The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has officially announced the star-studded lineup for the 2026 Premier League Darts, promising an electrifying season. This year marks the exciting debuts of rising stars Gian van Veen and Josh Rock, joining established legends like World Champion Luke Littler, defending champion Luke Humphries, and darts icon Michael van Gerwen. Two wildcards, Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price, complete the elite eight-player field, setting the stage for 17 weeks of high-stakes competition across Europe, kicking off in Newcastle on February 5th.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has officially confirmed the eight elite players who will battle it out in the highly anticipated 2026 Premier League Darts season. This year’s lineup blends seasoned champions with electrifying new talent, setting the stage for 17 weeks of unparalleled darting action.
The Qualified Elite: Champions and Rising Stars
Four players secured their places based on their outstanding performances and high positions in the world rankings. These automatic qualifiers represent the pinnacle of professional darts:
- Luke Littler: The reigning World Champion, whose meteoric rise continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
- Luke Humphries: The defending Premier League champion, looking to retain his coveted title.
- Gian van Veen: The new World Number Three, making his much-anticipated debut. Van Veen’s inclusion comes after a stellar year, including a European Championship win and reaching the World Championship final.
- Michael van Gerwen: A true legend of the sport, making his remarkable 14th consecutive Premier League appearance.
Notably, this marks the first time since 2019 that two Dutch players, Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen, will feature in the Premier League, promising extra excitement for Dutch fans.
Wildcards and Exciting Returns
The remaining four spots were filled by PDC wildcards, ensuring a diverse and competitive field:
- Jonny Clayton: Ranked World Number Five, the “Ferret” makes a welcome return after a two-year absence. Clayton, the 2021 Premier League winner, will be eager to reclaim his form on the biggest stage.
- Gerwyn Price: “The Iceman” also received an invitation, guaranteeing fierce competition and two Welsh representatives in the tournament.
- Stephen Bunting: Despite a challenging year in major tournaments, “The Bullet” retains his spot, a testament to his consistent quality and the PDC’s belief in his ability.
- Josh Rock: The World Cup winner for Northern Ireland, “Rocky” is another exciting debutant, bringing fresh energy and immense talent to the Premier League stage.
The Full Lineup for Premier League Darts 2026
Here are the eight darting superstars ready to compete for glory:
- Luke Littler
- Luke Humphries
- Gian van Veen
- Michael van Gerwen
- Jonny Clayton
- Gerwyn Price
- Stephen Bunting
- Josh Rock
The Road to The O2: Premier League 2026 Calendar
The 2026 Premier League Darts season promises 17 weeks of high-octane action across Europe. The tournament kicks off on Thursday, February 5th, at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, culminating in the grand finale on May 28th at The O2 in London.
Fans eager to catch the action live can look forward to stops in various iconic venues. For instance, Dutch fans can mark April 16th on their calendars for the highly anticipated night at Ahoy, Rotterdam.
Full Schedule:
- February 5: Utilita Arena, Newcastle
- February 12: AFAS Dome, Antwerp
- February 19: OVO Hydro, Glasgow
- February 26: SSE Arena, Belfast
- March 5: Utilita Arena, Cardiff
- March 12: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
- March 19: 3Arena, Dublin
- March 26: Uber Arena, Berlin
- April 2: AO Arena, Manchester
- April 9: Brighton Centre, Brighton
- April 16: Ahoy, Rotterdam
- April 23: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
- April 30: P&J Live, Aberdeen
- May 7: First Direct Arena, Leeds
- May 14: Utilita Arena, Birmingham
- May 21: Utilita Arena, Sheffield
- May 28: The O2, London (Final)
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
