Nathan Aspinall has revealed that he found out via text message that he was not included in the Premier League Darts 2026 line-up.
The top four finishers on the PDC Order of Merit will automatically qualify, with World Champions Luke Littler and Luke Humphries and World Championship finalists Jan van Veen and Michael van Gerwen guaranteed spots.
Stephen Bunting, Josh Locke, Gerwyn Price and Johnny Clayton were then selected as wildcard candidates.
Lock’s debut, Clayton’s return, and Price and Bunting remaining in place meant that “The Asp” missed out on a spot.
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Wayne Mardle reveals he believes he is lucky to be included in the Premier League Darts 2026 line-up and unlucky to miss out.
Aspinall reached the final night of the Premier League last year, but fell to 14th in the world in terms of performance.
On the other hand, Bunting’s decision to stay in place drew mixed reactions. The 2025 Premier League will be a tough battle for Bunting. After losing their opening eight games, they won on the ninth night in Berlin, but will return to the Premier League for the second year in a row.
In fact, Aspinall was sitting next to “The Bullet” when he learned he couldn’t make it this time.
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An incredible 170 checkout saw Nathan Aspinall emerge victorious in a hard-fought first round against Lawrence Ilagan.
“The only difference that was difficult this year is that we were attending an event and I was traveling on a plane with Stephen Bunting and he got a text message at 3:15 p.m. saying he was attending, and I got a text message at 3:21 p.m. saying I was absent,” Aspinall said.
“It was tough going home and Matt Porter explained to me why I didn’t go home.
“I felt like I was backdoored last year and I probably didn’t deserve it last year.
“I felt like if I could get it this year, I deserved it. Sometimes it’s smooth, sometimes it’s difficult, and I’m not hung up on it.
“I don’t post anything on social media because I don’t care about people jumping on social media.
“I accepted the decision. We move forward. It makes me hungry and fight to never miss it again.”
The PDC has been contacted for comment.
Bunting: I deserve that position.
Bunting, on the other hand, said he didn’t like that there were question marks over his position and that he got another chance in 2026.
“To be honest, I’m a little disappointed that people thought it was an issue between me and Nathan,” Bunting said.
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On Love The Darts, Matt Edgar and Paul Nicholson discuss Stephen Bunting’s involvement in the 2026 Premier League.
“I believe I deserve to play. I’m No. 7 in the world and had a great year last year, winning six tournaments and reaching 10 finals.
“It’s one of those things. I have a great fan base, I have great walk-ons, and I know people don’t talk about walk-ons.
“I honestly believe I deserve to be there and I’m going to show everyone that I deserve to be there.
“I really died 11 years ago when I was in the Premier League and then I got kicked out of the Premier League.
“Honestly, for the next two or three years it affected the rest of my career. I was depressed.
“I’m just grateful that PDC found the opportunity to include me. I’m grateful. I hope to repay their trust with great performances and many wins.”
Watch Premier League darts live on Sky Sports
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Here are eight players who will compete for the Premier League Darts title in 2026.
The Premier League will resume on February 5 and will be broadcast live weekly on Sky Sports.
Luke Humphries returns as the defending champion, with Jan van Veen and Michael van Gerwen the other automatic qualifiers.
Johnny Clayton, Gerwyn Price, Josh Lock and Stephen Bunting have been selected as wildcards, completing an eight-player line-up and the season begins at Newcastle on February 5.
Sky Sports will once again be home to Premier League Darts, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, World Darts Championship and more. Stream darts and other top sports without a contract.
