Commonwealth Games could return to Glasgow in 'scaled-back' format for 2026

Glasgow could host a scaled-back Commonwealth Games in 2026 as part of a "last resort" plan after Australia pulled out, potentially with an opening ceremony at the Hydro.

The next games were due to be held in Victoria, but the city pulled out after estimated costs hit $3.1bn.

An expected bid by the Canadian province of Alberta failed to materialise, leaving the future of the Games themselves in doubt.

The Herald on Sunday revealed in October that the UK had put in place a potential four-nation rescue plan which would involve events being staged in Glasgow.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) says it is "considering multiple proposals" to host the event in 2026, one of which would involve a scaled down edition in Scotland.

It would feature a programme of 10 to 13 sports and be held at existing venues, with Glasgow having already hosted in 2014.

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There would be no "significant" contribution from public funds, with funding to come from commercial income, including ticketing, sponsorship and broadcasting.

Commonwealth Games Scotland said: "Our priority is to ensure a Games takes place in 2026 and we are encouraged by the news that the CGF are in advanced discussions with other nations.

"However, if an alternative solution cannot be secured within the coming weeks, we are ready to explore our concept with the CGF and key partners in greater detail, with the aim of delivering a world class-sporting event in Scotland using a model that could be replicated across the Commonwealth for future editions.

"A feasibility study was commissioned in December 2023 to assess Scotland's viability as a cost-effective alternative host, following the CGF's decision to make available £100m to host nations for a 2026 Games as part of the Victoria settlement agreement.

"We are satisfied that the concept developed could see a refreshed format for the Games, that would see it be delivered on time and on budget, providing significant benefit to the Scottish economy and a potential blueprint for a sustainable Games model of the future."

A final decision is expected by the end of May, with one member of the previous bid committee suggesting that a smaller opening ceremony could even be held at the Hydro.

Professor Gayle McPherson, Director of the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events at University of the West of Scotland and member of the Glasgow 2014 bid committee, said: “Glasgow has evolved into a great events city, with an enviable track record. Furthermore, everything the Games needs to succeed is already in place – we have the infrastructure; the venues and, importantly, the expertise.

“We’d be looking at a very different Games to 2014, though – almost a reset of what the Games are. As we live through a cost of living crisis, there’s much more of an appetite to do things differently.

“For example, we might see a pared back opening and closing ceremony, hosted somewhere like The Hydro; and we wouldn’t have dedicated lanes on the roads as we did last time. It wouldn’t be like-for-like, and that’s positive – events like this should always evolve and adapt to fit the circumstances.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scotland and Scottish athletes and the key priority for the Scottish Government is the continuation of the movement.

"The 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games received international recognition as an outstanding fortnight of sporting and cultural events. The Commonwealth Games Federation has confirmed it is working with a number of Commonwealth Games Associations to reset and reframe the Games.

"This process is ongoing and we continue to engage with Commonwealth Games Scotland on their proposals."