Glasgow is poised to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, stepping in after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew last year due to soaring costs, Sky News reports.
The Scottish government has pledged its support for the event, which is expected to be scaled down with fewer sports.
Following discussions between Scotland’s Health Secretary Neil Gray and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA), a deal was reached to bring the games back to Glasgow, which previously hosted them in 2014.
Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) has proposed a concept for a “scaled-down” games, featuring fewer sports but retaining key events like athletics and swimming. The plan aims to deliver the event within two years and at a budget of £115m, with no reliance on public funds.
“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,” said Mr. Gray. “We have conducted a thorough assessment of the proposal, and we are confident that Glasgow will provide a fitting platform for the world’s top athletes.”
The Scottish government will not provide any financial underwriting, and CGS will now determine whether to proceed with the proposal before it is presented to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) for final approval.
The CGF has expressed enthusiasm for the proposal.
“We have been working with CGS and the Scottish government for several months and are delighted to hear CGS has received confirmation of support from the government,” CGF president Chris Jenkins said.
He has also confirmed that the CGF will invest £100m in the games, and CGA has contributed around £2.3m to enhance the event.
