Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price have been selected as the four wildcards for this year’s BetMGM Premier League season, joining the top four automatic picks based on merit. The automatic picks include double world champion Luke Littler, defending champion Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen. Van Veen and Rock will make their debuts in the competition.
Van Veen climbed to World No. 3 after an impressive performance at Alexandra Palace, surpassing van Gerwen as the new top Dutch player. The season will span 17 weeks, beginning with league matches in Newcastle on February 5 and concluding with the final at The O2 in London on May 28.
Following his recent world championship victory, Littler aims to continue his success in the Premier League. Clayton, the reigning champion, secured his title in 2021 by defeating Jose de Sousa. Rock, who led Northern Ireland to a World Cup win, has also excelled in various televised events.
Bunting, ranked seventh in the world, had a successful season with six PDC titles, including wins in World Series events and European Tour competitions. PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter expressed excitement for the fresh lineup this year, anticipating great entertainment for fans across the UK and Europe.
The upcoming season promises intense competition with record-breaking ticket sales and a lineup of players with strong track records in major tournaments. The league matches will feature quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final each night, with points contributing to the league table. The top four players will advance to Finals Night, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
