Seven nations declare interest in hosting future Commonwealth Games

by Chrispus C. Macauley

Commonwealth Sport is pleased to confirm it has received official expressions of interest (EOIs) from seven Commonwealth nations and territories keen to explore hosting future editions of the Commonwealth Games.

The EOIs have been submitted from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. Canada, India, and Nigeria have already publicly confirmed that they have lodged an EOI for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with two additional nations also confirming their interest in 2030. Two EOI are focused on the future Games pipeline, including New Zealand, which has previously signaled its interest in hosting 2034.

Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir said, “We are thrilled with the incredible interest from around the Commonwealth in hosting the 2030 centennial Commonwealth Games and beyond. This positive response from four of our six regions underlines the importance and significance of the Commonwealth Games and its position as a major multi-sport event in the world sporting calendar alongside the Olympic Games and Paralympics, and shows the strength and appeal of our reimagined Games model.

“We have made significant progress over the last 12 months, securing a host for 2026 and a pipeline of potential hosts for 2030 and beyond. We cannot overstate the hugely significant role Scotland has played in this change, having the foresight, tenacity, and innovative thinking to step forward and host the Games in Glasgow in 2026 within an incredibly tight timeframe, building on their legacy of Glasgow 2014.

We are thrilled with the incredible interest from around the Commonwealth in hosting the 2030 centennial Commonwealth Games and beyond.

Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir

“Glasgow 2026 will be a bridge to the Games of tomorrow – an important first step in our journey to reimagine and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future of major events. We are confident that Glasgow’s pioneering example will increase the breadth of countries able to host the Games in the decades ahead. 

“The impact of Glasgow 2026 starts now with this emergence of a strong pipeline of potential future hosts that gives confidence to current and future commercial partners, showcases the strength of the Commonwealth Sport Movement, and demonstrates the power of the Commonwealth Games brand and sport to unite people.

“This pipeline also sends a strong signal to our athlete community that the Commonwealth Games remains a major milestone in the global sporting calendar and will continue to be an event that attracts the very best athletes.”