Badminton Eyes ‘New Era’ With Proposed Shift to 15-Point Scoring

The global governing body for badminton is weighing a fundamental change to the sport’s scoring system, proposing a move from the traditional 21-point set to a shorter 15-point format. The initiative, described as a step toward a “new era,” aims to modernize the game’s pace and prioritize athlete longevity.

Under the current regulations, matches are decided by the best of three sets, with each set played to 21 points. The new proposal would maintain the best-of-three structure but reduce the requirement to 15 points per set. This 3×15 format is designed to increase the dynamism of matches, making the sport more appealing to spectators and better suited for television broadcasts.

Prioritizing Player Health and Broadcast Appeal

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has cited two primary drivers for the change: the physical demands on athletes and the requirements of modern media. By shortening the sets, the BWF believes the physical load on players will decrease, potentially lowering the risk of injuries and allowing professionals to enjoy longer careers.

Beyond health, the governing body views the 3×15 model as a more sustainable foundation for the future. The shorter format is intended to align with the expectations of current audiences and the constraints of TV scheduling, where unpredictable match lengths can pose challenges for broadcasters.

For those unfamiliar with the organization’s history, the BWF—which rebranded from the International Badminton Federation (IBF) in 2006—has a long history of evolving the game’s standards, dating back to the first official set of rules adopted by member nations in 1939.

The Roadmap to Implementation

The transition to a 15-point system is not immediate and is currently subject to a formal approval process. The BWF has opened a public consultation period, inviting fans and stakeholders to provide their input on the proposal. This window for public feedback remains open until April 15.

Following the consultation, the proposal will move to a formal vote. Members of the BWF will cast their ballots during the Annual General Meeting scheduled for April 25 in Horsens, Denmark. If the membership approves the change, the new scoring system is slated to take effect on January 4, 2027.

Player Skepticism and the Path Forward

While the BWF promotes the change as a victory for innovation and wellbeing, the reaction from the court has been mixed. Reports indicate that a majority of players are not entirely convinced by the move to a shorter set.

The tension between administrative goals—such as TV friendliness and injury prevention—and player preference often defines major rule changes in professional sports. Whether the BWF can sway the athlete community before the April 25 vote remains to be seen.

The sports world now looks to Horsens, where the BWF membership will decide if badminton trades its 21-point tradition for a faster, more condensed future. We will provide updates following the results of the General Meeting on April 25.

Do you think shorter sets will make badminton more exciting to watch, or does it take away from the endurance aspect of the game? Let us know in the comments.