World Matchplay Darts 2026 schedule announced; Premier League format set to remain unchanged until 2028

The Professional Darts Corporation released the draw, schedule and increased prize fund for the 2026 World Matchplay, which will be held at Blackpool's Winter Gardens from 18 to 26 July. The 32‑player field consists of the top 16 from the two‑year world rankings and the next 16 from the one‑year Pro Tour rankings. Defending champion Luke Littler opens the tournament against Niko Springer, and the event features a series of best‑of‑leg matches culminating in a best‑of‑35‑leg final.

Separately, Matchroom Sport chairman Barry Hearn said the Premier League Darts format is likely to stay the same through the 2027 season, with any major revisions not expected before 2028. Hearn noted the current eight‑player league remains commercially strong, citing a 99.28 % ticket sell‑out rate, and warned that changes could disrupt the competition’s popularity among the majority of fans.