The world of badminton is abuzz with anticipation as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) unveils a groundbreaking transformation for its pinnacle BWF World Tour Super 1000 events, set to take effect from the 2027 season and run through 2030. In a move designed to elevate the sport’s global appeal and player welfare, these premier tournaments will adopt a comprehensive 11-day format, echoing the prestige and duration of tennis Grand Slams.
This seismic shift promises a more intense, engaging, and thoroughly broadcast experience for fans worldwide. The number of Super 1000 events will remain at a coveted four per season, preserving their elite status, but each will now boast a minimum prize pool of a staggering USD 2 million, a significant increase that underscores the BWF’s commitment to rewarding top talent.
One of the most radical changes comes in the format of the singles events. Moving away from the traditional straight knockout, men’s and women’s singles will now feature a 48-player draw, incorporating a compelling group stage before transitioning into the thrilling knockout rounds. This mirrors the highly successful and strategic format employed at the Olympic Games, offering more matches for players and increased opportunities for fan engagement and upsets. This innovative structure ensures that even early-round matches carry significant weight, as players battle for crucial points to advance from their groups. It also provides a buffer for players to recover from an initial loss, adding an intriguing layer of tactical depth to the early stages of the tournament.
For doubles events (men’s, women’s, and mixed), the established and beloved knockout format will remain, with a competitive draw size of 32 pairs. This continuity ensures that the fast-paced, high-octane nature of doubles badminton continues to captivate audiences.
Beyond the on-court action, the BWF is making a monumental leap in broadcast coverage. From 2027, the Super 1000 events will be broadcast 100% from start to finish, spanning the entire 11-day duration from Thursday to Sunday of the following week. This unprecedented level of coverage will be facilitated by utilizing two fully televised courts throughout the tournament. This means fans will no longer miss a single shuttle, with every smash, dive, and delicate drop shot available for viewing. This commitment to comprehensive broadcasting is a game-changer, allowing for deeper storytelling, more in-depth analysis, and a truly immersive viewing experience, bringing the drama of badminton to screens across the globe.
The extended tournament duration, combined with the group stage format, directly addresses long-standing calls from elite players for more rest days and better recovery periods. This athlete-centric approach aims to reduce the physical toll of back-to-back matches, potentially leading to higher quality play and fewer injury withdrawals as the tournament progresses. It provides ample time for players to strategize, recuperate, and showcase their peak performance in the crucial latter stages.
This bold vision for the Super 1000 events positions badminton firmly alongside the world’s most prestigious sporting spectacles. With increased prize money, an innovative and engaging singles format, and unparalleled broadcast coverage, the BWF is setting the stage for an electrifying era of badminton. Fans can look forward to a more dramatic, more accessible, and ultimately, a more magnificent badminton experience starting in 2027. The countdown to a new golden age of badminton has officially begun!