Commonwealth Games Facing Uncertain Future as Hosts Back Away Due to Soaring Costs
The future of the Commonwealth Games hangs in the balance as potential hosts step away due to rising costs. This iconic sporting event, which has been running for almost a century and is supported by the British Royal Family, may disappear from our calendars if a new host with deep pockets isn’t found soon.
Despite having 72 associated nations and territories, nobody is willing to organize the next two events this decade. The recent decision by the Canadian province of Alberta not to bid for the 2030 Games due to its billion-dollar price tag has sent shockwaves through the organizing committee. This blow followed the cancellation of the Australian State of Victoria’s plans to host the Games in 2026 due to budget overruns.
While Birmingham did an exceptional job hosting the Commonwealth Games just a year ago, the quadrennial tournament is now under serious threat of never happening again. The latest setback came when Joseph Schow, the Minister of Tourism and Sport for Alberta, announced on Thursday night that they would not pursue a bid for the 2030 Games. The original plan was to hold the sports over 11 days in Calgary and Edmonton, marking the centenary year of the first British Empire Games in 1930.
Schow cited the huge costs and risks to taxpayers as the primary reasons for their withdrawal. He revealed that hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games could cost up to C$2.68 billion (£1.57 billion), with 93% of those expenses falling on taxpayers due to limited corporate sponsorship and broadcast revenues.
The Commonwealth Games Federation is under increasing pressure to secure a new host, but their reassurances of ongoing dialogue with potential candidates may not be enough. The financial aspects of hosting such a significant event cannot be ignored, and without a suitable location willing to take on the enormous costs, the future of the Commonwealth Games remains uncertain.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has expressed interest in hosting the Games, claiming that the sporting capital of the world is more than capable after the success of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. However, the final decision ultimately lies with the UK government, which must consider other priorities, including an upcoming General Election.
Simultaneously, Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has revealed a willingness to explore the possibility of Scotland hosting at least part of the 2026 Games. Yet, until a wealthy benefactor steps forward in the near future, the next edition of the Games may have to be postponed for several years or even abandoned entirely.
A complete reevaluation of the Commonwealth Games is necessary, including a probable reduction in size and the number of individual sports involved. The previous edition in Birmingham featured 20 individual sports, and this may need to be significantly scaled back. Regrettably, it is the athletes who suffer the most from these setbacks. For many, the Commonwealth Games represent a vital milestone in their careers, offering an opportunity to shine on a global stage and redeem themselves after less successful performances at the Olympics.
Katy Marchant, a cyclist who won bronze in the team sprint event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, expressed her disappointment at the cancellation of Victoria’s hosting plans. She emphasized the significance of the Games as a stepping stone for athletes, providing an additional chance to showcase their talents and win medals at an international level.
The Commonwealth Games Federation faces a race against time to secure a new host that can support the financial burden associated with such a grand event. The clock is ticking, and without a swift resolution, the future of the Commonwealth Games could be in jeopardy.
