The future of the Commonwealth Games is in doubt after Australia’s state of Victoria cancelled the 2026 event due to projected cost overruns.
18, July, 2023
The quadrennial multi-sport gathering was to have been held in four regional hubs, with the cost of the Games projected to blow out to more than $7 billion from a budgeted $2.6 billion if they went ahead. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and local governing body Commonwealth Games Australia did not provide immediate comment.
Victoria Cancels 2026 Commonwealth Games Due to Projected Cost Overruns
Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews announced that he would not take money out of hospitals and schools to fund an event that is three times the cost as estimated and budgeted for last year. “Frankly $6-$7 billion for a 12-day sporting event, we’re not doing that,” Andrews said at a media conference. Victoria had already informed the CGF in “amicable meetings” but the cost of breaking the 2026 contract was yet to be decided.
The Struggle to Keep the Commonwealth Games Relevant
The game for generally previous English settlements has attempted to stay important, with four of the last five releases held in Australia or England. Following South Africa’s denial of the 2022 Games in 2017 due to a lack of progress in preparations, the English city of Birmingham took over as host. Victoria stepped in to offer for the 2026 Games when no different nations showed interest.
Legacy Benefits and Economic Boost of the Commonwealth Games
Authorities had hyped up the heritage benefits from new framework in the local centers of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Gippsland, and a monetary increase in more than $3 billion from the travel industry and huge number of new positions. “As a state, obviously, we were ready to assist, obviously not at any cost and provided that there were enduring advantages for Victorian people group and advantage for the entire state,” Andrews said.
Victoria’s Alternative Plan
The government would instead spend more than $2 billion on a “regional package” which would include building all permanent sporting facilities intended for the Games, along with $1 billion earmarked for social and affordable housing. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews received heavy criticism over the decision of his government to abandon the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Craig Phillips, chief executive of Commonwealth Games Australia, declared the cited cost increase as being a “gross exaggeration” of the actual figures.
The Commonwealth Games in Australia
Australian sport authorities were promoting the country’s biggest territory of New South Ridges as an elective host for 2026. The 2000 Olympics were held in Sydney, the state capital of NSW. The International Olympic Committee Vice-President and former boss of the Australian Olympic Committee, John Coates, stated in remarks that were published by Sydney’s Daily Telegraph, “There’s no question we’ve got the venues… and March would be a good time to host it.” I’d very much want to see it come here … The games can sort out it.”
The Future of the Commonwealth Games
The cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games raises significant questions about the future of the event. With the Games struggling to remain relevant and the costs of hosting the Games often outweighing the benefits, it remains to be seen whether the Commonwealth Games will continue in their current form. The cancellation of the 2026 Games may lead to a re-evaluation of the event and a shift towards a more sustainable model.
