Early lineup predictions for the PDC 2027 Premier League of Darts

August 9, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

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In less than five months, we will find out after the 2027 PDC WC which eight players will be playing in the next edition of the Premier League of Darts.

It's one of the biggest PDC events each year, lasting nearly four months, with a new city in Europe hosting a week every Thursday evening.

There are still several important tournaments left to be played that will have an influence on which players get the call to participate in darts' most prestigious event, but we have a good idea right now for what the lineup might look like.

Early lineup predictions for the 2027 Premier League of Darts

We still haven't received confirmation on whether the format/field will be changed next year, so I'll predict it as if it were an eight-person field, and then choose a couple more players who would make the cut if the field is extended.

1. Luke Littler and 2. Luke Humphries

This comes without saying, but both Lukes will be in the PL next year unless one of them declines to be in it, but that's unlikely.

Littler is a lock, as he's going to be world #1 no matter what, but even if Humphries somehow falls out of the top 4, he'll get a wildcard selection (top 4 on OoM after WC automatically qualify for PL).

This was also the matchup in the PL final the last three years, so if there was any doubt, there shouldn't be now, as they've been two of the most consistent PL players in the last three years.

MORE: Full Luke Littler darts schedule for 2026 with confirmed dates, events and more to know

3. Gian van Veen

After winning the European Championship and making the WC final, GVV has had a year with ups and downs.

He did make a run to the semifinals in Blackpool at the Matchplay, but he does have the security of likely finishing #2 or #3 on the OoM after the WC.

It would take a really poor end of the year for him not to return, and several players would have to pass him on the OoM.

4. Gerwyn Price

Price has made play-off night in each of the last two PLs, and is always one of the most entertaining players in the field.

Price has been in every PL since 2018, with the exception of when he WD from the one in 2020.

Price did mention he may decline playing in the PL next year, as his daughter is expecting her first child, but whether he does or not, he's on track to have a strong enough year where he'll at least be given the option to be in it.

He's made three semifinal runs at majors (Masters, UK Open and PL) and was the runner-up at the Matchplay.

MORE: Updated PDC Darts Order of Merit world rankings

5. Wessel Nijman

Having him this high up on the list might be a little shocking, but as long as he has a quality run at one major or more, and he continues to pick up prize money on the Pro Tour, he's going to finish between #5-7 on the OoM as it stands.

If he does make the cut, he would be the first player on this list to make their debut.

I'd watch out for how he plays at the World Grand Prix, as that format could be the catalyst for a big surge at the end of this year.

6. Michael van Gerwen

As of now, I'd say MVG hasn't played well enough to make the cut. That could change, though, as he'll have plenty of chances to make up ground.

He had a strong start to the year, but hasn't really put together big performances in the key ranking events.

He's lost prize money from the 2024 Matchplay already, and will lose more once the WC comes around, which could knock him out of the top-16.

However, he's defending very little prize money at the next four ranking majors, so he can make up ground there before the big hit comes in December.

MVG is the most accomplished PL player in its history, so it's tough seeing him not get a call, but he'll have to at least give himself a case to get in, which I think he'll be able to do in these next few months.

MORE: PDC Darts 2027 World Championship: Schedule, dates and sessions revealed

7. James Wade

Wade has been in the PL many times, most notably winning in 2009, but hasn't made an appearance since 2022.

That could change, as his runner-up finish at the UK Open and two additional quarterfinal runs at majors already give him a strong start in his attempt to return to the PL.

His inconsistency at events can cost him at times, but he's put himself right where he wants to be to this point.

8. Nathan Aspinall

It might be bold to look at just his performance at the Matchplay, but we saw a version of Aspinall, despite losing, that we hadn't seen in a while.

The hunger is there from the former PL runner-up, and I think he'll have a chip on his shoulder at future events, as he'll want redemption after just missing the cut for this year's edition of the event.

He's a massive fan favorite, and one of the best players in the PDC when he plays his A-game.

He's going to have to find some results at majors to finish the year, as he does have an ET event title under his belt, but that's not enough given some early exits he's had at other majors in 2026.

MORE: 7 darts players who could be in Premier League Darts one day

Others

Here are honorable mentions/players if the field is extended to 10.

9. Jonny Clayton

Clayton was one of the top performers, aside from Littler, in the 2026 PL.

His 2026 season otherwise hasn't been as good as it was last year, so he'll have to try and outplay the likes of Aspinall and Wade, as they'll be fighting for the final spots.

It'll be a close call post-WC for The Ferrett, but he's definitely not one to completely count out, as he'll be in the mix.

10. Stephen Bunting

Bunting finished strong in the last few weeks of 2026 PL, finishing 5th, despite his poor return in 2025 still being talked about.

He's another player I believe will have a strong few months at majors in the final stretch of 2026, given the more encouraging form he's been in.

He'll be battling it out with the likes of Josh Rock and others, but Bunting is another fan favorite who has that in his favor but is also talented enough to be PL material.