Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price have been selected as the wildcards for the upcoming BetMGM Premier League season, joining the top four automatic picks based on the order of merit. The automatic picks include double world champion Luke Littler, world No. 1 Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen. Notably, both van Veen and Rock will be making their debuts in the competition.

Van Veen, who climbed to World No. 3 after an impressive performance at Alexandra Palace, overtook van Gerwen to become the new Dutch top-ranked player. The season will span 17 weeks, with 16 weeks of league matches commencing in Newcastle on Thursday, February 5, culminating in the final at The O2 in London on May 28.

Following his recent world championship victory, Littler aims to reclaim the crown after facing Humphries in the last two finals. Clayton, the reigning Premier League champion, is determined to have another successful year after his triumph in 2021.

Rock, who led Northern Ireland to their first World Cup win, has been a consistent performer in various televised events. Bunting, ranked seventh in the world, had a successful campaign with six PDC titles under his belt.

PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter expressed excitement about the fresh lineup for this year’s tournament, highlighting the tough selection process due to the high level of darts competition in the past year. The 16 nights of action will feature quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final over the best of 11 legs, with points awarded each night to determine the league table standings leading to Finals Night.

The upcoming season promises to be memorable, building on the momentum of the historic World Championship and featuring top players on darts’ biggest stages.