In a truly awkward turn of events, darts star Nathan Aspinall discovered he would not be competing in the prestigious 2026 Premier League Darts via a text message – all while seated right next to Stephen Bunting, who received his own text confirming his inclusion just moments earlier. This dramatic revelation, happening mid-flight, highlights the intense competition for a spot in one of darts’ biggest tournaments. While Aspinall, a finalist last year, expressed disappointment but acceptance, Bunting passionately defended his wildcard selection amidst mixed public reactions, vowing to prove he deserves his place.
The Uncomfortable Revelation: A Flight Full of Mixed Emotions
The world of professional darts is no stranger to high drama, but for Nathan Aspinall, the news of his exclusion from the 2026 Premier League Darts came with an especially uncomfortable twist. Known as ‘The Asp’, Aspinall learned of the decision while on a flight, sitting right beside fellow dart player Stephen Bunting – ‘The Bullet’ – who received a contrasting message.
Aspinall recounted the moment: “We were at an event, and I was travelling with Stephen Bunting on a plane. He got a text message at 3:15 PM saying he was in. I got a text at 3:21 PM saying I wasn’t in.” This six-minute difference delivered a stark contrast in fortunes, making for a truly difficult journey home for Aspinall.
Understanding the Premier League Selection Process
The Premier League Darts lineup is a blend of automatic qualifiers and carefully chosen wildcards. For 2026, the structure was clear:
- Automatic Qualifiers: The top four players in the PDC Order of Merit secure their places. This year, these spots went to:
- World Champion Luke Littler
- Luke Humphries
- World Championship finalist Gian van Veen
- Michael van Gerwen
- Wildcard Selections: Four additional players are chosen by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) to complete the elite eight-player field. For 2026, the wildcards were:
- Stephen Bunting
- Josh Rock (making his debut)
- Gerwyn Price (returning)
- Jonny Clayton (returning)
Nathan Aspinall, despite reaching the Finals Night in the previous Premier League season, had seen his world ranking drop to No. 14, placing him outside the automatic qualification spots and ultimately missing out on a wildcard selection.
Aspinall’s Perspective: Acceptance and Renewed Hunger
Despite the initial sting of the decision, Aspinall quickly adopted a pragmatic outlook. He revealed that PDC officials explained their reasoning, which he understood.
“I felt like I backdoored it last year; I probably didn’t deserve it last year,” Aspinall admitted, reflecting on his previous inclusion. However, he felt differently this time around: “I felt like I deserved it this year if I did get it.”
Emphasizing his resilience, ‘The Asp’ stated, “You take the rough with the smooth, I am not dwelling on it.” He deliberately avoided social media commentary, choosing to accept the decision and move forward. Crucially, he sees this setback not as a defeat, but as motivation: “It gives me the hunger and fight to not miss out again.”
Bunting’s Justification: Proving His Worth
Stephen Bunting’s inclusion, while a positive for him, was met with some debate, especially considering his challenging run in the 2025 Premier League where he lost his first eight games before securing a win on Night Nine. Bunting himself expressed frustration over the questioning of his spot.
“I am a bit disappointed people thought it was between me and Nathan to be honest,” Bunting remarked. He firmly believes his recent performance and standing justify his place:
- World Ranking: Currently World No. 7.
- Recent Success: Had a “great year” in 2025, winning six tournaments and reaching 10 finals.
- Fan Appeal: Acknowledged his “great fanbase” and “great walk-on,” factors that contribute to the overall spectacle of the Premier League.
Bunting is determined to silence any doubters: “I honestly believe I deserve to be in there, and I am going to show everyone that I deserve to be in there.” He also shared a personal connection to the tournament, recalling how being dropped from the Premier League 11 years ago significantly impacted his career for years. This time, he is grateful for the opportunity and committed to repaying the PDC’s faith with strong performances.
The Road Ahead: 2026 Premier League Darts
The 2026 Premier League Darts season is set to kick off on February 5th in Newcastle. Fans can anticipate an exhilarating competition featuring the world’s top talent, all vying for the prestigious title.
The eight-player lineup promises fierce competition, with defending champion Luke Humphries leading the charge alongside established stars and exciting new talents. The tournament will be broadcast live weekly, bringing the drama and excitement of elite darts to audiences worldwide.
Source: Based on an article from Sky Sports – Sports News, Transfers, Scores | Watch Live Sport.
