Update to USAB Members Regarding NGB Status and Ongoing Discussions

USA Badminton (USAB) would like to provide an important update to our members regarding our national governing body (NGB) status and ongoing discussions with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

As many of you are aware, USAB has historically served as the National Governing Body for badminton in the United States, as recognized by the USOPC, and as the National Federation (NF) recognized by the Badminton World Federation, the sport’s International Federation. While the USOPC recently derecognized USAB’s NGB status due to administrative compliance concerns, BWF has continued to recognize USAB as the official National Federation for badminton in the United States.

USAB remains fully committed to its mission of developing, supporting, and promoting badminton at all levels. We continue to register and send U.S. athletes to BWF sanctioned international competitions and to support the broader badminton community across the country including running the regular calendar of junior and adult tournaments.

BWF has expressed that it does not view a long-term divergence where one organization is recognized domestically by the USOPC (which might happen in the near to medium term future) while another is recognized internationally by BWF as a desirable outcome for the sport. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games approaching, alignment between the national and international governance of badminton in the United States is especially important.

To that end, BWF and the USOPC have been working collaboratively, with input from USAB, on a proposed “RESET” plan intended to outline a pathway for USAB to regain NGB recognition. The USAB Board has carefully reviewed this proposal and, in the best interests of the U.S. badminton community, has provided constructive feedback and requested certain modifications.

Specifically, the Board has emphasized the importance of continuity in USAB’s mission and programs, meaningful representation of the badminton community within the governance structure, and greater clarity and certainty around the conditions and timeline for reinstatement of NGB status, rather than an extended period of uncertainty following execution of the RESET plan.

Productive meetings between BWF leadership and the USAB Board took place – the last one was two weeks back. BWF has since indicated that it will discuss the Board’s feedback and proposed changes with the USOPC and will revert to USAB once those discussions are complete.

Throughout this process, the USAB Board remains focused on acting responsibly, transparently, and in the long-term best interests of U.S. badminton. We appreciate the patience, trust, and continued engagement of our members, athletes, coaches, and clubs during this period. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Thank you for your continued support of USA Badminton and our shared commitment to growing and strengthening the sport nationwide.

— USA Badminton Board of Directors