Following a comprehensive run in Paris, NBCUniversal is bringing its fan-favorite coverage to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. I’m talking about the return of the Gold Zone whip-around show and multiview on Peacock. Both are perfectly suited for a viewer-friendly European time zone that puts live sports back into your morning routine.
Since 2002, NBC Sports has produced Winter Olympics coverage for U.S. viewers. The 2026 Games mark a high-tech homecoming to the Italian Alps, where the broadcaster will blend traditional storytelling with more live streaming hours than any Winter Games in history.
But you don’t need a massive cable bill to catch icons like Mikaela Shiffrin and Jessie Diggins in action. From savvy streaming plans to an old-school antenna, I’ve broken down exactly how to watch the Winter Olympics without wiping out your budget. Let’s get you ready for the slopes.
What channel is the Winter Olympics on?
The 2026 Winter Games will air across NBCUniversal and Versant’s family of networks. While Peacock remains the only place to stream every single event live, traditional TV viewers have more options this year thanks to the return of a familiar sports channel.
- Peacock: Streams every event live (including all 116 medal events), the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and full-event replays. It’s also home to the Gold Zone whip-around show, multiview, and the new Rinkside Live feature.
- NBC: Hosts select live daytime coverage of marquee sports (like figure skating and alpine skiing) and the signature Primetime in Milan nightly showcase, covering each day’s most crucial storylines.
- USA Network: Broadcasts 24/7 coverage of Team USA and team sports like hockey and curling, plus live overflow coverage from the mountains.
- NBCSN: The 24-hour sports network has returned just in time for the Olympics. It’s currently available on YouTube TV and Xfinity TV (including two overflow channels, NBCSN 2 and NBCSN 3).
- CNBC: Features evening curling matches and additional live sports coverage during the day.
Want radio coverage? You can listen to live play-by-play of the Winter Games through iHeartMedia. While not as comprehensive as on TV, coverage is available on NBC Olympics Radio and NBC Olympics Radio Plus via the iHeartRadio app.
When and where are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
You can watch the Winter Olympics from February 6 to 22, 2026. But keep an eye on the schedule early, as preliminary rounds and training for sports like curling and skiing start as early as February 4.
Hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Games’ event sites are scattered throughout Lombardy and Northeast Italy. This marks Italy’s fourth time hosting the Olympics (and its third Winter edition). Notably, the resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo is returning to the spotlight exactly 70 years after it first hosted the Winter Games in 1956.
Keep scrolling to explore the entire Milan Cortina 2026 TV schedule. I’ve tracked every sport across the 17-day window to build this master list of dates, event locations, and U.S. channel listings.
2026 Winter Olympics TV schedule
| Sport | Dates | Cluster | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine skiing | Feb. 4–18 | Cortina and Valtellina | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| Biathlon | Feb. 8–21 | Cortina | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| Bobsled | Feb. 12–22 | Cortina | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| Cross-country skiing | Feb. 7–22 | Val di Fiemme | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| Curling | Feb. 4–22 | Cortina | Peacock, NBC, CNBC, USA Network |
| Figure skating | Feb. 6–19 | Milan | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| Freestyle skiing | Feb. 7–21 | Valtellina | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| Hockey | Feb. 5–22 | Milan | Peacock, NBC, CNBC, USA Network |
| Luge | Feb. 4–12 | Cortina | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| Nordic combined | Feb. 9–19 | Val di Fiemme | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| Short-track speed skating | Feb. 10–20 | Milan | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| Skeleton | Feb. 9–15 | Cortina | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| Ski jumping | Feb. 5–16 | Val di Fiemme | Peacock, USA Network |
| Ski mountaineering | Feb. 19–21 | Valtellina | Peacock, USA Network |
| Snowboarding | Feb. 5–18 | Valtellina | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
| Speed skating | Feb. 7–21 | Milan | Peacock, NBC, USA Network |
Best ways to watch the Winter Olympics
With NBC Sports producing U.S. coverage of the 2026 Winter Games, the actual event broadcasts are largely the same across every provider. I examined over a dozen cable, satellite, and streaming services to build this guide, finding that the real differentiators are price, features, and how quickly you can get signed up.
That’s why my top recommendations below are all streaming-based. They allow you to create an account and start watching immediately. Still, traditional cable remains a strong option if you rely on a hardwired connection. Providers like Xfinity and Spectrum carry every necessary channel and often include Peacock Premium at no extra cost with select plans.
Best overall: Peacock
Peacock is the definitive TV home for the 2026 Winter Olympics, serving as the only platform where you can stream every event live. Because Italy is six hours ahead of Eastern Time, many marquee finals will occur while U.S. fans are asleep or at work. Peacock’s massive on-demand library is a lifesaver here, allowing you to catch up with spoiler-free replays on your own schedule.
But its real advantage is a viewing experience that traditional cable simply can’t match. As an Olympic nerd who lived on Gold Zone during Paris 2024, I’m thrilled to see this NFL RedZone-style whip-around show make its Winter Games debut. It’s the ultimate way to track 116 medal events without ever touching your remote. Combine that with multiview and the new Rinkside Live immersive camera angles for hockey and figure skating, and you have a digital command center built for modern viewers.
Best of all, you get this massive scope of coverage for a fraction of the cost of a live TV plan. You’ll need a Peacock Premium subscription ($10.99–$16.99/mo.) to unlock live sports, but it’s a steal for 17 days of non-stop action. Plus, February is a massive month for the platform. Your subscription also gets you access to Super Bowl LX and the NBA All-Star Game, along with binge-worthy series like All Her Fault and Poker Face for when you need a break from the slopes.
Best live TV service: YouTube TV
YouTube TV ($82.99/mo.) is the premier choice for those seeking a comprehensive live TV service that extends far beyond the 2026 Winter Olympics. While the monthly fee is steep, it gives you a robust channel lineup that includes your local NBC and Telemundo stations, USA Network, and CNBC. Most importantly, it features the relaunched NBCSN and its two overflow channels. This is a massive win for linear viewers, providing deep-dive Olympic coverage that would otherwise require a separate Peacock subscription.
The service truly shines through its innovative features. You can rely on the unlimited DVR to add the entire Olympics to your library with a single click, essentially building a personalized, on-demand database. When you pair that with multiview and the “Key Plays” feature, YouTube TV offers the most sophisticated “traditional” interface for the Milano Cortina Games.
Best budget live TV option: Sling TV
Sling TV is the practical choice if you want a traditional live TV lineup at nearly half the cost of competitors like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo. While it lacks the flashy capabilities of other services, its Sling Blue plan ($45.99/mo.) delivers the essentials for basic Olympic viewing, including USA Network.
You may even get your local NBC station, depending on where you live. But generally, skipping the full lineup of local channels is exactly how Sling TV stays so affordable. It’s the best way to get a cable-like grid guide and live feeds without committing to an $80+ monthly bill.
The biggest compromise comes down to features. The interface is strictly functional, and the base plan includes only 50 hours of DVR storage. That space can fill up fast during the Olympics, so unlike YouTube TV’s “record everything” freedom, you’ll need to be strategic about what you save.
Watch the Winter Olympics for free
Technically, you can’t stream the entire Olympics for free. But you can still watch a massive chunk of the action without signing up for a new monthly subscription.
My favorite free option is using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. This one-time purchase lets you pick up local broadcast networks like NBC and Telemundo for free. Since NBC hosts marquee events and nightly recaps, an antenna gets you a front-row seat to the Olympics’ biggest moments. If you don’t have one yet, our Best OTA Antennas guide highlights top-rated options for every budget.
Pro tip: Not sure if you get NBC at your house? Use the Antennas Direct Transmitter Locator to check which local channels are available in your area before you buy.
You can also use a free live TV streaming trial to catch events on USA Network and CNBC. I recommend DIRECTV and YouTube TV because both carry every linear Olympic channel you need. For even more options, check out our Streaming Free Trials guide.
How to watch the Olympics internationally
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) owns the global media rights to the Olympic Games and partners with media companies worldwide to broadcast events. This massive distribution strategy guarantees a dedicated TV home for the Games, no matter where you’re tuning in.
If you’re traveling abroad during the Winter Olympics or want to see how other countries cover the action, here are the official broadcasters for 10 other major territories. Just keep in mind that due to those strict broadcast agreements, you’ll need a VPN to access these streams if you’re outside the designated regions.
Winter Olympics broadcasters by country
- Australia (Nine Entertainment)
- Canada (CBC/Radio-Canada)
- China (China Media Group)
- France (France Télévision, Eurosport)
- Germany (ARD, ZDF)
- Italy (RAI, Eurosport)
- Japan (Japan Consortium)
- Mexico (TelevisaUnivision)
- Norway (NRK)
- United Kingdom (BBC, Eurosport)
How to watch the Winter Olympics FAQ
What are the new sports in the Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Games will introduce several new medal events, including dual moguls and women's large hill ski jumping. But it's the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering (aka "SkiMo") that's generating the most buzz. The endurance-based sport involves athletes climbing mountains on skis and then racing down them.
Is Peacock free for the Olympics?
No, Peacock discontinued its free tier in 2023. To watch the Winter Olympics, you'll need a Peacock Premium subscription ($10.99–$16.99/mo.). Fortunately, this is still significantly cheaper than a live TV package and gives you access to every live event.
Can I watch the Winter Olympics in 4K?
Yes, NBC Sports will provide 4K ultra-high definition (UHD) feeds to partners like Xfinity, DIRECTV, and YouTube TV. Most of this coverage will be available via USA Network, while other channels will broadcast the Winter Games in 1080p HD.
How do I watch the Winter Paralympics?
The 2026 Winter Paralympics take place March 6–15. You can catch every Paralympic sport live on Peacock, with select linear coverage airing on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC.
Why you should trust us
Sports-media analyst and CableTV.com editor Taylor Kujawa spent over a dozen hours dissecting broadcast windows and compiling complete event schedules. He conducted this research to determine which platforms offer the most comprehensive coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Drawing on his experience covering multiple Olympic Games, Taylor pitted top TV providers head-to-head based on monthly price, content availability, and features. This rigorous analysis ensures his final recommendations balance total access to the Games with the best long-term value for your budget.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
