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The Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow in 2026

The places that make us. Because of you

Since 1994, National Lottery players have invested more than £1 billion in Glasgow through 14,000 grants supporting arts, heritage and community projects that help the city thrive every single day.

This consistent funding helps keep the heart of Glasgow's communities and character alive, from youth clubs, arts spaces, advice centres and historic buildings. These are the places that help make Glasgow what it is today.

As Glasgow prepares to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, becoming only the third city ever to host the Games twice, the impact of this funding is more evident than ever.

From the home nation athletes competing on the world stage, the stadiums hosting the action, to the museums that help to tell Glasgow's story, National Lottery players are at the centre of it all.

From 23 July to 2 August, Glasgow 2026 will transform the city into an 11-day festival of sport, culture and community, bringing world class sport and celebrations to audiences across Scotland and beyond.  

Backing athletes every step of the way 

Since its launch, The National Lottery has invested more than £9 billion into sport, supporting everything from local grassroots clubs to elite performance programmes across the UK. 

This funds the coaches, the science, the facilities and the athlete development pathways that help home nation teams reach the start line. 

Today, The National Lottery remains the largest funder of home nation athletes preparing for Glasgow 2026. 

More than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will come together to compete across 10 sports, including six Para sports, at four venues across the city. 

The Games will showcase world-class talent while celebrating the values that connect the diverse nations and territories of the Commonwealth. 

Behind every athlete is a network of support - family, friends, coaches and, of course, National Lottery players. 

Powered by players 

Thanks to National Lottery players, around £33 million is raised every week for good causes. It’s because of you that our athletes can compete at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. 

Two men in blue National Lottery-branded t-shirts talk to a young gymnast inside a gym.

Home Nations Commonwealth Games stars unite on day one of Glasgow 2026

With just hours to go until the Home Nations’ best gymnasts launch their Commonwealth Games campaigns, a combined team of decorated stars gathered at the City of Glasgow Gymnastics Club, to celebrate the support of The National Lottery players, that have helped hundreds of athletes get to Glasgow 2026.

Read the full story. 

Singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald surprises community choir as The National Lottery marks £1B of funding in Glasgow

World-renowned singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald made a surprise appearance in front of a 70-strong community choir at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum today, as The National Lottery celebrated more than £1 billion invested into Glasgow since 1994.

Read the full story. 

A man is taking a cross finger selfie with a group of young people.

Sir Chris Hoy celebrates £1B National Lottery milestone for Glasgow ahead of Commonwealth Games

Sir Chris Hoy has today celebrated more than £1 billion of National Lottery funding for Glasgow, as a new wave of Commonwealth Games-inspired grants helps communities across the city feel part of Glasgow 2026.

Read the fully story. 

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