In a startling move, organizers of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland have announced sweeping cuts to the sports program, eliminating several high-profile events. Hockey, rugby sevens, and diving are among the notable casualties in the significantly scaled-back Games, which will feature just 10 sports – nine fewer than the previous edition held in Birmingham in 2022.
Drastic Downsizing for Glasgow 2026
The decision to pare down the Commonwealth Games program comes as Glasgow steps in to host the event after the original host city, Victoria, withdrew last year due to ballooning costs. In an effort to keep expenses under control, organizers have made the difficult choice to cut several sports that have long been staples of the Commonwealth Games.
Sports on the Chopping Block
In addition to hockey, rugby sevens, and diving, other sports getting the axe include cricket, badminton, beach volleyball, mountain biking, rhythmic gymnastics, squash, and table tennis. The drastic reduction in the sports program has sent shockwaves through the Commonwealth sports community.
“This is a huge blow to the athletes who have been training for years to compete in these sports at the Commonwealth Games,” said a close source to the organizers. “It’s disappointing to see so many events cut, but we understand the financial realities that led to this decision.”
Surviving Sports and Venue Changes
Only athletics and swimming were guaranteed spots on the 2026 program. They will be joined by track cycling, weightlifting, 3×3 basketball, lawn bowls, netball, artistic gymnastics, judo, and boxing – with para events included in several of these sports. In another cost-cutting measure, the 10 sports will be spread across just four venues in Glasgow:
- Scotstoun Stadium
- Tollcross International Swimming Centre
- Emirates Arena
- Scottish Event Campus
Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodations rather than a dedicated athletes’ village, further reducing infrastructure costs for the host city.
Fallout from Victoria’s Withdrawal
The future of the 2026 Commonwealth Games was thrown into doubt last year when the original host, Victoria, pulled out, citing concerns over the event’s escalating price tag, which officials claimed had risen to an unsustainable $6 billion. In the wake of Victoria’s withdrawal, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) scrambled to find a replacement host, with Glasgow eventually stepping up to fill the void.
As part of the hosting agreement, Victoria paid $380 million in compensation to the CGF, with $200 million of that sum now being directed to Glasgow to help cover its hosting costs. Commonwealth Games Australia is also chipping in an additional $4.5 million to support security expenses for the event.
“This is a fantastic outcome for the Commonwealth sport movement,” said Commonwealth Games Australia president Ben Houston. “The Commonwealth Games are at the heart of Australia’s performance pathway, often providing the launch pad for continued and ongoing success by Australian athletes.”
Looking Ahead to a Leaner Games
With the 2026 Commonwealth Games program now finalized, athletes, coaches, and fans are adjusting their expectations for a leaner, more focused event. While the loss of several popular sports is sure to be felt, organizers are hopeful that the streamlined program will allow for a more sustainable and cost-effective Games that still showcases the best of Commonwealth sport.
As Glasgow prepares to welcome the world in 2026, all eyes will be on how this scaled-back version of the Commonwealth Games unfolds. Will the event prove that less can be more, or will the absence of so many beloved sports leave fans and athletes feeling short-changed? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be unlike any we’ve seen before.
