Jonny Clayton, the reigning 2021 champion, along with Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price, have been selected as the four wildcards for the upcoming season of the BetMGM Premier League. They will join the top four players in the order of merit – double world champion Luke Littler, ranked world No 1, defending champion Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen.
Both van Veen and Rock will be making their debut appearances in the competition. Van Veen, who recently climbed to World No 3 after an impressive performance at Alexandra Palace, surpassed van Gerwen to become the new top-ranked Dutch player. Van Gerwen, a seven-time Premier League champion, will also be part of the lineup.
The 17-week season will kick off with 16 weeks of league matches starting in Newcastle on Thursday, February 5, culminating in the final at The O2 in London on May 28. Luke Littler, fresh off his world championship victory, aims to reclaim his crown after facing Humphries in the last two finals.
Jonny Clayton, currently ranked world No 5, clinched the Premier League title in 2021 by defeating Jose de Sousa 11-5 in the final. The tournament offers a record £350,000 top prize for the competing darts players.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter expressed excitement over the new lineup for this year’s Premier League, anticipating great entertainment for the audiences. With a solid field of players showcasing their skills on the big stage, the tournament is set to be a memorable one, following the success of the recent World Championship.
The competition format will include 16 nights of action, with each league night featuring quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final played over the best of 11 legs. Points will be accumulated throughout the season to determine the top four players who will advance to Finals Night.