BWF confirms shift to 3x15 scoring format from 2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has officially approved a major scoring reform, switching from the current 3x21 system to a faster 3x15 format starting Jan 4 next year, following its Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark. The change is part of the federation’s push towards innovation, improved player welfare, and extending career longevity in the sport.
4 Key Highlights
- BWF confirms major scoring reform, replacing 3x21 with a faster 3x15 format from Jan 4 next year
- Matches remain best-of-three but are shortened, with key rule tweaks including 15-point games and faster intervals
- Datuk Jack Koh says the new system will push badminton towards a more aggressive, explosive and entertainment-driven style
- Shorter matches expected to boost fan engagement and broadcast efficiency, but demand higher intensity and adaptation from players
How the new 3x15 system will work
Under the revised format, matches will remain best of three games, but each game will now be played to 15 points instead of 21, while point-per-rally scoring is retained.
At 14-14, players must still win by two clear points, while at 20-all, the next point decides the game. In the decisive third game, ends are changed once a side reaches 8 points, with a 60-second interval taken at that stage.
“Faster, more explosive and more commercial”
Petaling Badminton Club CEO Datuk Jack Koh believes the new system will significantly reshape how the sport is played and consumed. He said: “The 3x15 system is not just a scoring change. It changes how badminton is played, consumed and commercialised. It moves the sport towards speed, precision and entertainment, which is exactly where global sports are heading today.”
Playing style to become more aggressive
Jack expects a clear shift towards faster, more attacking badminton, with each rally carrying greater importance and rewarding explosive play.
“Young players may benefit from speed and explosiveness, but experienced players still have the advantage of game intelligence, shot precision and tactical control under pressure,” he said. “So I would say skill, tactics and composure will matter even more than age.”
Fans, broadcasters and players to benefit differently
Jack also believes the shorter format will better suit modern audiences, saying it will improve fan engagement with more high-intensity, highlight-driven action.
He added that broadcasters and organisers will benefit from more predictable match durations and tighter scheduling, making tournaments more efficient and commercially attractive. However, he noted that the format will require a major adjustment period for players, especially older athletes adapting to higher-intensity rallies.
