The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games logo and wider branding suite is a love letter to the city itself, the river Clyde upon which it prospered and the ingenuity and engineering brilliance of Glaswegians throughout the years.
Designed by Glasgow-based agency, LOOP and based upon the ‘Celebration Device’ logo of Commonwealth Sport, Glasgow’s logo features three, linear depictions of the natural and man-made marvels of the River Clyde waterfront, which has long been a focal point for Glasgow’s urban regeneration, transforming the post-industrial landscape into a hub of architectural and cultural significance.
At the top of the logo, a cross represents the angular lines of the Finnieston Crane, which towers over the SEC Hydro and SEC Armadillo – two of Glasgow 2026’s iconic venues.
The 53 metre cantilevered crane was built in 1932 and used to transfer cargo from steam locomotives onto ships to be transported around the world. As Glasgow regenerated into a post-industrial city, what would become known as the Finnieston Crane was preserved as a window into the area’s past and a landmark providing historical context to the contemporary developments along the river.
Below the cross is an arch depicting the Clyde Arc, often referred to as the ‘Squinty Bridge,’ due to its distinctive curved shape. More than just a crossing, the Arc serves as a crucial link between the city centre and the regenerated Pacific Quay area, home to the Glasgow Science Centre and BBC Scotland. Instantly recognisable, the Arc has become a symbol of Glasgow’s modernisation.
Beneath the Arc is the rippled water of the River Clyde itself. The river has played a pivotal role in the city’s history, economy and culture – it was the waterway that connected Glasgow’s ports to the world and now serves as the focal point for its rejuvenation. The River Clyde Regeneration projects have been successful in transforming Glasgow’s waterfront, revitalising the area economically, socially and environmentally. In 2026, it will serve as the central meeting point of the 23rd Commonwealth Games.
As Alison Brown, Director of Loop, says: “Each of these structures not only represents a triumph of architecture and engineering but also plays a pivotal role in revitalising the Clyde area, contributing to Glasgow’s resurgence as a vibrant, contemporary city.”
The vibrant hues of Scotland are captured in a contemporary style in the primary colour palette whilst the gradient represents the fusion of cultures at the hub, with the colours of the Clyde Waterfront merging together in a vibrant flurry of activity.
Just as the 23rd Commonwealth Games will be a diverse, joyful celebration of everything the city has to offer, the Games’ unique branding reflects all that is wonderful about Glasgow.
Officially known as the XXIII Commonwealth Games, 2026 Commonwealth Games is a planned multi-sport event scheduled to be hosted in Glasgow, Scotland, for members of the Commonwealth of Nations from 23 July to August 2, 2026.
This will be the fourth Commonwealth Games to be hosted in Scotland, following the 1970 and 1986 games in Edinburgh, and the 2014 games in Glasgow.
