Nathan Aspinall once sparked major debate in the darts world after calling for two high-profile players to be removed from the Premier League Darts line-up, insisting that commitment should matter more than reputation.
The former UK Open champion, who has established himself as one of the sport’s most popular figures in recent years, made the comments while discussing the structure and selection process of the Premier League. Aspinall argued that players who no longer show enthusiasm for the competition should not be guaranteed a place, regardless of their achievements or standing in the game.
At the time, Aspinall pointed directly at Gary Anderson and Gerwyn Price, both of whom had previously voiced frustrations about the Premier League’s demanding weekly schedule. Anderson, a two-time world champion, has often spoken about the physical and mental toll of the travelling circus, while Price has also questioned whether the format suits him.
Aspinall was blunt in his assessment. He claimed that if players are publicly admitting they do not enjoy the Premier League or are struggling to stay motivated, then they should step aside for others who are desperate for the opportunity.
“I don’t get it,” Aspinall said. “If you don’t want to be there, don’t be there. There are players who would give absolutely everything to play in the Premier League and treat it like the massive honour it is.”
The Stockport thrower stressed that the competition should reward hunger and commitment, not just past success. He argued that fans pay to watch players who want to be on stage every week and who are prepared to give 110 per cent, even when results are not going their way.
His comments came at a time when Aspinall himself was fighting to cement his own Premier League status. He made it clear that, for him, the event represents one of the biggest stages in the sport, offering not only prize money but invaluable exposure and experience against the world’s best.
Unsurprisingly, Aspinall’s remarks divided opinion within the darts community. Some fans backed his stance, agreeing that the Premier League should showcase players who relish the spotlight and embrace the grind of the format. Others felt he was being unfair on established stars who have already given years of service to the sport and earned the right to manage their schedules as they see fit.
Neither Anderson nor Price responded aggressively to the comments, but the debate highlighted a long-running issue within the PDC: whether Premier League selection should be based purely on rankings and star power, or on form, attitude and willingness to commit to the relentless weekly schedule.
While Aspinall’s call for change was controversial, it reinforced his reputation as a player unafraid to speak his mind. It also underlined the growing pressure on Premier League participants to not only perform on the oche, but to fully buy into the spectacle that has become one of darts’ flagship events.
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