Darts enthusiasts are up in arms following the Professional Darts Corporation’s (PDC) announcement of the 2026 Premier League schedule, which sees the removal of a beloved UK venue: Exeter Westpoint Arena. The decision, revealed on September 11, 2025, replaces Exeter with Antwerp in Belgium, marking the tournament’s first-ever trip to the country. While the expansion aims to broaden the event’s global reach, fans in England’s southwest have slammed the move as a “disgrace,” lamenting the loss of a staple stop that has hosted Premier League nights since 2009. Social media is ablaze with fury, with many calling it a “betrayal” of loyal supporters who now face longer travels for live action.
## The New Schedule: Antwerp Debuts as Exeter Bows Out
The 2026 BetMGM Premier League Darts will span 17 nights from February 5 to May 28, kicking off in Newcastle and concluding at London’s O2 Arena. Antwerp’s AFAS Dome will host Night 2 on February 12, a historic first for Belgium and the tournament’s widest-reaching season yet. Other venues include Rotterdam, Berlin, and a double-header in Scotland (Glasgow and Aberdeen), alongside staples like Cardiff, Brighton, and Manchester. PDC chief executive Matt Porter explained the rationale: “We’re delighted to be able to take the BetMGM Premier League to Belgium in 2026 during what will be our widest-reaching season yet.”
Exeter, however, has been axed after 17 years, its last appearance in 2025. The venue, known for its electric atmosphere and proximity to the southwest’s passionate fanbase, drew sell-out crowds and high viewing figures. Fans in Devon and Cornwall will now travel to Cardiff (Night 4, February 19), Brighton (Night 5, February 26), or London (Night 6, March 5) for the nearest action, a journey of up to three hours by car or train. The change coincides with the PDC’s push for international growth, but at the expense of domestic accessibility.
Fan Fury: “Disgraceful” and “Out of Touch”
The backlash has been swift and vocal, with fans accusing the PDC of prioritizing profit over passion. On X (formerly Twitter), one supporter vented: “Removing Exeter from Premier League Darts? Disgraceful. Southwest fans deserve better—now we have to trek to Cardiff? #SaveExeterDarts” (@DartsFanSW). Another called it “a slap in the face to loyal supporters who’ve packed Westpoint for years.” The hashtag #SaveExeterDarts trended briefly, with over 5,000 posts decrying the decision as “out of touch” and “greedy.”
Exeter’s history adds emotional weight: It hosted iconic nights, including Michael van Gerwen’s 2019 nine-darter and Luke Humphries’ 2024 title defense. Local fans highlighted the venue’s intimacy—seating 5,000—and affordability compared to larger arenas. “Exeter was the heart of darts in the southwest,” one commenter wrote. “This feels like the PDC forgetting its roots for global cash grabs.” Some speculated the removal stems from lower TV ratings or venue upgrades, but Porter’s statement focused on expansion: “The Premier League has always been UK-focused, but increasingly we are becoming more of a global sport.”
PDC’s Rationale and Broader Impact
Porter emphasized the schedule’s evolution, noting the addition of Antwerp aligns with darts’ international boom, driven by stars like Luke Littler. The 2026 tour will visit 17 cities across the UK and Europe, with Scotland gaining a second night in Aberdeen (Night 13, April 30). Tickets go on sale in October 2025 via pdc.tv/PLtickets, with prices expected to rise due to demand. Humphries, the 2025 champion, defended the changes: “Darts is global now—Belgium fans deserve a chance.”
However, the removal exacerbates concerns about accessibility for UK fans, especially in rural areas. Exeter’s axing follows a 2021 COVID hiatus, and some fear it signals a shift toward bigger, urban venues. The PDC has not commented on potential returns, but fan petitions are circulating online, urging reconsideration.
A Divided Darts Community
While some applaud the international push—”Great to see darts growing beyond the UK!” (@GlobalDartsFan)—southwest supporters feel sidelined. The controversy echoes past debates, like the 2024 Premier League format changes, but this venue snub hits harder for its emotional ties. As the 2025 season winds down with the World Grand Prix, fans hope the PDC listens before finalizing 2026 logistics. For now, Exeter’s absence leaves a void, turning what should be excitement for the new schedule into outright fury.
