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Badminton · Interesting Facts

Chapter 9: Fans, Media & Money

10 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 29 October 2026 · markdown

Money in badminton flows mostly through the BWF World Tour, which runs from the World Tour Finals down to eight Super 100 events. In February 2026 the BWF announced a new structure: Denmark's event moves up from Super 750 to join the All England, Indonesia, China and Malaysia Opens at the top level, and from 2027 the levels pay, from the top down, US$2 million, US$1.1 million, US$560,000, US$290,000 and US$140,000. The winner always takes the largest share.

The Finals, open only to the top eight in each event, pay millions of dollars, a rise promised in November 2023. The World Championships, a Grade 1 major, have never paid prize money: their winners earn ranking points, not cash. Off court, a cigarette brand, a racket maker and a bank have each backed the game, the bank sponsoring the World Tour since 2018, while Infront sells the BWF's media rights and produces the TV pictures.

Asia holds most of the fans. The BWF's channel grew from about 642,000 in 2018 to about 2.76 million by 2023, badminton dominates China's Olympic viewing on CCTV5, and the Istora Senayan crowd in Jakarta is famous for its noise. The facts below cover prize money, sponsors, the Indian league auctions, fan and TV numbers, video games, China's Super League and the all-time earners list.

9.91Prize Money Today

What the World Tour levels pay, and the rise coming in 2027.

Test 1Prize money todayTake a test

  1. The All England and Indonesia Open each paid that in 2026.

    Source: BWF, 'BWF unveils new competition structure and enhancements' (9 February 2026) and 'World Tour hosts confirmed 2027-2030'; Bernama (February 2026); tournament prospectuses for the 2026 All England and Indonesia Open · recall

  2. The BWF announced it in February 2026.

    Source: BWF, 'BWF unveils new competition structure and enhancements' (9 February 2026) and 'World Tour hosts confirmed 2027-2030'; Bernama (February 2026); tournament prospectuses for the 2026 All England and Indonesia Open · recall

  3. It was US$950,000 before.

    Source: BWF, 'BWF unveils new competition structure and enhancements' (9 February 2026) and 'World Tour hosts confirmed 2027-2030'; Bernama (February 2026); tournament prospectuses for the 2026 All England and Indonesia Open · recall

  4. It was US$500,000 before.

    Source: BWF, 'BWF unveils new competition structure and enhancements' (9 February 2026) and 'World Tour hosts confirmed 2027-2030'; Bernama (February 2026); tournament prospectuses for the 2026 All England and Indonesia Open · recall

  5. Denmark's event was raised from Super 750.

    Source: BWF, 'BWF unveils new competition structure and enhancements' (9 February 2026) and 'World Tour hosts confirmed 2027-2030'; Bernama (February 2026); tournament prospectuses for the 2026 All England and Indonesia Open · recall

  6. It joins the All England, Indonesia, China and Malaysia Opens.

    Source: BWF, 'BWF unveils new competition structure and enhancements' (9 February 2026) and 'World Tour hosts confirmed 2027-2030'; Bernama (February 2026); tournament prospectuses for the 2026 All England and Indonesia Open · recall

  7. From the Finals down to eight Super 100 events.

    Source: BWF, 'BWF unveils new competition structure and enhancements' (9 February 2026) and 'World Tour hosts confirmed 2027-2030'; Bernama (February 2026); tournament prospectuses for the 2026 All England and Indonesia Open · recall

  8. US$2m, 1.1m, 560,000, 290,000 and 140,000.

    Source: BWF, 'BWF unveils new competition structure and enhancements' (9 February 2026) and 'World Tour hosts confirmed 2027-2030'; Bernama (February 2026); tournament prospectuses for the 2026 All England and Indonesia Open · recall

  9. US$500,000, 950,000 and 1.45 million.

    Source: BWF, 'BWF unveils new competition structure and enhancements' (9 February 2026) and 'World Tour hosts confirmed 2027-2030'; Bernama (February 2026); tournament prospectuses for the 2026 All England and Indonesia Open · recall

  10. The winner takes the largest share.

    Source: BWF, 'BWF unveils new competition structure and enhancements' (9 February 2026) and 'World Tour hosts confirmed 2027-2030'; Bernama (February 2026); tournament prospectuses for the 2026 All England and Indonesia Open · applied

9.92The Richest Event

Millions at the World Tour Finals, and no prize money at the worlds.

Test 1The richest eventTake a test

  1. Only the top eight in each event qualify.

    Source: Malay Mail and New Straits Times, 'BWF increases prize money for World Tour Finals' (November 2023); Sunday Guardian preview of the 2026 World Championships; Badminton Planet on calls for World Championships prize money · recall

  2. It rose again in 2026.

    Source: Malay Mail and New Straits Times, 'BWF increases prize money for World Tour Finals' (November 2023); Sunday Guardian preview of the 2026 World Championships; Badminton Planet on calls for World Championships prize money · recall

  3. It was part of a commitment made in 2023.

    Source: Malay Mail and New Straits Times, 'BWF increases prize money for World Tour Finals' (November 2023); Sunday Guardian preview of the 2026 World Championships; Badminton Planet on calls for World Championships prize money · recall

  4. Winners earn ranking points, not cash.

    Source: Malay Mail and New Straits Times, 'BWF increases prize money for World Tour Finals' (November 2023); Sunday Guardian preview of the 2026 World Championships; Badminton Planet on calls for World Championships prize money · recall

  5. The event is a Grade 1 major.

    Source: Malay Mail and New Straits Times, 'BWF increases prize money for World Tour Finals' (November 2023); Sunday Guardian preview of the 2026 World Championships; Badminton Planet on calls for World Championships prize money · recall

  6. It was announced in November 2023.

    Source: Malay Mail and New Straits Times, 'BWF increases prize money for World Tour Finals' (November 2023); Sunday Guardian preview of the 2026 World Championships; Badminton Planet on calls for World Championships prize money · recall

  7. The worlds have never paid prize money.

    Source: Malay Mail and New Straits Times, 'BWF increases prize money for World Tour Finals' (November 2023); Sunday Guardian preview of the 2026 World Championships; Badminton Planet on calls for World Championships prize money · recall

  8. US$1.45m, 3m and 3.5m.

    Source: Malay Mail and New Straits Times, 'BWF increases prize money for World Tour Finals' (November 2023); Sunday Guardian preview of the 2026 World Championships; Badminton Planet on calls for World Championships prize money · recall

  9. Millions, US$1.45m, nothing.

    Source: Malay Mail and New Straits Times, 'BWF increases prize money for World Tour Finals' (November 2023); Sunday Guardian preview of the 2026 World Championships; Badminton Planet on calls for World Championships prize money · recall

  10. It is the World Tour Finals.

    Source: Malay Mail and New Straits Times, 'BWF increases prize money for World Tour Finals' (November 2023); Sunday Guardian preview of the 2026 World Championships; Badminton Planet on calls for World Championships prize money · applied

9.93Sponsors of the Game

A cigarette brand, a racket maker and a bank.

Test 1Sponsors of the gameTake a test

  1. Cigarette brands often backed sport then.

    Source: Badminton Museum, history of the Association (John Player 1970-83, Yonex from 1984); BWF and HSBC partnership announcements (January 2018, December 2022); SportBusiness and Sportcal reports · recall

  2. Its Tournament shuttle came with the deal.

    Source: Badminton Museum, history of the Association (John Player 1970-83, Yonex from 1984); BWF and HSBC partnership announcements (January 2018, December 2022); SportBusiness and Sportcal reports · recall

  3. The first deal ran for four years.

    Source: Badminton Museum, history of the Association (John Player 1970-83, Yonex from 1984); BWF and HSBC partnership announcements (January 2018, December 2022); SportBusiness and Sportcal reports · recall

  4. It was then extended by a year during COVID-19.

    Source: Badminton Museum, history of the Association (John Player 1970-83, Yonex from 1984); BWF and HSBC partnership announcements (January 2018, December 2022); SportBusiness and Sportcal reports · recall

  5. Many events were cancelled in 2020.

    Source: Badminton Museum, history of the Association (John Player 1970-83, Yonex from 1984); BWF and HSBC partnership announcements (January 2018, December 2022); SportBusiness and Sportcal reports · recall

  6. The renewal began in January 2023.

    Source: Badminton Museum, history of the Association (John Player 1970-83, Yonex from 1984); BWF and HSBC partnership announcements (January 2018, December 2022); SportBusiness and Sportcal reports · recall

  7. It produces and sells the TV pictures of BWF events.

    Source: Badminton Museum, history of the Association (John Player 1970-83, Yonex from 1984); BWF and HSBC partnership announcements (January 2018, December 2022); SportBusiness and Sportcal reports · recall

  8. 1970, 1984, 2018.

    Source: Badminton Museum, history of the Association (John Player 1970-83, Yonex from 1984); BWF and HSBC partnership announcements (January 2018, December 2022); SportBusiness and Sportcal reports · recall

  9. 2018, 2021-22, 2023.

    Source: Badminton Museum, history of the Association (John Player 1970-83, Yonex from 1984); BWF and HSBC partnership announcements (January 2018, December 2022); SportBusiness and Sportcal reports · recall

  10. It has backed the World Tour since 2018.

    Source: Badminton Museum, history of the Association (John Player 1970-83, Yonex from 1984); BWF and HSBC partnership announcements (January 2018, December 2022); SportBusiness and Sportcal reports · applied

9.94The Indian League Auctions

Players sold by auction to city teams in India.

Test 1The Indian league auctionsTake a test

  1. Teams bid for players like a cricket league.

    Source: The Borneo Post, 'Chong Wei sold to Mumbai Masters' (23 July 2013); The Tribune (India), 23 July 2013; Daily Excelsior (2013); Badminton Planet on the Premier Badminton League auction (2016) · recall

  2. He sold for US$135,000.

    Source: The Borneo Post, 'Chong Wei sold to Mumbai Masters' (23 July 2013); The Tribune (India), 23 July 2013; Daily Excelsior (2013); Badminton Planet on the Premier Badminton League auction (2016) · recall

  3. Cricket great Sunil Gavaskar was among its owners.

    Source: The Borneo Post, 'Chong Wei sold to Mumbai Masters' (23 July 2013); The Tribune (India), 23 July 2013; Daily Excelsior (2013); Badminton Planet on the Premier Badminton League auction (2016) · recall

  4. She had wanted to play for her home city.

    Source: The Borneo Post, 'Chong Wei sold to Mumbai Masters' (23 July 2013); The Tribune (India), 23 July 2013; Daily Excelsior (2013); Badminton Planet on the Premier Badminton League auction (2016) · recall

  5. Saina went for more than twice that.

    Source: The Borneo Post, 'Chong Wei sold to Mumbai Masters' (23 July 2013); The Tribune (India), 23 July 2013; Daily Excelsior (2013); Badminton Planet on the Premier Badminton League auction (2016) · recall

  6. Some teams changed names too.

    Source: The Borneo Post, 'Chong Wei sold to Mumbai Masters' (23 July 2013); The Tribune (India), 23 July 2013; Daily Excelsior (2013); Badminton Planet on the Premier Badminton League auction (2016) · recall

  7. They were the costliest buys again.

    Source: The Borneo Post, 'Chong Wei sold to Mumbai Masters' (23 July 2013); The Tribune (India), 23 July 2013; Daily Excelsior (2013); Badminton Planet on the Premier Badminton League auction (2016) · recall

  8. US$135,000, 120,000 and 50,000.

    Source: The Borneo Post, 'Chong Wei sold to Mumbai Masters' (23 July 2013); The Tribune (India), 23 July 2013; Daily Excelsior (2013); Badminton Planet on the Premier Badminton League auction (2016) · recall

  9. US$50,000, 100,000 and 120,000.

    Source: The Borneo Post, 'Chong Wei sold to Mumbai Masters' (23 July 2013); The Tribune (India), 23 July 2013; Daily Excelsior (2013); Badminton Planet on the Premier Badminton League auction (2016) · recall

  10. The format followed India's cricket league.

    Source: The Borneo Post, 'Chong Wei sold to Mumbai Masters' (23 July 2013); The Tribune (India), 23 July 2013; Daily Excelsior (2013); Badminton Planet on the Premier Badminton League auction (2016) · applied

9.95Fans in Numbers

Hundreds of millions of fans, and a channel that grew fourfold.

Test 1Fans in numbersTake a test

  1. It covered 51 markets.

    Source: BWF, 'Badminton global fan, commercial and broadcast figures' (January 2023); BWF, 'BWF no. 4 on SportOnSocial rankings' (March 2020); Infront, 'Marking six years with the BWF'; Sportcal on the Infront extension · recall

  2. Asia holds most of the fans.

    Source: BWF, 'Badminton global fan, commercial and broadcast figures' (January 2023); BWF, 'BWF no. 4 on SportOnSocial rankings' (March 2020); Infront, 'Marking six years with the BWF'; Sportcal on the Infront extension · recall

  3. Infront sells the BWF's media rights.

    Source: BWF, 'Badminton global fan, commercial and broadcast figures' (January 2023); BWF, 'BWF no. 4 on SportOnSocial rankings' (March 2020); Infront, 'Marking six years with the BWF'; Sportcal on the Infront extension · recall

  4. By 2023 there were about 2.76 million.

    Source: BWF, 'Badminton global fan, commercial and broadcast figures' (January 2023); BWF, 'BWF no. 4 on SportOnSocial rankings' (March 2020); Infront, 'Marking six years with the BWF'; Sportcal on the Infront extension · recall

  5. The worlds were played in Basel that year.

    Source: BWF, 'Badminton global fan, commercial and broadcast figures' (January 2023); BWF, 'BWF no. 4 on SportOnSocial rankings' (March 2020); Infront, 'Marking six years with the BWF'; Sportcal on the Infront extension · recall

  6. It was ranked against other sports federations.

    Source: BWF, 'Badminton global fan, commercial and broadcast figures' (January 2023); BWF, 'BWF no. 4 on SportOnSocial rankings' (March 2020); Infront, 'Marking six years with the BWF'; Sportcal on the Infront extension · recall

  7. It was an average over the rights cycle.

    Source: BWF, 'Badminton global fan, commercial and broadcast figures' (January 2023); BWF, 'BWF no. 4 on SportOnSocial rankings' (March 2020); Infront, 'Marking six years with the BWF'; Sportcal on the Infront extension · recall

  8. 2.76 million, 122 million, 709 million, 744 million.

    Source: BWF, 'Badminton global fan, commercial and broadcast figures' (January 2023); BWF, 'BWF no. 4 on SportOnSocial rankings' (March 2020); Infront, 'Marking six years with the BWF'; Sportcal on the Infront extension · recall

  9. About 642,000, 2.76 million and 161 million.

    Source: BWF, 'Badminton global fan, commercial and broadcast figures' (January 2023); BWF, 'BWF no. 4 on SportOnSocial rankings' (March 2020); Infront, 'Marking six years with the BWF'; Sportcal on the Infront extension · recall

  10. It had about 642,000 in 2018.

    Source: BWF, 'Badminton global fan, commercial and broadcast figures' (January 2023); BWF, 'BWF no. 4 on SportOnSocial rankings' (March 2020); Infront, 'Marking six years with the BWF'; Sportcal on the Infront extension · applied

9.96TV Ratings

Badminton tops China's Olympic ratings and draws tens of millions in India.

Test 1TV ratingsTake a test

  1. It drew a 7.08% audience share.

    Source: BWF Olympics news, 'Badminton leads China ratings' (1 September 2016); Badminton Planet (2016); The Star (Malaysia), 'Chong Wei aces RTM award' (January 2013); Indian broadcast figures reported in 2016 · recall

  2. Badminton dominated China's Olympic viewing.

    Source: BWF Olympics news, 'Badminton leads China ratings' (1 September 2016); Badminton Planet (2016); The Star (Malaysia), 'Chong Wei aces RTM award' (January 2013); Indian broadcast figures reported in 2016 · recall

  3. Lee won that semi-final.

    Source: BWF Olympics news, 'Badminton leads China ratings' (1 September 2016); Badminton Planet (2016); The Star (Malaysia), 'Chong Wei aces RTM award' (January 2013); Indian broadcast figures reported in 2016 · recall

  4. P. V. Sindhu played Carolina Marín.

    Source: BWF Olympics news, 'Badminton leads China ratings' (1 September 2016); Badminton Planet (2016); The Star (Malaysia), 'Chong Wei aces RTM award' (January 2013); Indian broadcast figures reported in 2016 · recall

  5. He won an award from Malaysian TV for it.

    Source: BWF Olympics news, 'Badminton leads China ratings' (1 September 2016); Badminton Planet (2016); The Star (Malaysia), 'Chong Wei aces RTM award' (January 2013); Indian broadcast figures reported in 2016 · recall

  6. It is the share of viewers watching at that time.

    Source: BWF Olympics news, 'Badminton leads China ratings' (1 September 2016); Badminton Planet (2016); The Star (Malaysia), 'Chong Wei aces RTM award' (January 2013); Indian broadcast figures reported in 2016 · recall

  7. CCTV5 is China's main sports channel.

    Source: BWF Olympics news, 'Badminton leads China ratings' (1 September 2016); Badminton Planet (2016); The Star (Malaysia), 'Chong Wei aces RTM award' (January 2013); Indian broadcast figures reported in 2016 · recall

  8. August 2012, then 19 and 20 August 2016.

    Source: BWF Olympics news, 'Badminton leads China ratings' (1 September 2016); Badminton Planet (2016); The Star (Malaysia), 'Chong Wei aces RTM award' (January 2013); Indian broadcast figures reported in 2016 · recall

  9. About 2.6 million, 66.5 million and 122 million.

    Source: BWF Olympics news, 'Badminton leads China ratings' (1 September 2016); Badminton Planet (2016); The Star (Malaysia), 'Chong Wei aces RTM award' (January 2013); Indian broadcast figures reported in 2016 · recall

  10. She won silver, losing to Carolina Marín.

    Source: BWF Olympics news, 'Badminton leads China ratings' (1 September 2016); Badminton Planet (2016); The Star (Malaysia), 'Chong Wei aces RTM award' (January 2013); Indian broadcast figures reported in 2016 · applied

9.97The Istora Crowd

The noisiest hall in badminton.

Test 1The Istora crowdTake a test

  1. Malaysian players Vivian and Khe said so.

    Source: BWF World Tour news, 'First day, first show: Indonesia Open still bowls 'em over' (2019) and 'Return of Istora fan mania' (2022); Djarum Badminton news (Indonesia Open); The Jakarta Post (June 2013); RRI (2026) · recall

  2. Home fans cheer every Indonesian point.

    Source: BWF World Tour news, 'First day, first show: Indonesia Open still bowls 'em over' (2019) and 'Return of Istora fan mania' (2022); Djarum Badminton news (Indonesia Open); The Jakarta Post (June 2013); RRI (2026) · recall

  3. Early-round matches start in the morning.

    Source: BWF World Tour news, 'First day, first show: Indonesia Open still bowls 'em over' (2019) and 'Return of Istora fan mania' (2022); Djarum Badminton news (Indonesia Open); The Jakarta Post (June 2013); RRI (2026) · recall

  4. Many visiting players say the same.

    Source: BWF World Tour news, 'First day, first show: Indonesia Open still bowls 'em over' (2019) and 'Return of Istora fan mania' (2022); Djarum Badminton news (Indonesia Open); The Jakarta Post (June 2013); RRI (2026) · recall

  5. They also sing chants for home players.

    Source: BWF World Tour news, 'First day, first show: Indonesia Open still bowls 'em over' (2019) and 'Return of Istora fan mania' (2022); Djarum Badminton news (Indonesia Open); The Jakarta Post (June 2013); RRI (2026) · recall

  6. Fans came back after the pandemic years.

    Source: BWF World Tour news, 'First day, first show: Indonesia Open still bowls 'em over' (2019) and 'Return of Istora fan mania' (2022); Djarum Badminton news (Indonesia Open); The Jakarta Post (June 2013); RRI (2026) · recall

  7. Sponsors put on shows outside the hall.

    Source: BWF World Tour news, 'First day, first show: Indonesia Open still bowls 'em over' (2019) and 'Return of Istora fan mania' (2022); Djarum Badminton news (Indonesia Open); The Jakarta Post (June 2013); RRI (2026) · recall

  8. 2013, 2019, 2022.

    Source: BWF World Tour news, 'First day, first show: Indonesia Open still bowls 'em over' (2019) and 'Return of Istora fan mania' (2022); Djarum Badminton news (Indonesia Open); The Jakarta Post (June 2013); RRI (2026) · recall

  9. The noise builds through the day.

    Source: BWF World Tour news, 'First day, first show: Indonesia Open still bowls 'em over' (2019) and 'Return of Istora fan mania' (2022); Djarum Badminton news (Indonesia Open); The Jakarta Post (June 2013); RRI (2026) · recall

  10. It is played at Istora Senayan.

    Source: BWF World Tour news, 'First day, first show: Indonesia Open still bowls 'em over' (2019) and 'Return of Istora fan mania' (2022); Djarum Badminton news (Indonesia Open); The Jakarta Post (June 2013); RRI (2026) · applied

9.98Badminton in Video Games

Mario and Sonic play doubles at London 2012 and Tokyo 2020.

Test 1Badminton in video gamesTake a test

  1. Football was also new in that game.

    Source: Super Mario Wiki, 'Badminton - Doubles'; Empire and God is a Geek reviews of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Nintendo and Gematsu release announcements for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 · recall

  2. Players swing the Wii Remote like a racket.

    Source: Super Mario Wiki, 'Badminton - Doubles'; Empire and God is a Geek reviews of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Nintendo and Gematsu release announcements for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 · recall

  3. Teams of two compete for points.

    Source: Super Mario Wiki, 'Badminton - Doubles'; Empire and God is a Geek reviews of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Nintendo and Gematsu release announcements for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 · recall

  4. Other shots also come from swings.

    Source: Super Mario Wiki, 'Badminton - Doubles'; Empire and God is a Geek reviews of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Nintendo and Gematsu release announcements for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 · recall

  5. Drop shots fall short over the net.

    Source: Super Mario Wiki, 'Badminton - Doubles'; Empire and God is a Geek reviews of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Nintendo and Gematsu release announcements for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 · recall

  6. Real games went to 21 in 2012.

    Source: Super Mario Wiki, 'Badminton - Doubles'; Empire and God is a Geek reviews of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Nintendo and Gematsu release announcements for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 · recall

  7. It came out in November 2019.

    Source: Super Mario Wiki, 'Badminton - Doubles'; Empire and God is a Geek reviews of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Nintendo and Gematsu release announcements for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 · recall

  8. 2011, 2019, 2020.

    Source: Super Mario Wiki, 'Badminton - Doubles'; Empire and God is a Geek reviews of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Nintendo and Gematsu release announcements for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 · recall

  9. 1, 5 and 8 November 2019.

    Source: Super Mario Wiki, 'Badminton - Doubles'; Empire and God is a Geek reviews of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Nintendo and Gematsu release announcements for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 · recall

  10. Mario & Sonic's 2012 badminton used it.

    Source: Super Mario Wiki, 'Badminton - Doubles'; Empire and God is a Geek reviews of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Nintendo and Gematsu release announcements for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 · applied

9.99China's Super League

A club league with sponsor rules and unpaid wages.

Test 1China's Super LeagueTake a test

  1. Clubs from many cities take part.

    Source: Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League: 'Lin Dan not allowed to play in Chinese badminton league due to sponsor conflicts' (2015), 'Lin Dan was almost banned' and 'Lin Dan continues to blast' (2017) · recall

  2. Only its logos were allowed on court.

    Source: Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League: 'Lin Dan not allowed to play in Chinese badminton league due to sponsor conflicts' (2015), 'Lin Dan was almost banned' and 'Lin Dan continues to blast' (2017) · recall

  3. Lin Dan was told he could not play the playoff.

    Source: Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League: 'Lin Dan not allowed to play in Chinese badminton league due to sponsor conflicts' (2015), 'Lin Dan was almost banned' and 'Lin Dan continues to blast' (2017) · recall

  4. Lin Dan raised it publicly.

    Source: Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League: 'Lin Dan not allowed to play in Chinese badminton league due to sponsor conflicts' (2015), 'Lin Dan was almost banned' and 'Lin Dan continues to blast' (2017) · recall

  5. Six other professionals were also unpaid.

    Source: Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League: 'Lin Dan not allowed to play in Chinese badminton league due to sponsor conflicts' (2015), 'Lin Dan was almost banned' and 'Lin Dan continues to blast' (2017) · recall

  6. The club was fined and warned.

    Source: Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League: 'Lin Dan not allowed to play in Chinese badminton league due to sponsor conflicts' (2015), 'Lin Dan was almost banned' and 'Lin Dan continues to blast' (2017) · recall

  7. His personal sponsor was Yonex.

    Source: Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League: 'Lin Dan not allowed to play in Chinese badminton league due to sponsor conflicts' (2015), 'Lin Dan was almost banned' and 'Lin Dan continues to blast' (2017) · recall

  8. 2015, 2016-17, 2017-18.

    Source: Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League: 'Lin Dan not allowed to play in Chinese badminton league due to sponsor conflicts' (2015), 'Lin Dan was almost banned' and 'Lin Dan continues to blast' (2017) · recall

  9. The last came at his next match.

    Source: Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League: 'Lin Dan not allowed to play in Chinese badminton league due to sponsor conflicts' (2015), 'Lin Dan was almost banned' and 'Lin Dan continues to blast' (2017) · recall

  10. Players had to cover other logos.

    Source: Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League: 'Lin Dan not allowed to play in Chinese badminton league due to sponsor conflicts' (2015), 'Lin Dan was almost banned' and 'Lin Dan continues to blast' (2017) · applied

9.100All-Time Prize Money

The ten biggest earners of the BWF era, to the end of 2025.

Test 1All-time prize moneyTake a test

  1. She had earned about US$2.33 million.

    Source: New Straits Times, 'Chong Wei earns RM7.39 million on BWF all-time list' (21 December 2025), citing BWF prize-money records · recall

  2. He had about US$2.28 million.

    Source: New Straits Times, 'Chong Wei earns RM7.39 million on BWF all-time list' (21 December 2025), citing BWF prize-money records · recall

  3. He earned about US$1.81 million in 20 years.

    Source: New Straits Times, 'Chong Wei earns RM7.39 million on BWF all-time list' (21 December 2025), citing BWF prize-money records · recall

  4. She was the year's top earner.

    Source: New Straits Times, 'Chong Wei earns RM7.39 million on BWF all-time list' (21 December 2025), citing BWF prize-money records · recall

  5. A Finals title would have taken her past US$1 million.

    Source: New Straits Times, 'Chong Wei earns RM7.39 million on BWF all-time list' (21 December 2025), citing BWF prize-money records · recall

  6. They included Chen Yufei, Shi Yuqi and Chen Long.

    Source: New Straits Times, 'Chong Wei earns RM7.39 million on BWF all-time list' (21 December 2025), citing BWF prize-money records · recall

  7. She had about US$2.15 million.

    Source: New Straits Times, 'Chong Wei earns RM7.39 million on BWF all-time list' (21 December 2025), citing BWF prize-money records · recall

  8. The top five, from about US$2.33m to US$1.81m.

    Source: New Straits Times, 'Chong Wei earns RM7.39 million on BWF all-time list' (21 December 2025), citing BWF prize-money records · recall

  9. Places 6, 7, 8 and 10.

    Source: New Straits Times, 'Chong Wei earns RM7.39 million on BWF all-time list' (21 December 2025), citing BWF prize-money records · recall

  10. She tops the all-time prize money list.

    Source: New Straits Times, 'Chong Wei earns RM7.39 million on BWF all-time list' (21 December 2025), citing BWF prize-money records · applied

Questions people ask

How much prize money do BWF World Tour events pay?
Under the structure announced in February 2026, the levels pay US$2 million, US$1.1 million, US$560,000, US$290,000 and US$140,000 from 2027, from the top level down. The winner of each event takes the largest share.
Do the Badminton World Championships pay prize money?
No. The World Championships have never paid prize money, and their winners earn ranking points instead of cash.
Which is the richest badminton tournament?
The World Tour Finals, which pay millions of dollars. Only the top eight players or pairs in each event qualify.
How did the Indian badminton league sign its players?
Through auctions, with city teams bidding for players in a format copied from India's cricket league. One player sold for US$135,000, and cricket great Sunil Gavaskar was among the team owners.
Why is the Istora crowd in Jakarta so loud?
Home fans at Istora Senayan cheer every Indonesian point and sing chants for home players, and the noise builds through the day from morning starts in the early rounds. Many visiting players, including Malaysians Vivian and Khe, call it the noisiest hall in the sport.
What were the sponsor rules in China's Super League?
Only the league sponsor's logos were allowed on court, so players had to cover other logos. Lin Dan, whose personal sponsor was Yonex, was told he could not play a playoff.
Who has won the most prize money in badminton?
To the end of 2025, the top of the list was a woman with about US$2.33 million, ahead of a man with about US$2.28 million. Chen Yufei, Shi Yuqi and Chen Long are among the ten biggest earners of the BWF era.

Sources

Primary/official sources only, no Wikipedia citations: the BWF and its continental confederations, national federations, the All England Club history, the Olympic Channel and Olympedia, Guinness World Records, museums, makers' own histories and named reputable media.

  • BWF, 'BWF unveils new competition structure and enhancements' (9 February 2026) and 'World Tour hosts confirmed 2027-2030'; Bernama (February 2026); tournament prospectuses for the 2026 All England and Indonesia Open10
  • Malay Mail and New Straits Times, 'BWF increases prize money for World Tour Finals' (November 2023); Sunday Guardian preview of the 2026 World Championships; Badminton Planet on calls for World Championships prize money10
  • Badminton Museum, history of the Association (John Player 1970-83, Yonex from 1984); BWF and HSBC partnership announcements (January 2018, December 2022); SportBusiness and Sportcal reports10
  • The Borneo Post, 'Chong Wei sold to Mumbai Masters' (23 July 2013); The Tribune (India), 23 July 2013; Daily Excelsior (2013); Badminton Planet on the Premier Badminton League auction (2016)10
  • BWF, 'Badminton global fan, commercial and broadcast figures' (January 2023); BWF, 'BWF no. 4 on SportOnSocial rankings' (March 2020); Infront, 'Marking six years with the BWF'; Sportcal on the Infront extension10
  • BWF Olympics news, 'Badminton leads China ratings' (1 September 2016); Badminton Planet (2016); The Star (Malaysia), 'Chong Wei aces RTM award' (January 2013); Indian broadcast figures reported in 201610
  • BWF World Tour news, 'First day, first show: Indonesia Open still bowls 'em over' (2019) and 'Return of Istora fan mania' (2022); Djarum Badminton news (Indonesia Open); The Jakarta Post (June 2013); RRI (2026)10
  • Super Mario Wiki, 'Badminton - Doubles'; Empire and God is a Geek reviews of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games; Nintendo and Gematsu release announcements for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 202010
  • Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League: 'Lin Dan not allowed to play in Chinese badminton league due to sponsor conflicts' (2015), 'Lin Dan was almost banned' and 'Lin Dan continues to blast' (2017)10
  • New Straits Times, 'Chong Wei earns RM7.39 million on BWF all-time list' (21 December 2025), citing BWF prize-money records10