The Games will now be funded almost entirely by money given back by the Australians after Victoria pulled out of hosting the Games, with £100million coming from the Commonwealth Games Federation and a reported £2.3million more from Commonwealth Games Australia.
Commonwealth Games Scotland hope to make up the remainder of the money through commercial opportunities, with the cost of the Games slated to be around £114m.
The UK government, meanwhile, have agreed to commit to £2.3m for reserved matters such as national security, on the condition the Scottish Government match that amount and do not use the cash to 'bolster or enhance' the sporting extravaganza. They have refused to fully underwrite the cost of the event.
A statement from Commonwealth Games Scotland confirmed: 'CGS has secured support from Scottish and UK governments for its proposed plan for hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.'
Health Secretary Neil Gray outlined the decision in a letter to CGS chairperson Ian Reid following detailed consideration of the concept for a scaled-down version of the Games.
Commonwealth Games Scotland will now decide if they wish to proceed with their proposal before it is considered by the Commonwealth Games Federation.
Mr Gray said as cited by Sports Central: 'The fact that Glasgow was asked to step in and host the 2026 Games is testament to Glasgow and Scotland’s fantastic reputation for hosting international events. 'That said, we have been clear that our financial resources are limited. The Scottish Government has conducted a thorough assessment of Commonwealth Games Scotland’s proposal for Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. 'That assessment has been conducted alongside Commonwealth Games Scotland, the Commonwealth Games Federation, Glasgow City Council, the UK Government and, most recently, Commonwealth Games Australia.
He added: 'The collaboration has been extremely positive and productive and has resulted in the finalisation of a strong event proposal that will help to support a new future for the Commonwealth Games and deliver economic and sporting opportunity for Scotland. 'On that basis, I was pleased to write to Commonwealth Games Scotland today to inform them that the Scottish Government will give its support for the proposal. 'In 2026 all eyes will once again be on Glasgow, and I have every confidence that Scotland’s largest city will provide a fitting platform for some of the world’s top athletes.'
Reid added: 'Today Glasgow 2026 is one step closer to becoming a reality and we are delighted that both the Scottish and UK governments have backed our proposal. 'We have been clear from the outset that our Games concept for Glasgow 2026 aligns with the CGF's strategy to make the Games more accessible for future hosts, whilst ensuring that public funds are not required. Glasgow is one of the few cities in the Commonwealth that can deliver on time given its world class facilities, experienced workforce and strong supply chain. 'This is a really exciting opportunity and we will be working hard over the coming days to bring the final pieces of the puzzle together. I would like to thank both the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their confidence and financial contributions to the project, which have ensured that the Games can continue, that public funds will not be required and which delivers a significant economic boost to the City of Glasgow and to Scotland.'
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