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Glasgow to Stage Slimmed-Down Commonwealth Games With £160 Million Budget

Organisers say the 10-sport programme and heavy use of existing venues aim to prove a cheaper, greener hosting model that could restore interest from potential hosts.

Overview

  • Commonwealth Sport confirmed on Monday that Glasgow will host a reduced 2026 Games from July 23 to August 2 with a budget of about £160 million.
  • Organisers cut the able-bodied programme to 10 sports and retained six para sports, excluding rugby sevens, hockey, wrestling, badminton and triathlon to lower costs and simplify logistics.
  • The budget shrink was achieved by designing the event around existing city infrastructure, reusing venues from past events and introducing sustainability measures such as an all-electric vehicle fleet.
  • Officials said Glasgow’s approach is being promoted as a proof of concept to attract more host cities and nations that could not afford large-scale Games under the old model.
  • Ahmedabad was announced as the 2030 host and organisers plan to expand back to a 17-sport programme while working with the Indian Olympic Committee and the Government of India, using Glasgow as a cost-saving template.