The UK government has officially entered discussions about potentially hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the 2040s, marking an exciting step toward bringing the world's biggest sporting event back to British soil for the first time since London 2012.
This ambitious move comes as ministers also explore supporting bids for golf's prestigious Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup in the 2030s. The last time these team competitions were held in the UK was at Gleneagles, Scotland, in 2014 and 2019 respectively.
The government has confirmed that any potential Olympic bid will undergo careful evaluation, examining key factors including cost, socio-economic benefits, and the likelihood of success. This measured approach reflects the lessons learned from London 2012, which cost £8.8 billion to host but delivered an unforgettable summer of sport that still inspires athletes and fans today.
Momentum has been building behind a fourth UK Olympics bid for months. London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed interest in a 2040 bid last year, while UK Sport chair suggested Liverpool and Manchester could potentially co-host the Games. In February, political leaders from northern England made a compelling case for the region to host the event, emphasizing the potential for economic regeneration and sporting legacy.
The timing could work perfectly for a UK bid. With Los Angeles hosting in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032, the International Olympic Committee has yet to select cities for 2036 and beyond, leaving the door wide open for a British proposal in the 2040s.
On the golf front, Bolton has already thrown its hat in the ring to host the Ryder Cup in 2035, which would be the first time in over 30 years the event has been staged in England. Meanwhile, England Golf has urged government support for a Solheim Cup bid, which would bring the women's team competition to the country for the first time.
To strengthen the UK's position as a premier sporting destination, the government has also announced plans to make unauthorized ticket reselling for major events like Euro 2028 a criminal offense. This new "sporting events framework" aims to make it easier to bid for, secure, and deliver world-class sporting competitions.
Whether you're dreaming of another summer like 2012 or hoping to see the Ryder Cup return to English soil, the future of British sport is looking brighter than ever. Stay tuned as these exciting developments unfold!