The UK government has officially entered discussions about hosting the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in the 2040s, marking a potential return to the global stage for the first time since London 2012. According to officials, "initial work examining whether the UK could host the Games will assess key factors such as potential cost, socio-economic benefit, and chance of success."

This isn't just about track and field—the government is also considering bids to host 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 (Ryder Cup) and 2019 (Solheim Cup).

Momentum has been building for a UK Olympic return. Last year, London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed interest in a 2040 bid for the capital. With Los Angeles hosting 2028 and Brisbane set for 2032, the International Olympic Committee is still selecting cities for 2036 and beyond—leaving the door wide open for the UK to step in.

In December, UK Sport chair suggested Liverpool and Manchester could co-host, calling a bid "an aspiration." Then in February, political leaders urged the government to base any future bid in northern England, calling it a "compelling" option.

On the golf front, the Ryder Cup—where Europe and the USA battle over three days of matchplay—takes place every two years. In March, Bolton emerged as a bidder for the 2035 Ryder Cup, which would be the first time England has hosted in over 30 years. Meanwhile, England Golf has asked the government to underwrite a bid for the Solheim Cup, the women's equivalent, which has never been staged in England.

As part of a new "sporting events framework," the government also plans to make it a criminal offense to resell tickets for major sporting events—a move that could change how fans access the biggest games in the world.