James Wade has sent a blint message after missing out on the 2026 Premier League Darts line-up along with the likes of Nathan Aspinall, Ryan Searle and Rob Cross
James Wade has expressed his frustration after being left out of the 2026 Premier League Darts lineup. Whilst the 2009 champion was believed to be in the running for the PDC tournament, he was ultimately overlooked alongside the likes of Danny Noppert, Rob Cross, Ryan Searle and Nathan Aspinall.
Following the announcement that he wouldn’t be included, Wade didn’t hesitate to voice his feelings on social media with a frank statement. He posted on X: “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. James.”
This follows Wade’s surprising second-round elimination at the recent PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace. Having defeated Ryusei Azemoto 3-0 in his opening match, the four-time semi-finalist was knocked out by Ricky Evans 3-2 in an extraordinarily tight contest.
This year’s Premier League Darts lineup features 2026 PDC Champion Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen. Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price and Josh Rock have also been confirmed as wildcards, reports the Express.
While the line-up has sparked excitement among many fans, Wayne Mardle couldn’t resist pointing out an issue with Stephen Bunting’s inclusion.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he expressed: “I’m slightly surprised at Stephen Bunting. 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 okay in the Premier League last year but results didn’t go well, especially for the first eight weeks when he didn’t win a game.
“You can’t argue with any of them in terms of their ability and what they are capable of but Bunting will be the one who will breathe a huge sigh of relief. Danny Noppert has been really unlucky. He’s reached the semi-finals of four majors.
“Nathan Aspinall had a squeak but Noppert I feel – what’s he got to do? He won the UK Open a few years ago.
“Since then he’s got better and better. Maybe he’s got to reach a final or win one, but Stephen hasn’t done that this year. With the performances of last year, I thought that would have gone against him rather than for him but he’s got a massive following!”.
Premier League Darts takes place on Thursdays from February through May.