BWF approves 3×15 scoring for 2027

The Badminton World Federation membership has approved the introduction of the system, with the new format set to come into effect on 4 January in two years time, the sport's world governing body announced on Saturday.

The proposal was passed by the required two-thirds majority of votes cast at the 87th BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, according to a federation press release.

BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said the decision marked an important milestone for the future of badminton. "We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation, while continuing to invest in the long-term future of our players," she said.

The BWF said the 3×15 system is designed to increase excitement and competitiveness, improve scheduling consistency, and offer benefits for player welfare and recovery.

Leeswadtrakul added that the format aims to produce closer scores and more dramatic finishes by bringing high-pressure moments earlier in matches, helping maintain fan engagement from start to finish. The decision followed an extended period of testing, analysis and consultation with BWF members and stakeholders, the federation said.

The reform comes amid broader efforts by badminton's governing body to enhance the sport's global appeal, including improving broadcast scheduling predictability and ensuring more consistent match durations across tournaments.

The change marks a significant shift in how the sport is structured at elite level, with matches remaining best of three games. Under the new format, each game will be won by the first player or pair to reach 15 points, provided there is a two-point margin. At 20–20, the next point will decide the game.

The reform represents badminton's most significant scoring adjustment in two decades. The current 3×21 rally-point system, introduced in 2006, replaced the previous side-out scoring format, in which only the serving side could score points.

Under the 21-point system, matches are also played as best of three games, with games won by the first side to reach 21 points with a two-point advantage. At 29–29, the next point decides the game, with every rally producing a point regardless of serve.

The shift in 2006 was itself one of the sport's major modernisations, moving badminton towards faster, more television-friendly formats. The latest change continues that evolution, aiming to further increase intensity and shorten average match length while preserving competitive balance.