The Commonwealth Games in March 2026 will make history as the first to be staged across multiple cities and regional hubs, including Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland.

ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said: “We are incredibly excited to see another opportunity secured for our athletes to compete against the world’s best on home soil.

“We are truly in the midst of a green and gold decade for Australian sport. The runway to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will be one of the most thrilling periods in Australian sporting history, with the 2026 Commonwealth Games joining a packed calendar of events which includes this year’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and UCI World Road Cycling Championship, and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“The ASC, through the Australian Institute of Sport, is committed to ensuring that the Australian high performance sport system continues to achieve sustainable success in the lead up to 2032 and beyond.

“This is why, with the support of the State and Territory Sport Academies and Institutes, the ASC is leading the development of 2032+ National High Performance Sport Strategy.

“This strategy will be developed with input and consultation from the entire Australian high performance sport system and will provide our athletes and coaches the best chance to succeed.

“Success on the international stage is so important to drive grassroots participation and influence and inspire the next generation of athletes. For our future sporting stars to have so many opportunities over the next ten years to see our athletes compete on home soil is invaluable.

“I would like to thank and congratulate Craig Phillips and the Commonwealth Games Australia team for securing the Games for 2026. We look forward to working with you over the next four years to provide our athletes, coaches and sports the best chance for success.”