Who runs the league?
Since 2023, the league has been organised by the registered non-profit association “Queere Badminton Liga e.V.”. The current board is made up of active players from the clubs SC AufRuhr, SC Janus, OSC Düsseldorf, Startschuss Hamburg, and Rosa Löwen Leipzig.
All major decisions – such as group allocations, match venues, and dates – are made collectively by all participating teams before each season. This way, QUBALI remains a true queer community project: Community-powered, community-driven.
When was the league founded?
The idea was born in 2022 through close collaboration between the queer badminton divisions of Bochum, Düsseldorf, and Cologne. In 2023, the “Queere Badminton Liga e.V.” (QUBALI) as a registered association (eingetragener Verein, e.V.) under German law, and the league concept was successfully tested during a regional pilot season.
In 2024, the Queer Badminton League began its nationwide competition in Germany. Currently, over 200 players in 27 teams are competing for the 2025 season’s championship titles. Starting next year, the league will open up for teams from all across Europe for the first time.
How can you become part of the league?
To take part in the league, you need to register a team – you can do that right here.
By registering, all players on the team automatically become members of the Queere Badminton Liga e.V. At the association level, they are represented by their team coordinators.
Membership is valid for one season and ends automatically if the team does not register again.
What makes the Queere Badminton Liga stand out?
A true team experience: In each match-up, two teams go head-to-head in five games – two singles and three doubles with rotating pairings. It’s not about individual wins, but the collective team effort: the side that wins at least three games takes the victory. Team spirit lies at the heart of every tie.
A league built for competition and fun: Our divisions are thoughtfully organised by skill level and region to ensure balanced and enjoyable competition. Just like traditional leagues, we have home and away matchdays, a first and second round, and league tables featuring promotion and relegation battles. And at the end of the season? The top team lifts the championship trophy!
Plenty of court time for everyone: We play by international rules, with each match being best of three games. On a matchday, teams play several ties, so each team gets around 20 to 25 matches in one day. No one is knocked out early – everyone plays right through to the end. More badminton, more fun, more community.
What makes the league different from a queer badminton tournament?
Just playing badminton: Here, it’s all about the sport. We focus on creating the best playing conditions and making travel on matchdays easy. There are light refreshments at the venue and sometimes a shared dinner, but no extra social events like parties or brunches.
Sharing the load: The teams plan the season together, agreeing on groups, dates, and venues, and taking turns to host matchdays in their home cities. On matchdays, each team flexibly decides which players take part in which matches. Clear structures, but no restrictive rules.
Growing together: The league is built to last and evolves with every season. Teams and players meet regularly, forming friendships and a strong sense of community. It’s a sporting home for queer badminton players, encouraging exchange and sharing information about upcoming tournaments. Together, we create space for playing, developing, and building lasting bonds across Europe’s queer badminton scene.
Isn’t there something like this for volleyball already?
Yes! Our inspiration comes from the “Schwul-Lesbische Volleyball Liga e.V.” (Gay and Lesbian Volleyball League) with 66 teams, 11 groups, 4 levels, and over 500 players. We aim to follow a similar path and grow in the same direction.
Where can I find more information about the club and membership?
In the Documents section, you’ll find, among other things, our statutes. The current board introduces itself here, and you can find the right contact person for your inquiry here.
You can also register your team for the next season here.
