The darts world is buzzing once again as the **2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts** schedule has been unveiled, promising another thrilling season of high-stakes action, electric atmospheres, and fierce rivalries. Kicking off on Thursday, February 5 at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, the 22nd edition of this premier competition will span 17 electrifying Thursday nights, culminating in Finals Night at The O2 in London on May 28.
Headlining the opening night is a blockbuster rematch that fans have been anticipating: reigning two-time World Champion **Luke Littler** faces off against **Gian van Veen** in one of the quarter-finals. This isn’t just any matchup—it’s a direct repeat of the intense World Darts Championship final from January, where Littler dominated with a commanding 7-1 victory to claim his second successive world title. The young sensation, now firmly established as World No. 1, will look to carry that momentum into the Premier League, where he aims to reclaim the title he lost in the 2025 final.
Littler isn’t the only star with unfinished business. Defending Premier League champion **Luke Humphries** begins his title defense on opening night against **Gerwyn Price**, setting the stage for immediate drama. Humphries, who edged out Littler 11-8 in last year’s Premier League final at The O2, will be eager to prove his championship mettle once more against a stacked field.
The eight-player line-up features a potent mix of established legends and rising talents. Automatic qualifiers based on the PDC Order of Merit after the World Championship include Littler (No. 1), Humphries, van Veen (who surged to No. 3 with his impressive run to the world final), and seven-time Premier League winner **Michael van Gerwen**. The PDC’s wildcard selections round out the roster with **Jonny Clayton**, **Stephen Bunting**, **Gerwyn Price**, and Premier League debutant **Josh Rock**, the Northern Irish star who’s been turning heads with consistent big-stage performances.
The format remains unchanged and fan-favorite: each league night consists of four quarter-finals played to the best of 11 legs, followed by semi-finals and a final. Points are awarded based on results—two for a win, one for a draw—with double points available on select nights to keep the league table dynamic. The top four after the regular season advance to Finals Night for semi-finals and the ultimate showdown.
The schedule takes fans on a globe-trotting journey across iconic venues. Night Two on February 12 marks a historic first for the Premier League, heading to the AFAS Dome in Antwerp, Belgium. Humphries and Price’s opener could set the tone for the evening, while other clashes promise fireworks. Night Three lands in Glasgow on February 19, where Littler takes on van Gerwen in another World Championship final rematch from 2024/25, and Welsh rivals Clayton and Price go head-to-head.
Further highlights include Night Four in Belfast on February 26, featuring Rock against van Veen in a fresh heavyweight battle, and Night Five in Cardiff, spotlighting Price vs. Bunting and Clayton vs. van Veen. The roadshow continues through major arenas in Berlin, Rotterdam, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Exeter (or alternatives), Birmingham, Sheffield, and beyond, with Nights 8 and 16’s exact fixtures determined by the league standings for added unpredictability.
Prize money has been boosted to a record £1.25 million, with the champion claiming £350,000—up £75,000 from the previous year—plus £10,000 weekly win bonuses to fuel intense competition.
With Littler entering as the overwhelming favorite after his dominant world title defense, Humphries hungry to retain his crown, van Veen seeking redemption, and van Gerwen always a threat, the 2026 Premier League is poised to deliver non-stop entertainment. The darts faithful can expect walk-ons that shake arenas, nine-dart fireworks, and rivalries that intensify with every leg. As the countdown to February 5 begins, one question looms large: can Littler conquer the Premier League stage, or will Humphries—or perhaps a dark horse—steal the spotlight? The oche awaits, and the drama is about to unfold.
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