Commonwealth Games faces potential transformation into individual sport championships amid host uncertainty

The 2026 Commonwealth Games may potentially undergo a transformation into a series of individual sports championships if efforts to secure a replacement host prove unsuccessful, according to The Times.

The withdrawal of Victoria as host in July, citing escalating costs, prompted a search for an alternative destination for the Games. Despite 2018 host Gold Coast expressing initial interest, the city confirmed this month that it would not bid for the event.

Facing a lack of viable candidates, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is reportedly exploring alternative strategies. One option under consideration involves organising a series of championships, with discussions underway with both national Commonwealth Games federations and international governing bodies of various sports. This approach aims to distribute the financial responsibilities among multiple hosts.

While the CGF is investigating different avenues, its preferred outcome remains identifying a single city capable of hosting the entire event. Ongoing talks with four different regions are in progress, with a further update expected next year.

Several months ago, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) CEO Craig Phillips acknowledged that the CGF was open to the possibility of postponing the Games by a year, providing flexibility in the planning process.

In addition to resolving plans for the 2026 event, the CGF is concurrently searching for a host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, as the Canadian province of Alberta withdrew its bid – also citing escalating costs.

Image credit: Jimmy Harris