The Scottish Government has confirmed it will support Glasgow’s bid to host a smaller version of the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
The Games are now funded almost entirely by money returned by Australia after Victoria withdrew as host. £100 million comes from the Commonwealth Games Federation and a reported £2.3 million from Commonwealth Games Australia.
Commonwealth Games Scotland hopes to raise the remaining money through commercial opportunities. The cost of the Games is estimated at around £114 million.
The British government, meanwhile, has agreed to pledge £2.3 million for earmarked purposes such as national security, on condition that the Scottish government matches the figure and does not use the money to “enhance or enhance” the sporting extravaganza. They have refused to fully cover the cost of the event.
A statement from Commonwealth Games Scotland confirmed: ‘CGS has received support from the Scottish and UK Governments for the proposed plan to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.’
Health Secretary Neil Gray explained the decision in a letter to CGS chairman Ian Reid, after extensive consideration of the concept for a scaled-down version of the Games.
Commonwealth Games Scotland will now decide whether to proceed with their proposal before it is considered by the Commonwealth Games Federation.
Mr Gray said: “The fact that Glasgow has been asked to host the 2026 Games is testament to the fantastic reputation that Glasgow and Scotland have for hosting international events.
‘That said, we have made it clear that our financial resources are limited. The Scottish Government has carried out a thorough assessment of Commonwealth Games Scotland’s proposal for Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
‘This assessment has been carried out in partnership with 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 creation of a strong event proposal that will contribute to a new future for the Commonwealth Games and deliver economic and sporting opportunities for Scotland.
‘On that basis, I was pleased to write to Commonwealth Games Scotland today to inform them that the Scottish Government will be supporting the proposal.
‘All eyes will be on Glasgow again in 2026 and I am confident that Scotland’s largest city will provide a fitting platform for some of the world’s best athletes.’
Reid added: “Today, Glasgow 2026 is one step closer to reality and we are delighted that both the Scottish and UK Governments have supported 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 to future hosts, while ensuring that no public money is needed. 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 put the final pieces in place. I would like to thank both the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their confidence and financial contributions to the project, which has ensured that the Games can go ahead without the need for government funding and will provide a significant economic boost to the city of Glasgow and Scotland.’