James Wade Calls Out PDC After Premier League Snub And Singles Out Two Players
James Wade has questioned the PDC for a second time after he missed out on selection for the 2026 Premier League.
Wade, who reached the second round of the 2026 World Championship before losing to Ricky Evans, is currently ranked at world number 11.
The 42-year-old reached two televised major finals in 2025, losing to Luke Littler in the UK Open and World Matchplay.
He also made four semi-finals on the European Tour, and won a Players Championship event.
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Wade hasn't been invited to the Premier League for any of the last four editions, with his last appearance seeing him reach the semi-finals in 2022.
He won the Premier League title in 2009, and has reached at least the semi-final in seven of his 12 total appearances.
The PDC announced their 2026 picks on Monday, with Stephen Bunting, Jonny Clayton, Gerwyn Price and Josh Rock joining automatic qualifiers Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen.
Shortly after that announcement, Wade wrote on Twitter: "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."
Wade has now addressed his disappointment further in his column for the Daily Star.
'The Machine' stated that he feels 'lost' over the Premier League selection process, and claimed that the PDC 'seems to focus solely on the World Championship and overlook the previous 11 months'.
"I reached the finals of serious events like the UK Open and the World Matchplay, which are probably only eclipsed by the World Championship," he wrote. "I thought that should be enough.
"I've been consistently good, regularly reaching the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.
"Unfortunately, the World Championship has been somewhat of a curse for me. The PDC seems to focus solely on the World Championship and overlook the previous 11 months."
The 42-year-old went on to claim that he had been the third most consistent player on the tour during 2025, behind Littler and Humphries.
"I don't want to criticise the players selected for the event, but besides Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, I believe I've been one of the most consistent players throughout the season.
"I'm really gutted about this situation. I feel ready to compete again, but it feels like a gut punch.
"Nonetheless, I'm determined to get through it."
Topics: Darts, Premier League
Ryan Smart