2026 Commonwealth Games: Victoria withdraws as host due to soaring costs, search for new venue begins
Victoria government's statement reveals a substantial increase in the cost estimate for hosting the Games from AUD $2 billion to AUD $7 billion
2026 Commonwealth Games: Australia's Victoria state has made the decision to withdraw as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to soaring costs, leaving organizers in a state of uncertainty as they search for an alternative venue.
Reasons for the Withdrawal:
The Victorian government stated that the initial estimated cost of AUD $2 billion (USD $1.36 billion) to host the Games had been revised to AUD $7 billion. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews expressed concerns about the significant increase in hosting expenses and the reluctance to redirect funds from other government programs to cover the difference.
Andrews explained, "When the Commonwealth Games needed a host city to step in at the last minute, we were willing to help - but not at any price. And not without a significant and enduring benefit for regional Victoria. It is now clear that spending more than $6 billion on a 12-day sporting event is simply too high. It exceeds the estimated economic benefit the Games would bring to our state by more than twice."
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The Impact on the Commonwealth Games:
The Commonwealth Games, previously known as the British Empire Games, commenced in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 1930 and have been held every four years since, with only one cancellation due to the Second World War.
Following Victoria's withdrawal, New South Wales, the host of the 2000 Olympic Games, also declined to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing financial constraints. While the Lord Mayor of Perth expressed interest, all Australian state premiers quickly ruled out the possibility of hosting the Games.
Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas of Perth voiced his perspective, stating, "Here's how it should work - we tell the Commonwealth Games Federation how much we will pay. We tell them, 'Here are our venues,' and they make THEIR games fit around what we have."
The search for a new host city within the allotted time remains uncertain, but the Games have a history of finding willing cities to step in at short notice. An example is the 2022 Games, where Durban, South Africa, won the bid after Edmonton, Canada withdrew due to financial constraints.
Despite being awarded the hosting rights, Durban was later stripped of the event in 2017 for failing to fulfill its bid promises. Subsequently, Birmingham in the UK took on the responsibility with the support of the British government and local council funding, resulting in a successful and record-breaking event.
The Commonwealth Games Federation has asserted its commitment to finding a new host while exploring available options. The priority remains securing a suitable solution for the 2026 Games that aligns with the best interests of the athletes and the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement.