[Saba Sports News] On April 25, the 87th Annual General Meeting of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) held a vote on the proposal for reforming the badminton scoring system in Horsens, Denmark. The new rules will replace the current best-of-three format with 21 points per game and adopt a three-game 15-point scoring system. The reform proposal secured 198 votes in favor and 43 against. With the approval rate exceeding two-thirds, it was officially passed. The new scoring system is scheduled to be fully implemented in January 2027.
To evaluate the new format, the BWF launched pilot tests starting in April 2025 across selected low-tier tournaments such as International Challenges and national championships. Match data and feedback collected during the trials laid a solid foundation for the final decision. According to the BWF, the 15-point system is designed to boost the excitement and intensity of matches, quicken the pace to crucial points, shorten and better control match duration, and ultimately benefit all stakeholders including players, spectators and broadcasters.
Under the new rules, the first side to reach 15 points wins a game. In the event of a 14-all tie, a two-point clear lead will be required to claim victory. There is also a 21-point cap rule: once the score is tied at 20-all, the first player or pair to score 21 points will win the game directly.
In my opinion, the BWF’s 15-point scoring reform is a structural adjustment oriented toward commercial promotion and athlete protection. However, it has weakened badminton’s inherent tactical depth and the charm of come-from-behind victories. Following its official rollout in 2027, tournament statistics, player feedback and audience acceptance will serve as the core criteria to judge whether the new scoring system is a success or failure.