Premier League Disappointment Looms for Some Notable Players Such as Aspinall, Dobey and Wade

Such is the strength in depth of the PDC right now that you could imagine at least a dozen players will be shortlisted for the 2026 Premier League campaign.

But there's only room on the road for eight, which means that a handful may be left disappointed – the likes of Nathan Aspinall, Chris Dobey and James Wade are in that camp this year, depending on the outcome of the World Championship 2026.

However, with two titles, a final and semi-finals for that trio already in 2026, perhaps Premier League rejection will spur them on to new heights in the season ahead.

The end of the Paddy Power PDC World Championships is nearing it's end, but the World Darts betting odds do offer some eye-catching value even at this early stage.

Aspinall is available at 66/1 in those darts odds, while Dobey and Wade – who have each landed Players Championship titles already this year – are 80/1 and 100/1 respectively for success at Alexandra Palace.

 

Premier League 2026

Only the top four in the PDC Order of Merit are guaranteed spots in the Premier League lineup. Luke Humphries and the current World Champion both look to have confirmed their spots; however, with the increased World Championship prize fund, with £1M going to the eventual winner, the final places are still up for grabs.

With the World Championship round one sections well underway, we can expect some surprises, as first-to-three sets are a short run for any professional player. Jonny Clayton and Chris Dobey made light work of their first-round openers, and an on-form Gary Anderson looks to be in great form.

Luke Humphries also made his opening matches look like another day in the office with 3-1 win over Super Ted, Ted Evetts.

Hoping for a good run in this year's event are Nathan Aspinall, James Wade and Stephen Bunting. Bunting made the Premier League cut in 2025 but lost his opening seven matches, which may make his place questionable for 2026.

 

Stephen Bunting

Stephen will need to prove he is worthy of a place in next year's Premier League. Although the form BDO World Champion has the ability to lift the big trophy, he has not made a major final in 2025, except for the non-ranking showcase World Series events. His last major title came at the Masters in 2024, where he beat Michael van Gerwen 11-7. The World Champions could prove pivotal for the Liverpool player.

 

Nathan Aspinall

Aspinall hasn't had the best of years in 2025 by his own admission, but the World Championships could potentially propel him back into contention for a Premier League Place. Things didn't go to plan for the Asp in this year's Premier League, and his failure to win a major title in 2025, despite reaching the Players Championship final, could be his downfall in terms of inclusion in the 2026 Premier League.

The Asp has one of the iconic Walk-on Songs of all the players, Mr Brightside by the Killers. Fans love to voice the song when the Asp makes his entrance, so let's hope he makes the cut.

 

James Wade

James is no newcomer to the Premier League and believes he should be part of the 2026 lineup. He often feels that dart pundits overlook him as a major contender, but time and time again, the 'Machine' rises to the challenge to prove his doubters wrong.

James Wade lifted the Premier League title in 2009 and was runner-up in 2010.

In 2025, he made the UK Open final, losing 11-2 in the final. He also made it to the World Matchplay Final, again losing to the World Champion, this time 18-13. Certainly, James will be among the mix for a Premier League spot come 2026. However, a good performance at the World Championships is needed to secure his spot.

 

Chris Dobey

Chris Dobey is on the up, but failed to impress in the 2025 Premier League, the school of hard knocks, as some put it. Despite this, he can put himself squarely in the frame for 2026.

His first-round 3-1 win over Xiaochen Zong in this year's World Championships was just what he needed. He faces ‘Gold Finger’ Andrew Gilding in the second round on Sunday December 20. Gilding had an impressive 3-1 victory in his opening World Championship match

 

Other Notable Contenders

Whoever makes the top eight cut for the 2026 Premier League will be hard-fought.

Former Premier League Champions Michael van Gerwen is likely to be there unless his 2026 World Championships ends early in disaster. Gerwyn Price is another who looks like he will also be there.

The Ferret, Jonny Clayton and Gary Anderson have all been on a mission in 2025.

 

Premier League 2026, Dates and Venues

 

Premier League	Date	Venue
Night One	February 5	Utilita Arena, Newcastle
Night Two	February 12	AFAS Dome, Antwerp
Night Three	February 19	OVO Hydro, Glasgow
Night Four	February 26	SSE Arena, Belfast
Night Five	March 5	Utilita Arena, Cardiff
Night Six	March 12	Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
Night Seven	March 19	3Arena, Dublin
Night Eight	March 26	Uber Arena, Berlin
Night Nine	April 2	AO Arena, Manchester
Night Ten	April 9	The Brighton Centre
Night 11	April 16	Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam
Night 12	April 23	M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Night 13	April 30	P&J Live, Aberdeen
Night 14	May 7	First Direct Arena, Leeds
Night 15	May 14	Utilita Arena, Birmingham
Night 16	May 21	Utilita Arena, Sheffield
Play-Offs	May 28	The O2, London