The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has unveiled a series of rule changes just before the World Darts Championship final, which takes place on Saturday night. The final sees Luke Littler, aiming for his second consecutive title, face Gian van Veen. The new rules, effective from December 31, 2025, cover the upcoming season and were announced via the Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA) website.
Key changes include adjustments to affiliate membership, with Women's Series players now added to Development Tour players. The Women's World Matchplay will now include ranked eligible players ahead of the Women's Series Rankings. For the World Cup, qualifying criteria for countries without two world-ranked players have been clarified.
Restrictions on Tour Card holders for affiliate events and other PDC-sanctioned qualifying tournaments have been lifted. Affiliate Tours have been aligned with the Development Tour and Women's Series, with eligibility based on being outside the top 64 in the World Ranking at the close of entry.
The European Tour draw procedure has been altered so that reserves are now placed in the lowest grouping. The Grand Slam of Darts will increase to 48 players, with criteria to be announced. For the World Championship, precedence for qualification and draw procedures for the 2025/2026 event has been included.
These rule changes are reviewed throughout the season by the PDC and PDPA, with players able to raise issues for consideration. The final decision on all rules rests with the PDC Board of Directors.
