The Commonwealth Games are set to undergo transformative changes aimed at ensuring their sustainability and appeal, according to Chris Jenkins, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). The 2026 Glasgow Games will debut this streamlined approach, aiming to secure the event’s future well beyond its centennial celebration in 2030. Jenkins, speaking in an extensive interview with BBC Sport Wales, outlined the vision for a reimagined Games that balances tradition with financial and logistical prudence.
A New Approach to Hosting
Under Jenkins’ leadership, the CGF has introduced a model that moves away from costly infrastructure projects. Instead, future host cities will leverage existing facilities and co-host with neighboring cities or even countries. This shift aims to reduce expenses while maintaining the Games’ spirit of unity and competition. Jenkins emphasized the importance of affordability, stating, “We’ve reframed the Games to align perfectly with our place in the global sporting landscape.” Custom-built villages will no longer house athletes; instead, they will reside in hotels or other existing accommodations. Additionally, ceremonies may transition to indoor venues to further minimize costs. This model is expected to encourage more nations to bid for hosting rights, particularly those previously deterred by financial constraints.
Glasgow 2026: A Blueprint for the Future
The upcoming Games in Glasgow will serve as a testbed for this new format. Featuring 10 sports across four venues, the event will exclude road-based competitions such as marathons and cycling. Existing infrastructure will be utilized, and athletes will reside in local hotels. Glasgow has managed to cut over 50% of the traditional hosting costs, setting a precedent for future Games. Jenkins praised Glasgow’s efforts, describing them as a demonstration of how co-creation can work effectively. “This is the beginning of a reset,” he remarked, highlighting the compact nature of the Games and the innovative use of existing resources.
Expanding Horizons: Multi-City and Multi-Nation Hosting
Looking ahead, Jenkins envisions a more expansive format for the Games, potentially spread across multiple cities or even countries. This approach would enable host nations to collaborate with neighbors, sharing resources and responsibilities. For instance, Jenkins suggested that a country with partial facilities could partner with another to fill the gaps, eliminating the need for costly new constructions. Such a strategy could pave the way for the Games’ return to Wales, where the event was last held in Cardiff in 1958. Jenkins expressed optimism that this model, already generating enthusiasm among CGF members, could reinvigorate interest in hosting the Games across the Commonwealth.
Balancing Streamlining with Growth
While the Glasgow Games will feature a reduced roster of sports, Jenkins aims to increase the number of disciplines in future editions to between 15 and 17. This would strike a balance between the 19 sports showcased at Birmingham 2022 and the 22 initially planned for Victoria 2026. He reassured sports excluded from the 2026 program, such as hockey and triathlon, that they could return in subsequent Games. However, Jenkins acknowledged that the CGF would not have financial incentives, similar to the compensation Glasgow received from Victoria’s withdrawal, to offer future hosts. Instead, the focus will remain on creating a cost-effective yet high-quality event. “We’re setting our standards at World Championship level,” Jenkins affirmed, underscoring the CGF’s commitment to maintaining the Games’ prestige without emulating the Olympics.
A Critical Juncture for the Games
The Commonwealth Games have faced significant challenges in recent years, with both the Australian state of Victoria and the Canadian province of Alberta withdrawing as hosts for 2026 and 2030, respectively. Despite these setbacks, Jenkins remains confident in the Games’ relevance and appeal, describing them as integral to the Commonwealth and the broader sporting world. Expressions of interest for hosting the Games from 2030 to 2038 will open in early 2025. With this revised framework, Jenkins is optimistic about securing a stable future for the event. “We’ve analyzed the environment, and we’re confident we’ve got the Games right,” he stated, signaling a fresh era for one of the Commonwealth’s most cherished traditions. As the Commonwealth Games approach their centenary, Jenkins’ vision offers a pragmatic yet ambitious path forward, ensuring the event continues to thrive in a changing world.
