Premier League darts announcement LIVE: Full line-up CONFIRMED as Luke Littler leads the way but two World Champs AXED

The Premier League format analysed

Matt Porter has lifted the lid on the format of this year's tournament.

He told Sky Sports: "The format of producing a winner on the night is great for the crowd, they stay engaged to the end.

"From a TV viewing perspective, you get a result every evening. 

"I get it when people say you see the same matches time after time or the best people in the world time after time.

"But if you look at Premier League Darts history, the format has evolved every three or four years, whether it's the number of players, or eliminations.

"That is something we will look at but feel it's good for now."

PDC selection criteria

More from Chief Executive Matt Porter on Sky Sports: "There are players who benefit from the break [from the Premier League].

"There's a huge amount of travel, nights in hotels, time on aeroplanes.

"The pressure is significant and if you start badly, the weight sits heavy on your shoulders and it can be an ordeal for some players.

"We have done it in the past with players where we put them in the Premier League, they really struggle and it sets them back three or four years.

"Some might say they want the opportunity but we have to think long-term.

"Luke Humphries when we didn't put him in when everyone thought he was ready, look at the year he had afterwards [ in 2023]."

Dobey another hit

Webster believes selecting Dobey was also the right decision.

He added: "They have all played in the Premier League before. I like the fact Chris Dobey is back.

"When you get omitted from the Premier League, you go out there and show some positivity.

"It's a great line-up and I'm looking forward to getting it going."

Bunting a beauty

Former darts ace Mark Webster reckons Stephen Bunting can set the Premier League alight.

He told Sky Sports: "It's a long time since Stephen has been in the Premier League. He was in a low place four years ago.

"He's not just worked on his game but his profile. You need characters in the Premier League and he's got such a big following on social media.

"He's a great addition and, again, it sends out a message to players who aren't near the Premier League, but if you keep working then you can be in it, maybe not next year, but the year after."

So close

Jonny Clayton, Dave Chisnall and Damon Heta are sure to be gutted this evening.

They are the three highest-ranked slingers to miss out on the Premier League.

But it's joy for Stephen Bunting, who returns to the line-up for the first time in a decade.

Chris Dobey is also back, having featured in the 2023 edition.

Who missed out?

Peter Wright reached the fourth round of the World Darts Championship, knocking out defending champ Luke Humphries in the process.

But it was not enough to retain his Premier League spot, which Wright has held since 2013.

Michael Smith has also been axed after defeat in the second round of the WDC.

He will be desperate to regain his form and bounce back in 2026.

Littler backed for defence

Luke Littler has been immediately placed as the favourite to win this year's Premier League.

Bookies reckon the teen stands an incredible chance of retaining his title.

Littler has been placed ahead of Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price.

While Rob Cross, Stephen Bunting, Chris Dobey and Nathan Aspinall are seen as outsiders this year.

More on selections

Porter: "We have eight players.

"We pick the top four in the world then we look at the other contenders, players who have maybe performed well throughout the year or that big stage presence, a decent CV or players ready to prove a point.

"It's been quite open. There are a lot of candidates.

"There's always someone who is disappointed and someone who feels quite lucky."

Chief explains selection dilemma

PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter has revealed how he and fellow darts gurus selected this year's line-up.

He told Sky Sports: "Obviously with Price, Dobey, and Aspinall. there are players above them in the rankings who haven't been selected but we have looked at it in terms of big stage presence, popularity, and the way they can get a 10,000 crowd every Thursday going.

"We want people on the edge of their seats. We want people up and enjoying their darts.

"That isn't to say other players can't do that. You have to make decisions on who is right at the time." 

Littler raring to go

Littler can't wait to get back to Thursday night action and defend his title.

He said: “Yeah, there’s always a target on your back, but not only from the top players in the world.

“Everyone on the Pro Tour – they always want to beat me, and I know half the time they’re going to play their best game against me.

“Obviously the first night it will be difficult to get off to a winning start like it was here.”

Time to shine

Here we go.

The full line-up is being revealed now.

Pat-a-cake

Emma Paton is now in the Sky Sports studio to announce the 2025 contenders.

A quick highlight reel showing Littler's incredible achievements is being played.

He won a cool £500,000 for his World Darts Championship win at Ally Pally this month.

And the teen has already started splashing the cash in spectacular style...

NUKE'S NOTES

Littler splashes the cash after winning £500k as hero hands bro wad of notes

Will anyone be chopped?

Luke Humphries. Michael van Gerwen. Rob Cross. Peter Wright. Nathan Aspinall. Gerwyn Price. Michael Smith.

Seven giants of the game who joined Littler in last year's Premier League.

Will they all be re-appearing this time round?

Or has anyone else with a PDC card done enough to oust one - or more - of them?

Rich pickings

Here's how much dosh was on offer for last year's Premier League...

• Winner: £275,000
• Second: £125,000
• Semi-Finalists: £85,000 each
• Fifth: £75,000
• Sixth: £70,000
• Seventh: £65,000
• Eighth: £60,000
• Weekly Winner: £10,000