The world is turning its gaze towards the Italian peaks of Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo as they prepare to host the XXV Olympic Winter Games in 2026. Whether you’re a die-hard alpine skiing fan, a figure skating aficionado, or you just love the unifying spirit of the Games, figuring out where to watch is the first step to enjoying the spectacle. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the global broadcasting landscape, streaming options, and tips to catch every moment of the action from February 6 to 22, 2026.
Related: What countries are banned from the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Traditional Broadcast Networks: The Big Players
For many, watching the Olympics is a tradition that happens on the living room TV via a major network. These broadcasters hold exclusive rights in their respective countries and will provide extensive coverage, typically featuring a mix of live events, highlight packages, and in-depth commentary.
United States & Territories: NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal reigns supreme for Olympic broadcasting in the U.S. under a long-term deal with the IOC.
NBC, USA Network, and CNBC: Expect a vast majority of the prime-time and daytime coverage across these core cable channels. NBC will host the marquee evening show, while USA and CNBC will feature live events across the day.
Peacock: This is the central hub for NBC’s 2026 coverage. The streaming service will live-stream every single event—that’s over 2,800 hours of coverage. It will be the go-to for catching niche sports live, full-event replays, and exclusive commentary feeds. Subscribing to Peacock Premium or Premium Plus will be essential for cord-cutters.
Canada: CBC/Radio-Canada, TSN, and RDS
Canada offers a robust, multi-platform approach, often with free, ad-supported options.
CBC Gem: The free streaming service will be a powerhouse, offering live streams, on-demand replays, and highlights of all events.
CBC Television: Broadcast television will feature daily highlight shows and coverage of major events.
TSN (English) and RDS (French): As official broadcast partners, these sports networks will provide extensive live coverage of popular events like hockey, curling, and skating.
United Kingdom: BBC and Discovery+
The UK operates on a dual-system that splits coverage between free-to-air and subscription services.
BBC: The BBC will provide free-to-air coverage on BBC One, BBC Two, and the BBC iPlayer. This will include live coverage of the biggest moments (like the Opening Ceremony and key finals) as well as daily highlight shows.
discovery+ & Eurosport: For complete access, discovery+ via the Eurosport subscription is your ticket. It will live-stream every event, just like Peacock in the U.S. Eurosport linear channels will also have dedicated coverage.
You May Also Like: How many athletes from China in Olympics 2024?
Australia: The Nine Network
After a long run with Seven, the rights for 2026 have moved to the Nine Network.
Channel 9, 9Gem: Expect daily live and highlights coverage on these free-to-air channels.
Stan Sport: This will be the critical streaming component. Subscribing to Stan Sport will be necessary for Australians who want access to every event live and on-demand, mirroring the Peacock and discovery+ models elsewhere.
Europe: Discovery+ Eurosport & Local Broadcasters
Across continental Europe, discovery+ and the Eurosport channels are the primary rightsholders. However, many countries have sub-licensed free-to-air rights to public broadcasters for major events.
Germany: ARD/ZDF (free) alongside discovery+/Eurosport.
France: France Télévisions (free) alongside discovery+/Eurosport.
Italy: As host nation, RAI will have massive free-to-air coverage on its channels and RaiPlay, alongside discovery+/Eurosport.
The Streaming Revolution: How to Watch Online
The 2026 Olympics will be the most stream-centric Games yet. Here’s how to navigate the digital landscape.
Official Streaming Platforms by Region
USA: Peacock is non-negotiable for comprehensive access.
UK & Europe: discovery+ (with the Eurosport add-on) is the primary destination.
Canada: CBC Gem (free) and the CBC Sports app.
Australia: Stan Sport will be the key paid service, with Nine’s 9Now likely offering some free live and on-demand content.
Global: The Olympics.com website and app will offer extensive live coverage, highlights, and news in many territories without exclusive broadcast deals, often for free.
Using a VPN to Access International Streams
If you’re traveling or your home country’s coverage is lacking, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be a useful tool.
How it works: A VPN masks your IP address, making it appear as if you’re browsing from another country. This could allow you to access free, high-quality streams like CBC Gem in Canada or BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Important Caveats: This may violate the Terms of Service of the streaming provider. Additionally, services like Peacock and discovery+ require a paid subscription linked to that region, so a VPN alone won't grant free access to everything.
What to Watch For: The Sports & Schedule Highlights
Knowing where to watch is half the battle; knowing what to watch makes the experience richer. The 2026 Games will feature over 100 events across 16 sports.
New & Notable Events for 2026
While the full program is pending confirmation, look for continued growth in:
Ski Mountaineering: Debuted in 2026, this grueling sport mixing skiing and hiking is set for more events.
Gender Equality: The IOC is committed to full gender parity. Watch for potential new mixed team events in sports like ski jumping and skeleton.
Can’t-Miss Classics
Figure Skating: The team event and the drama-filled singles finals are always a centerpiece.
Alpine Skiing: The speed events (Downhill, Super-G) on the storied slopes of Cortina will be breathtaking.
Hockey: The battle for ice hockey gold, especially on the men’s side, is must-see TV.
Freestyle & Snowboard: The halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air events in the parks are where youth culture and incredible athleticism collide.
Read: Where is the swimming in Paris 2024 Olympics?
Tips for the Ultimate Viewing Experience
Plan Ahead: Schedules will be released months in advance. Use the official Milano Cortina 2026 app or your broadcaster’s app to mark your calendar for favorite events.
Embrace the Second Screen: Follow specific athletes, sports federations, and the official Olympics social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes content and instant updates.
Invest in the Right Subscription: If you’re a superfan, identify the primary streaming service in your country (Peacock, discovery+, Stan Sport) and subscribe early. Look for potential early-bird bundles.
Seek Out Alternative Feeds: Many streaming services offer “world feed” broadcasts without studio commentary, or focused feeds on a single sport. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the raw atmosphere.
Connect with Community: Join online forums or follow live blogs for your favorite sports. Sharing the joy, suspense, and commentary with fellow fans enhances the experience.
The 2026 Winter Olympics promise a stunning backdrop of Italian elegance and alpine majesty. By understanding the broadcasting landscape now, you can ensure that when the torch is lit in Milano, you’ll have a front-row seat to every unforgettable moment, no matter where you are in the world. Start planning your viewing party today
Pirkko Koskitalo
The world is turning its gaze towards the Italian peaks of Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo as they prepare to host the XXV Olympic Winter Games in 2026. Whether you’re a die-hard alpine skiing fan, a figure skating aficionado, or you just love the unifying spirit of the Games, figuring out where to watch is the first step to enjoying the spectacle. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the global broadcasting landscape, streaming options, and tips to catch every moment of the action from February 6 to 22, 2026.
Related: What countries are banned from the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Traditional Broadcast Networks: The Big Players
For many, watching the Olympics is a tradition that happens on the living room TV via a major network. These broadcasters hold exclusive rights in their respective countries and will provide extensive coverage, typically featuring a mix of live events, highlight packages, and in-depth commentary.
United States & Territories: NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal reigns supreme for Olympic broadcasting in the U.S. under a long-term deal with the IOC.
NBC, USA Network, and CNBC: Expect a vast majority of the prime-time and daytime coverage across these core cable channels. NBC will host the marquee evening show, while USA and CNBC will feature live events across the day.
Peacock: This is the central hub for NBC’s 2026 coverage. The streaming service will live-stream every single event—that’s over 2,800 hours of coverage. It will be the go-to for catching niche sports live, full-event replays, and exclusive commentary feeds. Subscribing to Peacock Premium or Premium Plus will be essential for cord-cutters.
Canada: CBC/Radio-Canada, TSN, and RDS
Canada offers a robust, multi-platform approach, often with free, ad-supported options.
CBC Gem: The free streaming service will be a powerhouse, offering live streams, on-demand replays, and highlights of all events.
CBC Television: Broadcast television will feature daily highlight shows and coverage of major events.
TSN (English) and RDS (French): As official broadcast partners, these sports networks will provide extensive live coverage of popular events like hockey, curling, and skating.
United Kingdom: BBC and Discovery+
The UK operates on a dual-system that splits coverage between free-to-air and subscription services.
BBC: The BBC will provide free-to-air coverage on BBC One, BBC Two, and the BBC iPlayer. This will include live coverage of the biggest moments (like the Opening Ceremony and key finals) as well as daily highlight shows.
discovery+ & Eurosport: For complete access, discovery+ via the Eurosport subscription is your ticket. It will live-stream every event, just like Peacock in the U.S. Eurosport linear channels will also have dedicated coverage.
You May Also Like: How many athletes from China in Olympics 2024?
Australia: The Nine Network
After a long run with Seven, the rights for 2026 have moved to the Nine Network.
Channel 9, 9Gem: Expect daily live and highlights coverage on these free-to-air channels.
Stan Sport: This will be the critical streaming component. Subscribing to Stan Sport will be necessary for Australians who want access to every event live and on-demand, mirroring the Peacock and discovery+ models elsewhere.
Europe: Discovery+ Eurosport & Local Broadcasters
Across continental Europe, discovery+ and the Eurosport channels are the primary rightsholders. However, many countries have sub-licensed free-to-air rights to public broadcasters for major events.
Germany: ARD/ZDF (free) alongside discovery+/Eurosport.
France: France Télévisions (free) alongside discovery+/Eurosport.
Italy: As host nation, RAI will have massive free-to-air coverage on its channels and RaiPlay, alongside discovery+/Eurosport.
The Streaming Revolution: How to Watch Online
The 2026 Olympics will be the most stream-centric Games yet. Here’s how to navigate the digital landscape.
Official Streaming Platforms by Region
USA: Peacock is non-negotiable for comprehensive access.
UK & Europe: discovery+ (with the Eurosport add-on) is the primary destination.
Canada: CBC Gem (free) and the CBC Sports app.
Australia: Stan Sport will be the key paid service, with Nine’s 9Now likely offering some free live and on-demand content.
Global: The Olympics.com website and app will offer extensive live coverage, highlights, and news in many territories without exclusive broadcast deals, often for free.
Using a VPN to Access International Streams
If you’re traveling or your home country’s coverage is lacking, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be a useful tool.
How it works: A VPN masks your IP address, making it appear as if you’re browsing from another country. This could allow you to access free, high-quality streams like CBC Gem in Canada or BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Important Caveats: This may violate the Terms of Service of the streaming provider. Additionally, services like Peacock and discovery+ require a paid subscription linked to that region, so a VPN alone won't grant free access to everything.
What to Watch For: The Sports & Schedule Highlights
Knowing where to watch is half the battle; knowing what to watch makes the experience richer. The 2026 Games will feature over 100 events across 16 sports.
New & Notable Events for 2026
While the full program is pending confirmation, look for continued growth in:
Ski Mountaineering: Debuted in 2026, this grueling sport mixing skiing and hiking is set for more events.
Gender Equality: The IOC is committed to full gender parity. Watch for potential new mixed team events in sports like ski jumping and skeleton.
Can’t-Miss Classics
Figure Skating: The team event and the drama-filled singles finals are always a centerpiece.
Alpine Skiing: The speed events (Downhill, Super-G) on the storied slopes of Cortina will be breathtaking.
Hockey: The battle for ice hockey gold, especially on the men’s side, is must-see TV.
Freestyle & Snowboard: The halfpipe, slopestyle, and big air events in the parks are where youth culture and incredible athleticism collide.
Read: Where is the swimming in Paris 2024 Olympics?
Tips for the Ultimate Viewing Experience
Plan Ahead: Schedules will be released months in advance. Use the official Milano Cortina 2026 app or your broadcaster’s app to mark your calendar for favorite events.
Embrace the Second Screen: Follow specific athletes, sports federations, and the official Olympics social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes content and instant updates.
Invest in the Right Subscription: If you’re a superfan, identify the primary streaming service in your country (Peacock, discovery+, Stan Sport) and subscribe early. Look for potential early-bird bundles.
Seek Out Alternative Feeds: Many streaming services offer “world feed” broadcasts without studio commentary, or focused feeds on a single sport. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the raw atmosphere.
Connect with Community: Join online forums or follow live blogs for your favorite sports. Sharing the joy, suspense, and commentary with fellow fans enhances the experience.
The 2026 Winter Olympics promise a stunning backdrop of Italian elegance and alpine majesty. By understanding the broadcasting landscape now, you can ensure that when the torch is lit in Milano, you’ll have a front-row seat to every unforgettable moment, no matter where you are in the world. Start planning your viewing party today