PDC needs to overhaul another darts major after World Champs revamp | Other | Sport

After revamping the World Championship with an expanded field, it’s time for the PDC to overhaul another of its premier tournaments. While events at Alexandra Palace are at the front of every darts fan’s mind at present, the annual debate about the make-up of the Premier League will soon loom into view.

It’s a thankless task for the PDC decision makers, given the depth of talent in the game. Whichever wildcards are picked, there’ll be moans from fans and the players who’ve missed out. However, the PDC has backed itself into a corner with the current format, which has run its course and needs a shake-up. Introduced in 2022, it’s seen a mini-tournament played each night with quarter-finals, semis and a final. The top four in the eight-team league after 16 weeks then advance to the play-offs.

It’s gone down well with fans in attendance – the packed arenas are testament to that – but the PDC needs to switch things up. Armchair fans and several former players, including Phil Taylor, argue that the format has become stale and results in too many repeat matches.

As special as it is to see the two Lukes face off, it loses its lustre if they’re playing each other almost weekly. The overfamiliarity makes everything too pally and dilutes rivalries. There also needs to be new blood, as the field has been very samey in recent years.

PDC CEO Matt Porter has previously acknowledged that every Premier League has its shelf life. After four years, this one needs to be taken down, but the nightly tournament system doesn’t need to be discarded entirely. 

A new 12-player format could see a combination of the traditional league phase and knockout action. Over the first eight weeks, every player would play once a night with three points for a win, one for a draw (yes, the return of draws).

After eight weeks, two players are relegated and the same format continues, albeit with slightly longer matches.

Then, after 12 weeks, another two more stars are relegated before the knockout format returns for the remaining weeks, with the usual formula of the top four advancing to the play-offs. Whether this format or another one is adopted, it’s time for a change.