The upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games is set to make history with its largest-ever Para sport medal event programme, and wheelchair basketball is at the forefront of this expansion. The highly successful 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball event, which debuted at Birmingham 2022, will see an increase in participating teams, growing from six to eight for both the men's and women's competitions. The running 3x3 Basketball competition will also expand from eight to 12 teams, reflecting the basketball's growing popularity and competitiveness.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026, featuring a 10-sport programme held across four key venues in the city. Para sport will be fully integrated into the event, with a record-breaking 47 medal events across multiple disciplines, reinforcing the Games’ commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
A total of 200 gold medals will be contested across the 10-day event, with Para sport events featured in six of the ten sports. The full medal programme includes:
- Athletics and Para Athletics – Featuring a wide range of track, field, and mixed relay events.
- Swimming and Para Swimming – The most extensive swimming programme in Commonwealth Games history, including the men’s 800m Freestyle and women’s 1500m Freestyle for the first time.
- Track and Para Track Cycling – The largest track cycling programme ever at a Commonwealth Games, doubling the Para events from Birmingham 2022.
- Bowls and Para Bowls (indoor) – A strong traditional presence with an expanded Para discipline.
- 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball – Increased team participation to create more competitive and thrilling matchups.
- Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting – Showcasing the strength and endurance of athletes in both disciplines.
IWBF President Ulf Mehrens welcomed the expansion of 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball, stating:
“The growth of 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball at Glasgow 2026 is a fantastic milestone for the sport. The Commonwealth Games provide an incredible platform to showcase wheelchair basketball’s dynamic and fast-paced nature to a global audience. With the increase in teams, we expect even more competitive matchups and thrilling action that will inspire athletes and fans alike.”
Glasgow 2026 Chief Executive Phil Batty OBE highlighted the significance of the Games’ inclusive approach, emphasizing the importance of growing Para sport and strengthening its presence within major multi-sport events.
With a record number of Para medal events, an expanded track cycling programme, and the return of historic events such as the Commonwealth Mile, Glasgow 2026 is set to deliver an action-packed sporting spectacle for fans and athletes alike. The inclusion of additional 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball teams underlines the continued development and global reach of the sport, further solidifying its place on the international stage.
For more information about the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, visit www.glasgow2026.com.
