Commonwealth Games set to return to Glasgow as deal agreed

The Scottish Government and Commonwealth Games Scotland announced the decision today that a scaled-back version of the games will be proposed to be held in the city in 2026.

Glasgow has been chosen as it is recognised as one of the few cities in the Commonwealth capable of stepping up and hosting a version of the Games at short notice.

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The details of a deal have yet to be finalised with the Commonwealth Games Federation but with the UK and Scottish Governments in agreement, Glasgow will step in as host city after Victoria in Australia pulled out citing the high cost of staging the original 2026 Games.

The venues will include Scotstoun Stadium for athletics, Tollcross for swimming and the Emirates Arena and Velodrome for cycling.

After weeks of negotiations, Neil Gray, Health and Sport Minister, wrote to Commonwealth Games Scotland to agree to back the plan.

It is expected there will be 10 sports across four venues in Glasgow throughout the duration of the multi-sport event.

The Scottish Government has been adamant there must be no cost to the public finances of hosting the Games.

Glasgow's success in putting on major events led to the city being identified as an obvious choice.

Gray said: “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.

“That said, we have been clear that our financial resources are limited. The Scottish Government has conducted a thorough assessment of Commonwealth Games Scotland’s proposal for Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

"That assessment has been conducted alongside Commonwealth Games Scotland, the Commonwealth Games Federation, Glasgow City Council, the UK Government and, most recently, Commonwealth Games Australia.

“The collaboration has been extremely positive and productive and has resulted in the finalisation of a strong event proposal that will help to support a new future for the Commonwealth Games and deliver economic and sporting opportunity for Scotland.  

“On that basis, I was pleased to write to Commonwealth Games Scotland today to inform them that the Scottish Government will give its support for the proposal.

“In 2026 all eyes will once again be on Glasgow, and I have every confidence that Scotland’s largest city will provide a fitting platform for some of the world’s top athletes.”

The state of Victoria will provide more than £100m for the event in compensation for pulling out after the costs became prohibitive.

Ian Reid CBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said: “Today Glasgow 2026 is one step closer to becoming a reality and we are delighted that both the Scottish and UK governments have backed our proposal.

“We have been clear from the outset that our Games concept for Glasgow 2026 aligns with the CGF's strategy to make the Games more accessible for future hosts, whilst ensuring that public funds are not required.

“Glasgow is one of the few cities in the Commonwealth that can deliver on time given its world class facilities, experienced workforce and strong supply chain.

“This is a really exciting opportunity and we will be working hard over the coming days to bring the final pieces of the puzzle together.

“I would like to thank both the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their confidence and financial contributions to the project, which have ensured that the Games can continue, that public funds will not be required and which delivers a significant economic boost to the City of Glasgow and to Scotland.”

The council said it will be working to ensure the event is a success.

Council leader Susan Aitken said: “Glasgow is one of the world’s leading events cities – and a diverse range of organisers and promoters deliver hugely successful arts, sport and other events here that are not only important to the cultural life of the city but also make a really significant contribution to its economy.

“It should be no surprise that, in looking to reimagine competitive sport at a Commonwealth level, organisers feel Glasgow is a place where their plans can flourish.

“Throughout this process, Glasgow has offered technical advice and guidance to the team at Commonwealth Games Scotland – and, although the event being proposed will be smaller in scale and impact than what people will remember from 2014, officials will continue to offer what support they can to make it a success on its own terms.”

George Redmond, Glasgow Labour leader, said: "Glasgow has firmly established itself as one of the world’s leading sporting cities, thanks to the transformative investment made in 2014. Now, we have the chance to build on that success and elevate the city to even greater heights.

"Hosting the Games once again will not only showcase Glasgow and Scotland on the global stage but also attract vital investment and tourism, delivering the economic renewal we urgently need.

"We recognise that the last Games came with high expectations, and while some goals were not fully realised due to unforeseen delays and challenges, we have learned valuable lessons that will guide us now.

"This is our moment to complete the legacy of 2014 and turn past experiences into future triumphs."