Victoria Withdraws as Host of 2026 Commonwealth Games, Casting Doubt on Event's Future

The 2026 Commonwealth Games in Australia are in doubt after the state of Victoria cancelled its plans to host due to budget blowouts. The projected cost had tripled, making it "well and truly too much" for Victoria to bear. The estimated cost of the event had risen to over A$6 billion, more than twice the estimated economic benefit it would bring. Victoria will still complete stadium upgrades promised for the games but will redirect the saved money towards housing and tourism initiatives.