The UK government is exploring a potential bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the 2040s, a move that forms a central pillar of its ambitious strategy to establish the nation as a premier global destination for major sporting events over the next two decades.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has outlined plans to position the UK as the “go-to destination” for sport, with an Olympic bid being a significant part of this vision. Initial work will commence to evaluate the potential costs, socio-economic benefits, and the overall likelihood of mounting a successful bid, SportBible reports.

Evaluating a 2040s Olympic return

The United Kingdom last welcomed the Olympic and Paralympic Games with London 2012, an event widely regarded as a resounding success. While Los Angeles is set to host in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has yet to select host cities for 2036 and beyond. This opens a window for the UK, with viable options for a bid including 2040, 2044, or 2048. Last year, London mayor Sadiq Khan had already expressed his desire for the city to bid for the 2040 Games.

Broadening the UK’s sporting event portfolio

The interest in a future Olympic Games bid is not an isolated ambition but part of a comprehensive DCMS strategy to attract a wide array of prestigious international sporting events. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy underscored the importance of this drive.

Read also: FIFA release statement as millions left unable to watch World Cup matches

“Sport brings our country together like nothing else – and never more so than when we welcome the world’s biggest major events,” Nandy stated. “From London 2012 right through to the record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup we hosted last summer, we’ve proven ourselves to be outstanding hosts time and time again.”

The UK’s commitment to becoming a leading host nation is already evident through several ongoing and upcoming initiatives:

• A joint bid has been launched to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
• A bid is in progress for Bolton to host the 2035 Ryder Cup, an event the UK has not hosted since 2014.
• There is also expressed interest in hosting the Solheim Cup.
• England, Scotland, and Wales will co-host Euro 2028 alongside the Republic of Ireland.

Furthermore, the country is set to host several major tournaments later this year, including the Women’s T20 World Cup, the European Athletics Championships, and the Commonwealth Games, showcasing its immediate capacity for large-scale events.

Nandy reiterated the government’s dedication to this long-term vision: “This Government is committed and ambitious. We want to continue attracting the most prestigious events in sport so that people all over the country can enjoy the whole range of economic and social benefits they bring for generations to come, showing the best of Britain to the world.”

Read also: LIV Golf faces uncertain future as Saudi PIF funding set to end after 2026 season

Sources: www.sportbible.com

Read also: England fans aren’t buying RFU’s explanation for Six Nations collapse