Newcastle welcomed the return of the BetMGM Premier League on Wednesday February 4, with the tournament’s sponsor planting a giant golden dart in front of the Tyne Bridge. Marking the competition’s return to the city for Thursday’s opening night of action, all eight players, including last year’s winner Luke Humphries carrying the trophy, were quayside […]
Newcastle welcomed the return of the BetMGM Premier League on Wednesday February 4, with the tournament’s sponsor planting a giant golden dart in front of the Tyne Bridge.
Marking the competition’s return to the city for Thursday’s opening night of action, all eight players, including last year’s winner Luke Humphries carrying the trophy, were quayside to pose with the three-metre tall structure.
The players will go head-to-head at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on Thursday night and compete for a total prize pot of £1,250,000 over the 17-week multi-city league event.
As an extra incentive for the eight Premier League competitors, for the second year running, BetMGM will reward any player who hits a nine-darter with a set of 18ct gold darts worth £30,000. Remarkably this was achieved five times in 2025, causing the title sponsor to shell out £150,000 worth of darts to the competitors.
2025 BetMGM Premier League winner, Luke Humphries, said: “Newcastle is a really fun place to come for the darts and we’re all excited to get the 2026 BetMGM Premier League campaign underway.
“Seeing BetMGM’s giant dart on the Tyne today with the iconic bridge behind us has set the scene perfectly and I can’t wait to defend the title I won last year, particularly with BetMGM’s 18ct gold darts up for grabs again!”
BetMGM’s Brand Director, Dan Towse, said: “The opening night of the BetMGM Premier League is unique, and we wanted to help build the anticipation this year with an eye-catching display at one of Newcastle’s most iconic locations.
“Our giant golden dart made a splash in Cardiff a couple of years ago and today’s event in Newcastle’s city centre has made us the talk of the town! The players all seem really excited to have the BetMGM Premier League Darts back, especially with our 18ct gold darts again on offer for any nine-darter. Today’s stunt sets the tone for the energy and entertainment fans can expect from BetMGM throughout the Premier League Darts season.”
PDC Head of Commercial, Adam Perfect, said: “The Premier League has a long and special relationship with Newcastle, and launching this year’s event with BetMGM’s giant dart on the banks of the River Tyne is a fantastic way to celebrate that. Our players love coming here, the atmosphere at the Utilita Arena is always electric, and this visual moment on the river really underlines how big the BetMGM Premier League Darts has become.”
The BetMGM Premier League will feature eight of the sport’s biggest names going head-to-head across 17 nights throughout the UK and Europe, with each of 16 league nights comprising quarter-finals, semi-finals and a final over the best of 11 legs.
Ranking points will be awarded per night – with five to the winner, three to the runner-up and two to the semi-finalists – to form the league table from which the top four players will progress to Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday May 28.