Victoria withdraws as host for 2026 Commonwealth Games, putting the future of the event at risk.
Victoria, Australia, has announced its decision to withdraw as the host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, leaving the future of the event uncertain. The announcement comes just 15 months after Daniel Andrews, the Premier of Victoria, proudly declared that the state would host the Games. However, rising costs and concerns over a lack of return on investment have prompted the withdrawal.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had struggled to find a host for the 2026 Games, with hopeful bidders dropping out due to cost concerns. Victoria initially agreed to host the event but cited escalating costs as the reason for their withdrawal. The estimated cost of staging the 12-day Games had reportedly risen from A$2.6 billion to over A$6 billion.
The CGF has expressed surprise and disagreement with Victoria’s decision, stating that the estimates were inflated. They also highlighted the state’s unique regional delivery model as a contributor to the rising costs. The CGF’s Australian arm, Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA), intends to convince other state governments that the investment is sound and the figures presented by Victoria are a “gross exaggeration.”
The cancellation of the 2026 Games raises concerns about the future of the event. The CGF had faced difficulties finding viable host cities even for the 2022 Games. Durban, which was initially chosen to be the first African city to host the Games, had its hosting rights stripped in 2017 due to financial difficulties. Birmingham and the British government stepped in to save the event, but the challenges and costs associated with organizing a global, multi-sport event on short notice are immense.
Other Australian states have already ruled out taking over as hosts for the 2026 Games due to cost considerations. The leaders of Western Australia and New South Wales have both expressed reservations about the expense and prioritized funding for essential services such as schools and hospitals.
The decline in interest and relevance of the Commonwealth Games is another concern. Leading athletes, including British diver Tom Daley and Australian swimmer Cate Campbell, chose to skip the 2022 Games. Sprinting legend Usain Bolt criticized the event, stating that it was “a bit shit.” Critics argue that the tournament’s global image has waned, and its original purpose, to maintain the unity of the British Empire, is becoming increasingly irrelevant.
The CGF has recognized the need for change and a rebranding of the event to ensure its survival. The organization has acknowledged the challenging history of the Commonwealth and aims to shift the focus from the British Empire’s hegemony to global peace. However, the practical implications of this rebranding remain unclear.
Despite concerns over the future of the Games, athletes continue to express their disappointment at the cancellation. The Commonwealth Games holds significant importance for many sports, including netball and disabled sports. Athletes value the recognition and equality that the event brings, and its cancellation is seen as a missed opportunity for inclusion and awareness.
The CGF now faces the challenging task of finding a new host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games within a short time frame. With few countries having the means and declining interest in the event, the future of the Games remains uncertain.