Date: 17 - 29 MARCH
Host: Australia
Countries: TBC
Events: TBC
Athletes: TBC

A Games like no other, in a place like no other

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Sports

A Sports Programme featuring 20 sports and 26 disciplines, including nine fully integrated Para sports; has been agreed between the Commonwealth Games Federation, the Andrews Labor Government and Commonwealth Games Australia

The Sport Programme includes:

  • Aquatics (Swimming, Para Swimming & Diving)
  • Athletics & Para Athletics
  • Badminton
  • 3x3 Basketball, 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball
  • Boxing
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Coastal Rowing
  • Cricket T20 (Women’s)
  • Cycling (BMX)
  • Cycling (Mountain Bike)
  • Cycling (Road)
  • Cycling (Track & Para Track)
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics (Artistic)
  • Hockey
  • Lawn Bowls & Para Lawn Bowls
  • Netball
  • Rugby Sevens
  • Shooting & Shooting Para Sport
  • Squash
  • Table Tennis & Para Table Tennis
  • Triathlon & Para Triathlon
  • Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting

Hubs

The Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games will be the first multi-city model, spreading the sport across five regional areas including Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Gippsland and Shepparton. The approach will enable the State to showcase every aspect it has to offer.

Ballarat

Ballarat is a thriving hub of contemporary arts, events, food, brews and wine, with a fascinating heritage backdrop.

The Eureka Stadium will host the Athletics and Para Athletics competitions which, after its planned development, will see an extra 5,000 permanent seats and 18,000 temporary seats in the stadium specifically for the Games. The atmosphere is sure to be electric for one of the Games’ pinnacle sports!

Alongside the Commonwealth Games, Ballarat will host an elaborate festival that will showcase the region’s artistic and vibrant culture.

Bendigo

A vibrant arts hub renowned for the Bendigo Art Gallery, set against its rich history, grand architecture and magnificent gardens, Bendigo was in 2019 recognised as a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy.

Bendigo will be the home of six sports on the programme, including Lawn Bowls, Para Lawn Bowls, Table Tennis, Para Table Tennis, Squash and Netball.

On top of these, 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball will make its return in 2026 after a successful debut at Birmingham 2022, with Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling featuring in the region too.

Geelong

Geelong is Victoria's second largest city and is the gateway to the famous Great Ocean Road, which begins just south of Geelong at Torquay, which boasts stunning natural landscape. Just outside Geelong, Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre showcases Aboriginal culture and history.

It is set to host nine sports from the extensive programme, with Golf and Coastal Rowing both making their Commonwealth Games debut.

Alongside these, Geelong will welcome Aquatics and Para Swimming, Triathlon and Para Triathlon, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Beach Volleyball, Cricket T20, Artistic Gymnastics and Hockey’s return for another Games.

Not only will Geelong front the largest number of sports at the Games, but it will also be at the centre of bringing together 40,000 fans, athletes and volunteers together for the Closing Ceremony, in a night that will highlight and celebrate the best moments from the previous 12 days of sport.

Gippsland

Victoria’s largest region, Gippsland is comparable to the size of Switzerland and boasts vast landscapes and some of Australia’s most spectacular national parks, lakes and waterways.

Gippsland will stage Shooting and Para Shooting’s return to the Games, which is sure to bring fans old and new into Victoria to witness what the competition has to offer.

The region will also host Badminton, Rugby Sevens, Road Cycling and Cricket T20, where Australia will look to defend their titles on home soil in the Cricket and Women’s Rugby Sevens competitions after a successful Birmingham 2022.

Shepparton

On the banks of the Goulburn River, Shepparton is a vibrant town with plenty of outdoor activities and a wealth of fine food and wine. Shepparton is one of the most culturally diverse towns in regional Victoria promising a wealth of experiences to immerse yourself in.

The area will be a cycling fans paradise during the Games as the scenic surroundings of Shepparton make it an ideal location for the Cycling Road Race to take place, with Cycling (BMX) set to make its Commonwealth Games debut in the region too!

Legacy and impact

At Victoria 2026, sport is just the beginning.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will include a keen focus on ensuring works benefit Victoria long after the Games have concluded.

Athlete villages will become social and affordable housing, to help regional communities grow and thrive.

New and upgraded sports infrastructure which will help make regional Victoria the ideal place for major events, providing world-class facilities for local sporting clubs and the packed calendar of sport and events which Victoria attracts.

Beyond infrastructure, Victoria 2026 will help reinforce Victoria’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, while significantly strengthening international relationships throughout the Commonwealth through sport diplomacy.

Victoria 2026 is also committed to providing a platform that recognises Australian Aboriginal history and culture.

Victoria 2026 will showcase everything regional Victoria has to offer to the world – the best food and wine, outstanding arts and culture, and breathtaking landscapes.