The Premier League Darts format will remain unchanged for the 2027 season, with fresh ideas planned for future editions, PDC chief executive Matt Porter confirmed in an exclusive Sky Sports interview. Porter described the current structure as “solid” but acknowledged that new concepts will be introduced “at the right time” to maintain fan engagement.
Since 2022, the Premier League has operated with eight players competing across 16 regular league nights in a mini-tournament format. Each night features quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final, with points awarded according to performance: five points for the winner, three for the runner-up, two for losing semi-finalists, and none for quarter-final exits. This setup replaced the previous round-robin system used up until 2021, which involved 10 players facing off in single matches each week, followed by a ‘Judgement Night’ elimination round.
Porter said the current format benefits live audiences and television viewers by keeping matches competitive throughout the evening. “When there’d been just more generic league stage matches, you’d see a fall off in attendance and you’d see people leaving the arenas as the evening went on, and that’s not something we want,” he explained.
While the format has evolved several times since the competition’s inception in 2005, Porter insisted the Premier League will continue to adapt. “We’ve got a couple of little concepts that we’re looking at and things we’ll introduce at the right time. We’ll never keep everybody happy, but as long as they’re talking about it, that’s all we can ask for.”
Porter also addressed the prospects of players for the 2027 Premier League line-up. Ross Smith has made a strong case for inclusion after a standout season, which includes winning the European Championship for the second time this year and the World Series Finals in September. Smith’s rise to sixth place in the PDC Order of Merit follows recent titles on the European Tour and Players Championship circuits.
“Ross has had a magnificent year,” Porter said. “He won the European Championship a few years ago, but perhaps at the time didn’t then back that up by getting into the latter stages of tournaments on a regular basis. He’s proven now that he can do that. He’s proven he can live with and beat the best players in the world. And he now is one of the best players in the world. So I don’t think it would be a surprise for many people if Ross were to be included.”
The Premier League’s eight-player line-up is made up of the top four players from the PDC Order of Merit following the World Darts Championship, plus four wildcard selections. Michael van Gerwen, a seven-time Premier League champion, has struggled this season with a series of early exits in major tournaments, including first-round defeats at four European Tour events and the World Grand Prix.
Despite these setbacks, Porter remained supportive of Van Gerwen’s status in the sport. “I think Michael’s career record speaks for itself. He’s had a difficult year, but, you know, he’s committed to the tour. He’s stuck by what he wants to do, and I think he’ll come again.”
Sky Sports continues as the exclusive broadcaster of major darts tournaments, including the upcoming Grand Slam of Darts from November 14 to 22 and the World Darts Championship running from December 11 to January 3. The organization’s commitment to maintaining the Premier League’s appeal on TV and in arenas reflects Porter’s cautious approach to format changes amid evolving player performances.
According to Sky Sports.
