The Commonwealth Games returns to Glasgow this week for the first time in twelve years. The huge sporting event kicks off with an opening ceremony this Thursday, July 23, at the OVO Hydro and will run every day until the closing ceremony on Sunday, August 2.
Participants and Athletes
Over 70 Commonwealth nations and territories along with 3,000 athletes are set to take part in the event which runs every four years. Team Scotland has sent 177 athletes to the event to compete across all sports on the programmes. Among some of the most famous athletes are Scots runner Josh Kerr who currently holds the world record in the mile, Olympian swimmer Adam Peaty, and Madeleine McCann's younger brother, Sean, who has also been selected to swim.
Broadcast Changes
The Commonwealth Games have historically been broadcast on the BBC with the corporation covering 18 consecutive events since 1954. However, for the first time in 72 years, the BBC will not be showing the games. The broadcaster confirmed: "Our bid was unable to match the financial offer from the market. We wish them every success for next year." Instead the 2026 Commonwealth Games will be televised across TNT Sports and viewers will need to pay to watch.
Schedule
The event begins this Thursday, July 23, at the OVO Hydro. The opening ceremony will feature performances from Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, country singer Nathan Evans, and musical duo Saint Phnx. There will be no sporting events on that day but there is a packed schedule on Friday, July 24, with 3x3 basketball, bowls, boxing, para powerlifting and swimming all getting underway. After that, there will be events on every day until the closing ceremony on Sunday, Aug 2, when Simple Minds, Sandi Thom, Cammy Barnes, and BEMZ will take to the stage.
How to Watch
The Commonwealth Games will be broadcast across TNT Sports after the BBC said it was "unable to match" the bid. This means viewers will need a paid subscription to watch the majority of the games. TNT has confirmed they will show every event on their streaming service, HBO Max. However, it has also been announced that Channel 5 will show "extensive highlights" which are of course free.
Subscription Costs
In the UK, HBO Max subscription prices range from £4.99 to £14.99 per month, depending on the plan. The games will be available live across all subscription plans. Viewers can subscribe to HBO Max online via HBO Max, or through the app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV. HBO Max is also bundled with TV and streaming providers like Sky, Disney+ or Amazon Prime.
