Ms O'Neal, the AFL's first female club president who took the Tigers to three premierships in nine years, was on Saturday announced as the committee's chairperson.

She will be joined on the board by Belinda Duarte and Lisa Gray, along with representatives from the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia.

"I love sport and what it means for communities across Victoria," Ms O'Neal said in a statement on Saturday.

"I am delighted to be part of the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games and to work with the board to ensure that the diverse voices in our state are heard as we make decisions throughout the delivery of the games."

The 2026 Games will start with an opening ceremony at the MCG on March 17 before athletes compete in the regional hubs of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Gippsland.

The government estimates the games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria's economy while thousands of jobs will be created.

Ms O'Neal's experience will ensure the games are a lasting success, Commonwealth Games Legacy Minister Shaun Leane said.

"Peggy has made a significant contribution to the Victorian community through gender equality and developing female leaders in sport," he said in a statement.

"We're excited to bring her leadership to the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games."

It comes after former Victorian COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar was announced chief executive of the Games organising committee.

Mr Weimar said the committee will start finalising the sporting program and location of the village and venues in the coming months.

Australian Associated Press