BWF Announces Sweeping Reforms to Badminton World Tour from 2027
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has unveiled a series of transformative changes set to reshape the sport's global landscape starting in 2027. These reforms, detailed in a recent release, aim to enhance player welfare, increase broadcast coverage, and elevate the competitive structure of top-tier tournaments.
Extended Tournament Formats and Increased Super 1000 Events
In a significant shift, the BWF will expand the number of Super 1000 tournaments from the current setup to five, hosted across Asia and Europe. Each of these premier events will now span 11 days, incorporating two weekends to alleviate the physical strain on athletes. This move addresses longstanding concerns about player fatigue and injuries, which have plagued the sport due to back-to-back competitions with minimal recovery time.
The new format for singles events will feature 48 players competing in initial group stages followed by elimination rounds, while doubles events will adopt a 32-pair knockout draw. This structure ensures a more balanced schedule, allowing shuttlers greater recovery periods between matches. Notably, the BWF World Championships will also transition to a group-stage format followed by knockout play, mirroring the Olympic model and guaranteeing all participants at least two matches.
Massive Expansion in Broadcast Coverage
A cornerstone of the reforms is the dramatic increase in televised badminton content. The BWF confirmed that all 1,095 matches from the Super 1000 tournaments will be broadcast globally, eliminating the previous issue where side courts often went uncovered. This enhancement is part of a broader initiative to double the number of TV-produced matches across all BWF tournaments from 1,410 to approximately 3,000 annually from 2027 onwards.
This expansion is supported by the BWF's extended long-term deal with broadcast and commercial partners Infront, secured through 2034. The federation emphasized that these upgrades will create a year-round platform showcasing elite badminton, ensuring the sport's top-quality competitions remain central to global viewership.
Revamped World Tour Structure and Increased Prize Pool
The revamped BWF World Tour will feature 36 tournaments organized within a six-tier structure. In addition to the five Super 1000 events, the tour will integrate Super 100 tournaments into its orbit, broadening the competitive scope. The annual prize pool is set to rise to up to US$26.9 million, reflecting the sport's growing commercial appeal and investment.
Furthermore, the BWF Sudirman Cup Finals and BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals will expand to include more teams from 2027, promoting broader international representation and competitive diversity. These championships will transform into two-week global festivals of badminton, with a record number of TV-produced matches over 12 days, strengthening the sport's global brand.
Focus on Player Welfare and Strategic Objectives
The BWF highlighted that these reforms are strategically designed to prioritize player welfare. By extending competition windows across more tournament levels, the federation aims to improve playing conditions for the world's leading athletes. This approach aligns with the BWF's goal of supporting players in their pursuit of excellence and enabling longer, more successful careers in badminton.
Double Olympic gold medallist Viktor Axelsen, who has been vocal about the need for tour reforms, may find these changes a significant victory. The adjustments respond directly to concerns over the grueling schedule that has led to widespread injuries and depleted top fields in recent years.
In summary, the BWF's comprehensive reforms from 2027 promise to revolutionize badminton by fostering a more sustainable environment for players, expanding global broadcast reach, and enhancing the sport's competitive and commercial stature on the world stage.
