For many hockey fans, the U.S. Women’s National Team is the undisputed highlight of the Winter Games. Their rivalry with Canada is unmatched in international sports—high-speed, high-stakes, and notoriously physical. Now, the 2026 Games in Milan Cortina offer the Americans a shot at ultimate redemption after their heartbreaking silver medal in 2022.
The 2026 squad features a potent mix of veteran leadership led by icons like Hilary Knight and a surge of young talent from the PWHL. This roster highlights a “new wave” of stars, including Taylor Heise, Laila Edwards, and defensive powerhouse Caroline Harvey. Following the 2025 World Championships, the team has focused on a relentless, physical game designed to dominate the Olympic ice at the Fiera Milano venue.
Because the games take place in Italy, the six-hour time difference (ET) means fans in North America need to prepare for morning and midday starts. I’ve mapped out the broadcast schedule below so you can catch every game on TV.
What channel is Team USA Women’s Hockey on?
You can typically watch most Team USA games on NHL Network, including the IIHF World Championships and Rivalry Series. But the TV landscape changes for the Winter Games.
During the 2026 Olympics, every matchup will stream live on Peacock, with select matches also airing on NBC and USA Network. If you want to keep up with all the action in Milan at once, you can also catch Gold Zone whip-around coverage on NBCSN.
2026 U.S. Women’s Hockey TV schedule
The U.S. Women’s National Team typically convenes only for training camps, the Rivalry Series, and international tournaments. But 2026 is a banner year. With the Winter Olympics taking center stage in Milan, fans get a condensed schedule of high-stakes matchups in February.
Team USA competes in Group A, the Olympic tournament’s top tier featuring the five highest-ranked nations. While every team in this group automatically qualifies for the quarterfinals, the preliminary round remains crucial for seeding.
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Czechia | Thursday, Feb. 5 | 10:40 a.m. | Peacock, USA Network |
| Finland | Saturday, Feb. 7 | 10:40 a.m. | Peacock, USA Network |
| Switzerland | Monday, Feb. 9 | 2:40 p.m. | Peacock, USA Network |
| Canada | Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 2:10 p.m. | Peacock, USA Network |
Data effective as of post date.
Best ways to watch Team USA Women’s Hockey
Finding the perfect TV setup depends on whether you just want to stream the Winter Games or watch the squad’s every move from here on out. To help you decide, I’ve broken down my top recommendations for casual streamers and die-hard hockey fans alike.
- Best for every Olympic moment (Peacock): For the 2026 Winter Games, Peacock Premium is the MVP. It streams every single Team USA game live and offers on-demand replays—a crucial feature for catching up on those early face-offs without spoilers. Its dedicated Olympic hockey hub will also feature highlights from the PWHL stars representing other nations.
- Best for year-round coverage (DIRECTV): If you follow the team beyond the Olympics, you need a provider that carries NHL Network. DIRECTV includes this channel in its Sports Pack add-on (or ULTIMATE package), giving you access to the IIHF Women’s World Championship and the Rivalry Series long after the Olympic flame goes out. Of course, it also carries the full suite of NBC channels for the games in Milan.
- Best free option (TV antenna): You don’t need a monthly subscription to watch history happen. A digital antenna pulls in your local NBC station for free, giving you access to marquee matchups and the anticipated Gold Medal Game.
Team USA Women’s Hockey FAQ
Can I watch Team USA women's hockey for free?
Major Olympic games, including the Gold Medal final, will likely be broadcast on your local NBC station, which can be accessed for free with a digital antenna. For more TV access, you can also take advantage of free trials from live TV streaming services like DIRECTV and YouTube TV.
Who are the key players to watch?
While Hilary Knight remains the face of the team, keep a close watch on Taylor Heise and Alex Carpenter, who have been dominant forces in the PWHL. On defense, Caroline Harvey is arguably the best in the world. In goal, the U.S. relies on Aerin Frankel.
Are PWHL players participating in the Olympics?
Yes! The PWHL schedules a pause for the Winter Olympics, allowing the world's best professional players to represent their countries.
When was the last time Team USA women won gold?
The U.S. Women won gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Games in a dramatic shootout. They earned silver in 2022 and are eager to return to the top of the podium in 2026.
