When does the Development Team participate in Product Backlog refinement?

The Development Team participates in Product Backlog refinement anytime during the Sprint because refinement is an ongoing process that helps ensure the Product Backlog remains well-defined and prioritized. The Scrum Guide emphasizes that the team should continuously collaborate to clarify items and estimate work, allowing them to prepare for upcoming Sprints more effectively. This flexibility means that the team can address changes in understanding or priority and maintain alignment with the Product Owner throughout the Sprint.

Engaging in refinement at various points encourages adaptive planning, supports responsiveness to stakeholder feedback, and helps foster a mutual understanding of the work required, which enhances the team's ability to deliver value consistently. This ongoing participation emphasizes the self-managing nature of the Development Team, reinforcing their role in ensuring that the Product Backlog reflects the most valuable and feasible work to undertake next.