The Invictus Games will come to the UK in 2027 as Birmingham is announced as host city.

The Invictus Games Foundation had previously shortlisted Birmingham and Washington DC as the two final cities in the running for hosting the eighth Invictus Games, after initial interest from 6 cities.

Following presentations from both bidding teams earlier this year, the Birmingham bid was awarded the Games, highlighting the venue choice of the National Exhibition Centre, the innovative new sports and the demonstration by the bidding team of their commitment to the welfare and recovery of the international cohort of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.

The Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 will be held in July 2027, two years on from the upcoming Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, taking place next year in February.

Lord Allen, Chair of the Invictus Games Foundation, said: “The Trustees were very taken by the depth of passion in the bidding team, the experience they brought to the planning and preparations and to the concept of the NEC as a one-site Games.

“Our thanks go to the team behind the Washington DC bid who were able to demonstrate the city could be a fantastic location for the future. As the Foundation looks to the next ten years, we’re excited about the Games pipeline we are building, and for the next ten years of Invictus!”

The Duke of Sussex, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, added: “Congratulations to Birmingham on winning the bid to host the Games in 2027.

“Your city’s strong ties to the Armed Forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start. Over the years, we’ve seen each city bring a unique spirit and vision to life for competitors, their families, and spectators.

“We have no doubt the people of Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all—something your city knows well.

Nearby connections to the site of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 include the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which receives and treats wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, the Royal College of Defence Medicine, which trains UK Clinicians, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Stanford Hall, a world class military rehabilitation asset. 

Helen Helliwell, CEO of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, said: “I am honoured our bid has been selected, bringing the Invictus Games back to the UK.

“At NEC Birmingham, we’ll host the most cohesive, sustainable event in Invictus Games history with all sports, ceremonies, and accommodation on one fantastic site.

“Beyond the Games, our legacy programs will benefit communities nationwide, from adaptive sports to arts and employment.”