Badminton World Federation (BWF) has dropped a bombshell that promises to change the face of the sport forever. Starting in 2027, the BWF World Tour will undergo its most radical transformation yet, featuring a revamped six-tier structure with 36 tournaments, massive prize money injections, and a format overhaul designed to turn badminton into a global festival.
The biggest change hits the top tier. The Super 1000 tournaments—the crown jewels of the tour—are evolving into “Grand Slam-style” events.
- Group Stage: Men’s and Women’s Singles will now feature a Group Stage followed by knockout rounds (48 entries), guaranteeing fans more matches between their favorite stars. Doubles will retain a 32-pair knockout draw.
- Two-Weekend Spectacle: These tournaments will now span 11 days across two weekends, creating a festival atmosphere.
- Total Coverage: Every single one of the 219 matches will be produced for broadcast, played across a sleek two-court setup featuring cutting-edge LED A-board technology.
Players are set for a major payday. The BWF has announced significant prize money increases across all tiers, with the Super 1000 events breaking the $2 million barrier.
The revolution isn’t limited to the tour. The BWF Major Championships are expanding to include more nations and deliver more drama.
- World Championships (from 2027): Will adopt a Group Stage + Knockout format for both singles and doubles, ensuring top seeds play more matches.
- Team Championships Expansion: Both the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals (from 2028) and the Sudirman Cup Finals (from 2027) will expand to feature 24 teams, opening the door for emerging badminton nations.
- 12-Day Marathon: All Majors will run over 12 days, with every match produced live.
For the fans watching at home, the experience is getting a massive upgrade.
- Double the Action: The number of TV-produced matches will skyrocket from 1,410 to approximately 3,000 annually.
- Next-Gen Tech: Expect LED A-boards, improved lighting, virtual overlays, and a brand-new OTT platform to ensure you never miss a smash
