The Commonwealth Games, often described as the “Friendly Games,” have stood as a pillar of international sports since their inception in 1930. Over the years, they have showcased world-class athletic talent across the member nations of the Commonwealth. However, the Games have recently faced a series of existential crises that have led many to wonder whether the 2026 Games in Victoria, Australia, might be their last. The city of Glasgow, having previously hosted a highly successful edition of the Games in 2014, now finds itself at the center of discussions about the future of the event. Will the Commonwealth Games find a clever rebirth, or is this the beginning of the end?
A Storied Legacy Under Threat
The Commonwealth Games were born out of the idea of promoting unity and friendship among the countries of the British Empire, and later the Commonwealth of Nations. Over time, the Games expanded from a small event with only 400 athletes to a major international competition involving thousands of participants from all corners of the globe.
Yet despite this growth, the Commonwealth Games have often been overshadowed by other major sporting events like the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and even regional competitions like the Asian Games and Pan American Games. This relative lack of attention has raised concerns about the sustainability of the event, both in terms of funding and public interest.
One of the biggest blows to the Games came in July 2023 when the state of Victoria, Australia, pulled out as the host for the 2026 edition due to escalating costs. The decision sent shockwaves through the sporting community, as Australia has traditionally been one of the Commonwealth’s most reliable hosts. The search for a replacement host has been challenging, and many are wondering whether the event can survive beyond 2026.
Glasgow’s Role in the Future of the Games
The city of Glasgow holds a special place in the history of the Commonwealth Games. Its hosting of the 2014 edition was widely considered a success, with the event attracting high levels of participation and setting new records for fan engagement. The infrastructure developed for the Games, including the Emirates Arena and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, remains a vital part of Glasgow’s sporting landscape today.
Given this history, some are suggesting that Glasgow could once again step up to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Games. The Scottish city is currently exploring the possibility of hosting the event again in the future, positioning itself as a potential savior for the Games. However, the financial hurdles that led Victoria to withdraw remain a significant concern for any potential host city.
Hosting a large-scale international sporting event comes with considerable expenses, including the construction of new infrastructure, increased security measures, and marketing efforts to attract visitors. While Glasgow already has much of the required infrastructure in place, the economic impact of hosting the event could still be a point of contention, especially in the current global financial climate.
The Cost of Hosting: A Double-Edged Sword
The decision of Victoria, Australia, to pull out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games underscores the massive costs associated with such an event. The state’s premier, Daniel Andrews, cited escalating costs that would surpass $6 billion AUD, far higher than the initially budgeted $2.6 billion AUD.
Other cities have faced similar challenges in recent years. In 2022, Durban, South Africa, was stripped of the right to host the 2022 Games after financial difficulties led to concerns about the city’s ability to deliver the event. These incidents have only added fuel to the argument that the Commonwealth Games, as currently structured, may no longer be sustainable for many potential host cities.
In this context, Glasgow’s potential bid to host the event in the future carries both opportunities and risks. While the city has a track record of success, the financial implications of hosting a major international sporting event during a time of economic uncertainty could make it a tough sell for local politicians and taxpayers alike.
A Pivot to a New Era?
One solution being discussed is a radical rethinking of the Commonwealth Games’ format to make the event more affordable and accessible for host cities. This could include reducing the number of sports, streamlining the event’s duration, or even rotating a fixed group of cities to host the Games on a more regular basis, akin to how Monaco consistently hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Additionally, there is growing discussion about whether the Commonwealth Games should evolve to reflect changing political realities. Some have suggested opening up the event to non-Commonwealth countries or focusing on regional hubs to minimize costs and logistical challenges.
Further innovations could include embracing new technologies, such as virtual competitions or augmented reality, to enhance the fan experience and reduce the need for costly infrastructure projects. These ideas are still in the early stages, but they reflect a broader consensus that the Commonwealth Games, in their current form, are no longer viable in the long term.
The Role of Sport in Diplomacy and Unity
Despite these challenges, the Commonwealth Games remain a unique and powerful force for diplomacy and unity among member nations. The event provides smaller nations, many of which do not have the resources to compete on the global stage, with an opportunity to showcase their athletic talent and share in the pride of international competition.
Furthermore, the Games have played a vital role in advancing important social causes. For instance, the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham placed a significant emphasis on diversity and inclusion, showcasing the contributions of LGBTQ+ athletes and promoting gender equality across all sports.
These values of inclusivity and equality are central to the Commonwealth Games’ mission and remain relevant today. As the world grapples with political, economic, and social divisions, the Games can continue to serve as a symbol of international cooperation and friendship—if they can find a sustainable path forward.
Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for the Commonwealth Games
The future of the Commonwealth Games is hanging in the balance. While the event’s proud history and unique place in the sporting world provide strong reasons to continue, the financial and logistical challenges of hosting such a large-scale event are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Cities like Glasgow, with their existing infrastructure and track record of success, may offer a glimmer of hope for the Games’ future. But the broader questions about the sustainability and relevance of the event will need to be addressed if the Commonwealth Games are to survive and thrive in the 21st century.
As the sporting world waits to see what will become of the 2026 Games and beyond, one thing is clear: the Commonwealth Games are at a crossroads. Whether they fade into history or undergo a clever rebirth will depend on the ability of stakeholders to innovate, adapt, and find new ways to keep the spirit of the Games alive.
