Gold Coast Abandons 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid

The Gold Coast has withdrawn its bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing a lack of support from the state and federal governments. This decision makes Gold Coast the second Australian state to abandon plans for the event, following Victoria’s withdrawal five months ago due to increased costs.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate confirmed the abandonment of the AU$700 million hosting plan, stating that the city’s vision for the Commonwealth Games did not align with the priorities of the state or federal governments. I

In a statement he said, “We did our best and that’s all people can expect. Sadly, at the same time, our country’s reputation as a place that reneges on a global sports contract remains in tatters.

“In simple terms, it seems our [Commonwealth] Games’ vision doesn’t align with the vision of the state or federal governments.”

Mayor Tate intends to inform Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Chris Jenkins of the decision in writing. Responding to this development, Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips acknowledged, “Mayor Tate is an enthusiastic advocate for the Commonwealth because he knows how they can transform a city when delivered well.

“But we understand the need of the Queensland government to focus their efforts on the enormous opportunity that is Brisbane 2032.”

Brisbane secured the rights to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in July 2021. The Commonwealth Games Federation faces challenges in finding a host for the 2026 edition, and organisers have hinted at a potential postponement if a suitable host is not identified.

The reluctance of potential hosts for the 2026 games, as well as the withdrawal of the Canadian province of Alberta from the 2030 bid, has been attributed to escalating costs and dwindling public interest in the event. The Commonwealth Games, a multi-sport extravaganza featuring athletes from 72 Commonwealth countries and territories, is held every four years. The most recent edition took place in 2022 in Birmingham, England.

Victoria was initially named as the host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but the state withdrew due to cost estimates soaring to AU$7 billion, far exceeding the original projection of AU$2.7 billion. The Victoria state government agreed to pay AU$380 million in compensation to the CGF for pulling out of hosting duties. The last edition of the games staged in Australia was on the Gold Coast in 2018.