2026 Commonwealth Games Back in Glasgow: 3×3 Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball Among Featured Sports
The Commonwealth Games Federation has confirmed that the 2026 Games will be held in Glasgow. This will mark the city’s second time hosting the prestigious event, 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Games. Glasgow 2014 was Scotland’s largest-ever multi-sport event, with nearly 5,000 athletes from 71 nations and territories competing.
Building on that success, Commonwealth Games Scotland has put forward a new, sustainable model for 2026, utilising existing facilities and foregoing the need for public funding. This innovative approach will ensure the Games can be delivered with minimal cost and environmental impact. The event will be funded by the Commonwealth Games Federation, with the Australian Commonwealth Games Association also pledging a multi-million-pound investment to cover any financial shortfalls.
In this new model, the Games will see a refreshed line-up of sports, including 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, alongside Athletics and Para Athletics, Swimming and Para Swimming, Boxing, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Artistic Gymnastics, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, and Netball.
A Warm Welcome for Team Wales
Gareth Davies, Chair of Commonwealth Games Wales, welcomed the news: “It’s fantastic that Glasgow has been confirmed as the host city for 2026. We know they’re capable of delivering a world-class Games, and while they’ve got less than two years to get everything in place, we’re fully supportive and excited for the journey ahead.”
Davies also acknowledged the disappointment for sports not included in the line-up but reassured that the Welsh team would be fully prepared for the challenges ahead: “Our immediate focus is on the next 18 months. We’ll have a dedicated team of staff, support staff, and volunteers working hard to ensure that Team Wales once again performs on the world stage.”
Excitement Builds for 3×3 Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball.
Basketball fans in Wales will be particularly thrilled with the inclusion of 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, fast-paced, urban formats of the sport that have been growing in popularity globally. Rebecca Edwards-Symmons, CEO of Commonwealth Games Wales, expressed her anticipation: “For us, and all the Commonwealth Games Associations, this announcement is a positive step forward. We’re excited to get started with the planning and to see what Glasgow can deliver in 2026. From a spectator’s perspective, the 2014 Games were outstanding, and we can’t wait to be part of something just as special.”
Performance Director at Basketball Wales, Phil Gordos, shared the excitement: “Everyone at Basketball Wales is delighted that 3×3 and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball have been included in the 2026 Games – and we’re extremely grateful to Glasgow for stepping in. We’re still waiting to hear how the qualification process will work, but we believe Wales has the talent to compete. The Commonwealth Games is a major target for Welsh basketball, and we’re eager to show what our players can do.”
What’s Next?
With less than two years until the 2026 Games, the countdown has already begun. Team Wales is gearing up for an intense preparation period to ensure they’re ready to compete at the highest level.
As the Games draw closer, the excitement is building, and there’s no doubt that Glasgow will once again deliver an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike. Whether it’s the traditional sports or the newer, fast-paced formats like 3×3 Basketball and 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball, there’s something for everyone to look forward to in 2026.
