Glasgow to host Commonwealth Games in 2026

Scotland’s largest city hosted the Games in 2014 but will host a scaled-down version in two years’ time.

It comes after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out of hosting the event due to rising costs.

Australian authorities have promised “a multi-million pound investment” to help finalise the deal.

Health Secretary Neil Gray held talks with Commonwealth Games Australia on Monday to discuss funding, and received the assurances the Scottish Government were looking for. 

READ MORE: Could Glasgow host a successful 2026 Commonwealth Games?

Health Secretary Neil Gray said on Tuesday afternoon: “The Scottish Government has conducted a thorough assessment of Commonwealth Games Scotland’s proposal for Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

“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.

“On that basis, I have written to the Commonwealth Games Scotland today to inform them that the Scottish Government will give its support for the proposal.

“The proposal will also ensure we retain the Commonwealth Games’s significant importance for Scottish sport. The Games allows our athletes to compete under their national flag, marks the pinnacle of sport for some Scottish sports governing bodies and is a key influence in how Scottish performance funding is distributed.”

(Image: PA)

The event will be much smaller than 2014, with 10 sports set to take place across four venues.

Venues hosting events are set to include Scotstoun Stadium and the Tollcross International Swimming Centre. 

It is understood the Games will come at no cost to the public purse, with funding coming from the compensation paid to the CGF after Australia pulled out. 

The UK Government will provide financial support in the event of any increased security threat but refused to completely underwrite the Games. 

The total budget for the Games is expected to be around £114 million. Last time the city hosted it at a cost of £543m with 17 sports taking place. 

It is not yet clear which sports will be cut from the version 12 years ago. 

Richard Muir, deputy chief executive at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is a good day for Glasgow.

“The city has a proven track record of hosting world-class events, from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Hosting the 2026 Games will build on that success, with the potential to catalyse further investment and city centre enhancement.

“Glasgow is renowned for its innovative approach to major events, such as co-hosting the 2018 European Championships with Berlin—the first time the event was shared across two cities.

“With top-tier facilities like the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, we are well placed to host another global event. The Games will boost tourism, attract a worldwide TV audience, and reinforce Glasgow’s status as a dynamic, international city.”

The Commonwealth Games Federation has struggled to find a host in recent years. 

Durban was supposed to be the first African city to welcome the Games in 2022 but was stripped of hosting rights in 2017 after running into financial difficulty.

Birmingham and the UK Government had to step in to host the multi-sports event stumping up a combined $1 billion for what became the best attended Games on record. 

Victoria pulled out of hosting the event in July 2023, with the 12-day competition expected to cost more than $6bn.