How the North of England Olympic bid could look with League One club among nine football stadiums

May 17, 2026 - 15:15

The Olympic and Paralympic Games could return to Britain for the first time since London 2012 – but only in the north of England.

The government have commissioned UK Sport to conduct an ‘initial strategic assessment’ into a potential host bid for the 2040s.

Image of Manchester United's proposed new Old Trafford stadium — Man United unveiled plans for their new 100,000-seat stadium last year

The funding agency will examine costs, socio-economic benefits and the chances of success if the Games were to be staged in the north.

It is part of the government’s ambition to drive regeneration in towns and cities through sport, with Manchester and Liverpool likely to be central to any plans for the Olympics to return to England.

The North of England assesses Olympic bid for 2040s

Manchester, which hosted the 2002 Commonwealth Games, previously failed with a bid in 1993 to host the 2000 Olympics, which were later staged in Sydney, Australia.

However, it remains home to the national velodrome and an aquatics centre, with Old Trafford (both football and cricket grounds) among a number of major sporting venues across the region.

Liverpool, meanwhile, boasts Albert Dock and River Mersey, which could host sailing events, with Aintree an option for equestrian.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “London 2012 showed what the Olympics can do for our country. It inspired a generation through sport, attracted huge investment and showed the best of Britain to the world.

“But while the north of England has driven so much sporting excellence, no matter the talent we produce, the sporting moments we create and the world-class events we attract – for too long we have been told the Olympics is simply too big and too important to be hosted in the north.

“Not any more. It’s time the Olympics came north, and we showed what we can offer to the world.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we’re starting the firing gun on a long overdue vote of confidence in the north.”

Coach, Stuart Pearce, Ryan Giggs and Jack Cork of Great Britain talk to the media during the Team GB Football press conference at the Olympic Park on July 16, 2012 — The Olympics could return to Britain for the first time since London 2012 – but in the north

North of England’s sporting infrastructure

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, added: “Britain’s sporting prowess is recognised and respected around the world.

“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.

“It’s also why we’re backing stadium regeneration plans, like at Elland Road, to deliver new homes, business opportunities and public spaces in Leeds and beyond.”

UK Sport’s findings will set the groundwork for an in-depth ‘technical feasibility study’, but a final decision on any bid will be determined by the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association.

Hill Dickinson stadium — Liverpool will likely be central to plans alongside Manchester

Where each Olympic venue could be held in the north of England

talkSPORT’s athletics correspondent Michael Weadock has broken down where each Olympic event could be staged in the north.

At London 2012, Manchester United’s Old Trafford was a host of the Olympic football matches.

By 2040, the Red Devils are aiming to have their new 100,000-seater stadium ready – but have stated it will not be funded by taxpayers.

Meanwhile, their rivals, Leeds United, also have plans to develop Elland Road, with Man City’s Etihad Stadium already having athletics roots, having been converted into a football stadium after the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

If plans were to include the Midlands, that could bring the existing athletics stadium in Birmingham, and other venues into play.

And despite Sheffield Wednesday’s relegation to League One, their Hillsborough home remains a premier option for Olympic football.