Is it time to scrap the Commonwealth Games?

About this episode

The episode discusses the viability and relevance of the Commonwealth Games amidst rising costs and scrutiny over public spending.

For the second time in 12 years Glasgow is preparing to host the Commonwealth Games after Australia’s Victoria state pulled out because of increased costs. Victoria’s withdrawal raised questions about whether the 2026 games would go ahead before Glasgow agreed to step in. Staging a sporting mega-event is expensive and governments face increasing scrutiny over public spending. Victoria’s decision raised wider questions about affordability for potential hosts. At the same time, critics question the Games’ political relevance, given its origins in Britain’s colonial past. The Commonwealth Games Federation says the event can be delivered in a more sustainable way and argues that it brings cultural and economic benefits to host cities, but recent editions have run into significant costs and budget pressures. Our contributors this week are Dr Stuart Whigham, senior lecturer in sport, coaching and physical education at Oxford Brookes University, UK; Dr Matthew McDowell, lecturer in sport policy, management, and international development at the University of Edinburgh, UK; Dr Verity Postlethwaite, lecturer in strategic event management at Loughborough University, UK and Professor Gayle…

People in this episode

Host: Tanya Beckett

Guests: Dr Stuart Whigham, Dr Matthew McDowell, Dr Verity Postlethwaite, Professor Gayle McPherson

Topics covered

• Commonwealth Games
• sports funding
• public spending
• colonial history
• sustainability
• economic impact

Keywords

• Commonwealth Games
• Glasgow
• Victoria
• sports events
• public funding
• sustainability
• colonial past

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Commonwealth Games Federation

Places: Glasgow, Australia, Victoria, University of Edinburgh, Loughborough University, University of the West of Scotland

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