In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where every dart thrown can spark debate and drama, the announcement of the 2026 BetMGM Premier League line-up has once again stirred passionate opinions among fans and pundits alike. At the center of much discussion is Gerwyn Price, the fiery Welshman known as “The Iceman,” whose inclusion as one of the four wildcard picks has left some observers mildly surprised—none more so than former major winner and respected commentator Paul Nicholson.
Price, currently ranked world number 12, secured his spot alongside Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, and debutant Josh Rock. The automatic qualifiers—fresh from their top-four finishes on the Order of Merit after the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship—are double world champion Luke Littler, defending Premier League winner Luke Humphries, world finalist Gian van Veen, and seven-time major champion Michael van Gerwen. This eight-player field promises a thrilling 17-week roadshow, kicking off on February 5 in Newcastle and culminating in Finals Night at London’s O2 Arena on May 28. For the first time, the tour will venture into Belgium with a stop in Antwerp, adding fresh excitement to the already packed schedule.
Nicholson, a 2010 Players Championship Finals victor and a sharp-eyed analyst, didn’t hold back in sharing his thoughts on Price’s selection. “Gerwyn Price is the lowest ranked player to be picked at number 12, which is lower than both Danny Noppert and James Wade but two places higher than Nathan Aspinall,” he noted. “Therefore there are plenty of fans out there that will say he’s very fortunate to cling onto his spot and if I’m honest, he wasn’t on my list. I thought maybe they would give him a year off to fire him up once again.”
Despite the candid surprise, Nicholson acknowledged the undeniable draw that Price brings to the table. He highlighted the Welshman’s “box office” appeal and how his larger-than-life persona “ticks the boxes” for the Premier League’s entertainment-driven format. Price’s history in the competition speaks for itself—he reached the final in 2023 and has been a consistent presence, even if recent seasons have been more challenging. His 2025 campaign included strong showings in majors like semi-finals at the Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals, though an early exit at the World Championship and a dip in form raised questions about his automatic qualification.
The wildcard decisions have sparked broader debate about fairness and priorities. Stephen Bunting’s retention drew particular scrutiny, with Nicholson describing him as “fortunate” given a tough 2025 where he struggled early in the Premier League and exited the World Championship in the third round. Jonny Clayton returns after a solid run to the World Championship quarter-finals, while Josh Rock earns his debut following a breakout year, including a World Cup of Darts triumph for Northern Ireland.
Big names missing out include Nathan Aspinall, who reached Finals Night in 2025 but saw his form fade late in the year, and others like Danny Noppert, James Wade, and even Gary Anderson, who has repeatedly expressed disinterest in the format. Nicholson reflected on the tough choices: “Someone has to lose out and it just so happens this time, Aspinall has to miss out, which should fire him up for 2026.” He praised Aspinall’s crowd-pleasing walk-on and playing style, noting that a break could reignite his passion.
The Premier League’s format remains unchanged—an eight-player knockout each Thursday night, with players guaranteed meetings in key weeks and nightly winners earning £10,000 bonuses. The overall prize fund stands at a record £1,250,000, with the champion taking home £350,000. This setup rewards consistency, flair, and entertainment, qualities Price has delivered in spades despite occasional controversies.
As the darts world builds toward February, Price’s return adds an extra layer of intrigue. His explosive style, booming celebrations, and ability to thrive under pressure make him a perennial threat, even if his spot feels hard-fought. Nicholson’s perspective captures the sentiment of many: surprise at the selection, but recognition that Price’s presence elevates the spectacle. With Littler aiming to defend his world title momentum and Humphries chasing back-to-back Premier League crowns, the stage is set for another unforgettable season.
Whether Price uses this opportunity to silence doubters or faces a tougher road remains to be seen. One thing is certain—the darts roadshow rolls on, and “The Iceman” will be there, darts in hand, ready to heat things up.
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