Q: How much will the Games cost?
A: The projected cost of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is calculated at approximately £150 million, with £100 million being invested by the CGF and the reminder of the budget coming from commercial revenue streams such as ticketing, sponsorship, broadcast rights and merchandise.
Q: How does hosting the event benefit Scotland economically?
A: Glasgow 2026 will bring almost £150million direct external investment in the city of Glasgow, with no cost to the public purse to deliver the sporting competition. We are creating a Glasgow-first supply chain creating jobs and opportunities across the city, including over a thousand Games-time employed roles and the Games will bring millions of pounds of economic impact, including visitor spend, for Scotland and the rest of the UK.
We will also see investment in community assets across the city, including the city’s existing sporting venues to keep Glasgow fit for hosting future events, a new athletics track at Scotstoun Stadium to strengthen opportunities for grassroots athletics post-games and refurbished seating and upgrades to key facilities at Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
Q: How will this be funded?
A: The CGF has made £100 million available to fund the core budget, with additional funding made available for capital upgrades and city activation.
Commonwealth Games Australia has also offered an investment of £2.3 million to support Games delivery. Whilst the Games does not require public funding for delivery, the UK Government has also made an additional £2.3 million available as contingency towards security costs if required.
The balance will be funded by commercial revenues including ticket sales, broadcast revenues, commercial sponsorship and merchandise.
Q: Will the Games receive public funding?
A: Glasgow 2026 is privately funded, and the delivery of the Games does not require – nor have we ever asked for - public funding or a public underwrite from Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government or the UK Government. However, the UK Government has made an additional £2.3 million available as contingency towards security costs if required.
Q: What if costs go up?
A: The last three Commonwealth Games events were delivered under budget. We have several controls in place to ensure Glasgow 2026 is delivered on budget including a contingency in the Games budget and, in agreement with the CGF, we have the scope to adjust service levels to reduce costs where required.
Q: What are the community benefits of Glasgow hosting the Games?
A: We are so excited to be bringing the Games to Glasgow. Every aspect of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is being carefully considered to deliver benefits for the city of Glasgow, Scotland and Commonwealth Sport. The Games will be the largest event in the UK in 2026 and will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors who will spend time in our world-class sporting venues and cultural attractions, shopping districts, cafes, restaurants and bars. There will also be additional community benefits including:
- 3,000 Glaswegians and Scots recruited and trained as volunteers with pathways to further and higher education opportunities for those who want it.
- Inspiring people to try new sports and activities and to join grassroots clubs.
- A platform for artists and creatives to explore and express relationships with the Commonwealth.
- A platform to share the stories of all athletes, and the barriers overcome to be able to compete at the friendly Games.
- Increased civic pride, the feel-good factor of a Home Games.
Q: What will the legacy of the Games be?
A: Glasgow 2026 will leave a legacy that strengthens communities, supports a more sustainable events model, and helps secure the future of the Commonwealth Games.
Through our reimagined approach, the Games act as a bridge to a new era — one that is more inclusive, more affordable, and more accessible for future host nations. Developed with insight from over 170 athletes, residents, young people and partners, our Story of Change sets out how the Games will deliver lasting benefits across four key areas.
We will stage a greener Games by using existing venues and reducing carbon emissions; create a more inclusive Games through the largest Para sport programme in Commonwealth history; strengthen community pride and participation through volunteering, learning and cultural programmes; and demonstrate a financially responsible, place-based model that enables more cities and nations to host in the future.
Together, these impact areas will leave a legacy that benefits people, places and the planet long after the final medal is awarded.
Learn more about the legacy of Glasgow 2026 in our Story of Change.
Q: How will the Games be sustainable?
A: Glasgow 2026 aims to be a model of sustainable practice. A model that works with the city by concentrating sport competition within existing venues and stadiums, easily accessible by walkways, cycle paths and existing bus and train routes, rather than building new facilities or using facilities which are geographically distant.
We’re also creating a more financially sustainable model for major event delivery, opening up the benefits of hosting a Games to more countries, a priority for Commonwealth Sport. We’re also working on an Accommodation Hub for athletes in and around the main venues, meaning many athletes can walk to their competitions, reducing the amount of transport needed and encouraging active travel for athletes, support staff and fans.