It will be the first time Coventry has hosted the event, bringing a global spotlight to the city and the wider region.
This multi-sport festival will attract organisations from all sectors around the globe to compete in a celebration of business, sport and networking. Participants will compete in up to 20 different sports, including football, tennis, netball, volleyball, padel, basketball and even dragon boat racing with Warwick Castle as its backdrop.
Since the first World Corporate Games in San Francisco in 1988, host cities have included London, Lille, Geneva, Kuala Lumpur, Seville and Johannesburg, where the event was held under the patronage of Nelson Mandela in 1994. The last time the World Corporate Games was staged in the UK was in Liverpool in 2014.
The decision to elevate Coventry’s 2026 event to World status reflects both the strength of the region’s business community and the quality of facilities on offer at the University of Warwick and partner venues across the area.
As a result of the upgrade, many UK-based companies that had already committed to entering are now encouraged to invite colleagues from their international offices to join them, significantly increasing overseas participation.
Historically, international teams stay between five and seven days, delivering a substantial boost to the local economy through hotel stays, hospitality, transport and leisure spending.
The University of Warwick will once again act as the central hub for competition, athlete services and social events, supported by a range of high-profile venues across the region.
Doug White, CEO of Corporate Games Worldwide, said: “The elevation of the UK Corporate Games to become the 23rd World Corporate Games represents a significant milestone for our global community. From our beginnings in San Francisco in 1988 to today, our mission has remained constant - to unite businesses worldwide through sport, competition, and shared experience.
“Hosting this edition at the University of Warwick, in the dynamic city of Coventry and across such outstanding venues reinforces our commitment to delivering an exceptional international event.”
Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council, said: “Elevating the UK Corporate Games to a World Corporate Games event reflects both the growth of the Games and the confidence that the organisers and our partners have shown in Coventry.
“We’re excited to welcome international participants for an even bigger event, whilst showcasing everything our city has to offer as a leading host city for major sporting events.
“We’d love to see loads of Coventry businesses getting involved in what will be a brilliant Games – there’s still time to sign up and be part of it!”
