Premier League Darts 2026: Elite Field Gathers in Newcastle for Season Opener
NEWCASTLE, 5 February 2026 – The PDC Premier League Darts season commences tonight at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, marking the start of a 17-week international tour. World number one Luke Littler and defending champion Luke Humphries lead a star-studded field as the hunt for the €1.2 million total prize fund begins.
The Road to the O2 Begins
The 2026 campaign features a mix of established legends and rising stars. Luke Littler enters the tournament as the bookmakers’ favourite following his recent World Championship success. He is joined by Luke Humphries, who defeated Littler in the 2025 final to claim the title. The field is further bolstered by seven-time Premier League winner Michael van Gerwen and the experienced Gerwyn Price.
This year’s edition also welcomes fresh talent to the stage. Gian van Veen makes his highly anticipated Premier League debut following a stellar run to the World Championship final. Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock also joins the elite eight for the first time, replacing several veteran names in the line-up. The format remains a knockout bracket played every Thursday night, with players earning points toward the play-offs in London.
Night 1: Newcastle Fixtures and Rankings
| Matchup (Quarter-finals) | Scheduled Time (GMT) |
|---|---|
| Josh Rock vs Jonny Clayton | 19:15 |
| Luke Littler vs Gian van Veen | 19:45 |
| Luke Humphries vs Gerwyn Price | 20:15 |
| Stephen Bunting vs Michael van Gerwen | 20:45 |
Tournament Structure and Prize Money
The 2026 season will visit venues across Europe, including stops in Berlin, Rotterdam, and Dublin, before concluding with the Play-Offs at the O2 Arena in May. Each night winner receives a €12,000 bonus, while the overall champion is set to take home a primary prize of €330,000. The competition utilizes the “mini-tournament” format, where the winner of each night earns five league points, the runner-up three, and the semi-finalists two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the defending Premier League Darts champion?
Luke Humphries is the defending champion, having won the 2025 title by defeating Luke Littler in the final at the O2 Arena.
How can fans in Germany watch the Premier League?
In Germany, the tournament is broadcast live via DAZN, with additional coverage often provided by Sport1 for major nights of the competition.
What is the total prize fund for the 2026 season?
The total prize fund for the BetMGM Premier League Darts is approximately €1.2 million (£1 million), distributed across weekly bonuses and final league standings.