Jonny Clayton, the reigning champion from 2021, along with Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price, have been selected as the four wildcard entries for the upcoming BetMGM Premier League season. These players will join the top four automatic qualifiers based on their order of merit: double world champion Luke Littler, world No. 1 Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen. Notably, both van Veen and Rock will be making their debut appearances in the competition, with van Veen climbing to World No. 3 after a stellar performance at Alexandra Palace.
The Premier League season spans 17 weeks, consisting of 16 weeks of league matches commencing in Newcastle on February 5, culminating in the final showdown at The O2 in London on May 28. Following his recent world championship victory, Littler aims to reclaim his crown amidst fierce competition, vowing to excel in prestigious events like the Masters and European Championships.
Clayton, ranked fifth in the world, clinched the Premier League title in 2021 by defeating Jose de Sousa 11-5 in the final, offering a record-breaking top prize of £350,000. Rock, instrumental in Northern Ireland’s maiden World Cup win, showcased his talent with notable performances in televised semi-finals across various darts tournaments. Bunting, ranked seventh globally, enjoyed a successful campaign securing six PDC titles, including victories in World Series events and European Tours.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter expressed excitement over the fresh lineup for this year’s Premier League, expecting thrilling matches to captivate audiences in the UK and Europe. He emphasized the challenge of selecting players due to the high standard of darts witnessed in the past year. With a focus on building momentum post a historic World Championship, the league is set to debut in Belgium in 2026, promising an unforgettable season.
The tournament format includes 16 nights of action featuring quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final each night, played over the best of 11 legs. Points earned will contribute to the league standings, determining the top four players advancing to Finals Night. With record-breaking ticket sales for the upcoming season, fans can anticipate an extraordinary event showcasing the best talent on darts’ grand stages.