[Saba Sports News] The Badminton World Federation (BWF) officially announced a major overhaul of the competition format on April 26, which was approved by a vote at its annual general meeting. The well-established best-of-three, 21-point system familiar to fans for many years will be consigned to history. Starting from January 4, 2027, all international badminton tournaments will fully adopt a best-of-three, 15-point format.
Recently, BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul publicly explained the core considerations behind the reform during an event. Patama stated that the new format can further enhance match watchability and competitive intensity, optimize the overall tournament schedule, and make match duration more controllable and consistent. Meanwhile, it will help players recover physically better and reduce the risk of injuries.
Patama fully acknowledged the concerns raised by fans and some players. She pointed out that after the new rules officially take effect in January 2027, they will inevitably place short-term adaptive pressure on active players’ training rhythms and tactical systems, and will undoubtedly trigger discussions and concerns within the industry. Nevertheless, the core essence of badminton will remain unchanged. Instead, it will push players to deliver higher-intensity and more refined performances in technical application, tactical arrangement, physical fitness allocation and psychological gamesmanship.
In my opinion, whether the 15-point system can achieve its preset goals of being more exciting, healthier and more controllable still needs to be verified through extensive tournament practice after its official implementation in 2027. What is certain is that this reform marks the BWF’s proactive effort to adapt badminton to modern viewing habits and the media landscape, leading the sport into a new stage of development.