The UK government has confirmed £7 million to explore a possible bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the North of England in the 2040s, according to a news story published on 30 October 2026 by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The funding was announced in that week's Budget.

A full feasibility study is now due to be launched. It will examine the types of venues and transport links needed, how hosting could be spread across the North, the costs and benefits for communities, and the prospects of developing a winning bid. The next phase will be taken forward by the government, UK Sport and Northern mayors, together with the British Olympic and Paralympic Associations, which would ultimately be responsible for any bid. The proposal follows UK Sport's initial strategic assessment, announced in May.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the government was backing the next steps towards a Northern bid. The story also quoted Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey, and said mayors and local leaders across the North had rallied behind the idea. The government links the plans to its Northern Growth Strategy, including investment in transport links, new homes, public spaces and grassroots sport. The last UK-hosted Games were London 2012.