2026 Malaysia Masters
May 19 – May 24 SMT
The Perodua Malaysia Masters 2026 is set to electrify the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur this May. As a premier BWF World Tour Super 500 event, it remains a cornerstone of the international badminton calendar, drawing the world’s elite athletes to the heart of Malaysia.
Whether you are a seasoned fan or a first-time spectator, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 edition.
Tournament Overview
- Dates: Tuesday, 19 May – Sunday, 24 May 2026
- Venue: Axiata Arena, KL Sports City, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
- Status: BWF World Tour Super 500
- Total Prize Pool: USD 500,000
The tournament serves as a crucial mid-year battleground, following the Thailand Open and the China Masters. With ranking points and significant prize money on the line, the competition in the 28-player main draw is expected to be fierce across all five categories.
Prize Money Distribution
The total purse of USD 500,000 is distributed among the top performers. While the singles champions take home the largest individual checks, the doubles pairs also compete for a substantial share of the rewards.
| Category | Winner | Runner-up | Semifinalist | Quarterfinalist | Round of 16 |
| Singles (MS/WS) | $37,500 | $19,000 | $7,250 | $3,000 | $1,750 |
| Doubles (MD/WD/XD)* | $39,500 | $19,000 | $7,000 | $3,625 | $1,875 |
*Note: Prize money for doubles is per pair.
Provisional Competition Schedule
The action begins with a high-stakes Tuesday, where qualifiers fight for their spot in the main draw, followed immediately by the opening rounds of the Men’s and Women’s Doubles.
| Date | Round | Doors Open | Start Time |
| Tue, 19 May | Qualifiers & MD/WD Round 1 | 09:00 | 10:00 |
| Wed, 20 May | Main Draw Round 1 (All Events) | 08:00 | 09:00 |
| Thu, 21 May | Round of 16 | 09:00 | 10:00 |
| Fri, 22 May | Quarterfinals | 08:00 | 09:00 / 15:00 |
| Sat, 23 May | Semifinals | 11:00 | 12:00 |
| Sun, 24 May | Finals | 11:00 | 12:00 |
Pro Tip: Due to the “Back-to-Back” rule, finalists from the preceding Thailand Open and China Masters will typically have their first-round matches scheduled for Wednesday to allow for travel and recovery.
International Broadcast Schedule
For fans unable to attend the Axiata Arena in person, the tournament will be extensively covered by international broadcasters and the BWF’s digital platforms.
- Thursday, 21 May: 8 Matches (Starting 10:00)
- Friday, 22 May: 8 Matches (Session 1: 09:00 | Session 2: 15:00)
- Saturday, 23 May: 8 Matches (Starting 12:00)
- Sunday, 24 May: 5 Championship Matches (Starting 12:00)
In Malaysia, Astro Arena and Astro SuperSport typically provide live coverage. Globally, fans can tune into BWF TV on YouTube (subject to geo-blocking) or check local sports networks like SpoTV.
Draw Size and Format
The tournament features a highly competitive entry list with limited spots available for qualifiers.
| Event | Main Draw | Qualifying Positions | Max Qualifying Entries |
| Men’s Singles | 28 | 4 | 16 |
| Women’s Singles | 28 | 4 | 8 |
| Men’s Doubles | 28 | 4 | 8 |
| Women’s Doubles | 28 | 4 | 8 |
| Mixed Doubles | 28 | 4 | 8 |
Travel & Venue Information
The Axiata Arena is a world-class indoor stadium located within the KL Sports City complex.
- Getting There: The easiest way to reach the venue is via the LRT Sri Petaling Line (stop at Bukit Jalil Station), which is just a short walk from the arena entrance.
- Entry: Security checks are mandatory at the gate. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, especially for the weekend sessions, to soak in the atmosphere at the fan zones.
With local heroes often performing well on home soil, the 2026 Malaysia Masters promises to be a week of high-octane shuttling and unforgettable sporting drama!