Premier League Darts 2026: Who's Next in Line? The Contenders to Join Luke Littler and Gian van Veen
The stage is set for the 2026 Premier League Darts, and the question on everyone's mind is: who will join the elite eight? With four spots already secured, the spotlight shines on the contenders vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
The line-up is decided by a combination of factors: the top four players in the world rankings and a selection process by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). PDC chief executive Matt Porter emphasizes the importance of "star quality" and players who can "perform on the big stage" to attract millions of viewers.
Let's delve into the contenders, each bringing their own unique story and potential to the table.
The Established Names
- Luke Littler: The world number one and reigning champion, Littler is a force to be reckoned with. With a record-breaking number of nightly wins last year, he's a lock for the line-up.
- Luke Humphries: Ranked second in the world, Humphries is a consistent performer. His second-place ranking solidifies his spot.
- Gian van Veen: The Netherlands' rising star, van Veen, made his mark at the World Championships, climbing to third in the rankings. His excitement about the opportunity is infectious.
- Michael van Gerwen: A seven-time Premier League winner, van Gerwen, despite a drop to fourth in rankings, still earns an automatic slot.
The Contenders
- Jonny Clayton: Clayton, ranked fifth, had a strong 2025, reaching finals and semi-finals. His love for the Premier League is evident, and he's overdue for a return.
- Stephen Bunting: A fan favorite, Bunting struggled last year after a nine-year hiatus. His mixed 2025 results and consistent deep runs in televised events make him a contender.
- Gerwyn Price: The charismatic Price, ranked 12th, has a strong Premier League record. His recent semi-final appearances and head-to-head wins against Littler make him a strong candidate.
- Nathan Aspinall: A fan favorite, Aspinall, battled dartitis but reached his first Premier League finals night in 2025. His consistency and popularity make him a shoe-in.
The Newcomers
- Chris Dobey: Dobey, ranked 13th, made a strong case with his World Championship semi-final run. His mixed campaign and consistent performances could secure his spot.
- Rob Cross: Cross, ranked 20th, has a Premier League history. His recent performances and the PDC's potential shake-up make him a contender.
- Josh Rock: Rock, ranked ninth, had a successful 2025, reaching quarter-finals and semi-finals. His scoring prowess and potential debut make him an intriguing choice.
- Danny Noppert: Noppert, ranked 10th, is a consistent performer. His semi-final runs in major tournaments make him a strong contender.
The Returning Names
- James Wade: Wade, ranked 11th, had a consistent 2025. His UK Open and Matchplay finals, coupled with a quarter-final run, make him a returning favorite.
The Unlikely Contenders
- Gary Anderson: Anderson, ranked sixth, made a strong case with his World Championship semi-final run. However, his age and travel preferences might keep him on the sidelines.
- Ryan Searle: Searle, ranked eighth, climbed to a career-high ranking. His scoring prowess and semi-final run make him a contender, but his uncertain fit in the Premier League adds intrigue.
The 2026 Premier League Darts line-up promises an exciting mix of established stars, rising talents, and intriguing newcomers. The PDC's decision will shape the tournament, and the contenders are ready to make their case.
