Gian van Veen and Josh Rock will make their BetMGM Premier League debuts in 2026, joining reigning champion Luke Humphries and back-to-back World Champion Luke Littler in a glittering eight-player field.
Littler sealed another historic milestone by retaining the Sid Waddell Trophy on Saturday, becoming only the fourth player in PDC history to claim successive World Championship titles. The 18-year-old now sets his sights on a second Premier League crown, as the sport’s biggest names compete for a record £350,000 top prize across 17 weeks from February to May.
World number two Humphries also returns after a stellar year that included Premier League glory and multiple major finals. However, the biggest talking points surround the inclusion of debutants Van Veen and Rock.
European Champion Van Veen surged to world number three following a remarkable run at Alexandra Palace, overtaking Michael van Gerwen to become the new Dutch number one. He will share the Premier League stage with Van Gerwen, who earned selection after his World Series of Darts Finals triumph in September.
Rock arrives fresh from inspiring Northern Ireland to a maiden World Cup of Darts victory, while also reaching televised semi-finals at the UK Open, World Matchplay and World Series of Darts Finals.
Former champion Jonny Clayton returns after a consistent 2025 campaign, joined by his World Cup partner Gerwyn Price, who enjoyed a resurgence with five ranking titles and two nine-darters. Stephen Bunting completes the line-up following a trophy-laden season.
“There’s a fresh new look to this year’s line-up, which I’m sure will entertain our incredible crowds across the UK and Europe”, said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.
“Following on from a historic World Championship, we’re determined to build on this momentum in 2026… this year’s event promises to be a memorable one.”
The 2026 BetMGM Premier League begins in Newcastle on February 5, concluding with Finals Night at London’s O2 Arena on May 28.
Source: PDC.TV
