"I'd split the Premier League into two divisions." - Paul Nicholson calls for radical reform of the Premier League Darts

The Premier League Darts remains one of the sport's biggest attractions, but according to former professional player and analyst Paul Nicholson, the current format is due for a refresh. Although the Australian thoroughly enjoyed Finals Night at the O2 Arena, he believes the competition in its current form has reached the end of its lifespan. His solution? A Premier League with two divisions.

Nicholson watched as the 2026 Premier League once again excelled in ticket sales, television ratings and entertainment value. Finals Night, in particular, left a lasting impression.

Some compared the evening to the legendary Finals Night when Phil Taylor hit two nine-dart finishes, but Nicholson believes the 2026 edition came remarkably close. "The atmosphere was the best I've experienced there, the standard was exceptional and every single leg possible was played. Some say it wasn't as dramatic as the Finals Night when Phil Taylor hit two nine-darters, but there's no denying that on this occasion, all three matches created high drama and quality," said Nicholson in his latest Sporting Life column.

Where Nicholson does see room for improvement is in the regular season. In his view, the format has become too predictable in recent years.

"However, while I'd happily leave Finals Night exactly as it is, it shouldn't stop us recognising that the league phase has become stale.

"I also take encouragement from comments made by PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter, who has indicated the organisation is prepared to review the format ahead of 2027. That tells me they're listening. They know the current model has probably reached the end of its lifespan and are willing to consider fresh ideas rather than simply standing still."

If the PDC decides to stick with a single Premier League, Nicholson would at least like to see the return of relegation. However, his preferred solution goes much further.

"I'd certainly welcome the return of some form of elimination. It created jeopardy, gave players something tangible to fight against and kept the table alive throughout the season.

"However, if I'm putting forward my preferred solution, I'd go further than that. I'd split the Premier League into two divisions."

According to Nicholson, the sport has simply become too strong to keep watching the same eight players face each other for four months.

"Every season we're talking about players who deserve an opportunity and this year has been no different with Wessel Nijman emerging as one of the game's brightest talents, while Beau Greaves looks destined for this stage in the not too distant future.

"There were so many players left disappointed by their omission this year and that's a good problem to have because it proves the sport is growing at an exciting rate. But rather than trying to solve it by making impossible selection decisions, why not embrace the depth the sport now has?"

His proposal is straightforward. "My idea would be to expand the competition into two divisions. Whether that's 16 players split into two groups of eight or a slightly different number is open for debate, but the principle remains the same.

"Each Thursday night you could stage four matches from Division A and four from Division B."

He also shuns the chatter that the PDC gives re fans not seeing e.g Luke Littler on one night. "If every division played every week, Luke Littler would still be in Brighton. Luke Humphries would still be in Belfast. Michael van Gerwen would still be in Dublin."

The real difference, he argues, would be the increased variety. "The audience would simply get eight different matches instead of seven featuring the same combinations we've already watched several times that season."

Also the idea of having more matches in the view of Nicholson isn't alien given they do it in most sessions of darts anyway. "From a television perspective, eight matches isn't unrealistic either. Sky Sports already broadcasts nights with eight matches at big events such as the opening days of the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts, so the framework is there. There would be logistical challenges with more walk-ons and tighter scheduling, but those are practical issues that can be solved if the appetite is there. The upside is enormous.

It would in his view lead to fresh matches and an evolved format. "You showcase more of the world's best players. More sponsors receive exposure. More fans get to watch their favourites live. More storylines develop throughout the season. Instead of waiting months for fresh match-ups, you'd have them every single Thursday.

"The Premier League has always evolved. We've seen different formats, different numbers of players and the introduction and removal of relegation. Change has never been something the PDC should fear - it's one of the reasons the organisation has become so successful.

"This year's Finals Night proved the Premier League is still one of the greatest events in darts. Now it's time to make sure the other 16 weeks are just as exciting."