James Wade has not competed in the Premier League Darts since reaching the semi-finals in 2022, but according to former professional Matthew Edgar, a highly anticipated return could be on the cards in 2027 — five years after his most recent appearance. Edgar, speaking on the Love the Darts podcast, was emphatic about Wade's credentials. "I'm glad you mentioned it before me. I was going to bring it up anyway," he said. "I was going to say Premier League, but it seems every time I mention it in the moment, people want to run me down, saying it's too early. I'll also have my Christmas tree up in a couple of weeks, just to let you know. But James Wade, absolutely."
Wade's recent form has been nothing short of remarkable. 'The Machine' most recently reached the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix, losing out to eventual champion Luke Humphries. In 2026, he has reached five major quarter-finals, most notably the UK Open final, and also won a title on the European Tour and World Series of Darts. This form has seen him rise to sixth in the world and makes him one of the most dangerous players on the planet. Wade has competed in the Premier League Darts 12 times, and was the 2009 champion.
Edgar admitted he was surprised Wade was not included in the 2026 Premier League lineup. "I was kind of surprised he wasn't in it this year, or at least in the conversation, because it was sort of Stephen Bunting and Danny Noppert who weren't in that split decision for the eighth position. I was surprised James Wade wasn't in the consideration then." But now, the form the Englishman has played in makes him a huge favourite to be among the names competing for Premier League glory next year. "He has to be. He has to be now."
His chances could be boosted by a format change. "There's rumours, isn't there, about the potential growth to 10 players. If that is the case, I think he's a certainty," Edgar said. However, a huge caveat remains: a poor PDC World Darts Championship result could sway opinion. Wade, who has exited the event at Ally Pally in the second round four times on the spin, needs to improve that result. "I think it's a tough argument right now to say he's not. We know the short-term and recency bias kicks in. If he has a poor World Championship, if the back end of the year doesn't go well, people can forget what happens through the rest of the season very quickly. But right now, I say James Wade, for me, 100% in the Premier League."
