Businesses from around the world are set to flock to Coventry and boost its economy
as a multi-sport festival for UK companies has been elevated to include international
entrants.

The 2026 UK Corporate Games, set to be hosted by the University of Warwick in
August, has been officially upgraded to become the World Corporate Games.

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!”