Badminton Scoring Overhaul: Best-of-Three to 15 Points Revolution

Starting January 2024, the Badminton World Federation will implement a scoring change to best-of-three matches with 15 points each. The new system, designed to offer a sustainable future for the sport, promises shorter, more predictable matches and aligns with the needs of players, organizers, and broadcasters.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced a significant change to the scoring system set to take effect from January 4, 2024. Moving forward, matches will adopt a best-of-three, first-to-15 points format, replacing the current best-of-three, first-to-21 system.

During the BWF Annual General Meeting held in Horsens, Denmark, it was decided that this change would provide a more sustainable future for the sport. The new system outperformed the previous 3x21 and an alternative 5x11 format in data reviews, according to BWF officials.

Designed to deliver shorter matches with predictable lengths, the alteration aims to benefit players with added recovery time and assist organizers and broadcasters in scheduling. BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul reassures that the essence of badminton remains untouched, and the change seeks to protect the sport's uniqueness while fostering a lasting connection with fans globally.