5 things to watch out for in 2026/27 National Badminton League

Women’s doubles the NBL standout?

Team Skyfall host the NBL season opener against University of Nottingham Sport. Captained by doubles specialist Estelle van Leeuwen, Skyfall retain most of their squad and have added in the form Harry Huang, England's No. 1 men's singles player and World No. 52.

Read More: 'Competition for NBL players is sign concept is working'

Nottingham’s women’s doubles could make some inroads this season, with last year’s BUCS champs Zhou Meng and Yiyi Tao, a 2025 European university champion.

B&S Group, one of the UK’s largest pharmaceutical distributors, has also been inked as a title sponsor for Nottingham.

All about the NBL buzz

New franchise Manchester Hive travel to Saxons Badminton, with the hosts and defending champions set to see their former star Sean Vendy turn out for their rivals. It will create a nice storyline buzz through the season when they become available through their BWF Tour commitments.

Leona Lee, last season’s MVP, and Lisa Curtin v Sian Kelly and Lizzie Tolman will underline the strength of the NBL women’s doubles. For one, it will be Kelly going up against Curtin, both having won the national women’s doubles title this year.

Manchester have Olympic silver medallist Gail Emms heading their new management structure. In Ipswich, she will come against former team-mate Anthony Clark, the Saxons coach.

Heading west

Loughborough University, last year’s table toppers in the regular season, travel west to a team that didn’t make the Ally Pally finals but whose team looks set to ensure it doesn’t happen twice.

Bristol have bolstered their squad with experience and one eye on future NBLs.

There’s the headline recruitment of Nhat Irish singles star Nguyen and doubles specialist Ben Lane. The squad also includes young talent, notably Martha Ng, an U15 European champion, and Indonesian prospect Yusack Christian.

Past players in the mix

One of the challenges for badminton in England is players dropping out of the sport and not returning.

The NBL hopes to challenge this conundrum: ex-national champion Jonny Torgeson is at Loughborough, while the Hive have signed Greg and Jenny Mairs.

“That is a pleasant outcome that we have players remaining in the sport and adding value to our domestic scene,” said George Wood, Badminton England’s sport director.

READ MORE: NBL fixtures 2026/27

What they say…

“I really hope it can grow. It’s so important for the development of badminton in England as a whole. It gives an opportunity to the rising, young players while showcasing we do have good badminton players in England.

“We always want a good atmosphere and there’s no reason why people can’t act like they do at the darts. It can be fun!”
Estelle van Leeuwen