In April, Commonwealth Games Scotland outlined its plan for a scaled down Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026, after Victoria pulled out of its 2026 hosting duties last July and paid a $380 million settlement for the cancellation.
The Scottish proposal makes use of the £100 million offered by the Commonwealth Games Federation to the successful host of the 2026 Games – with the money coming from Victoria’s settlement – and puts forward a budget of £130-150 million with the outstanding funding to be derived from commercial opportunities rather than public financing.
A Glasgow Games in 2026 would feature a smaller number of sports – 10 to 13 as opposed to the 19 that were contested in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
In the past few days, two things have significantly advanced the Glasgow bid for the 2026 Games.
Commonwealth Games Australia has given the Scottish proposal “around £2.3 million” after declaring itself a beneficiary of the Victorian settlement.
“Now is not the time to walk away from a Games that has inspired for generations,” said Commonwealth Games Australia president, Ben Houston.
“The Commonwealth Games are at the heart of Australia’s performance pathway, often providing the launch pad for continued and ongoing success by Australian athletes.
“They are irreplaceable in terms of providing global competition and, in the absence of an Australian host, it is in the interests of Australian sport that we make an overseas Games a reality.”
On Tuesday, in a letter to Commonwealth Games Scotland, the Scottish health secretary, Neil Gray confirmed the Scottish Government supported a Glasgow Games in 2026.
“The fact that Glasgow was asked to step in and host the 2026 Games is testament to Glasgow and Scotland’s fantastic reputation for hosting international events,” wrote Gray.
“That said, we have been clear that our financial resources are limited.
“The Scottish Government has conducted a thorough assessment of Commonwealth Games Scotland’s proposal for Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. That assessment has been conducted alongside Commonwealth Games Scotland, the Commonwealth Games Federation, Glasgow City Council, the UK Government and, most recently, Commonwealth Games Australia.
“The collaboration has been extremely positive and productive and has resulted in the finalisation of a strong event proposal that will help to support a new future for the Commonwealth Games and deliver economic and sporting opportunity for Scotland.
“In 2026 all eyes will once again be on Glasgow, and I have every confidence that Scotland’s largest city will provide a fitting platform for some of the world’s top athletes.”
Commonwealth Games Scotland says the UK Government has also given its support for a Games in Glasgow in 2026.
“Today Glasgow 2026 is one step closer to becoming a reality and we are delighted that both the Scottish and UK governments have backed our proposal,” said chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, Ian Reid, on Tuesday.
“We have been clear from the outset that our Games concept for Glasgow 2026 aligns with the CGF’s strategy to make the Games more accessible for future hosts, whilst ensuring that public funds are not required.
“Glasgow is one of the few cities in the Commonwealth that can deliver on time given its world class facilities, experienced workforce and strong supply chain.
“This is a really exciting opportunity and we will be working hard over the coming days to bring the final pieces of the puzzle together.”
The Commonwealth Games Federation has indicated that the Games are likely to go ahead in Glasgow.
“We believe Glasgow 2026 will be an important first step in our commitment to reset and reframe the Commonwealth Games as a co-created, sustainable model that minimises costs, inspires athletes and excites hosts and international federations,” said Commonwealth Games Federation president Chris Jenkins.
“We will work closely with CGS to positively conclude final stakeholder discussions with the aim of formally announcing Glasgow as the host city for 2026 as soon as possible.”
Glasgow last hosted the Commonwealth Games a decade ago in 2014.
