Jonny Clayton, the reigning champion from 2021, along with Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price have been selected as wildcards for the upcoming BetMGM Premier League season. These four players will join the top four automatic qualifiers based on their performance rankings. The automatic picks include the current top-ranked player, Luke Littler, defending champion Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen.
Gian van Veen, who recently rose to World No. 3 following a strong showing at Alexandra Palace, will be making his debut in the Premier League alongside Josh Rock, the World Cup winner from Northern Ireland. The season is scheduled to span 17 weeks, with league matches starting on February 5 in Newcastle and culminating in the final at The O2 in London on May 28.
Luke Littler, fresh off his world championship victory, is eager to defend his title after engaging in intense battles with Luke Humphries in the last two finals. The competition boasts a total prize of £350,000, attracting top darts players like Clayton, who claimed the Premier League championship in 2021.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter expressed excitement about the diverse lineup for this year’s tournament, acknowledging the exceptional talent and high level of play witnessed in the past year. The league format will feature 16 nights of action, with each night comprising quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final played over the best of 11 legs. Points will be accumulated throughout the season to determine the top four players who will advance to Finals Night.
The upcoming season promises to be memorable, building on the success of the previous year and expanding to new territories like Belgium. With a strong field of players showcasing their skills on the grand stage, the 2026 BetMGM Premier League is set to captivate audiences across the UK and Europe.