Just 10 sports will be included in 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

The Commonwealth Games could have disappeared from the sporting landscape, but the revival is now complete with a new-look version set for 2026.

A scaled-back Commonwealth Games with as few as 10 sports will go ahead in Glasgow in 2026 after Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) stepped up with $4.5m in funding to secure a deal.

More than a year after then Victorian premier Daniel Andrews backed out of hosting, citing a cost blowout to $7bn, the Scottish government has given final approval for Glasgow to save the Games that were in jeopardy of disappearing from the sporting landscape.

The Victorian government stumped up a $380m payout fee that will primarily fund the Games, which will used established infrastructure for as few as 10 sports in a new-look competition. There were 19 sports when the Games were last contested, in Birmingham, England, in 2022.

“We have been working with Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) and the Scottish government for several months and are delighted to hear CGS has received confirmation of support from the government to enable them to progress with their proposal to host the Games in 2026,” Commonwealth Games Federation president Chris Jenkins said.

“At the heart of our discussions has been an investment of £100m from the CGF and the commitment that Glasgow 2026 would not require financial underwriting from either the Scottish or UK governments. The additional generous contribution of around £2.3m from Commonwealth Games Australia to the Glasgow concept will further enhance the Games delivery and is a strong sign of the support and excitement for the concept within the wider Commonwealth Games movement.

The Commonwealth Games Federation is delighted to learn today that Commonwealth Games Scotland has received the government support it requires to proceed with its innovative proposal to host the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026.https://t.co/8Kcrr7Uwv8

— Commonwealth Sport (@thecgf) September 17, 2024

“We believe Glasgow 2026 will be an important first step in our commitment to reset and reframe the Commonwealth Games as a co-created, sustainable model that minimises costs, inspires athletes, and excites hosts and international federations.

“We will work closely with CGS to positively conclude final stakeholder discussions, with the aim of formally announcing Glasgow as the host city for 2026 as soon as possible.”

Swimming and athletics are the only two sports guaranteed to be included in 2026, with decisions on what sports will be included as well as dates to come.

CGA president Ben Houston labelled it a “fantastic outcome for the Commonwealth sport movement”.

“We commend and applaud Commonwealth Games Scotland for their reimagination of the Games in a sustainable and cost-effective way as well as the Scottish and UK government for their support of the concept,” he said.

“Australia’s athletes, and those from across the Oceania region, are now expected to have the chance to compete on the global stage as the pathway to Brisbane 2032 continues.”

Originally published as Just 10 sports will be included in 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow