BWF Approves 3x15 Scoring Overhaul for Badminton in 2027

The Badminton World Federation approved a major overhaul to the sport's scoring system on Saturday, shifting from the traditional best-of-three games to 21 points to a new best-of-three format to 15 points, effective January 4, 2027. The decision came during the BWF's Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, where the proposal passed with the required two-thirds majority of votes from council members.

The change, described by BWF officials as the most significant in modern badminton history, aims to shorten match durations and enhance overall appeal. According to the federation, extensive testing and data analysis demonstrated that the 3x15 system outperformed the current 3x21 format and an alternative 5x11 option. Key benefits include more predictable game lengths, increased rally intensity, improved player recovery between matches, and better scheduling for tournaments and broadcasters. BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul hailed the move as a milestone, stating, "We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation, while continuing to invest in the long-term future of our players."

The new format is expected to introduce high-pressure moments earlier in...