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The future of the 2026 Commonwealth Games was thrown into uncertainty when Victoria, the Australian state originally slated to host the event, withdrew in 2023 due to escalating costs. This unexpected decision caught even the leadership at Commonwealth Sport off guard. After over a year of ambiguity, Glasgow agreed to step in as host once again, building on its previous success hosting the Games in 2014.
However, with limited time for preparation, this iteration of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has been scaled down considerably. While 18 sports were contested in 2014, and the number increased to 20 in Birmingham’s 2022 edition, only 10 sports will be included this time around. Additionally, the number of participating athletes is expected to decrease by roughly 2,000. No new venues have been constructed; notably, the athletics events have been moved from the 46,000-seat Hampden Park to the smaller Scotstoun Stadium, which accommodates just over 10,000 spectators.
The financial approach to the Games has seen drastic changes, with costs slashed from the £700-800 million range seen in Birmingham 2022 and the 2018 Gold Coast Games, down to approximately £160 million in Glasgow. Organisers argue that this leaner model is intentional and represents a sustainable blueprint for future Commonwealth Games. Katie Sadleir, Chief Executive of Commonwealth Sport, expressed confidence, saying, “I don’t think we have ever been stronger,” and emphasised the need to “reset and reimagine this Games so it is an attractive proposition for our members.”
Looking ahead, the Commonwealth Games have secured Ahmedabad, India as the host city for 2030, where participation is expected to grow again to between 15 and 18 sports. Interest in hosting the 2034 Games has also emerged, with New Zealand publicly expressing interest and Nigeria maintaining its enthusiasm after its 2030 bid was unsuccessful.
Since its origins in 1930 as the British Empire Games, the Commonwealth Games have faced questions regarding their relevance. England’s weightlifter Emily Campbell described the Games as “one of the best things that came out of colonisation” while Olympic swimming champion Tom Dean sees the event as a “force for good,” despite its complicated history. Yet, this Glasgow edition has experienced the notable absence of many star athletes due to injuries and scheduling conflicts. Olympic champions such as gymnast Max Whitlock and swimmer Kaylee McKeown are sidelined by injury, while others including 800m Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson and sprinter Dina Asher-Smith have chosen to compete in alternative events like the European Athletics Championships.
Despite some high-profile withdrawals, there are still standout performers competing. Scottish athlete Josh Kerr, who recently broke the mile world record, will compete on home soil, joined by McColgan and Katerina Johnson-Thompson, who aims for her third consecutive heptathlon title. Adam Ramsay-Peaty also returns to the pool where he won gold in 2014. The Games maintain their importance in niche sports like netball and present a historic emphasis on Para-sport, with six of the 10 sports featuring Para events. This year marks the most integrated Commonwealth Games ever, boasting a record 47 Para medal events, with results contributing to overall medal standings. Paralympic swimming champion Brock Whiston highlighted the importance of this integration, especially for smaller nations, stating, “Without the Commonwealth Games, the smaller countries don’t get the chance to show how powerful that integration is.”
From an athlete development perspective, the Commonwealth Games continue to be significant. English swimmer and four-time participant James Guy noted the Games are a “really good way to get on there, get on a relay and get a medal,” describing their role as essential for nurturing emerging talent.
Fan engagement remains a crucial indicator of the Commonwealth Games’ sustainability. In 2014, ticket sales reached nearly 1.3 million, a level unlikely to be matched in the current Games. While athletics and cycling have driven ticket sales, many events still have availability. Additionally, there has been a major shift in broadcasting within the UK, with TNT Sports replacing the BBC as the live TV broadcaster. The absence of free-to-air television coverage presents a challenge for maximizing visibility and engagement as the Games unfold over the next 11 days, a period deemed critical for their ongoing future
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