van Gerwen versus Humphries, followed by Van Veen against Clayton, Price facing Bunting, and Littler battling Rock—recalling Littler’s nine-darter heroics in the Welsh capital just a year prior.
Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on March 12 brings Night Six, with Rock versus Bunting, Clayton against Van Gerwen, Humphries facing Van Veen, and Price renewing hostilities with Littler. Dublin’s 3Arena on March 19 for Night Seven sees Van Veen challenge Van Gerwen in a Dutch derby, Bunting versus Littler, Rock against Price, and Clayton taking on Humphries.
Night Eight on March 26 at Berlin’s Uber Arena will be determined by the league standings after Night Seven, with matchups like 1v8, 4v5, 2v7, and 3v6 adding unpredictability. Manchester’s AO Arena on April 2 for Night Nine mirrors the opening night’s fixtures: Van Gerwen versus Bunting, Price against Humphries, Van Veen facing Littler, and Clayton battling Rock.
Brighton’s Centre on April 9 hosts Night Ten, with Humphries versus Clayton, Price against Rock, Littler facing Bunting, and Van Gerwen taking on Van Veen. Rotterdam Ahoy on April 16 for Night 11 features Littler versus Price, Van Veen against Humphries, Van Gerwen meeting Clayton on home soil, and Bunting versus Rock.
Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on April 23 for Night 12 includes Van Veen versus Price, Bunting against Clayton, Rock facing Van Gerwen, and Humphries battling Littler. Aberdeen’s P&J Live on April 30 brings Night 13: Rock versus Littler, Bunting against Price, Clayton facing Van Veen, and Humphries versus Van Gerwen.
Leeds’ First Direct Arena on May 7 for Night 14 sees Price versus Clayton, Littler against Van Gerwen, Rock facing Humphries, and Van Veen battling Bunting. Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on May 14 hosts Night 15: Rock versus Van Veen, Price against Van Gerwen, Humphries facing Bunting, and Clayton taking on Littler.
Finally, Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on May 21 for Night 16 will again be based on standings, with 2v7, 3v6, 1v8, and 4v5. The culmination at The O2 promises semi-finals and a final to crown the champion.
As the darts community gears up for this epic campaign, the blend of veteran prowess and youthful energy guarantees unforgettable moments. With rivalries reignited and new stars rising, the 2026 Premier League is set to deliver edge-of-your-seat entertainment from start to finish. Fans won’t want to miss a single arrow as these titans battle for supremacy.
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