UK to explore hosting Olympic Games in north of England 'during 2040s'

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stadium developments across the country. In an acknowledgement of sport’s capability to drive economic growth and regeneration, there will be an assessment, led by UK Sport, to examine the feasibility and potential benefits of northern England bidding for one of sport’s most prestigious events. Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary and Member of Parliament (MP) for Wigan, a town in Greater Manchester, has called it a “long overdue vote of confidence in the north” but the range of newly-announced programmes could also have a significant impact on the delivery of new Premier League stadiums. The “Stadium Regeneration Accelerator” will see the UK government work with sporting bodies, like the Premier League and English Football League (EFL), to help deliver major infrastructure projects. Funding will not go directly into new stadium builds but outlined plans say there will be a commitment to “unlock opportunities” around housing and transport that are typically integral to large scale plans, such as Manchester United’s bid to construct a new 100,000-capacity stadium next to the site of their current Old Trafford home. The only Premier League club referenced in the Government’s announcement was Leeds United, with the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves saying there was backing to “stadium plans, like at Elland Road (home of Leeds), to deliver new homes, business opportunities and public spaces in Leeds and beyond.” Leeds City Council announced earlier this year their hopes to see up to 2,000 new homes built in a regeneration of the areas surrounding Elland Road, mirroring the much grander plans previously outlined by Manchester United, who say the development of their new home will involve building 17,000 new homes in the Trafford area. Championship club Birmingham City have also outlined plans in the last 12 months to include housing, hotels and leisure facilities around their proposed new home named the Powerhouse, scheduled to be built in time for the 2030-31 season. The UK has previously seen the value of hosting a major sporting event in 2012 when the London Olympics helped to transform the borough of Stratford in the east of the capital. West Ham United went on to directly benefit when becoming tenants of the London Stadium in 2016. Manchester would appear to be the most likely candidate to host an Olympics from northern England’s towns and cities, having previously staged the 2002 Commonwealth Games. That brought the construction of a stadium that has since been adapted and extended as the home of Manchester City since 2003. “Britain’s sporting prowess is recognised and respected around the world,” said Reeves. “It’s something we are determined to capitalise on to breathe life into our communities and build a stronger and more secure economy. That’s why we’re throwing our full support behind bringing the Games back home which will boost our Northern Growth Corridor.” If a strategic assessment of hosting an Olympics brings no guarantees of a bid for 2040, 2044 or 2048, there is a commitment to “use sport as a catalyst for local regeneration and economic growth” across England. The potential benefits for England’s leading football clubs saw Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, add his comments to the Government’s announcement. “New and redeveloped stadiums will deliver over 100,000 extra seats for supporters, as well as thousands of new jobs,” said Masters. “These private investments can deliver substantial public benefits, and accelerating delivery can help to boost economic growth. “Developing partnerships to create transport and community infrastructure is often vital to unlocking redevelopment. That will help to strengthen the pipeline of viable projects and enable faster delivery, benefiting football fans as well as local residents and businesses. We welcome this programme and look forward to working with our clubs, the government, mayors and local authorities to help make it a success.” As well as Manchester United, Leeds United and Birmingham City all revealing stadium plans in the last 12 months, Newcastle United and Chelsea are also continuing to explore relocations. Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa also have plans to significantly increase stadium capacities in the coming years. In April 2025, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said that he wants the English capital to bid to host the 2040 Summer Olympic Games. London previously hosted the Olympics in 1908, 1848 and 2012. Another successful bid would make it the only city to host the Games four times. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms