The darts world is buzzing once again about one of its most enduring and accomplished players, James Wade, who has found himself at the center of debate following his omission from the 2026 Premier League Darts line-up. Despite a highly competitive 2025 campaign that saw him reach two major finals and rack up impressive prize money, ‘The Machine’ was overlooked for the prestigious eight-player tournament, which kicked off in Newcastle in early February. The snub has sparked frustration from Wade himself and now drawn support from a top-tier peer, who has floated the idea of a format overhaul that could open the door for his return.
Wade’s 2025 season was undeniably strong. He pushed through to the final of the UK Open and the World Matchplay, both times falling to the rising star Luke Littler in hard-fought battles that showcased his enduring skill and composure under pressure. Those deep runs, combined with a ProTour title and solid earnings—placing him fourth in prize money behind only Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gian van Veen—made many fans and analysts believe he had done more than enough to earn a spot. Yet the PDC opted for wildcard selections including Josh Rock, Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, and Gerwyn Price, leaving Wade on the outside looking in for the first time in several years after competing in the Premier League on 12 previous occasions, including a triumphant win in 2009.
The rejection hit hard. Wade has been open about the emotional impact, particularly given his long-standing battle with bipolar disorder. In a candid moment at the Winmau World Masters, he described the snub as “a complete kick in the privates” that “really knocks your confidence” and “knocks you for six.” He explained, “It’s hard to chew when you have the condition that I have… as there’s no apparent reason why I shouldn’t have been in. But as a business, I wasn’t in their model, which is fair enough. But for someone with mental illness, it’s quite hard to chew.” Reflecting on his year, he added, “I had a bloody good year… So it’s kind of hard to gather ground and gather a bit of momentum even though I was good last year, so it’s a game of restarting.”
Wade has maintained that the numbers speak for themselves. “Of course (I am disappointed), there’s only three players that did better than me. So the statistics and stats don’t lie,” he said, questioning why merit-based criteria weren’t applied more strictly. In a column, he went further, insisting he believed only two players—Littler and Humphries—were more deserving of inclusion. “I can’t shake the feeling that the PDC may be reconsidering their stance on my exclusion,” he wrote, hinting at ongoing discussions behind the scenes.
Adding fuel to the conversation, world number one Luke Humphries has thrown his weight behind Wade, suggesting a potential lifeline through a revamp of the Premier League format. Humphries, who has dominated recent headlines with his own stellar form, acknowledged Wade’s quality and argued that expanding the competition—perhaps by increasing the number of participants, introducing more flexible wildcard opportunities, or altering the qualification process to better reward consistent performers—could allow veterans like Wade to rejoin the elite lineup. Such a change, he implied, would inject fresh dynamics into the event while recognizing the depth of talent in the sport, preventing strong players from being sidelined despite proven track records.
Wade’s response to the exclusion has been a mix of disappointment and determination. He has channeled the setback into renewed focus, evidenced by his recent success on the ProTour circuit, including a victory in the first Players Championship event of 2026 in Hildesheim, where he defeated Nathan Aspinall 8-6 in the final after overcoming tough opponents like Michael van Gerwen in the semis. That win not only boosted his rankings—climbing him toward the top eight—but also served as a statement that his hunger remains intact.
The Premier League has long been darts’ showcase event, drawing massive crowds and television audiences with its high-stakes, league-style format culminating in playoffs. Calls for evolution are not new, as the sport grows and new talents emerge alongside established names. If Humphries’ suggestion gains traction, it could reshape the competition in ways that benefit players like Wade, who bring experience, reliability, and fan appeal. For now, Wade continues to prove his worth on the oche, leaving the door ajar for a potential return should the powers-that-be heed the growing chorus for change. His story remains one of resilience in a fiercely competitive arena, reminding everyone that even serial contenders can face hurdles—but rarely stay down for long.
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