Host of 2026 Games to be decided by next month
Commonwealth assesses proposals to stage ‘new-look event’ after Victoria pull-out
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) plans to announce the host of the 2026 event next month as it assesses “multiple proposals” to stage a new-look event.
The CGF said it was keeping the proposals confidential at this stage as it sought a replacement for the Australian state of Victoria, which pulled out as the host last summer.
A statement from the CGF said: “Significant progress has been made and we are excited by the early concepts, which aim to reset and reframe the Games.
“We are now working collaboratively with the relevant Commonwealth Games Associations [CGAs] to undertake further detailed assessments, and aim to announce the 2026 Commonwealth Games host in May.
“Our CGAs have asked, and we have agreed, to keep their proposals confidential while this process is ongoing.”
Last month, Malaysia’s Olympic Council revealed the country had been in discussions with the CGF about staging the event but subsequently pulled out of the running, with Singapore also deciding earlier this week not to pursue a bid.
The Australian city of Gold Coast, which hosted the 2018 Games, withdrew from the process in December.
The new host would benefit from £100 million (HK$989.2 million) in financial and strategic support from the CGF available as part of Victoria’s withdrawal settlement.
When Victoria withdrew, state premier Daniel Andrews had said costs might go as high as £3.6 billion (HK$35.6 billion).
The CGF said it was looking at ways to make the Games more sustainable in the future.
“Importantly, we have been focusing on how we can transform the Games to a collaborative and truly sustainable model, minimising costs and reducing its environmental footprint, whilst increasing social impact,” the federation said.
“Through this work we aim to create a modern, flexible blueprint for the future that inspires athletes, excites International Federations and potential hosts, and is in the best interests of the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.”