Victoria in box seat to host 2026 Commonwealth Games

It was only a week ago the Tasmanian government expressed its interest in hosting or co-hosting the games.

But a Commonwealth Games statement has revealed the focus is on holding most of the event in regional Victoria.

Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA), on Wednesday, announced it had signed an agreement with the Victorian Government and the Commonwealth Games Federation to enter exclusive negotiations to bring the 2026 event to Victoria.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula confirmed Victoria would host if awarded the Games.

It's been proposed the 2026 version would be hosted across the state rather than just Melbourne as was the case in 2006.

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The Victorian government will now work with the various agencies to develop its 2026 Commonwealth Games submission which will need to be assessed before a host is decided.

Australia has hosted the Games five times but they haven't been held on the Apple Isle.

Sydney had the honour in 1938, Perth in 1962, Brisbane in 1982, Melbourne in 2006 and the Gold Coast in 2018.

This year's Games are in Birmingham, England from July 28 to August 8.

Commonwealth Games Federation president Dame Louise Martin said the announcement had come after months of discussion.

"We are pleased to have entered into an exclusive dialogue with Victoria and Commonwealth Games Australia to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games," she said.

"Following months of positive discussions, it is clear that Victoria has an exciting vision for a future Games which will provide many benefits for the community whilst leaving a significant legacy for the state."