Gian van Veen Admits He Tried to Convince Gary Anderson to Return to the Premier League

Having lost his 2026 PDC World Darts Championship semi-final to newly crowned Dutch number one Gian van Veen, Scottish legend Gary Anderson will not qualify automatically for the 2026 Premier League.

On merit alone, Anderson would be a strong candidate for one of the wildcard selections made by the PDC and Sky Sports.

However, a return to the 17-week roadshow remains highly unlikely, with the two-time world champion repeatedly insisting he will never play in the invitational event again.

Despite fans hoping Anderson may yet change his mind, the Scot has been unwavering throughout the tournament, even jokingly deflecting questions whenever the Premier League was mentioned.

“I Couldn’t Give a Monkeys”

Anderson once again doubled down on his stance in a recent TalkSPORT interview, making it clear that even another world title would not tempt him back.

“No, no I'm quite happy, I need to concentrate on my rankings. If I done the Premier League, Europeans gone, Players Championship gone,” Anderson said.

“I couldn't give a monkeys [if I'm world champion]. I can't do it; it's been great the years I've done it.”

For Anderson, the relentless travel and impact on the wider ranking events remain deal-breakers, regardless of his form or status.

Van Veen’s Dream Line-Up

Van Veen, who defeated Anderson in a classic Ally Pally semi-final, has openly admitted the Scot was his childhood hero, ahead of fellow Dutch icons Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen.

The 23-year-old revealed that he even tried to persuade Anderson to reconsider his Premier League stance before their blockbuster encounter, with Van Veen set to make his debut in the competition this year.

"Even before the semi-final tonight, I asked Gary, You got to be in the Premier League?” He told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

"He said, No, I can't do it. too much travel, blah, blah, blah."

"I said, just join us. Come play in the Premier League because that's what we all want to see.”

Van Veen admitted the feeling is shared across the sport.

"We all say this to him. What Gary's capable of, so that's what we want. But if Gary says, 'I'm not doing it', then that's his decision."

"But if it's down to me, of course I would like to Gary be involved."

Littler: “He’s Been There and Done It”

Teenage sensation Luke Littler also weighed in on Anderson’s Premier League future following his own semi-final victory over Ryan Searle, and he’s far from convinced the Scot will return.

“Like Gary has said, if he’s in the Premier League then he’s had a kick up the backside,” Littler said. 

“I don't think he will. He’s been there and done it before.”

Littler even doubts whether Anderson’s darts-mad son, Kai, could persuade him to reconsider.

"It’s Gary who’s throwing the darts. He’s got his wife and kids supporting him. It’s whatever Gary does, and I don't think he could change that.” 

"That’s Gary and I don't think he will,” Littler concluded.