James Wade and Danny Noppert issue response to Premier League Darts omission

James Wade has spoken out on his omission from the 2026 Premier League Darts line-up, admitting “missing out hurts”.

Wade reached the final of two televised ranking events last season – the UK Open and World Matchplay – finishing runner-up to Luke Littler on both occasions.

The 42-year-old also picked up a Players Championship title and reached a further four European Tour semi-finals, but the season ultimately ended in disappointment with a second round exit to Ricky Evans at the World Championship.

Former Premier League champion Wade, who ended the season as world number 11, last featured in the event in 2022.

He took to social media to express his disappointment at the PDC’s decision to leave him out of the 17-week roadshow, posting: ‘Hard work pays off… really?

‘Disappointed, but proud of the work I put in this year chasing one goal getting back to the Premier League. Missing out hurts, but that’s part of the journey.

‘I trusted my performances in the big moments, two major finals and two major quarter-finals and I’ll keep backing that process.

‘Back to work now. 2026, I’ll be ready.’

Danny Noppert was another notable omission despite reaching four major ranking semi-finals in 2025, and the Dutchman also missed out on the Premier League in 2022 despite winning the UK Open.

Noppert posted: ‘Unfortunately, I wasn’t selected for this year’s Premier League.

‘Still, it truly means a lot to me to see more and more people speaking positively about me and mentioning my name as a potential candidate. I really appreciate all the support, it genuinely does me good.

‘For now, I’ll just concentrate on having another good season. Thank you all once again for the support, and best of luck to everyone competing in the Premier League.’

This year’s Premier League Darts line-up will see World Championship finalist Gian van Veen and World Cup of Darts winner Josh Rock make their debuts.

World number five Jonny Clayton returns to the line-up for the first time since 2023, while last year’s semi-finalist Gerwyn Price retains his spot.

Perhaps the most controversial pick saw Stephen Bunting handed an immediate return to the fold despite finishing bottom of the table last year after losing his first eight matches.

Bunting suffered a shock Third Round defeat to James Hurrell in the recent World Championship but did secure a brace of World Series, European Tour and Players Championship titles in 2025.

Reacting to the announcement, Bunting posted on social media: ‘I can’t tell you how pleased I am to have been selected for this year’s Premier League.

‘I accept the back end of the year didn’t go too well, but with 6 tournament wins in 2025 I would have been gutted not to have been selected.’