BWF Announces Massive 2027 Expansion: Group Stages, Five Super 1000s, and $26.9M Prize Pool
KUALA LUMPUR – The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has unveiled a transformative roadmap for the sport’s 2027–2034 cycle, marking a radical departure from traditional tournament structures. In partnership with commercial giant Infront, the BWF is set to double its broadcast output and overhaul its most prestigious events to favor player health and fan engagement.
Beginning in 2027, the badminton landscape will shift to a more immersive, “festival-style” format designed to elevate the sport’s commercial appeal and global reach.
A Revamped World Tour: The Power Five
At the center of the announcement is the expansion of the elite Super 1000 tier. Currently consisting of four events, the category will grow to five, with the Denmark Open joining the All England Open, China Open, Indonesia Open, and Malaysia Open at the top of the pyramid.
These elite tournaments will undergo a major format shift:
- Duration: Events will now span 11 days and two weekends (up from six days).
- Singles Format: A new 48-player group-stage followed by knockout rounds will replace the straight elimination system.
- Doubles Format: Will remain a 32-pair knockout draw.
- Total Coverage: Every single match—totaling 1,095 across the five events—will be produced for global broadcast.
The total annual prize pool across the 36-tournament World Tour is set to reach a record US$26.9 million, with Super 1000 winners competing for a share of a minimum US$2 million per event.
Major Championships: No More “One-and-Done”
The BWF is also reimagining its Grade 1 Major Championships to ensure stars remain on court longer. The BWF World Championships will adopt a group-stage format, guaranteeing every competitor at least two matches. This move aims to protect the commercial value of the tournament by preventing early exits of top-seeded players.
Additionally, the Sudirman Cup and the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals will expand to include more teams, broadening international representation. These championships will transform into two-week “global festivals” of badminton.
“We are not just shaping a series of tournaments; we are shaping a culture and identity,” said BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul. “In a world of endless entertainment choices, we must earn attention through creativity and storytelling.”
Prioritizing the Athlete Experience
One of the primary drivers behind the 11-day tournament window is player welfare. Following years of criticism regarding a grueling calendar, the new schedule allows for:
- More rest days between high-intensity matches.
- Better recovery windows to sustain longer professional careers.
- Enhanced facilities, including upgraded player lounges and dedicated medical environments.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund emphasized that the changes create a “future-ready framework” that balances commercial growth with athlete sustainability.
Digital Revolution and OTT Launch
To support this surge in content—which will see TV-produced matches jump from 1,410 to approximately 3,000 annually—the BWF and Infront will launch a new OTT (Over-the-Top) platform. This direct-to-consumer service will target underserved markets, utilizing AI integration and immersive digital experiences to connect fans directly with the sport’s “global icons.”
