Seven countries, including powerhouses like Canada, India, and Nigeria, have officially joined the race to host future Commonwealth editions, with five nations vying for the prestigious 2030 centennial Games.
This marks a significant shift in momentum for the Games, which in recent years struggled to secure committed hosts for upcoming editions.
In a statement released Wednesday, Commonwealth Sport confirmed that five countries had met the March 31 deadline to submit expressions of interest (EOIs) for hosting the 2030 Games, while two additional nations have expressed interest in organizing the 2034 edition.
Among those bidding for 2030 are Canada, India, and Nigeria, while New Zealand has publicly declared its sights on 2034. The identities of two other 2030 bidders remain under wraps for now.
The announcement reflects renewed enthusiasm from four continental regions—Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania—leaving only Europe on the sidelines, although Glasgow, Scotland is confirmed to host a streamlined version of the 2026 Games.
Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir hailed the surge in interest as a powerful endorsement of the Games’ enduring legacy and evolving identity.
“This positive response from four of our six regions underlines the importance and significance of the Commonwealth Games and its position as a major multi-sport event in the global calendar alongside the Olympics and Paralympics,” she said.
The 2030 Games will mark the centennial edition of the Commonwealth Games.
The final host will be announced at the Commonwealth General Assembly in Glasgow in November 2025, following a five-month evaluation process and the submission of detailed bid proposals due by August 31, 2025.
Commonwealth Sport Director of Games and Assurance Darren Hall, emphasized the collaborative nature of the process.
“Candidates will ultimately be required to provide a detailed Games Proposal… culminating in our Executive Board recommending a host to the Membership for approval.”
Canada appears poised to make a compelling case, with four provinces, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, already signaling their support for a joint bid.
If successful, it would be the country’s sixth time hosting, having last done so in Victoria in 1994.
India, has included the 2030 Commonwealth Games in a broader sports diplomacy strategy. This includes a bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics, and plans to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2030.
Despite facing criticism during its 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India appears determined to redeem its image.
Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, has returned to the bidding ring after narrowly losing the 2014 Games to Glasgow. The Nigerian Olympic Committee officially submitted its EOI on March 28. However, the bid still requires full endorsement from the Nigerian government, a crucial step to move forward.
The revival of host interest comes amid a leadership transition at Commonwealth Sport. President Chris Jenkins resigned unexpectedly following the release of an ethics investigation report.
Donald Rukare has stepped in as president and will oversee the upcoming bid review period until the next General Assembly.