The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced major changes to its international competition calendar, setting the stage for a new era in elite badminton while the sport continues its busy schedule this year.
Although the current season will still follow existing formats, the overhaul outlines significant structural changes that will begin in the coming years, aimed at improving player welfare, increasing global participation, and enhancing competition quality.
Under the new framework, the Sudirman Cup will expand from 16 to 24 teams starting in 2027, followed by the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup in 2028. These expanded team championships will be hosted in Indonesia, reflecting the country’s strong badminton tradition and organisational capacity.
Source: BWF News
In addition, the duration of major team tournaments will be extended from 10 to 12 days, allowing players more recovery time between matches. The five Super 1000 tournaments, namely the Malaysia Open, All England, Indonesia Open, China Open, and Denmark Open, will also be lengthened to 11 days to accommodate deeper draws and more competitive scheduling.
The World Championships will undergo further changes, expanding to a 12-day format and introducing a group-stage phase before the knockout rounds. This new structure is intended to give more players meaningful match opportunities and reduce the impact of early eliminations.
Former international Datuk Razif Sidek welcomed the adjustments, highlighting their potential benefits for both players and coaches.
“Increasing the number of days for team tournaments is a good idea as it allows players more time to recover physically and mentally. Coaches will also have more time to plan their strategies,” he said.
For now, major events in 2026, including the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3, will continue to feature the traditional 16-team format. However, the recently announced reforms provide a clear indication of how the sport will evolve beyond the current season.
The BWF believes the changes will help maintain badminton’s global growth, create more balanced competition, and improve long-term sustainability. As players and fans focus on this year’s major tournaments, the new calendar serves as a blueprint for a more inclusive and competitive future.
