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 merit – double world champion Luke Littler, current world No. 1 Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen.
Van Veen, who recently rose to World No. 3 after an impressive performance at the Alexandra Palace, will be making his debut in the competition alongside Northern Ireland’s World Cup winner Rock. This year’s Premier League will span 17 weeks, commencing with league matches in Newcastle on February 5 and concluding with the final at The O2 in London on May 28.
Following his victory at the recent world championship, Littler aims to defend his title and continue his success in major competitions like the Masters and the European Championships. Clayton, ranked No. 5 globally, clinched the Premier League title in 2021 by defeating Jose de Sousa in the final.
Rock, known for leading Northern Ireland to their first World Cup win, also stood out in televised semi-finals at various prestigious events. Bunting, ranked seventh in the world, had a remarkable campaign with six PDC titles under his belt.
Matt Porter, the Chief Executive of the PDC, expressed excitement about the fresh lineup for the upcoming season, highlighting the outstanding talent and fierce competition expected. The 16 nights of action will feature quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final each night, determining the league standings leading to the Finals Night where the top four players will compete.
The league promises to be a thrilling event after record-breaking ticket sales for the 2026 season, with a focus on building on the success of the recent World Championship. The tournament is set to captivate audiences across the UK and Europe, and for the first time, the BetMGM Premier League will expand to Belgium.