CGF outlines new framework for future Commonwealth Games hosting

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has advised that multi-city and multi-nation bids will be “actively encouraged” as part of a new hosting framework for the event from 2030 onwards.

Inviting the 74 national associations within its membership to submit expressions of interest for the 2030 centenary Games and beyond, the CGF’s 2023-2034 ‘Commonwealth United’ Strategic Plan, first released in June 2023, and its ‘Games Reset’ initiative, moves away from the organisation’s traditional host bidding process, enabling it to be flexible in offering the opportunity to potential hosts to be innovative and work collaboratively through a co-creation process on proposals for delivering the Games.

Aiming to cut hosting costs and allow a wider pool of countries and cities to stage the event,

more “collaborative” approach aims to give host nations increased flexibility to shape the Games, while maintaining a full commitment to providing a level playing field for para and non-para sport.

Anticipating that staging costs will be significantly reduced for future Games, the new approach will start with an initial co-creation and collaboration phase between the CGF and interested parties, followed by a CGF-led evaluation process and recommendation of a host.

The final appointment of a host will then be decided by the CGF General Assembly.

The CGF has identified a set of principles forming the new framework to create a modern, flexible Games blueprint for the future, to be achieved through continued delivery optimisation and encouraging the use of existing venues for sport and accommodation, unless additional infrastructure is part of existing national development plans that will happen irrespective of a Games.

Introducing the model, CGF President, Chris Jenkins explained “we have consulted extensively with Governments, our CGA members and other stakeholders to create a new framework for advancing the relevance of the Commonwealth Games by prioritising the five key pillars of sport, cultural, social, diplomatic and economic impact that underpin the purpose of the Commonwealth Sport Movement and impact of the Games.

“Building on this framework, we have identified the strong principles that will steer us in the creation of a modern, flexible Games blueprint for the future. Glasgow 2026 is set to act as a bridge to a bright future for the Commonwealth Games - an exciting first step in the CGF’s journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly co-created, flexible and sustainable model for the future that inspires athletes, delivers tangible legacy benefits, minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact.”

Glasgow has stepped in to host the 2026 Games after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out, citing higher than anticipated costs.

Next year’s event, which will take place from 23rd July to 2nd August 2026, will feature a stripped-back program of just 10 sports, down from 19 at the 2022 edition in Birmingham.

Image: 2018 Commonwealth Games athletics action at the Gold Coast's Carrara Stadium.