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Like the PDC World Darts Championship draws to a thrilling conclusion with Luke Littler bidding for his first title in tonight’s final against Michael Van Gerwen, attention turns to the Premier League in 2025.
The The smaller effect continues to transform the sportwith BelfastThe SSE Arena hosts the opening night of the new season on 6th February 2025, leaving just one month between the ‘Ally Pally’ final and the start of a wild 17-date UK, Ireland and European tour.
Reigning champion Littler will return after the production nine arrows from the gods on his way to victory in May, while the world no Luke Humphries is sure to return as eight players battle it out for both the prestigious title and £1m in prize money.
The season-ending play-offs conclude on May 29 with an action-packed night at The O2 in London, with the final seats up for grabs in the coming days.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Premier League 2025 and the potential line-up:
When will the 2025 Premier League darts line-up be announced?
The PDC will confirm the eight players ready to compete in the 2025 Premier League on Monday 6 January at 16:30 GMT.
Potential 2025 Premier League Darts squad
Locks
Luke Littler
The defending champions thrived on the big stage in 2024, backing up their world number two spot and obliterating the competition in the Premier League. One of the world’s most sought-after athletes means the Premier League will reach new heights in 2025.
Luke Humphries
It was not to be for the 2024 world champion at this year’s world championships, with ‘Cool Hand’ running into an inspired Peter Wright, but he will be back next year and just behind Littler in every tournament.
Michael Van Gerwen
Threatening to win a fourth world title, ‘MVG’ is a key to the Premier League and will be the main attraction at Rotterdam Ahoy in April.
In dispute
Rob Cross
The former world champion looks almost certain to return to the exclusive eight-man club, despite Scott Williams’ disappointing second-round exit. No. 4 in the world after worlds and the unwritten rule that the top four qualify automatically should see him safe.
Stephen Bunting
Most popular player on tour? A World Cup semi-final could be enough to propel him into the Premier League for the first time in 10 years after finishing eighth in 2015. A win over Littler would certainly cement his place. Expect the crowd to chant “Let’s go mental!” during tonight’s semifinal.
Gerwyn Price
Back somewhere close to his best after a quarter-final run at ‘Ally Pally’, the Welshman has divided opinion but is one of the few box-office players on the circuit. Defeat to Chris Dobey dents his hopes, but ‘The Iceman’ is just ahead of Michael Smith if the PDC want a few more names.
Michael Smith
The ‘Bully boy’ lost form and was stunned in the second round by Kevin Doets, meaning he will drop down the rankings after the World Cup. But his name value and high ceiling could make him sneak in. Two win nights in last year’s Premier League and a 17-14 overall record could also help his chances, knowing he can be competitive week in and week out.
Nathan Aspinall
He had a tough draw with Littler in the quarter-finals, but few would grumble if Aspinall made the final, his ‘Mr. Brightside’ and the atmosphere it inspires as a result won’t hurt his chances either.
Damon Heta
The Australian brings a lively personality and strong game, having produced a magnificent nine at the world championships this year. The final two spots could now come down to Smith, Aspinall and Hetta, and the Australian could bring something a little different with his charisma.
Outsiders
Callan Rydz
“I’m not thinking about the Premier League,” said the Geordie after his last 16 win. “I would love to play at Newcastle, I’ve been a few times as a supporter and the atmosphere is absolutely brilliant. I would love to play there.”
Despite an incredible quarter-final against Van Gerwen, he is likely to miss out, although the option of playing locally in front of thousands of Geordies could be tempting for the PDC. As for the ceiling, not many can live with Rydz in his form over the last few weeks, but the Premier League may have come too soon.
Chris Dobey
He had an outside shot at making the semi-finals after a superb win over Price, but the 34-year-old’s defeat to Van Gerwen is likely to end his hopes now, although he would be a popular choice in the North East.
Peter Wright
Aged 54 and back somewhere close to his best, ‘Snakebite’ stunned defending champion Luke Humphries and always gets the fans buzzing. But the loss to Bunting in the final and last year’s 2-16 record count against him.
Mike Decker
With darts growing in popularity in Belgium, De Decker could appeal to the PDC, especially after his World Grand Prix title win over Luke Humphries in the final, but a second-round loss to Luke Woodhouse at the World Championship has hit his chances .
Dave Chisnall
It’s hard to have him in the underdog category as the world No. 6 enters the world, but his second-round loss to Ricky Evans meant a disappointing world championship, continuing a run of big results.
Gary Anderson
The ‘Flying Scot’ was stunned in the second round by Sweden’s Jeffrey de Graaf at the World Cup, losing 3-0, which could end any hopes of a call-up despite appeals from fans at stops in Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Estimated lineup
Luke Littler
Luke Humphries
Michael van Gerwen
Rob Cross
Stephen Bunting
Gerwyn Price
Michael Smith
Nathan Aspinall
Premier League Darts 2025 Schedule
Night 1 – SSE Arena, Belfast – Thursday 6th February
Night 2 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow – Thursday 13 February
Night 3 – 3Arena, Dublin – Thursday 20 February
Night 4 – Westpoint Exeter – Thursday 27th February
Night 5 – The Brighton Center – Thursday 6 March
Night 6 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham – Thursday 13 March
Night 7 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff – Thursday 20 March
Night 8 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle – Thursday 27 March
Night 9 – Uber Arena, Berlin – Thursday 3 April
Night 10 – AO Arena, Manchester – Thursday 10th April
Night 11 – Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – Thursday 17 April
Night 12 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool – Thursday 24th April
Night 13 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham, Thursday 1 May
Night 14 – First Direct Arena, Leeds – Thursday 8th May
15th Night – P&J Live, Aberdeen – Thursday 15th May
Night 16 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield – Thursday 22nd May
Play-off – The O2, London – Thursday 29 May
Tickets
You can find Premier League Darts 2025 ticket information here.