Premier League Darts 2026: Exeter loses hosting rights to Antwerp

Westpoint Arena in Exeter has been omitted from the Premier League Darts line-up for 2026.

The series will head to Belgium for the first time next year, with Antwerp chosen to replace Exeter as one of the 17 host venues.

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) is eager to broaden its horizons to reflect the sport’s growing popularity with audiences worldwide.

That point is evidenced by the ongoing 2026 World Darts Championship in London, which features numerous players from overseas.

The Netherlands, Germany, United States, Australia and India are among the countries represented in the expanded field of 128 players.

Several overseas stars have been tipped by Spreadex Sports to make their mark in the tournament 180s standings including Gian van Veen, Danny Noppert and Michael van Gerwen.

The latter player was part of the Premier League line-up in Exeter last year, but was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Rob Cross.

Luke Humphries eventually emerged victorious in the eight-man mini-tournament, recording an impressive 6-4 victory over reigning world champion Luke Littler.

Darts fans in the south west will now be denied a local opportunity to watch their favourites in action next year following the PDC’s decision to award Antwerp a spot on the schedule.

PDC chief executive officer Matt Porter said: "With the Premier League, we always have to be conscious of the fact it is heavily UK-focused which is obviously the heart bed of darts.

“But increasingly we are becoming more of a global sport. There is a demand for events from audiences not just in Europe but in the wider world.

"With what has happened in Belgium in recent years, Antwerp was the logical choice for us. It is difficult, we have to make tough choices about venues.

"Exeter has always had a fantastic atmosphere and we are extremely conscious of the fact that we do not have a lot of activity in the south west.

"But there is a dearth of venues and we have to look at which venues we feel can take the game forward. We definitely aren't ruling out going back there but for now, it is not going to be on the list."

Local darts fans now have a limited choice if they want to watch Premier League Darts without travelling too far next year.

The Utilita Arena in Cardiff is the nearest location, while the Brighton Centre in Brighton has also retained hosting rights for 2026.

However, the decision to remove Exeter from the schedule is undoubtedly a massive blow to the sport in the south west.

Premier League Darts 2026 Schedule