As the 12 netball nations set to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games are officially announced today, our attention turns to the venue: Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, which in contrast to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, will host the entire netball competition, not just the medal matches.

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The 13,000 seater venue, also hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, is one of the largest indoor arenas for the Games. Its selection for the entire netball competition signals the rising profile of netball and ensures the sport has a stage that matches its appeal.

At the 2014 Commonwealth Games, netball matches were initially scheduled for the smaller Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC). But with demand for tickets outstripping capacity, the finals were moved to the Hydro, effectively doubling the number of fans who could attend.

For 2026, hosting netball at the same venue as the ceremonies offers both logistical and symbolic advantages. Athletes and spectators will experience world-class facilities in the heart of Glasgow, while the arena’s visibility positions netball alongside the Games’ other major events.