The 11-day Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games generated £176 million for the Glasgow city region and £223m for the wider Scottish economy, according to an impact evaluation by consultancy The Bulb.

The scaled-back Games had to be delivered in a shorter-than-usual timeframe after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as host due to rising costs. The event used the city’s existing infrastructure, including venues such as the OVO Hydro, and was delivered for less than £160m, with £5.7m invested across the Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre and Glasgow International Arena.

Commissioned by Commonwealth Sport and the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, the report found that the new model for the event was more environmentally sustainable than previous editions. Glasgow 2026 achieved independent ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management. As well as all competition venues having been entirely powered via renewable electricity tariffs, all waste was diverted from landfill, and some 79% of purchased assets were recycled, donated or resold.

More than 1 million people in Scotland experienced the Games live, while the event was broadcast to a global audience of 510m viewers in 166 territories, according to the report.

Led by chair George Black CBE and CEO Phil Batty OBE, Glasgow 2026 Limited was the organising company responsible for delivering the Games. Event delivery partners included Trivandi.

“Glasgow showed what can happen when you build a Games around the strengths of a place and the people who make it special,” said Glasgow 2026 CEO Phil Batty. “This report provides the evidence that we delivered great sport and a proud Glasgow welcome, while creating opportunities for people across Scotland to be part of something altogether brilliant.

“Our ambition was for a more sustainable Games. Our thanks go to the workforce and volunteer Legends, partners, and the communities who brought their own creativity and energy to the celebration.

“We are proud of what we achieved in Scotland on behalf of the whole Commonwealth. By sharing both our successes and the lessons learned, we have left a valuable legacy. This will inform and strengthen future editions of the Commonwealth Games.”

The report is available here.

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