By 2040, a generation will have passed since London last staged the Olympic and Paralympic Games. For many, the summer of 2012 is etched in their minds as a moment of national pride and global admiration. But when you pause to consider how much the world will have changed by the time the Games could return to the capital, it becomes clear this wouldn’t just be a nostalgic repeat. It would be a reinvention.

In 15 years’ time, today’s children will be the athletes, creators and consumers that brands are trying to reach. They will not even remember the last home Games, and their interests, viewing habits and social values will be shaped by forces that might not currently exist. AI-driven media, decentralised content platforms, and shifting definitions of sport and fandom will redraw the entire engagement model.

Any city that can help the IOC adapt to that future stands to gain, and London is well placed to lead.

The rise of lifestyle sports and new medal moments

The data already shows the shift in motion. According to the 2025 EY Sports Engagement Index, 72% of UK respondents consider themselves “core sports engagers.” But what they mean by “sport” is changing.

It’s no longer just about elite competitions or season tickets. The fastest-growing areas of participation are lifestyle-led: basketball, hiking, running, swimming.

Sports that are as much about community and wellness as they are about medals. The generation growing up on Strava, YouTube Shorts and shared step counts is more likely to be inspired to watch and play by local participation over paywalled content.

This isn’t bad news for the Olympics, quite the opposite. It’s a chance to meet young people where they already are. A future London Olympics could shine a light on sports that resonate with younger audiences in new ways.

Disciplines like skateboarding, climbing and 3x3 basketball have already made their debut, and more could follow. For National Olympic Committees, these newer sports represent fresh medal potential. For sponsors, they offer storytelling opportunities rooted in identity and culture, over competition.

A host city for the digital age

Equally, the shift towards more gender-balanced and inclusive formats continues to reshape what fans expect from the Games. Events like mixed relays and doubles in newer sports make sense not just in the name of fairness, but in engagement too. They reflect a world where audiences care as much about representation as results. Combined with the growing popularity of wellness culture, there’s a much broader canvas to paint on, one that spans physical spaces and digital touchpoints.

That’s where the media landscape becomes central.

By 2040, AI will have transformed content creation. The way fans discover, watch and interact with Olympic moments won’t be through linear TV alone. It will happen through smart filters, reactive content and decentralised social ecosystems we haven’t even named yet. Signs of the shift are already clear: the unified Olympics social channels generated 1.1 billion engagements in June 2024 alone, triple the levels recorded before Tokyo 2020. Nearly 40 per cent of that digital audience is under 34, showing how the Games already live inside youth culture.

This is where London’s strength as a global media and tech hub comes into play. Any host city needs to offer more than venues; it needs to offer vision. And London is well placed to act as a bridge between tradition and transformation.

At the same time, competition among host cities is intensifying. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are spending heavily to secure global sports rights as part of their long-term plans to transition from oil dependency to destination economies. Rights holders and emerging sports are looking at cities not only as locations, but as revenue sources. And in return, cities are betting on footfall, tourism and cultural relevance.

This is a hearts and minds business. If global sports rightsholders know that London is open for business, they are far more likely to bring high-value events to the UK.

Craving for shared context

Of course, every Olympic bid comes with questions about cost, legacy and impact. And it’s fair to say that, even with much of the 2012 infrastructure still in place, the economics are complicated. But what often gets overlooked in those conversations is the value of cultural momentum.

Events like the Olympics have the power to influence generational health habits, drive community participation, and put cities on the global stage in a way that shapes their future far beyond the closing ceremony. They offer a reason to rally around shared purpose, something that feels increasingly scarce.

That collective energy matters, especially for marketers. Because whatever form the Olympic content experience takes in 2040, attention will be more fragmented than ever. Having a single event that cuts through, where people gather physically and digitally to experience something together, is rare and valuable. It’s the kind of shared context brands crave, particularly when trying to connect with younger, more purpose-led audiences.

That’s why the smart money is already thinking ahead. London 2040 wouldn’t just be a sporting event. It would be a moment to reset what fan engagement looks like. It would be a platform for health and inclusivity, powered by technology but rooted in emotion. For brands and rights holders alike, it could offer the chance to rebuild trust, relevance and reach with an audience that’s rewriting the rules.

London has done it before, but the real opportunity lies in doing it differently. If that happens in 2040, we won’t just be looking back at 2012 with pride. We’ll be looking forward with purpose.

Casey Harwood is Chief Business Officer at Engage

India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games has taken a significant step forward, as a senior delegation travelled to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland on a three-day official visit. The mission, which confirmed Ahmedabad 2036 as the aim, underscores India’s growing commitment to securing the Summer Games and elevating its profile as a global sporting destination.

This visit marks the first formal presentation by Indian officials since the country expressed interest in staging one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.

The group included prominent figures from India’s sports and administrative leadership: Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghvi, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, Sports Association Secretary Hariranjan Rao, Gujarat Chief Sports Secretary Ashwini Kumar, and Urban Development Secretary M Thennarasan.

“The discussions provided a vital platform for the Indian delegation to articulate their vision for hosting a future Olympic Games in Amdavad (Ahmedabad). Concurrently, they gained invaluable insights from the IOC regarding the requirements for the Olympic Games and its ambitions for the future of the Olympic Movement,” a press release issued by the delegation stated.

“The Olympic Games in India would not just be a spectacular event—they would create a generational impact for all Indians,” PT Usha was reported by ETV Bharat as saying.

During the visit, the IOC briefed the Indian team on the requirements and evaluation criteria necessary for a successful bid.

Minister Sanghvi highlighted productive discussions around hosting other sports and business events. “Yesterday, I had a fruitful meeting with the President of SportAccord, a Lausanne-based global sports event organisation. Gujarat was invited to host the SportAccord conference, which will showcase the state’s potential as a premier international sports destination,” he was quoted by ETV Bharat. "We also explored collaborative opportunities for hosting large-scale tournaments."

The President of SportAccord, IOC Honorary Member Ugur Erdener, is speaking at Host City 2025 conference in Glasgow on 1-3 December.

While several other nations have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Games, India’s bid is considered to be a frontrunner. A Letter of Intent was submitted to the IOC in October 2023, with the proposal led by IOC member Nita Ambani and publicly endorsed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The visit came shortly after the newly inaugurated IOC President Kirst Coventry announced a “pause and reflect” on the process of selecting Olympic host cities, with a view to restoring greater involvement of IOC Members in decision making.

World Netball has unveiled a major strategic overhaul, including a move to host its flagship Netball World Cup every two years instead of four, alongside launching an inaugural men's counterpart. The decision reflects growing concern over the future role of netball at the Commonwealth Games, despite seven destinations declaring interest in hosting future editions.

World Netball CEO Fiona Harold said: “International netball has never been more competitive, but the landscape is becoming increasingly complex to navigate.

“We… absolutely need to be proactive about futureproofing ourselves given the uncertainty around the Commonwealth Games post 2026. These decisions allow us to control our destiny and it’s positive news for everyone. As the International Federation, it is our job to sustain and grow the game over the long term.”

With reference to the men’s Netball World Cup, Harold added: “Whilst World Netball will always remain proud of the sport’s traditions, we must not be held hostage to them.

“Our sport is open to all and now feels like the right time to make a clear statement on the men’s game, which is gaining momentum rapidly.

“The resounding feedback from many stakeholders across the game is that this is a really positive step, especially as we continue to strive and build our case for Olympic Games inclusion.”

World Netball is in discussion with members and third parties about hosting rights for 2028-2035, with a formal process due to launch “imminently”.

Netball’s inclusion at the Commonwealth Games became uncertain following the 2021 publication of the Commonwealth Sport 2026-2030 Strategic Roadmap, which reduced compulsory sports to athletics and aquatics, making netball optional. Though the sport is confirmed for Glasgow 2026, World Netball is positioning its own events to compensate for any potential exclusion in subsequent Games.

Seven countries have officially expressed interest in hosting future Commonwealth Games, with Canada, India, and Nigeria are targeting the centenary 2030 Games, while two others (including New Zealand) explore 2034 bids. The host for 2030 is due to recommended by late November 2025 at the CGF General Assembly in Glasgow. With the new hosting model favouring cost‑efficient events using leaner programmes, netball’s continued presence remains unguaranteed under the flexible model, which could leave the sport in limbo unless individual host nations choose to include it.

Speaking in April, Commonwealth Sport Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall said, “Considering the high level of interest in hosting future Commonwealth Games in 2030 and beyond, we will now discuss each submission further and work with each interested Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) and its regional representatives as part of a co-creation and collaboration phase to establish hosting feasibility.

“During this next five-month period, candidates moving forward in the process will ultimately be required to provide a detailed Games Proposal to Commonwealth Sport. This will be followed by a Commonwealth Sport-led evaluation process culminating in our Executive Board recommending a host to the Membership for approval at the General Assembly in late November 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland."

[Source: British Cycling] In a historic milestone, the world’s biggest bike races, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, will both take place in the UK in 2027, marking the first time both the men’s and women’s Grand Départs will take place in the same country (outside France).

England, Scotland, and Wales are all set to host stages of this famous event in 2027, making it the largest free sporting spectacle in British history with millions expected to line the streets for the return of the Tour de France, and to witness the first ever staging of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in the UK.

The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh, Scotland. Further route details for both the men’s and women’s 2027 Grand Départs will be announced in the Autumn, with the focus on maximising the opportunity to showcase Britain’s diverse landscapes alongside the nation’s enthusiasm for cycling and inspiring as many people as possible through the event.

As a key part of this, a landmark social impact programme will be delivered as part of the build-up to the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift Grand Départs. The ambitious programme will deliver long-lasting benefits for thousands of people across the country by tackling inactivity, improving mental wellbeing, boosting economic growth and supporting communities to thrive.

The return of Tour de France to the UK is the result of an ambitious and collaborative effort from key partners, including British Cycling, UK Sport, UK Government, Scottish and Welsh Governments, and event stakeholders in a strategic win that will drive lasting benefits for the sport and everyone who rides a bike.

The last time the men’s Tour de France graced British shores was in 2014 when crowds of people cheered from the roadsides of Yorkshire and London for three unforgettable stages, following the race’s previous visit to the UK in 2007. With its return in 2027, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to inspire a new generation of cycling fans and riders while boosting cycle tourism right across the country.

Christian Prudhomme, General Director, Tour de France, said: "The Tour de France and the UK share a rich history, and I am delighted to bring the Grand Départ to the country in 2027. Britain has always welcomed the Tour with enthusiasm and pride, and this collaboration across England, Scotland, and Wales promises to make the event even more special."

First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, said: “It is a tremendous honour to welcome the Tour de France to Scotland. We know it is one of the most iconic and inspiring contests in sport, and that Scotland provides the perfect stage for major events. Hosting the Tour promises to be a unique opportunity to showcase our country to its many fans around the world as part of a timeline of incredible sporting events in Scotland from 2026 to 2028.”

First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said: “The Welsh stage of the 2027 UK Grand Depart promises to be a memorable experience for competitors and fans alike. Boasting stunning landscapes, warm and welcoming communities and an ever-growing fanbase of cycling enthusiasts, Wales will provide the ultimate challenge and a unique Welsh ‘Croeso’ for the world’s biggest cycle race.

“We will build on our successful track record of hosting road cycling events, ensuring the Tour De France has a positive and lasting impact on cycling in Wales, by showcasing Wales as a top international destination for cyclists and encouraging more people in Wales to get into cycling.”

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, said: “The opportunity to host the Grand Departs of both the Men's and Women’s Tour de France will cement Britain's reputation as a destination for major international sporting events. This will stimulate growth, attract new visitors and leave a lasting legacy for athletes and fans alike.

“Staging the Tour de France Femmes in Britain for the first time will also be an historic occasion and inspire the next generation of female cyclists while supporting our mission of breaking down barriers for women and girls to get more involved in sport.”

Simon Morton, Director of Events at UK Sport said: “We set out to host the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes because we believe that live sport is a fundamental part of our country’s social fabric, and that we should be hosting events that are accessible to people and communities across the country. This will be the biggest free spectator event ever hosted in the UK, offering the public front-row access to world class sport across villages, towns and cities. We can’t wait to share more details later in the year about this truly remarkable route.”

Jon Dutton OBE, CEO of British Cycling, said: "The return of the Tour de France Grand Départ to Britain is an exciting moment for cycling in the UK. Hosting both the men’s and women’s races together will be a first, and we believe it has the potential to inspire more people to discover the joy and benefits of cycling. This is not just about the race – it’s about creating a national moment that encourages healthier lifestyles, supports cycle tourism, and brings communities together."

To find out more information and keep up-to-date with the 2027 Grand Departs, please visit letourgb.com

[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord is delighted to announce that Istanbul, Türkiye, will host the SportAccord Convention 2025 from 9 to 12 June.

With the theme "Shaping the future of sport in a changing world”, the world’s most influential sports industry gathering will bring together key decision-makers to explore the evolving sports landscape and drive meaningful discussions on its future.

The SportAccord Convention is a unique gathering that provides sports business leaders access to all International Federations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), future Olympic Games organisers, other multi-sport event organisers, and leading sport-related international associations, all in one location.

This year’s edition is particularly important, coming at a crucial moment of transition within the Olympic Movement and against the backdrop of significant geopolitical developments impacting the global sports industry.

Istanbul: a leading hub for global sport

The SportAccord Convention 2025 also marks a return to Türkiye, over ten years after the highly successful 2014 edition in Belek, Antalya. Spanning the two continents of Europe and Asia, Istanbul epitomises the event’s global significance, combining rich cultural heritage, world-class infrastructure and a pivotal role in international sport.

The award-winning Istanbul Congress Center (ICC) will host this year’s flagship event, offering state-of-the-art facilities for an exceptional delegate experience.

With Istanbul also set to host the 2027 European Games, bringing the world’s leading sports decision-makers to the city in 2025 will further solidify its position as a premier destination for major sporting events. The SportAccord Convention 2025 will serve as a key platform for stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of global sport, while laying the groundwork for Türkiye’s continued sporting ambitions.

An unmissable opportunity for the global sports community

The SportAccord Convention 2025 will offer a unique platform for leaders in sport, business and governance to strengthen connections, exchange fresh perspectives and engage in high-level discussions on the future of sport. Full details of the conference programme will be announced soon, and delegate registration will open shortly.

Organisations looking to renew or establish partnerships with the SportAccord Convention, or secure coveted exhibition space next to the popular SportAccord Café, are encouraged to engage early.

For more details about the SportAccord Convention 2025 in Istanbul, please visit our event website sportaccord.sport.

Host City 2025 conference, exhibition and awards is set to return to Glasgow, Scotland on 1-3 December.

The conference and exhibition will take place at the Technology & Innovation Centre on 1-3 December, with the Host City Awards, building on the success of last year’s launch, taking place on the evening of 2 December.

This year’s conference programme will introduce a variety of fresh formats, including case studies and interactive workshops, focusing on sharing knowledge across the core areas of major event hosting and delivery.

Host City is the largest international meeting of major event owners, hosts, organisers and suppliers. Speakers at Host City include heads of organising committees, international federations, promoters, festivals and major congresses.

Matthew Astill, CEO of Cavendish Group said:  “Host City 2025 will provide our community of major event organisers, owners, hosts and suppliers with deeper and more varied opportunities for learning and business. We thank Glasgow and Scotland for their longstanding support of Host City.”

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: “Host City is always a fascinating and highly relevant exchange of knowledge, ideas, and best practice between event delivery professionals from around the world. Glasgow has a reputation for fantastic cultural, sports and business occasions so we’ll look forward to welcoming delegates to the city once again for the Host City Conference and Exhibition in December.”

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The return of Host City to Glasgow and Scotland reinforces our reputation as world-leading events destination. The conference and exhibition provide the ideal platform for delegates from across the sport, cultural and business events landscape to come together and discuss the issues and trends facing the industry. We look forward to once again welcoming delegates from around the global back to Glasgow this December.”

Ben Avison, Conference Director of Host City said: “I look forward to presenting a refreshed agenda for the Host City 2025 conference and Awards, focusing on inspirational best practice in major sports, business and cultural events.”

The full agenda for Host City 2025 and details for the inaugural Host City Awards will be announced soon.  

For more information visit www.hostcity.com or email ben.avison@hostcity.com

EDITOR’S NOTES
 

About Host City
Host City is the event and media brand that connects the owners, hosts and organisers of major events.

Through its conference, exhibition, awards and online publishing platforms, Host City shares best practice within the international community of international sports, business and cultural events.

Host City events are renowned for the highest level of speakers, content and networking.

About Glasgow Life

Glasgow Life is a charity working for the benefit of the people of Glasgow. We believe everyone deserves a great Glasgow life and we find innovative ways to make this happen across the city’s diverse communities.

Our programmes, experiences and events range from grassroots community activities to large-scale cultural, artistic and sporting events which present Glasgow on an international stage.

Our work is designed to promote inclusion, happiness and health, as well as support the city’s visitor economy, in order to enhance Glasgow’s mental, physical and economic wellbeing.

About EventScotland

EventScotland, part of VisitScotland - the national tourism and events organisation for Scotland, works to make the destination the perfect stage for events by securing and supporting an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events. 

It provides funding opportunities and access to resources and information to develop the industry. By raising Scotland’s profile as a leading events destination, we hope to attract more visitors to our shores. 

It supports the delivery of Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035 which aims to build on the events industry’s many achievements to date. 

The strategy refresh has been shaped by, Scottish Government, VisitScotland’s Industry and Events Directorate, Scotland’s Events Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA, Trade Union representatives, and those who responded to the consultation process. 

Find out more about Scotland's National Events Strategy 2024-2035. 

For further information about funding programmes and latest event news: 

• visit visitscotland.org/events 

• follow @EventScotNews on x.com 

• follow EventScotland on linkedin.com 

Host City: How do you see the esports events landscape evolving in the next five years, and what role does BLAST intend to play in shaping that evolution?

James Woollard: The esports events landscape is poised for further growth and evolution over the next five years, driven by the globalisation of the industry and the collaborative creation of new IPs between rights holders and publishers. As a key player in this environment, BLAST is uniquely positioned to shape the future of esports by leveraging its extensive experience and global reach.

With events spanning five continents and 11 countries this year alone, BLAST is at the forefront of bringing world-class esports experiences to diverse audiences worldwide. This global footprint not only highlights the universal appeal of esports but also underscores the importance of localisation and cultural relevance in engaging fans.

The collaboration between rights holders, such as BLAST, cities all over the world and game publishers, such as Valve, Epic Games and Ubisoft, is set to drive the development of innovative and immersive IPs. These partnerships will enhance the quality and variety of esports content, offering fans fresh and exciting experiences in different markets. BLAST’s commitment to fostering these relationships ensures that it remains a catalyst for creativity and growth within the industry.

The increasing interest from host destinations, sponsors, and media is a testament to the booming esports market – we only recently kicked off the 2026 and 2027 host destination process and have already received interest from over 40 cities, which helps showcase this demand and interest in esports events globally. Cities are eager to host major esports events, recognising the economic and cultural benefits they bring. Sponsors are keen to associate their brands with the vibrant and rapidly growing esports community, while media platforms seek to capture the attention of the dedicated and passionate fan base.

BLAST will continue playing a pivotal role in this evolution by setting new standards for event production, expanding its global presence, and driving innovation through strategic partnerships with cities and destinations. By doing so, BLAST will not only contribute to the growth of esports but also help shape a future where esports is celebrated and enjoyed by millions across the globe.

Host City: Could you talk us through the key considerations and criteria you use when evaluating cities or organisations during the bidding process?

James Woollard: When evaluating cities or organisations during the bidding process, we consider several key criteria. We look for locations where there is existing or growing audience demand and interest, ensuring a strong fan base, hype for the event and engagement. City support and involvement are also crucial, as is having world-class venues and infrastructure to host the event, and that can support our production. We also look for destinations that are a good cultural and brand fit for each event, making each one unique, characterful and memorable. Collaboration between destinations, cities and BLAST as the event owner and rights holder is also key. 

This approach has set us on course to stage world-class esports arena shows in 2025 in global event powerhouses such as Austin, Boston, Raleigh, London, Birmingham, Lisbon, Monterrey, Singapore, and Brazil as some of the stops on our world tour this year, among other leading (and some still to be announced, watch this space!) destinations.

Host City: When selecting a host city for an event, how much weight is given to factors such as the local esports community, and the potential long-term impact on regional esports growth?

James Woollard: A vibrant local scene, engaged stakeholders, and active grassroots organisations are invaluable, particularly from a sustainability and legacy perspective, allowing us to maximise cumulative impacts. We love partnering with local organisations and the community, as well as the city, to make each event impactful and special. 

However, we also relish the opportunity to visit new cities where esports is less established, and our leading events serve as a catalyst, stimulating growth in professional gaming and esports. BLAST events are a powerful stimulus, boasting between $30M to $100M USD of independently assessed economic impacts for hosts depending on the market, as well as a range of other tangible and less tangible benefits.

We aim to both reap the rewards of flourishing esports markets and sow the seeds in new ones.

Host City: Every city and venue is different – what kind of opportunities are there for smaller regions and cities to bid for BLAST events?

James Woollard: BLAST is thrilled to announce an unprecedented number of events and opportunities for prospective host cities, with 16 events planned for 2025, 20 in 2026, and a projected 25+ in 2027. This expansion includes events of all types, shapes, and sizes, offering a variety of opportunities for both repeat and new hosts. From iconic, premium arenas such as the Accor Arena in Paris, Moody Center in Austin, Wembley Arena in London, Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, and Singapore Indoor Stadium, to more intimate and unique venues like the MGM Music Hall in Boston, we are equipped to deliver award-winning events and productions tailored to cities and venues of all scales. Our creativity and enthusiasm for challenges drive us to bring new and exciting events to first-time esports hosts, and we promise to be a collaborative and committed partner throughout the process. 

We are also deepening and broadening our relationship with leading games publishers, meaning this breadth and depth of esports events and IPs (including some smaller and exclusive events) that we create and can offer to prospective cities will only increase.

Host City: How important is access to new or rapidly developing markets in your assessment of prospective hosts, and how do you balance this against practical and technical requirements?

James Woollard: Access to new or rapidly developing markets such as the US, China, Southeast Asia, India, Brazil, and the Middle East is crucial for the continued growth of the esports industry. These regions present significant opportunities to expand our audience and engage with new communities. However, it is equally important to balance this with practical and technical requirements. We listen closely to the community and our audience to ensure that our events meet our high standards and deliver a breathtaking experience. We relish the challenge of balancing events in fast-growing markets with those in established esports destinations, ensuring each event is both innovative and seamless.

Host City: What initiatives has BLAST implemented—or is planning to implement—to ensure sustainability and innovation in hosting esports events?

James Woollard: At BLAST, we prioritise sustainability by collaborating with local organisations, stakeholders, venues, and production partners. We focus on waste separation, using efficient LED screens, sourcing equipment locally to minimise shipping, and reusing equipment and infrastructure to benefit local schools and institutions.

Our innovation spans various areas, from the new BLAST Premier Counter-Strike format to interactive features on BLAST.tv and forming unique partnerships with global destinations and brands. For our destination partners, we create innovative marketing opportunities, featuring destinations in digital and physical inventory, showcasing host cities to a young global audience, and organising joint launch events, such as the upcoming BLAST.tv CS Major in Austin.

Host City: As well as selecting hosts for your events, the other crucial partners in your events are the publishers – how important are they in assuring a big impact, and how do you go about nurturing and developing these relationships?

James Woollard: Publishers are crucial to the success of esports events. Without leading games that sustain their popularity and a global audience, there wouldn't be international esports events and sustainable tournament series. BLAST works with and is always deepening its relationship with the biggest and best AAA game publishers in the world from production to commercialisation, such as Epic Games, Valve, Riot Games, and Ubisoft. This creates sustainable, growing, and truly global esports ecosystems in a holistic way.

Since 2017, we have been creating leading esports properties, IPs, and products with and for publishers, adapting and shaping them to the audience's wants and needs, and ensuring that individual events are tailored to specific markets and international audiences, which is crucial for ongoing relevance.

For cities, this means you can be assured that hosting a BLAST event also means you are hosting a popular esports event in the biggest titles, with the buy-in and support of publishers whose games reach billions of fans across the globe.

[Source: Commonwealth Games Federation] The Commonwealth Games Federation has invited its 74 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) to lodge formal expressions of interest to host the centenary Games in 2030 and beyond.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) confirmed today the new collaborative host selection process for the centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games and beyond is now underway.

With Glasgow 2026 preparations progressing apace, the CGF is continuing the positive momentum by inviting its 74 Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) to lodge formal expressions of interest (EOIs) for 2030 and future editions of the Commonwealth Games.

The CGF’s 2023-2034 ‘Commonwealth United’ Strategic Plan, launched in June 2023, and ‘Games Reset’ allows a move away from the organisation’s traditional host bidding process, enabling it to be flexible in offering the opportunity to potential hosts to be innovative and work collaboratively through a co-creation process on proposals for delivering the Games, while ensuring that all CGAs can meaningfully participate.

The new approach will start with an initial co-creation and collaboration phase between the CGF and representatives of potential host countries or territories along with the respective CGA, followed by a CGF-led evaluation process and recommendation of a host, with the final appointment of the host ultimately decided by the CGF General Assembly.

The CGF has identified a set of principles forming the new framework to create a modern, flexible Games blueprint for the future, including:

- Host nations will have increased flexibility to shape the Games and ensure legacy benefit for local communities. The CGF, host CGA, and host Government and community will work together to co-create the event and associated legacy benefits and social return on investment.

- Hosting costs will be significantly reduced from historical Commonwealth Games costs to diversify the hosting pipeline and enable more, new countries and territories to host. This will be achieved through continued delivery optimisation and encouraging the use of existing venues for sport and accommodation, unless additional infrastructure is part of existing national development plans that will happen irrespective of a Games.

- The Games will allow for an innovative, inclusive, and exciting sports programme that aims to inspire and positively contribute to the lives of the people of the Commonwealth by showcasing and celebrating its athletes, delivering impactful sporting moments, bringing value and meaningful benefits to hosts, whilst being attractive to athletes and relevant for all CGAs, International Federations and wider stakeholders. The Games will maintain full commitment to providing a level playing field for Para and non-Para sport and supporting the Para athlete development pathway.

CGF President Chris Jenkins said, ‘’We have consulted extensively with Governments, our CGA members and other stakeholders to create a new framework for advancing the relevance of the Commonwealth Games by prioritising the five key pillars of sport, cultural, social, diplomatic and economic impact that underpin the purpose of the Commonwealth Sport Movement and impact of the Games. Building on this framework, we have identified the strong principles that will steer us in the creation of a modern, flexible Games blueprint for the future.

“Glasgow 2026 is set to act as a bridge to a bright future for the Commonwealth Games – an exciting first step in the CGF’s journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly co-created, flexible and sustainable model for the future that inspires athletes, delivers tangible legacy benefits, minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact,” said Jenkins.

CGF Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall said, “With Glasgow 2026 fully operational, we start the New Year in a strong position, looking forward with confidence to the long-term future of the Commonwealth Games, and we are delighted to formally open our new collaborative host selection process for the centenary Games in 2030 and beyond.

“In addition to single city proposals, co-hosting within a country and across nations and territories will be actively encouraged to open up more hosting opportunities for more Commonwealth countries previously excluded from the ability to host,” said Hall.

[Source: Commonwealth Games Federation] The 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games will take place in Scotland from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games. 

Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel.

With over 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around 3,000 of the best athletes competing from up to 74 Commonwealth nations and territories that represent 2.5 billion people – one-third of the world’s population. Para sport will once again be fully integrated as a key priority and point of difference for the Games, with six Para sports included on the sport programme.

The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track & Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball.

The Games will take place across four venues: Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation.

The Glasgow 2026 Games will deliver over £100 million of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150 million of economic value added for the region, with a model that has been specially designed to not require public funding for the delivery of the Games. An additional multi-million-pound investment has also been secured for upgrading public sporting facilities, alongside funding for city activation projects across the city. 

With the confirmation that Glasgow will host one of the world’s biggest multi-sport events and the biggest sporting event in the United Kingdom in 2026, the branding for the Glasgow Games has also been released. For the first time in the Games’ history, the logo combines the Commonwealth Sport logo with the overall visual identity of the 2026 Games – emphasising the central role of the Commonwealth Games within the wider Commonwealth Sport Movement. 

The Glasgow 2026 logo features Glasgow graphic elements inspired by some of the engineering, architectural and natural elements found at the heart of the city. The three elements include representations of the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc, which are all centrally aligned in the Commonwealth Sport celebration mark in the colours of the waterfront – symbolising the meeting point for sport and culture at the heart of the Games. 

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Katie Sadleir NZOM said, ‘’On behalf of the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement, we are delighted to officially confirm that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in the host city of Glasgow. The Games promise to be a truly immersive festival of sport and celebration of culture and diversity that inspires athletes and sports – with a fan experience more accessible than ever before.

‘’With the Commonwealth Games held in such high esteem by athletes, sports and nations across the Commonwealth, we have been working tirelessly with our fellow stakeholders to ensure a high-quality Games will take place in 2026 – securing this vital milestone in the career pathway for thousands of athletes.

‘’The 2026 Games will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – an exciting first step in our journey to reset and redefine the Games as a truly collaborative, flexible and sustainable model for the future that minimises costs, reduces the environmental footprint, and enhances social impact – in doing so increasing the scope of countries capable of hosting.

‘’With the reassuring legacy of Glasgow 2014 providing existing sporting, transport and accommodation infrastructure, and world-class venues and expertise, we look forward to working with the Glasgow team to deliver a very special Commonwealth Games in 2026.

‘’Our Movement’s commitment to sport for development and social change remains central to Glasgow 2026 and beyond – with full integration of Para sport a priority the Games will continue to be an inspiring and impactful platform.’’

Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, said “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way.

“Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action.

“The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.”

First Minister John Swinney said, “The Commonwealth Games is a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland.

“As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration.

“I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together.

“While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building that new vision.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said, “It’s fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world class sporting events.

"There will be a great competitive programme across 10 sports, and I for one can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd.

“The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3 million contingency towards security costs. This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said, “We're thrilled to welcome the Commonwealth Games back to Glasgow for 2026, where Scotland's renowned hospitality and unwavering passion for sport will once again light up the city on the world stage. “The UK Government has long supported the Games, and we're proud to have played our part in making Glasgow 2026 a reality, backing the Scottish Government, Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation to deliver a world-class event.

“Together, we are dedicated to creating an unforgettable Games that will inspire athletes, fans and communities across the country for generations.”

Glasgow City Council Leader Susan Aitken said, “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place they can make that happen.

“Our city has a track record that is second to none when it comes to staging major events – and, in particular, working with organisers to make sure new competitions and formats get off to the best possible start.

“Glasgow benefitted greatly from hosting the Games in 2014 and officials have shared expertise and experience with both Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026.

“These Games will be, by design, different from those the Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play its part in helping make them a success on their own terms.” 

International brands including Apple, Google, Johnson & Johnson, the IAPP, Microsoft, Meta and TikTok as well as the most high-profile data protection and privacy leaders in the world will be in Jersey from Monday 28^th October, as, for one week, the Island becomes the centre of the world for data protection and privacy at the 46th Global Privacy Assembly Annual Conference.

 The Global Privacy Assembly connects the efforts of more than 130 data protection authorities worldwide every year, to discuss major issues impacting upon privacy and data protection and create the roadmap for the future of international privacy regulation.

Hosted by the Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner on behalf of the Global Privacy Assembly, the event combines an impressive open session agenda, open to business and public at the Royal Jersey Showground followed by a closed session for members of the Global Privacy Assembly at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, and will see 500 delegates and 70 international data protection and privacy industry leaders explore the conference theme ‘The ‘Power of i’.

“For one week, the Bailiwick of Jersey will be the centre of the world for all those involved in data protection and privacy,” said Clarisse Girot, Acting Head, Division on Data Flows, Governance and Privacy, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Kate Charlet, Global Director of Privacy Safety and Security Policy from one of the event’s gold sponsors, Google, commented: “The privacy landscape continues to evolve and grow more complex every day, so we’re excited to gather at this year’s GPA to learn how global regulators and privacy experts are tackling new challenges and focusing on responsible innovation.”

Aruna Sharma, Global Head of Privacy & Regulatory Affairs from Gala Dinner sponsor TikTok said: “TikTok is delighted to sponsor this year’s GPA conference in Jersey, and to contribute to the important dialogue on how organizations can work together with privacy and data protection regulators to foster the protection of personal information in times of rapid technological innovation."  

The speaker line-up includes European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, European Data Protection Supervisor Wojciech Wiewiorowski, President of the French data protection regulator the ‘CNIL’ (Commission nationale de l'informatique et des libertés) Marie-Laure Denis, Japanese Privacy Commissioner Yuji ASAI, Chair of South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission, Haksoo Ko, Head of the Data Protection Office, International Committee of the Red Cross, Massimo Marelli,  Commissioner, Instituto Nacional de Transparencia Josefina Roman Vergara, Commissioner for Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Patricia Kosseim and Baroness Beeban Kidron OBE, Chair of 5Rights Foundation.

Keynote speakers, panel discussions and fireside chats throughout the week include:

• The Future of Privacy Regulation
• Innovation and the Impact of AI
• Data Protection and Mental Health
• The concept of ‘harm’ in a Digital Age
• The advantages and challenges of Data Transfer Tools
• The Societal Impact of Privacy Education
• Accessible Privacy: Protecting the disabled, vulnerable and socially marginalised in a digitised world
• Creating trust through Data Trusts
• Trust and Safety for Automobile Innovation
• Data sharing between Government and Third Sector

Smaller side events, many of which are open to all delegates, will take place at venues across the island throughout the week and see world leading organisations such as UNICEF engage in high level discussion with delegates and Data Protection Authorities.

Keynote speakers lined up for the week include Futurist Nikolas Badminton, Bestselling Author and Hall of Fame Speaker Douglas Kruger and the final speaker at the open session is 7/7 survivor, paralympic athlete and inspirational and motivational speaker Martine Wright MBE. As a survivor of the most horrific terrorist atrocity to hit London in the post-war era, Martine’s story is one of pure inspiration. Delegates will hear how the trauma of that life-changing day affected Martine in terms of her privacy. Martine will discuss how she was thrust into the media spotlight, press intrusion, the impact of her disability in terms of access to basic services and how she harnessed the power of the media to tell her story to the world, on her terms.

Paul Vane, Information Commissioner for Jersey, commented: “Hosting the 46^th GPA is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Island and we’ve worked hard to ensure local businesses have the opportunity to network with some of the most influential organisations on earth. To welcome these global sponsors and international visitors to our shores is an incredible opportunity for Jersey.

We are delighted to provide local businesses with the opportunity to hear directly from international experts shaping the future of data protection and privacy, as well as be part of conversations that will influence the future of global data protection regulation. From tech suppliers to caterers, 90% of our resource for the conference is local to the Island and we hope the event brings a welcome boost for tourism in these shoulder months. It is an immense honour to be showcasing Jersey and we’re grateful for the support from the Government of Jersey and sponsors, to make it happen. The importance of hearing the voices of our next generation cannot be underestimated, so we’re also delighted to be welcoming students from Hautlieu School in Jersey for their perspectives on cyber bullying, facial recognition and what privacy means for future generations.”

 The 46th Global Privacy Assembly will take place from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November 2024.

 Registration for virtual attendance remains open until midnight (Jersey time) on Saturday 26^th October 2024. To view the conference programme, speaker line up, find out more and register, visit 46th Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) | Jersey 2024 (gpajersey.com)