Jonny Clayton, the reigning champion of 2021, along with Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price have been selected as the four wildcards for the upcoming BetMGM Premier League season. These four players will join the top four automatic picks based on their order of merit. The top four automatic picks are Luke Littler, the new double world champion and current world No. 1, defending champion Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen.
Gian van Veen, who recently became the new Dutch number one after an impressive performance at Alexandra Palace, climbed to World No. 3, surpassing van Gerwen. Van Gerwen, a seven-time Premier League champion, remains a force in the world of darts.
The Premier League season spans 17 weeks, starting with 16 weeks of league matches commencing in Newcastle on Thursday, February 5, and culminating in the final at The O2 in London on May 28.
Luke Littler, fresh from his victory at the world championship, aims to reclaim his crown after engaging in fierce battles with Humphries in the last two finals. The upcoming season holds the promise of more excitement and challenges for him.
Jonny Clayton, currently ranked world No. 5, clinched the Premier League title in 2021 by defeating Jose de Sousa in the final, earning a record £350,000 prize.
Josh Rock, who led Northern Ireland to its first World Cup win in June, has been a standout performer in various televised semi-finals, showcasing his skills on multiple prestigious platforms.
Stephen Bunting, ranked world No. 7, enjoyed a successful campaign with six PDC titles, including victories in World Series events and European Tour competitions.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter expressed excitement about the fresh lineup for this year’s Premier League and the high level of competition expected. The selection process for the tournament was challenging due to the exceptional quality of darts displayed over the past year.
The 16 nights of action will feature quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final on each league night, played over the best of 11 legs. Points will be accumulated throughout the season to determine the top four players advancing to Finals Night.
With a focus on building on the success of the recent World Championship, the 2026 season promises to be memorable, with the addition of new venues like Belgium. The event is anticipated to attract a significant audience following record-breaking ticket sales for the upcoming season.