Premier League Darts line-up revealed as Luke Littler discovers seven opponents in bid to defend title

Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross are the other three players who secured their spot in the Premier League due to their ranking.

Stephen Bunting, Nathan Aspinall, Gerwyn Price and Chris Dobey have also been selected as the other quartet to make up the eight-man league.

He told Sky Sports: "We have to look for the star quality and people who can perform on the big stage. It's going to be an interesting announcement.

A host of names were being touted as potential options for the final four spots to make up this year's Premier League line-up.

PDC chief executive Matt Porter admitted that their final decision won't please everybody but is hopeful the majority are able to agree.

"We're certainly not going to please everybody but we feel we have to make the decisions that are right for the millions who will watch on TV and the 150,000 who will join us in the big arenas.

"Whatever decision we make, so long as people are talking about it, we've made the right decision."

Bunting is back in the Premier League after missing out on last year's competition, having last taken part in 2015.

Dobey, meanwhile, has had to wait a little less for his return - playing in 2023's edition of the Premier League.

Price has reclaimed his spot in the Premier League, perhaps due to a decent showing at the PDC World Darts Championship where he reached the quarter-finals.

It had been a tough year for the Welshman, while Aspinall might surprise darts fans after suffering an injury last year.

The Asp is set to be the lowest-ranked player in the Premier League while some fans might be gutted not to see some fresh faces in the competition.

Damon Heta, Ross Smith and Callan Rydz have become fan favourites over the last 12 months and might rue the fact they have not been included.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Porter said: "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."

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Full Premier League line-up:

• Luke Humphries
• Luke Littler
• Michael van Gerwen
• Rob Cross
• Stephen Bunting
• Gerwyn Price
• Chris Dobey
• Nathan Aspinall