The 2026 Premier League Darts season kicked off on February 5 at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, featuring top players, including reigning champion Luke Humphries and world No. 1 Luke Littler. This season marks a significant moment for Gian van Veen, who debuted in the Premier League after an impressive run to the world final. Michael van Gerwen also secured his position through automatic qualification. The eight-player lineup is completed by PDC wild-card picks Jonny Clayton, Gerwyn Price, Josh Rock, and Stephen Bunting.
Fans can look forward to matches each Thursday through to Finals Night on May 28, with games hosted at various venues across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Each match is contested over the best of 11 legs. Players earn points based on their performance: the winner of each night receives £10,000 and five points, while the runner-up gets three points, and the losing semi-finalists earn two points.
The top four players in the season-long table, after Night 16 in Sheffield, will move on to the Play-Offs and the Finals Night in London, where the Premier League champion will take home a substantial £350,000 prize.
In the opening night matchups, notable results included Jonny Clayton defeating Josh Rock 6-2, and Michael van Gerwen besting Stephen Bunting 6-2. However, Luke Littler’s quest for a successful start was thwarted as he lost 6-4 to debutant Gian van Veen. In the night’s final, Gian van Veen finished with a close score of 6-4 over Michael van Gerwen, signaling a promising start to his Premier League career.
As the season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate whether Littler will add to his accolades after successfully defending his World Darts Championship title, and if Humphries can reclaim his status as a top competitor in this thrilling darting showdown.
The Premier League continues to hold an essential spot in the hearts of darts fans with its exciting and competitive spirit, promising to deliver captivating moments throughout the season.