| Factor | Commonwealth Games Sports | Olympic Sports |
|---|---|---|
| Participating nations | Commonwealth only (~54) | Global (~200) |
| Netball | Yes (flagship) | No |
| Lawn bowls | Yes | No |
| Squash | Yes | No (until LA 2028) |
| Handball | No | Yes |
| Fencing | No | Yes |
| Frequency | Every 4 years | Every 4 years (summer) |
Choose Commonwealth Games Sports when…
You follow netball, lawn bowls or squash (Commonwealth staples), are from a Commonwealth nation, or enjoy the slightly more intimate scale of the Commonwealth Games.
Choose Olympic Sports when…
You follow the full global sporting programme, want the highest level of international competition, or follow sports like handball, fencing and water polo that feature at the Olympics.
Gear for both
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FAQ
Why isn't netball in the Olympics?
Netball is recognised by the IOC but has not been added to the Olympic programme, partly due to limited global spread (it's concentrated in Commonwealth nations) and the IOC's careful management of the number of sports and athletes. Netball remains a flagship Commonwealth Games sport.
Which sports are in the Commonwealth Games but not the Olympics?
Notable Commonwealth-only sports include netball, lawn bowls, and squash. All three have lobbied extensively for Olympic inclusion. Netball is the most popular women's team sport in many Commonwealth nations. Squash has come close to Olympic inclusion multiple times but has not yet been added to the programme.
How many countries compete in the Commonwealth Games vs the Olympics?
The Commonwealth Games typically attracts around 70–72 teams representing Commonwealth nations and territories. The Olympics attracts around 200 nations. The Commonwealth Games is significantly smaller but includes many nations that compete as separate entities at the Commonwealth level — for example, England, Scotland, and Wales compete separately, unlike at the Olympics where they are part of Team GB.