Victoria state in Australia has announced its withdrawal as the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to a substantial surge in projected costs. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews clarified that while his government had previously agreed to host the quadrennial event, they were not willing to bear an exorbitant financial burden. The initial budget of 2.6 billion Australian dollars ($2.39 billion) allocated for staging the Games in five regional cities has now escalated to an estimated 7 billion Australian dollars ($6.3 billion).
The Commonwealth Games Federation expressed deep disappointment with Victoria’s decision, emphasizing the impact on the organization and the athletes. They are currently seeking advice on alternative options to ensure the successful execution of the event in 2026. The significant cost escalation primarily stems from the regional, multi-city hosting model and the Victoria government’s decision to revise venue plans and include additional sports.
Originally scheduled for March 17-29, the Games were set to take place in the regional centers of Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland, and Shepparton in regional Victoria. Victoria state had previously demonstrated its capability as a host by successfully organizing the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The most recent edition of the Games held in Australia took place on the Gold Coast, Queensland state, in 2018. The Gold Coast is part of the southeast Queensland region, which is also slated to host events during the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.