Jonny Clayton, the reigning champion from 2021, along with Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price, have been selected as the four wildcards for the upcoming season of the BetMGM Premier League. These four players will join the top four automatic picks based on the order of merit, including the current world No. 1 and double world champion, Luke Littler, defending champion Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen.
Van Veen, who recently impressed but lost to Littler in the world final, and Rock, the World Cup winner from Northern Ireland, will both be making their debuts in the competition. Van Veen’s performance at Alexandra Palace propelled him to World No. 3, surpassing van Gerwen to become the new top-ranked Dutch player. Van Gerwen, a seven-time Premier League champion, will also be part of the lineup.
The Premier League season spans 17 weeks, featuring 16 weeks of league matches starting in Newcastle on Thursday, February 5, culminating in the final at The O2 in London on May 28. Littler, fresh off his world championship victory, aims to reclaim his crown after intense battles with Humphries in the last two finals. Clayton, the current world No. 5 and 2021 Premier League champion, will be defending his title against a competitive field.
Rock, known for leading Northern Ireland to their first World Cup victory, has also excelled in televised events like the UK Open, World Matchplay, and World Series of Darts Finals. Bunting, ranked seventh in the world, had a successful campaign with six PDC titles, showcasing his talent on various prestigious stages.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter expressed excitement about the diverse lineup for this year’s Premier League, anticipating thrilling matches for fans across the UK and Europe. With a strong field of players and rising interest in darts, the 2026 season promises to be memorable, building on the momentum from the recent World Championship.
The tournament format will feature 16 nights of action, with each league night comprising quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final played over the best of 11 legs. Points earned each night will determine the league table standings, with the top four players advancing to the Finals Night for a shot at the title.