Hosts of Games in 2026 to be known by May

The Commonwealth Games Federation plans to announce the host of the 2026 Games next month as it assesses “multiple proposals” to stage a new-look event.

The CGF proposals remain confidential while it seeks a replacement for the Australian state of Victoria, which pulled out as host last summer.

A CGF statement 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 to undertake further detailed assessments, and aim to announce the 2026 Commonwealth Games host in May.”

In March, Malaysia’s Olympic Council revealed the country had spoken to the CGF about staging the event but then pulled out, with Singapore also opting not to bid. The Australian city of Gold Coast, hosts in 2018, withdrew in December.

The new host will get £100 million in financial and strategic support from the CGF thanks to Victoria’s withdrawal settlement.

When it withdrew, State premier Daniel Andrews had said costs might reach £3.6 billion.

The CGF aims to make the Games more sustainable, stating: “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, while increasing social impact.

“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.”