The 2026 Winter Paralympics will be a historic event, featuring vibrant crowds and picturesque Italian landscapes. Previously, the 2022 Beijing Games faced empty seats and strict “closed-loop” bubbles. Now, Milan Cortina marks a return to form for the winter movement, as athletes will enjoy an open, festival atmosphere.
Running March 6–15, 2026, the Games will showcase around 665 athletes competing in 79 medal events across six sports. Team USA fans, in particular, have plenty to watch this Winter Paralympics. You can see the team seek its fifth straight gold in sled hockey and catch the return of dual-season icons like Oksana Masters and Kendall Gretsch.
NBCUniversal will provide extensive coverage across several channels and platforms. I’ve organized all the viewing options below so you can find exactly where to watch every event, from the Opening Ceremony to the final medal rounds.
What channel shows the Winter Paralympics?
In the United States, you can watch the Winter Paralympics on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. The three channels will provide over 80 hours of television coverage, including a record eight hours on the main NBC network.
Peacock Premium will serve as the primary streaming hub, offering live coverage of every Paralympic sport and event. You can also use its multiview feature to catch several live events simultaneously.
Pro tip: NBC will split up its linear TV coverage by day of the week. USA Network handles the bulk of weekday events (Monday–Friday), while CNBC takes over for weekend marathon coverage (Saturday–Sunday).
When and where are the 2026 Winter Paralympics?
The Winter Paralympics take place from March 6 to March 15, 2026, with curling starting slightly earlier on March 4. The Games are hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, marking a return to the Italian Alps 20 years after the Turin 2006 Games. Events are spread across multiple venues, with the Opening Ceremony held at the historic Verona Olympic Arena.
Because Italy is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time, live coverage typically begins in the early morning (around 2:00 a.m. ET). To accommodate U.S. viewers, NBCUniversal will provide afternoon encores and late-night recaps of the day’s best moments.
2026 Winter Paralympics TV schedule
| Event | Dates | Cluster | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Ceremony | March 6 | Verona | Peacock, USA Network |
| Wheelchair Curling | March 4–14 | Cortina | Peacock, USA Network, CNBC |
| Para Alpine Skiing | March 7–15 | Cortina | Peacock, USA Network, CNBC |
| Para Biathlon | March 7–13 | Val di Fiemme | Peacock, USA Network, CNBC |
| Para Ice Hockey | March 7–15 | Milan | Peacock, USA Network, NBC |
| Para Snowboard | March 7–14 | Cortina | Peacock, USA Network, CNBC |
| Para Cross-Country | March 10–15 | Val di Fiemme | Peacock, USA Network, CNBC |
| Closing Ceremony | March 15 | Verona | Peacock |
Best TV plans for watching the Winter Paralympics
U.S. coverage of the 2026 Winter Paralympics is extensive, but the TV experience varies depending on how you prefer tuning in. While traditional cable plans from Xfinity or Spectrum are solid options if you need a hardwired connection, streaming services offer greater flexibility and often better accessibility features.
My top recommendations below focus on platforms that deliver comprehensive coverage alongside essential tools like closed captioning and audio description.
Best overall: Peacock
For cord-cutters, Peacock Premium ($7.99–$16.99/mo.) is the best value for watching the 2026 Winter Paralympics. It serves as the definitive hub for the Games, providing live access to all 79 medal events. You’ll also get multiview capabilities to help you track those busy mornings with overlapping events.
But the platform’s commitment to accessibility is what truly sets it apart. Peacock provides closed captioning for all events and supports audio description for key broadcasts, ensuring visually impaired fans can follow the action closely. Those features make Peacock a more inclusive and comprehensive viewing experience than traditional cable.
Best live TV service: YouTube TV
If you prefer the feel of traditional TV, YouTube TV ($82.99/mo.) is the premier live streaming option. It includes your local NBC affiliate, USA Network, and CNBC, covering all the major television broadcasts. The service is reliable and user-friendly, with robust closed-captioning support across all its channels, making it a solid choice for households that need consistent accessibility features.
The real game-changer is the unlimited cloud DVR. You can record every televised Paralympic event with one click, building your own personal library to watch whenever you want. This feature is perfect for navigating the time zone difference. Plus, with Key Plays and Multiview, you can catch up on highlights or watch multiple events at once.
How to watch the Winter Paralympics FAQ
Can I watch the Winter Paralympics for free?
Yes, you can watch select Winter Paralympic coverage for free by using a digital antenna to tune into your local NBC station. Additionally, NBCOlympics.com offers free daily highlights and features.
Where can I watch Winter Paralympics replays?
You can stream Winter Paralympics replays on Peacock with a premium subscription. Anyone with a valid TV subscription can also stream coverage on demand via the NBC Sports app and NBCOlympics.com.
Will the 2026 Winter Paralympics have audio description?
Yes, NBCUniversal will provide audio description (AD) for its Paralympic coverage. This service will be available via the secondary audio program (SAP) on your TV and as a toggleable language setting within the Peacock and NBC Sports apps.
Will the Winter Paralympics be in 4K?
NBCUniversal has not yet confirmed a full 4K schedule for the Paralympics. But marquee events like the Opening Ceremony may be available in 4K HDR on Peacock and via select 4K-capable providers such as YouTube TV and Xfinity.
