The Badminton World Federation (BWF) celebrated a historic and eventful 2024, marked by outstanding competitions, innovative developments, and significant global outreach. From the highly successful Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games to record-breaking engagement in digital platforms, badminton continues to cement itself as one of the world’s most popular sports. Here are the key takeaways from the 2024 BWF Annual Report.
Paris 2024: A Landmark Moment for Badminton
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were a defining moment for badminton, attracting record-breaking global viewership and media engagement. The competitions showcased thrilling matches, with top athletes reaffirming their dominance on the world stage. Badminton ranked in the top quartile of all International Federations in global broadcast hours and net reach during the Games.
Additionally, a unique sports initiation activation at the Olympic venue allowed over 30,000 spectators to experience the sport firsthand, demonstrating badminton’s growing influence beyond competitive play.
Celebrating 90 Years of BWF
2024 marked BWF’s 90th anniversary, a milestone celebrated at the 85th BWF Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the 12th Members’ Forum in Chengdu, China. The occasion underscored the federation’s growth from its humble beginnings to its status as a global sporting powerhouse.
Athlete and Fan Engagement at an All-Time High
Badminton’s global fanbase saw remarkable growth in 2024, with an estimated 744 million fans worldwide and 384 million active players. The sport was ranked as the second most followed sport in the surveyed markets, trailing only football. A near-even gender split of 53% male and 47% female fans highlighted the increasing inclusivity of the sport.
The BWF’s digital footprint also saw unprecedented expansion:
- 2.476 million new social media followers
- 2.428 billion video views, marking a 69.1% increase from 2023
- 94.3 million total engagements, up 76% from the previous year
- Launch of BWF TikTok, amassing 446.6K followers and 400 million+ views within the first year
Groundbreaking Events and Championships
BWF successfully organized major tournaments, including:
- TotalEnergies BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2024 (Chengdu, China) – A historic event with over 92,000 spectators.
- HSBC BWF World Tour 2024 – Marked by exceptional performances, including five consecutive finals wins by Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping.
- BWF World Junior Championships 2024 (Nanchang, China) – Featuring the successful introduction of the relay team system.
- BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024 (Pattaya, Thailand) – A record-breaking participation from 52 nations.
Governance and Leadership Changes
2024 marked the final full year of service for outgoing BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer, the second-longest serving President in BWF history. Under his leadership, BWF expanded its global reach and implemented governance innovations to strengthen the sport’s future.
Investment in Development and Integrity
BWF reinforced its commitment to the sport’s growth through:
- US$5.16 million in funding for Continental Confederations to support grassroots development.
- Shuttle Time Programme expanded to 162 Member Associations, training over 80,000 teachers worldwide.
- AirBadminton initiatives flourished, with 85 countries hosting national competitions and new courts installed across key cities.
- Enhanced integrity measures, including new vetting rules for Council elections and policy steps for player health and safety.
Looking Ahead
As badminton moves forward, BWF is poised to build on its momentum. With plans to expand digital engagement, enhance development programs, and continue hosting world-class events, the future of badminton looks brighter than ever.
The 2024 BWF Annual Report highlights an extraordinary year for the sport, reinforcing badminton’s global appeal and its unwavering commitment to growth and innovation.
The full 2024 BWF Annual Report is available for download at www.bwf.sport.
