Glasgow Commonwealth Games generated £223m economic boost for Scotland

The Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 generated £233 million in economic activity across Scotland, a new report has said.

The 11-day Games generated a £158.6m economic boost for the Glasgow region alone, with the rest of the country also benefiting, figures by the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Impact Evaluation have revealed.

Around a million people in Scotland attended the Games live, while 510 million watched them worldwide.

The new Commonwealth Games model was delivered for less than £160m, with some 2,749 athletes from the 74 Commonwealth nations taking part in ten sports and six para-sports. Six world records were set as well as 152 Commonwealth Games records.

The event also produced the largest ever Para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history with 47 medal events.

The report found that community activity linked to the Games reached all of Scotland’s local authorities.

The event also supported 2,400 full-time equivalent years of employment, with 82 students securing games-time roles.

A total of 4,000 volunteers delivered 156,000 hours of volunteering. More than a third of the volunteer Legends were new to volunteering, with 87% indicating they intend to volunteer again in future.

Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said: “Glasgow showed what can happen when you build a games around the strengths of a place and the people who make it special.

“This report provides the evidence that we delivered great sport and a proud Glasgow welcome, while creating opportunities for people across Scotland to be part of something altogether brilliant.

“Our ambition was for a more sustainable games. Our thanks go to the workforce and volunteer legends, partners, and the communities who brought their own creativity and energy to the celebration.

“We are proud of what we achieved in Scotland on behalf of the whole Commonwealth. By sharing both our successes and the lessons learned, we have left a valuable legacy. This will inform and strengthen future editions of the Commonwealth Games.”

Robyn Love, Team Scotland 3×3 wheelchair basketball player/coach and Glasgow 2026 silver medallist, added: “To come away with a silver medal at a home Games was the stuff of dreams.

“Glasgow 2026 will live with me for the rest of my life. I’ll never forget the noise of the Scottish crowd when we won the semi-final, and to have my little girl there in the stands capped it all.

“I hope the visibility that the Commonwealth Games gives, particularly to para sport, means others may find and benefit from sport earlier than I did, and that the inspiration provided by Glasgow 2026 lives long into the future.”

Ian Reid CBE, Chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, added: “Two years ago, when the future of these Games was uncertain, we believed Scotland could step forward and lead to provide a solution that could not only reset and secure the future of the Games but also deliver an outstanding event in a responsible and sustainable way, while showcasing our athletes on the world stage.

“Glasgow 2026 made this a reality. It was a fantastic Commonwealth Games for Team Scotland, our athletes won a plethora of medals, set individual and team records and inspired the nation while generating an unforgettable atmosphere across the city.

“It was a reminder of what makes the Commonwealth Games so special. Everyone who worked tirelessly to deliver this altogether brilliant Games should be immensely proud.”