The Premier League Darts comes to a close next week at The O2 with a champion crowned between Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price. But as the season heads towards a close, a debate has erupted over the future of the format after Price mooted a Royal Rumble-style concept on social media on Monday.
Price's proposal would see up to 26 players used in a last-man-standing tournament, with the winner receiving a belt, prize money, and a spot in next year's Premier League. He also called for a return to a 10-player league format, which was previously used before the current eight-player weekly knockout system was introduced in 2022. The idea has sparked a wide-ranging discussion among DartsNews.com editors, with opinions split on its feasibility and appeal.
Samuel Gill, Head Editor, backed the concept, saying: 'The Premier League both as someone covering it and also someone who loves darts is stale and is a chore.' He argued that the current format produces too many repetitive matchups, such as Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries five times this season, and that the Royal Rumble element would add intrigue. Lucas Michael, Editor, also liked the idea of expanding the field, noting that players like Nathan Aspinall, James Wade and Danny Noppert could be brought back in. However, he added: 'As for the royal rumble idea, I am not so sure... There is another place for it, whether in an exhibition or a standalone event.'
Nicolas Gayer, Editor for DartsNews.DE, was more critical, stating: 'My television has stayed off on Thursday nights for almost two years now — unless there is football on.' He questioned whether the Royal Rumble format and genuine sporting competition go together, saying: 'In the show-sport world of wrestling, which is built around scripted storylines? Of course — wonderful. But in darts, and especially in a league that should represent the very best side of the sport? No, thank you.' Mats Leering, Editor for DartsNieuws.com, agreed with a return to the old format but opposed the WWE-style addition: 'I don’t think this is feasible. Nor do I see what the benefit for that player would be.'
Pieter Verbeek, Editor for DartsNieuws.com, suggested a hybrid: starting with ten players, eliminating the bottom two after nine weeks, then switching to the knockout format for the remaining eight. He also proposed adding exhibition matches featuring local heroes or former professionals like John Henderson or Wayne Mardle. Oliver Ried, Editor for DartsNews.DE, concluded: 'I want to see new faces rather than the same eight players every year.' While there is no consensus on the Royal Rumble idea, the panel unanimously agrees that the current format lacks seasonal jeopardy.
