Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has unveiled its ambitious plans for the BWF World Tour 2027-2030, introducing significant upgrades to tournament formats, prize money, and media production while inviting member associations to submit expressions of interest to host events. The new cycle promises to elevate the sport’s global profile, enhance player and fan experiences, and solidify badminton’s position as a premier international sport.
A Revamped Tournament Structure
One of the most notable changes in the 2027-2030 cycle is the integration of Super 100 tournaments into the BWF World Tour, bringing the total number of events to 36 across six levels: Super 1000, Super 750, Super 500, Super 300, Super 100, and the season-ending World Tour Finals. The Super 1000 tournaments will feature a groundbreaking new format, with singles adopting a group stage followed by knockout rounds (48 entries in MS/WS) and doubles maintaining a 32-entry knockout draw. These marquee events will span 11 days, with all 219 matches broadcast live—a first for badminton.
Prize money has also seen substantial increases, with Super 1000 tournaments offering a minimum of USD 2 million, up from USD 1.45 million in 2026. The BWF will now cover all minimum prize money commitments, providing financial stability for hosts while allowing them to voluntarily increase prize pools for additional prestige and ranking point incentives.
Enhanced Media and Production Standards
The BWF is raising the bar for broadcast quality, mandating full TV production for Super 1000 events (100% of matches, up from 51%) and increasing coverage for other levels. Key upgrades include:
- LED A-boards for Super 1000 and Super 750 events, with BWF managing operations and sponsorships.
- Virtual sponsorship integration, allowing territorial and on-screen branding.
- Lighting and court setups optimized for broadcast and player performance, with strict guidelines to ensure consistency.
These changes aim to expand badminton’s global reach, which already boasts over *00 million viewers annually, by delivering sharper, more engaging coverage across traditional and digital platforms.
Player-Centric Improvements
The new cycle emphasizes player welfare and experience:
- Top-ranked players (top 15 in singles, top 10 in doubles) must compete in all Super 1000 and Super 750 events, ensuring star power at the highest levels.
- Enhanced facilities, including mandatory player lounges with food, internet, and transport provisions.
- Longer tournament durations for Super 1000 events to reduce scheduling pressure.
Financial and Commercial Innovations
The BWF has streamlined its financial model, replacing multiple fees with a single BWF World Tour Operational Fee to simplify transactions. Hosts will benefit from BWF covering costs like LED A-board installations and prize money, while retaining ticketing and local sponsorship revenues. A Commercial Support Package will assist hosts in maximizing revenue from A-board sales at Super 1000, Super 750, and Super 500 events.
Host Selection Process and Timeline
Member associations have until July 25, 2025, to submit expressions of interest, with BWF prioritizing:
- Geographical diversity to ensure a balanced global calendar.
- Venue quality, including lighting, air control, and warm-up facilities.
- Commercial potential and media exposure in host cities.
Existing hosts from the 2023-2026 cycle will be automatically considered for continuation unless they opt out. New hosts must demonstrate organizational capability, government support, and a commitment to BWF’s branding and production standards.
Strategic Goals
The 2027-2030 cycle aligns with BWF’s long-term vision to:
- Strengthen the BWF World Tour as a unified, premium brand.
- Boost fan engagement through innovative presentation and technologies.
- Increase player earnings and competitive opportunities.
- Expand broadcast reach and sponsorship value.