An agreement has yet to be reached on who will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, despite speculation that a deal had been reached with Glasgow.
Mail Sport understands that talks are continuing between Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) but a final decision has not yet been made and no announcement is imminent.
This follows reports on Sunday suggesting a deal had been signed during the Paris Olympics for Glasgow to take over as host of the Games, which were initially awarded to Victoria before the Australian state pulled out in July last year, citing rising costs.
The event was dealt another blow earlier this year when Singapore joined Malaysia in ruling itself out of a bid to replace Victoria.
So far, no other country has offered to host the show, which is held every four years.
The Scottish Commonwealth Games has submitted a proposal for a “scaled-down” version of the event in Glasgow, which would include just 10 to 13 sports and use the city’s existing infrastructure after it hosted the Games in 2014.
Usain Bolt was the star attraction at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games
The Scottish team waved the flag at the opening ceremony at Celtic Park ten years ago
A Saltire flies during the Hampden Park Athletics trials in 2014
The organisation carried out a feasibility study in December 2023, assessing Scotland’s viability as a cost-effective alternative host.
They said their priority was to “ensure a Games take place in 2026”, insisting they were “willing to explore” their idea with the Commonwealth Games Federation and key partners in greater detail.
Estimating costs between £130m and £150m, CGS said no significant demands would be made on public funds, due to a £100m funding package from the Commonwealth Games Federation as part of the Victorian settlement agreement.
Boxer Charlie Flynn was one of the faces of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
Ryan Murdoch reacts in shock to his victory in the 200m breaststroke final
Eilidh Child competes in the women’s 400m hurdles at Hampden
The remaining £30-£50m, they said, would be funded “primarily by commercial revenue”, earned through ticket sales, sponsorship and broadcasting. A return of £100-£200m is expected, with additional spending from outside the UK of at least £100m.
Eilish McColgan, who stormed to victory in the 10,000m at Birmingham 2022, told Mail Sport a return to Glasgow would be “amazing” for the city but said the true value of the Games lies in its ability to inspire athletes just starting their competitive journey.
“From a personal point of view, it would be fantastic to see Glasgow host another Commonwealth Games,” said the 33-year-old Scot.
Scotland’s Lynsey Sharp celebrates her silver in the women’s 800m final in Glasgow
The official opening of the Cathkin Braes mountain bike trails in 2014
Eilish McColgan, who won gold in the 10,000m in Birmingham, would love to see the Games return to Glasgow
Usain Bolt poses with excited fans at Hampden Park during the Commonwealth Games
“If you look at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, which took place in Glasgow in March, it was amazing. There were athletes from all over the world saying what a wonderful city Glasgow is, so it’s really nice to hear that.
“To have the same atmosphere as in Glasgow 2014 again would be very special.”
While the CGS proposal may be innovative, fears remain that the costs to the public purse will be higher than previously anticipated. It is unclear how much would have to be spent on, for example, police and blue light services.
A final decision on the host country was expected to be made in May, after the CGF said it was considering “multiple” proposals.
