Games federation eyes new 2026 host

The Commonwealth Games Federation plans to announce a new host for its 2026 event next month, saying it has “multiple proposals” to replace Australia's Victoria state.

The CGF said on Monday it was keeping the proposals confidential. Victoria state lawmakers last July withdrew from plans to host the 2026 Games in three regional hubs, citing escalating costs.

“Significant progress has been made and we are excited by the early concepts, which aim to reset and reframe the Games,” the CGF said. “We are working collaboratively with the relevant (members) to undertake further detailed assessments, and aim to announce the host in May.”

Victoria state agreed to a compensation package with the Commonwealth Games Federation, which will help offset costs for the next hosts. Australia's Gold Coast, which held the 2018 Commonwealth Games, was flagged as a potential host for 2026, but couldn't get state or federal funding.

The CGF said it was focusing on transforming the Games to reduce costs and make the events more sustainable. The Commonwealth Games are open to 74 nations and territories and have been staged in Australia, Canada, England, India, Jamaica, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales.

Significant progress has been made and we are excited by the early concepts.

Last month, an Australian inquiry into the Victoria government's decision to cancel announced it cost the state US$385 million and the price estimate that resulted in it being shelved was “overstated and not transparent.”

Victoria's Auditor-general's Office said agencies failed to work together to give “frank, full and timely advice” to the government before it decided to host the Games.

In 2022, the Labor government led by then-premier Daniel Andrews agreed to host at an expected cost of about $1.7 billion.

But it pulled out in July 2023 after saying the figure had blown out to $4.5 billion.