Wayne Mardle “surprised” by Stephen Bunting’s inclusion in 2026 Premier League Darts

Wayne Mardle believes Stephen Bunting “can consider himself fortunate” to be named in the 2026 Premier League Darts line-up.

Bunting was handed an immediate return to the Premier League despite finishing bottom of the table last year after losing his first eight matches.

The announcement raised eyebrows among fans and pundits, with Bunting having endured a below-par end to the season which culminated in a shock Third Round exit to James Hurrell at the World Championship.

Sky Sports’ pundit and commentator Mardle expressed his surprise at Bunting’s selection, admitting ‘The Bullet’ will be “relieved” to return to the sport’s elite invitational.

“I’m slightly surprised at Stephen Bunting, I just am,” Mardle told Sky Sports.

“He’s had a decent enough year but not as good as some, in my opinion.

“He can consider himself a little fortunate.

“He played ok in the Premier League last year, results did not go his way, especially for the first eight weeks where he didn’t win a game.

“The Premier League is tough, we know that, you can’t argue with any of them [picks] in terms of their ability and in terms of what they’re capable of, but Stephen Bunting will be the one that will breath a huge sigh of relief.”

Bunting reached just one major ranking quarter-final last season – at the World Matchplay – but did secure a brace of World Series, European Tour and Players Championship titles.

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.’

The world number seven joins World Cup of Darts winner Josh Rock, world number five Jonny Clayton and last year’s semi-finalist Gerwyn Price as a wildcard pick.

Reigning Premier League champion Luke Humphries, back-to-back World Champion Luke Littler, World Championship finalist Gian van Veen and seven-time Premier League champion Michael van Gerwen secured automatic spots via the PDC Order of Merit.

The 22nd edition of BetMGM Premier League Darts sees the eight players competing in a weekly knockout format from February 5 to May 28 in sold-out arenas across the UK, Ireland, Netherlands and Belgium.