After a devastating ruling by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) banned transgender players from women-only events, leaving star player Noa-Lynn van Leuven heartbroken and her “dream job” in jeopardy, she has finally broken her silence. Despite the initial shock and tears, van Leuven is adamant she is not retiring. Instead, she’s embracing a new chapter, exploring opportunities in mixed events and other circuits, proving her passion for darts remains stronger than ever, even as she parts ways with sponsor Cosmo Darts.
The Controversial Ban and Its Impact
In early April, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) made a significant and controversial decision: transgender darts players are now prohibited from competing in DRA-regulated women-only events, a category that includes the prestigious PDC Women’s Series.
For Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a prominent figure in women’s darts, this ruling was a profound blow. She described her initial reaction as “extreme emotion, teary-eyed and distraught,” feeling as though the decision had cost her “the dream job.” The subsequent silence from van Leuven left fans and the darts community questioning her future in the sport.
No Retirement: A Resilient Comeback
Breaking her silence, Noa-Lynn confirmed her resolve:
“I’m still processing the decision made by the DRA and the PDC. It hasn’t been easy, and it still hurts. But deep down I know I’m not ready to walk away from this game.”
This statement unequivocally puts to rest any rumors of retirement, signaling her unwavering commitment to darts.
A Track Record of Success
Van Leuven has been a formidable competitor since her debut on the PDC Women’s Series in 2022. Her impressive record highlights her talent and dedication:
- Six PDC Women’s Series titles, including two as recently as 2025.
- A significant PDC Challenge Tour title in 2024.
The Challenge Tour victory is particularly noteworthy, as it’s a mixed-gender event, underscoring her ability to compete at a high level regardless of gender categories. This is a crucial point, as the DRA ruling specifically bans her from women-only events, not from darts entirely. She remains eligible to compete in mixed-gender competitions.
New Horizons and Exciting Opportunities
The ban, while heartbreaking, has inadvertently opened new doors for van Leuven.
“The moment [DRA Ruling] meant my schedule suddenly opened up, and I’ve been using that time to explore WDF events and new opportunities within darts…”
She hinted at significant developments, stating, “And let’s just say, there are some exciting things ahead.” This suggests she is actively pursuing other avenues within the sport, likely including more mixed-gender tournaments and other darts organizations like the World Darts Federation (WDF).
A Change in Sponsorship: Farewell to Cosmo Darts
Alongside her statement on her future, Noa-Lynn also announced her separation from manufacturing company, Cosmo Darts.
Cosmo Darts had been a key supporter throughout her career, notably producing her own custom player darts. This was a significant milestone, as she was the first transgender player to receive her own signature line of darts.
Van Leuven expressed her gratitude:
“They’ve supported me with some of the best gear out there, and I’ll always be grateful for that. I still remember receiving my first set of darts just minutes before heading to Hildesheim for the Women’s Series.”
While this marks the end of a partnership, it’s clear the split is amicable, and she appreciates the support she received.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter Begins
Noa-Lynn van Leuven concluded her statement on an optimistic and intriguing note:
“New chapter loading… and trust me, you’ll want to see what’s next.”
This powerful message confirms her resilience and determination to continue her darts journey. Fans can eagerly anticipate her next moves, as she promises an exciting new phase in her career, proving that even setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
