Uncertainty Looms Over 2026 Commonwealth Games as Victoria Cancels Hosting Plans

The 2026 Commonwealth Games face uncertainty after Victoria, an Australian state, canceled its plans to host due to budget overruns.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) struggled to find a host before Victoria stepped forward in April 2022. However, the state's premier announced that the projected cost had tripled and had become "well and truly too much" for the state to handle.

CGF described the decision as "deeply disappointing" and affirmed its commitment to finding an alternative solution.

The Commonwealth Games, a multi-sport event held every four years, have only been canceled once in history, during World War II. Competitors must come from one of the 56 Commonwealth member countries, most of which were once part of the British Empire.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Victoria was initially "pleased to assist" when asked to host last year, but emphasized that it was "not at any price." Originally estimated to cost A$2.6 billion (₤1.4 billion; $1.8 billion), the 12-day event was now expected to exceed A$6 billion. Andrews noted that this new figure was "more than twice the estimated economic benefit" for Victoria.

"I've made a lot of tough decisions in this job. This is not one of them," Andrews said at a press conference. "It's all cost and no benefit."

The state government will still complete the planned stadium upgrades but will redirect the funds initially earmarked for the Games to housing and tourism initiatives. Andrews mentioned that moving the Games to Melbourne was considered before notifying CGF of the decision. Meetings in London were described as "amicable and constructive."

CGF expressed disappointment over being given only eight hours' notice and criticized the lack of discussion on possible solutions. The federation noted that the A$6 billion estimate was double the figure discussed at a recent board meeting. The cost increase was attributed to the "unique local delivery model" Victoria implemented, which included more sports and venue changes contrary to CGF and Australian arm recommendations.

Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto called the decision a "huge embarrassment" for the state and detrimental to its reputation as a host of international events. The Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Australia agreed, labeling the cost overruns as a "gross overestimation" and stated that the search for a new Australian host would begin.

Australia has hosted the Commonwealth Games five times, including in Melbourne in 2006 and the Gold Coast in 2018. However, all Australian states have declined to host the event this time. New Zealand authorities have also indicated they will not bid for the Games. Organizers have faced challenges finding suitable hosts recently, with Durban in South Africa losing the 2022 Games hosting rights due to financial difficulties and missed deadlines, leading Birmingham to step in nine months later.