The Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council has agreed to propose a new 3×15 scoring system as the official scoring format for badminton. The proposal will be put to a membership vote at the BWF Annual General Meeting on Saturday 25 April 2026 in Horsens, Denmark.
This follows a detailed multi-year evaluation process combining statistical analysis, live competition testing, and consultation with key stakeholders across the badminton community.
At its meeting on 8 November 2025, the BWF Council agreed that the 3×15 system (with setting to 21) provides the best balance of match excitement, competitive fairness, player welfare, and tournament presentation.
The system has already been part of the Alternative Laws of Badminton and was tested in selected national and Grade 3 tournaments, as well as at the BWF World Junior Championships 2025.
BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said of the proposal: “Our responsibility is to ensure badminton continues to grow, inspire, and thrive at every level.
“After extensive testing and consultation, we believe the 3×15 scoring system provides a strong foundation for the sport’s future.
“It supports player welfare, keeps matches dynamic and engaging for global audiences, and helps badminton stand out in an increasingly fast-paced entertainment landscape.
“This approach reflects our commitment to long-term sustainability and innovation, and our continued support for players in their pursuit of excellence, enabling them to enjoy longer, more successful careers in the sport.”
BWF research shows that the 3×15 format offers several advantages compared to the current system:
- More Exciting and Competitive Matches
Reduced game length creates more close-score situations and more ‘exciting points’, increasing overall match suspense.
- Faster Progress to Critical Points
Players reach decisive ‘endgame’ situations sooner, maintaining pace and audience engagement.
- Shorter and More Predictable Match Durations
A reduced number of points helps improve scheduling, tournament flow, and broadcast consistency while supporting player recovery and reducing fatigue.
- Benefits Across All Stakeholder Groups
- Players: reduced physical load, lower injury risk, longer careers, and more energy and engagement per rally.
- Technical Officials: less fatigue and more consistent performance over long tournament days.
- Fans & Broadcasters: more dynamic viewing experience and higher player performance levels.
- Tournament Hosts: more efficient operational planning and stronger spectator engagement.
Leeswadtrakul added: “We look forward to presenting this proposal to our membership at the BWF AGM 2026. This proposal forms part of BWF’s broader long-term strategy to modernise tournament formats and enhance how badminton is presented worldwide.”
Source: BWF
