The Darts Regulation Authority has moved to bar transgender women from any women‑only PDC tournament, citing a rule that only biological females may compete. The decision takes effect immediately and follows a policy review that began in 2025. Noa‑Lynn van Leuven, who broke ground by entering the 2024 PDC World Championship, said the ruling “effectively retired” her from women’s events, though she remains eligible for open draws.

The ban rests on a commissioned report by developmental biologist Dr Emma Hilton, which concluded that multiple small‑scale sex differences accumulate to give male players an edge in darts. Rights group Sex Matters echoed the argument, noting even modest advantages matter in a sport dominated by men. The World Darts Federation imposed a similar restriction last year, and the IOC recently barred trans women from the 2028 Games.

DRA maintains it welcomes all players, regardless of legal sex or gender identity, in open competitions, but insists women’s draws must remain biologically defined. Van Leuven’s exclusion removes the sport’s most visible trans competitor, reinforcing a split between inclusive open play and segregated women’s circuits. The ruling now shapes eligibility for every upcoming PDC women’s tournament.