The Gold Coast has become the latest city to withdraw its bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026.
This leaves the event in limbo following Victoria's decision to terminate its hosting contract less than three years out from the start of the Games.
The Sporting News takes a look at the situation.
Who will host the Commonwealth Games 2026?
As it stands, the Commonwealth Games does not have a host for 2026.
The Games were set to take place in the Australian state of Victoria, but that contract was terminated, leaving the event in limbo.
Most Australian cities and states declined the option to swoop in and take over hosting rights, although Perth and the Gold Coast did propose a joint-city hosting arrangement.
However, this bid was officially withdrawn in December due to a lack of government support.
Currently, there is no indication that the United Kingdom will host the Games at late notice again like they did in 2022.
There are also no other current bidders for the Games.
In case the event does not go ahead, Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips said the organisation is looking for alternative solutions for athletes, with discussions continuing on "four continents, including here at home".
Why did Victoria pull out of hosting the Commonwealth Games?
In July, the Victoria State Government confirmed they had pulled out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Victorian Premier at the time, Daniel Andrews, explained they terminated their contract to host due to funding issues.
"We have informed Commonwealth Games authorities of our decision to seek to terminate the contract and to not conduct, not host the games," Andrews told reporters.
He explained that the event was initially forecast to cost AU$2.6 billion, but those projections inflated to AU$6 billion.
"I cannot stand here and say to you that I have any confidence that even $7 billion would appropriately and adequately fund these games," he said.
Will the Commonwealth Games be cancelled?
It's fair to say that the future of the Commonwealth Games is in doubt.
With no host lined up for 2026, there is a chance the event does not go ahead.
The Games have only been cancelled once before, which occurred during World War II.
It has been a rocky period ever since the South African city of Durban was stripped of hosting rights for the 2022 event after failing to meet key construction deadlines and having a blowout in costs.
Birmingham did step in to host a successful edition of the Games, however.
Despite this, similar financial concerns have impacted Victoria's decision to pull out of hosting in 2026.
Even the following edition of the Games is in doubt, with the Canadian province of Alberta pulling out as the sole contender to host the 2023 event.