The Badminton World Federation (BWF) said it approved the new format, known as "15 points, best-of-three games" (3x15), at its annual general meeting on April 25 (local time) in Horsens, Denmark. The proposal passed after securing the required two-thirds majority.
The current 21-point system, introduced in 2006, will be replaced starting in January 2027. Under the new rules, the first player or pair to reach 15 points wins each game.
With fewer points per game, several rules will change. If the score reaches 14-14, the side that first opens a two-point lead wins the game. To limit extended deuce play, a cap will be set so a game cannot go beyond 21 points.
The BWF also set new standards for breaks and court changes. In each game, a break of up to 60 seconds will be allowed when the leading side first reaches 8 points. In the deciding third game, players will change ends when one side first reaches 8 points.
BWF President Patama Leeswadtrakul said the new system would deliver "more exciting and competitive" matches and could offer players potential benefits, including recovery. She said it would bring high-pressure moments earlier and create more dramatic finishes, increasing fan engagement.
With the new format taking effect in 2027, strategies are expected to shift. Cutting each game from 21 points to 15 increases the cost of early mistakes, and more aggressive tactics from the start are likely.
The Badminton Korea Association is expected to closely analyze how the change will affect national team strategy and support players as they adapt to the new system.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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