"The crowds in the arenas love it": 2026 Premier League Darts line-up to be announced on Monday with format remaining unchanged

The Premier League Darts line-up used to be a huge feature of the final at the PDC World Darts Championship but it has changed tact over the years with later announcements and even using the Masters to complete the final player.

But it will be confirmed two days after the World Darts Championship final as the debate is likely to rumble on as to who should be included in the eight involved. Earlier this week, Checkout Podcast confirmed as reported by DartsNews that the PDC would stick with eight and not go to 10 players which was initially mooted or hinted at on Dutch TV. 

The opening night begins in Newcastle on February 5 with Belgium also hosting their maiden event in the week that follows. Speculation had grown as to a potential change but PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter confirmed as well as the time for the draw to take place that it would not be changing for 2026. This was for a reason and is one that is consistently given which is that fans love seeing a winner on the night and the TV audience figures mirror that.

Albeit it has received criticism mainly from more hardcore dart fans that it becomes stale especially given the amount of times certain match-ups have become prevalent but it is a format they are sticking to. As well as it being eight players. These eight will be confirmed on Monday January 5 on Sky Sports News at 3:30pm.

"We always say that we do evaluate it and we will change it at some point, but we just feel at the moment the data shows us that this is the right format," PDC chief executive Matt Porter told Sky Sports.

"The crowds in the arenas love it, they love seeing a winner on the night, it keeps them entertained until the last dart, and the TV audience figures are great.

Luke Littler and Luke Humphries occupy the top two spots in the Order of Merit so are guaranteed their place while Gian van Veen is too as World No.3. While Michael van Gerwen who has won it seven times is also top four.

With rumours swirling as to the rest of the line-up including due to the fact that Bunting, Aspinall and even Noppert and Wade who were seen as contenders went out early, Porter said it hasn't been completed yet.

"We never make a decision until the end when we've got all the facts in front of us," Porter added. "There is no point talking about it now. You don't make decisions until you've got everything in front of you.

"We always look for the players that we feel have delivered consistently. It is important. A lot of players deliver once but you have to show you can compete at the top level on a regular basis.

"You have to show you've got real star quality. Most importantly, we don't want to rush it. We don't want to put somebody in before they're ready because that could be a real negative step for their career.

"The Premier League's a tough school. If you go up there for 16 weeks and you're losing first round week in, week out, that's difficult. You've got to take that into Euro Tours and Pro Tours. So, we will make a considered decision.

"As ever, it won't be 100 per cent popular, but it will be an honest decision."