The 2026 Commonwealth Games is set to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, after the Scottish government agreed to provide the requisite support to the organising body Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS).
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) made the announcement on Tuesday, with president Chris Jenkins saying: "We have been working with Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) and the Scottish Government for several months and are delighted to hear CGS has received confirmation of support from the Government to enable them to progress with their proposal to host the Games in 2026.
"At the heart of our discussions has been an investment of £100 million from the CGF and the commitment that Glasgow 2026 would not require financial underwriting from either the Scottish or UK Governments.
The future of the Commonwealth Games has been in doubt after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew from its position as host of the event owing to high costs. Durban in South Africa was set to become the first African host of the quadrennial competition in 2022 but ran into financial troubles that forced Birmingham, England to step in and host.
"We believe Glasgow 2026 will be an important first step in our commitment to reset and reframe the Commonwealth Games as a co-created, sustainable model that minimises costs, inspires athletes, and excites hosts and international federations," Jenkins added.
Jenkins added that Australian authorities have agreed to support the Games in Glasgow and have committed a multi-million pound investment.
Glasgow last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014, and as part of the streamlining of the event, is set to reduce the number of sports and events on show in 2026, though it has not yet been confirmed which sports and races will be omitted.
The BBC reported that 10 sports would be included in the revamped Games, taking place in four venus across Glasgow.
"The Commonwealth Games are a key pathway for elite athletes, a great event for spectators, and a fantastic opportunity to bring together the Commonwealth family of nations in a positive and impactful way," a UK government spokesperson said.
"This is a positive outcome for the Commonwealth Games movement and for the United Kingdom, and an opportunity to showcase what a new, more sustainable model for the Games looks like to assure its future as an event to 2030 and beyond."
Close to 5,000 athletes from 71 nations competed in 18 sports at the 2014 Games in the Scottish city. The budget was 575.6 million pounds, with 90 million spent on security.
The total budget for the 2026 Games is expected to be about 114 million pounds, the BBC reported.
Information from Reuters contributed to this report.