The State of Victoria and Commonwealth Games Australia are proud and excited to be confirmed as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Confirming our position as Australia’s sporting capital, Victoria 2026 will take the State of Victoria to the world.
In a Commonwealth Games first, Victoria 2026 will introduce a new multi-city model bringing global sport to four regional hubs:
- Geelong
- Bendigo
- Ballarat
- Gippsland.
Each hub will have its own athlete village, and together they will deliver a 16-sport programme in world-class regional sporting venues.
Hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games will create a legacy for Victoria that extends well beyond the competition period. This will include significant investment in community infrastructure in regional Victoria, including housing and world-class sporting facilities.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“It’s a great honour to have Victoria chosen as the host venue for the 2026 Commonwealth Games – we can’t wait to welcome the world to all of our state.”
“The Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria is great for jobs, hospitality and our economy.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“Hosting the Commonwealth Games in four years’ time will deliver major benefits, particularly the regions, and leave a lasting legacy for the growth and development of sport throughout Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
“We’ve always known the value of regional Victoria and the 2026 Commonwealth Games will provide a chance to showcase all we have to offer to the world.”
Quote attributable to President, Commonwealth Games Federation Dame Louise Martin
“The Commonwealth Games Federation is absolutely delighted to award the 2026 Commonwealth Games to Victoria. Commonwealth Games Australia and the Victorian Government have set out a bold and innovative vision that provides an exciting new blueprint for hosting our major multi-sport event.”
Quote attributable to President, Commonwealth Games Australia Ben Houston
“Commonwealth Games Australia is thrilled to welcome the athletes of the Commonwealth back to Australia and we look forward to working with both the CGF and the Victorian Government to bring the Games to life across Victoria in 2026.”
Sports
A core group of 16 sports has been agreed between the State of Victoria, the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia. More sports may be be added to the programme.
The sport program today includes:
| Sport | Proposed Venue |
|---|---|
| Aquatics (Swimming, Para Swimming & Diving) | Geelong |
| Athletics & Para Athletics | Ballarat |
| Badminton | Gippsland |
| Boxing | Ballarat |
| Beach Volleyball | Geelong |
| Cricket T20 | Geelong, Gippsland, Ballarat, Bendigo |
| Cycling | Gippsland, Bendigo |
| Gymnastics | Geelong |
| Hockey | Geelong |
| Lawn Bowls & Para Lawn Bowls | Bendigo |
| Netball | Bendigo |
| Rugby Sevens | Gippsland |
| Squash | Bendigo |
| Table Tennis & Para Table Tennis | Geelong |
| Triathlon & Para Triathlon | Geelong |
| Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting | Bendigo |
The sports will be held across the four regional hubs. This will deliver a unique experience for participants, officials and fans, taking the regions of Victoria to the world.
Legacy
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will include a keen focus on ensuring works benefit Victoria long after the Games have concluded.
Athlete villages in all four regional hubs will become social and affordable housing, to help regional communities grow and thrive.
New and upgraded sports infrastructure which will help make regional Victoria the ideal place for major events, providing world-class facilities for local sporting clubs and the packed calendar of sport and events which Victoria attracts.
Beyond infrastructure, Victoria 2026 will help reinforce Victoria’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, while significantly strengthening international relationships throughout the Commonwealth through sport diplomacy.
