2026 Premier League dates confirmed as Antwerp is in and Exeter is axed

The BetMGM Premier League will break new ground in 2026, with Belgium set to host a night of the competition for the very first time. The PDC confirmed that Antwerp’s AFAS Dome will stage the world’s top darts stars on Thursday, February 12, marking a landmark moment in the tournament’s history.

The expansion forms part of the widest-reaching Premier League season yet, as the sport’s travelling roadshow visits 17 arenas across the UK and Europe. The campaign will launch a week earlier in Newcastle on February 5 before heading into a packed four months of action, culminating with the Finals Night at The O2 in London on May 28.

A Historic First for Belgium

The move into Belgium reflects the sport’s growing popularity in the region, where players such as Dimitri Van den Bergh and Mike De Decker have raised the profile of darts on the big stage. Belgian fans have already demonstrated their passion through sell-out European Tour events in recent years, and organisers expect another raucous atmosphere when the Premier League arrives in Antwerp.

“We’re delighted to be able to take the BetMGM Premier League to Belgium in 2026 during what will be our widest-reaching season yet,” said PDC chief executive Matt Porter. “Belgium has successfully hosted sell-out European Tour events in recent years and the sport has enjoyed huge growth there, supported by our broadcast partners VTM and inspired by the big-stage success of Dimitri Van den Bergh and Mike De Decker. We’re sure that the visit to the AFAS Dome will be another hugely popular event, adding an extra dimension to the Premier League following the sell-out success of the 2025 season and the thrilling finale we enjoyed in London.”

Star Names and Huge Prize Fund

As always, the Premier League will showcase darts’ biggest names battling for prestige, points, and a share of the £1.25 million prize fund. Reigning champion Luke Humphries, teenage sensation and current World Champion Luke Littler, and seven-time Premier League winner Michael van Gerwen are all expected to feature in what promises to be another blockbuster season.

The format, staged on Thursday nights between February and May, ensures fans across Europe have the chance to witness elite-level darts in person. With every match carrying weight in the league standings, there is no room for complacency as players fight for a spot in the top four and a place at the Finals Night in London.

The 2026 Schedule

After the traditional curtain-raiser in Newcastle on February 5, the competition makes its Belgian debut a week later on February 12. The tour then moves on to Glasgow and Belfast, ensuring a high-energy opening month.

March is set to be just as hectic, with visits to Cardiff, Nottingham, Dublin, and Berlin offering a mix of UK staples and continental flair.

April will see the race to The O2 intensify, with major league nights in Manchester, Brighton, Rotterdam, Liverpool, and Aberdeen providing crucial points opportunities.

The final stretch comes in May, with trips to Leeds, Birmingham, and Sheffield rounding off the league phase before the season’s grand finale. The top four players will then battle for the title at The O2 on May 28, an event which has become one of the highlights of the sporting calendar.

Building on 2025’s Success

The 2025 Premier League season was hailed as one of the most competitive in history, featuring record attendances and a dramatic conclusion at The O2. By expanding the reach into Belgium, the PDC aims to build on that momentum and provide fans with another year of unforgettable darts.

For players, the tournament remains a gruelling test of consistency, skill, and stamina across 16 league nights plus Finals Night. For fans, it promises another season of packed arenas, electric walk-ons, and dramatic finishes.

As the Premier League continues to evolve, the addition of Antwerp ensures the 2026 campaign will be remembered as the year darts truly widened its European footprint. With the likes of Humphries, Littler, and Van Gerwen leading the charge, and with Belgian fans set to roar on their homegrown stars, the stage is set for a historic season.

2026 Premier League dates confirmed as Antwerp is in and Exeter is axed 

2026 BetMGM Premier League Schedule

Night 1 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle – Thursday February 5

Night 2 – AFAS Dome, Antwerp – Thursday February 12

Night 3 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow – Thursday February 19

Night 4 – SSE Arena, Belfast – Thursday February 26

Night 5 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff – Thursday March 5

Night 6 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham – Thursday March 12

Night 7 – 3Arena, Dublin – Thursday March 19

Night 8 – Uber Arena, Berlin – Thursday March 26

Night 9 – AO Arena, Manchester – Thursday April 2

Night 10 – Brighton Centre, Brighton – Thursday April 9

Night 11 – Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – Thursday April 16

Night 12 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool – Thursday April 23

Night 13 – P&J Live, Aberdeen – Thursday April 30

Night 14 – First Direct Arena, Leeds – Thursday May 7

Night 15 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham – Thursday May 14

Night 16 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield – Thursday May 21

Finals Night – The O2, London – Thursday May 28