Future of 2026 Commonwealth Games in doubt after Victoria cancels over cost concerns

The Australian state of Victoria‘s decision to not host the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to ballooning costs has put the tournament’s future in doubt and left organisers shocked and scrambling to find a new venue.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had originally expected to find a host for the 2026 games in 2019, but a number of hopeful bidders withdrew from the process owing to cost concerns. Victoria eventually volunteered to host the tournament in April 2022.

The Commonwealth Games take place every four years, with competitors willing to participate in the multi-sport tournament must be from one of the Commonwealth’s 56 members. The World War Two was the only time they have ever been cancelled.

Organisers had originally estimated the 12-day event would cost A$2.6 billion. But now it was expected to cost more than A$6 billion, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said, adding the new figure was “more than twice the estimated economic benefit” it would bring the state.

CGF said it’s “committed to finding a solution”, calling the decision “hugely disappointing”. The government changed plans for venues and had made decisions to include more sports, all of which added “considerable expense”, it added.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto called the situation a “massive humiliation” for Victoria. While Australia has held the tournament five times, all of the country’s states ruled out picking up the event on Tuesday. Authorities in New Zealand also aren’t ready to host the games.