Although final arrangements with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) are still pending, the event has received significant support from the Scottish government to facilitate its return.
This development follows recent discussions between Scotland’s Health Secretary Neil Gray and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA). The event was initially slated for Victoria, Australia, but the state withdrew last year due to escalating costs.
Glasgow previously hosted the Games in 2014, with the opening ceremony at Celtic Park and the closing events at Hampden Park. The 2026 edition is expected to be more modest, featuring a reduced number of sports, though athletics and swimming will continue to be included.
Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) has proposed a plan for the 2026 Games, aiming to execute the event within two years and a budget of £115 million, without requiring public funding.
Scottish government support for the Games has been confirmed through a letter from Mr. Gray, emphasizing that no public funds or financial guarantees will be provided. CGS will review whether to move forward with the proposal before it is evaluated by the CGF.
Mr. Gray remarked on Glasgow’s impressive track record for hosting international events and acknowledged the city’s strong reputation. He emphasized that while the Scottish government is supportive, it has limited financial resources.
The proposal has been thoroughly assessed, with input from Commonwealth Games authorities, Glasgow City Council, and the UK government. Mr. Gray expressed confidence that Glasgow will offer an excellent venue for top athletes from around the world in 2026.
Ian Reid CBE, Chair of CGS, stated that the organization will be diligently working to finalize the details of the event in the coming days.
