The 2026 Winter Olympics return to Italy for the first time in 20 years, with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo hosting the world’s best winter athletes from February 6-22, 2026. NBC and Peacock bring comprehensive coverage of all 116 medal events across 16 sports, with more than 2,800 hours of programming available.
These Games mark the first Winter Olympics held in Central Europe since the 2006 Turin Games and Italy’s fourth Olympics overall. With events split between the fashion capital of Milan and the Alpine resort of Cortina, the 2026 Games promise world-class competition in stunning Italian settings.
How To Watch Winter Olympics 2026
NBC’s Olympic coverage spans multiple platforms, offering live and on-demand access to every event.
📺 Live Broadcast
Primary: NBC (5+ hours daily daytime coverage)
Cable: USA Network, CNBC, E!
Dates: February 6-22, 2026
Opening: Friday, Feb 6 (San Siro Stadium, Milan)
Closing: Sunday, Feb 22 (Verona Arena)
💻 Peacock Streaming
Every Event: Live and on-demand
Gold Zone: Whip-around coverage
Multiview: Watch multiple events
4K: Available on Premium Plus
Price: $7.99/mo (Premium)
Streaming Services With NBC
2026 Winter Olympics Schedule
While the Opening Ceremony takes place February 6, competition begins two days earlier with curling. Here are the key dates for the Milan Cortina Games.
Winter Olympics 2026 Sports
The Milan Cortina Games feature 16 sports and 116 medal events, including the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering.
⛷️ Skiing Sports
- Alpine Skiing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Freestyle Skiing
- Ski Jumping
- Nordic Combined
- Ski Mountaineering (NEW)
🏒 Ice Sports
- Figure Skating
- Ice Hockey
- Speed Skating
- Short Track Speed Skating
- Curling
🛷 Sliding & Snow Sports
- Bobsled
- Luge
- Skeleton
- Snowboarding
- Biathlon
Team USA Stars To Watch
The United States sends a talented roster to Italy, with several athletes positioned to make history at these Games.
⛸️ Jordan Stolz
Sport: Speed Skating
Events: 500m, 1000m, 1500m
The 20-year-old phenom could become the first American man to win multiple individual speed skating golds at a single Olympics.
⛸️ Ilia Malinin
Sport: Figure Skating
Events: Men’s Singles, Team
The “Quad God” holds the world record for technical score and lands jumps no other skater can match.
NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, giving Team USA hockey a significant boost with current NHL stars competing alongside their international counterparts.
Peacock Olympic Features
Peacock serves as the streaming home for the 2026 Winter Olympics, offering exclusive features for subscribers.
🎯 Gold Zone
Whip-around coverage that jumps between events to show every medal-deciding moment live. Never miss a podium finish.
📱 Multiview
Watch up to four events simultaneously on a single screen. Perfect for following multiple sports during busy competition days.
📺 4K Streaming
Premium Plus subscribers get 4K streaming for select events, bringing the Alps in stunning clarity to your living room.
Time Zone Information
Italy is 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Time, meaning prime events occur during morning and early afternoon hours for American viewers. NBC’s daytime coverage provides more than 5 hours of live programming daily.
NBC Broadcast Team
NBC’s Olympic coverage features familiar faces anchoring from Milan and Cortina.
🎙️ NBC Hosts
Opening Ceremony: Savannah Guthrie, Terry Gannon
Primetime Host: Mike Tirico (live from Milan)
Daytime Coverage: Various NBC Sports personalities
Paralympics 2026
The Paralympic Winter Games follow immediately after the Olympics, running March 6-15, 2026 in the same Italian venues.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
February 6-22, 2026, with competition starting February 4.
Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
What channel is the Winter Olympics on?
NBC, USA Network, CNBC, and E! with streaming on Peacock.
Can I stream the Winter Olympics?
Yes, Peacock offers every event live and on-demand. Premium ($7.99/mo) or Premium Plus ($13.99/mo) required.
What time are events for US viewers?
Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time, so most events air during US morning and early afternoon hours.
Is ski mountaineering really new?
Yes, ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut at Milan Cortina 2026 with five medal events.