Jonny Clayton, the reigning champ from 2021, along with Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price, have secured wildcard entries for the upcoming BetMGM Premier League season. These four players will join the top four automatic qualifiers based on merit, including the world No. 1 Luke Littler, defending champion Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen.
Van Veen, who recently rose to World No. 3 after an impressive performance at Alexandra Palace, will debut alongside Northern Ireland’s Rock in the competition. Van Gerwen, a seven-time Premier League champion, will also be part of the lineup.
The season spans 17 weeks, commencing with 16 weeks of league matches in Newcastle on Thursday, February 5, culminating in the final at The O2 in London on May 28. Littler, fresh off his world championship victory, aims to reclaim his crown and continue his success in the Premier League.
Clayton, ranked world No. 5, clinched the Premier League title in 2021 by defeating Jose de Sousa in the final. The competition offers a record £350,000 top prize, attracting top darts players from around the world.
Bunting, ranked seventh globally, had a successful campaign with six PDC titles under his belt, including wins in World Series events and European Tour tournaments. PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter expressed excitement over the fresh lineup for this year’s Premier League season, emphasizing the high level of talent in the competition.
The tournament structure includes 16 nights of action featuring quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final contested over the best of 11 legs each league night. Points earned will determine the league table standings, with the top four players advancing to the Finals Night.
The upcoming season promises to be memorable, following record-breaking ticket sales and a historic World Championship. The event aims to capitalize on the sport’s growing popularity, with plans to expand to new territories, including Belgium, in the future.