After the recent DRA decision to ban transgender players from women’s darts, a ruling that left her heartbroken and jeopardized her dream career, darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven has broken her silence. Despite the emotional blow, she confirms she is not retiring and remains fiercely committed to darts. While now barred from women-only events, she will continue competing in mixed competitions and is actively exploring new opportunities, hinting at a truly exciting future. She also announced an amicable split from her long-time sponsor, Cosmo Darts.
The Ban That Shook the Darts World
In early April, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) made a significant and controversial decision: transgender darts players would no longer be permitted to compete in DRA-regulated women-only events. This ruling directly impacts competitions like the PDC Women’s Series, a major platform for female darts players.
For Noa-Lynn van Leuven, this news was devastating. Her initial reaction was one of profound emotion, described as teary-eyed and distraught. The decision, she revealed, felt like it had cost her a dream job and an integral part of her identity within the sport.
“I’m Not Ready to Walk Away”: Noa-Lynn’s Resilient Return
Following the initial shock, a period of silence ensued, leaving fans and the darts community wondering about her next steps. However, Noa-Lynn has now spoken out, offering clarity and a powerful message of resilience.
“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,” she stated, firmly putting an end to any retirement rumors.
A Champion’s Track Record: Proving Her Mettle
Noa-Lynn van Leuven has been a prominent figure on the PDC Women’s Series since her official debut in 2022, alongside participating in various other darts events. Her achievements speak volumes about her skill and dedication:
- She clinched an impressive six titles on the Women’s Series, including two as recently as 2025.
- In 2024, she secured a significant PDC Challenge Tour title.
This Challenge Tour victory is particularly important, as it highlights her ability to compete successfully in mixed-gender events. The DRA ruling specifically bans her from women-only events, meaning she is still eligible and capable of competing in competitions open to all genders.
New Horizons: WDF and Beyond
The DRA ruling, while painful, has unexpectedly opened new doors for Noa-Lynn. She views this as an opportunity to explore different avenues within the sport.
“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… And let’s just say, there are some exciting things ahead.”
The **World Darts Federation (WDF)** is another major international darts organization, offering a different circuit of events. Her exploration of WDF events suggests she is actively seeking new competitive platforms where she can continue her career.
An Amicable Split: Saying Goodbye to Cosmo Darts
As part of her statement, Noa-Lynn van Leuven also announced her separation from darts manufacturing company, Cosmo Darts. Cosmo Darts had been a significant supporter throughout her career, even producing her own custom player darts – a notable achievement as the first transgender player to receive such recognition.
“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,” van Leuven shared, expressing her gratitude for their partnership.
“New Chapter Loading”: What’s Next for Noa-Lynn?
Ending her statement on a definitively positive note, Noa-Lynn offered her fans a glimpse into a promising future.
“New chapter loading… and trust me, you’ll want to see what’s next.”
It is clear that Noa-Lynn has decisively put any retirement rumors to rest. While the exact details of her next steps remain under wraps, her determination, talent, and positive outlook suggest a compelling new chapter is indeed about to unfold in the world of darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
