2026 Commonwealth Games: New host to be announced after Victoria’s cancelled bid
The show must go on – and so it will, with the Commonwealth Games Federation revealing it is close to announcing the replacement host who will fill the void left by Victoria’s 2026 bid.
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The Commonwealth Games Federation insists the show will go on in 2026, announcing it has had ‘multiple proposals’ to replace Victoria.
A report released last month revealed that the Victorian government had more than $589 million in sunk costs from their failed bid to host the 2026 Games – which prompted fears about the future of the Commonwealth Games’ long-term viability.
On Monday the sporting body revealed it had had ‘multiple proposals’ to replace Victoria, and it plans to announce a new host for the 2026 event next month.
The proposals have been kept confidential.
“Significant progress has been made and we are excited by the early concepts, which aim to reset and reframe the Games,” the Commonwealth Games Federation said in a statement.
“We are working collaboratively with the relevant (members) to undertake further detailed assessments, and aim to announce the 2026 Commonwealth Games host in May.
“Alongside this process, the CGF continues to accelerate work to refresh the Games.”
Part of Victoria’s cancellation of the Games included a $380m settlement to the Commonwealth Games bodies.
And the CFG indicated that its future plans include concerted efforts to reduce the financial burden on host nations.
“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, whilst increasing social impact,” they said.
“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.”
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