When are the 2026 Winter Olympics?

The 2026 Winter Olympics run from February 6–22, 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Who is broadcasting the 2026 Winter Olympics in the U.S.?

NBCUniversal is the U.S. broadcaster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with coverage airing across NBCUniversal channels and platforms.

How can I watch the 2026 Winter Olympics live without cable?

You can watch the 2026 Winter Olympics without cable by streaming via Peacock, or using a live TV streaming service that carries NBCUniversal channels such as DIRECTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (Blue), or YouTube TV. You can also watch streams on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports apps.

What channels will show the 2026 Winter Olympics in the U.S.?

Olympic coverage will air across NBCUniversal channels including NBC, USA Network, and CNBC, depending on the event and time of day.

Can I watch the 2026 Winter Olympics for free?

In some areas, you can watch limited Olympics coverage for free using a digital over-the-air antenna to access NBC. This typically includes primetime events and major medal moments.

What sports are in the 2026 Winter Olympics?

The 2026 Winter Olympics feature 15 sports and more than 100 medal events, including ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating and short track, snowboarding, alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, Nordic combined, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, bobsled, luge and skeleton, curling, and biathlon.

What are the biggest events to plan around at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Major events to plan around include Olympic ice hockey (Feb 5–22), figure skating finals, snowboarding and freestyle skiing events, speed skating finals, the Opening Ceremony (Feb 6), and the Closing Ceremony (Feb 22).

Why is streaming helpful for watching the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Because the Games take place in Italy, many events happen during morning and early afternoon U.S. time. Streaming makes it easier to watch live during the day and catch replays or highlights if you miss events as they happen.

Where can I stream Winter Olympics coverage online?

You can stream Winter Olympics coverage on Peacock, and you can also access streaming through NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports apps.

What are the best tips for watching the 2026 Winter Olympics without cable?

Check schedules daily since times can shift due to weather or competition changes, set reminders for medal finals that may air early and replay in primetime, and use streaming highlights if you’re short on time.

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general view of Olympic rings on display at Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games

Feb 4, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, ITALY; A general view of Olympic rings on display ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Cortina Sliding Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics Live Without Cable: Everything to Know to Get Ready For This Years Winter Games in Italy

Last updated Feb 5, 2026 3:04 PM ET

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The 2026 Winter Olympics are dialed in and ready to take over Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy from February 6–22, bringing more than two weeks of nonstop competition, medal moments, and high impact events. From ice hockey and speed skating to snowboarding, skiing, and figure skating, this year's Winter Olympic Games are built for live viewing. The good news? You don’t need a traditional cable subscription to watch any of it.

In the U.S., the 2026 Winter Olympics are broadcast by NBCUniversal, which means coverage is on NBC’s main channel and a few other networks. Whether you want wall-to-wall live coverage or just want to catch the biggest events and medal finishes, there are ways to watch the Winter Olympics live on your TV, phone, or laptop. Below is everything you need to know to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics without cable.

How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics Live Without Cable

Here’s how to catch the biggest tournament this winter live without cable during the 2026 Winter Olympics:

U.S. TV Broadcast:

Broadcasts across NBCUniversal channels, including NBC, USA Network, and CNBC, depending on the matchup and time of day.

Live Streaming Options:

DIRECTV
Peacock
Hulu + Live TV
YouTube TV
Sling TV (Blue)
NBCOlympics.com and NBC Sports apps

Over-the-Air Antenna (Limited Coverage)

In some areas, you can watch the Olympics for free using a digital antenna:

Access live coverage on NBC
Primarily includes primetime events and major medal moments

What Sports Will Athletes Compete in at the 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Games feature 15 sports and more than 100 medal events, including:

Ice Hockey
Figure Skating
Speed Skating & Short Track
Snowboarding
Alpine Skiing
Freestyle Skiing
Nordic Combined
Ski Jumping
Cross-Country Skiing
Bobsled, Luge & Skeleton
Curling
Biathlon

Most events take place during morning and early afternoon U.S. time with the time difference in Italy. This, compared to past Olympics, makes streaming especially useful.

Our Biggest Events to Plan Around this Winter Olympics

Some of the most anticipated moments of the 2026 Winter Olympics include:

Olympic Ice Hockey (men’s and women’s tournaments run nearly the entire length of the Games; Feb 5-22)
Figure Skating Finals (singles, pairs, and ice dance. A fan favorite of the Winter Games; Feb 8)
Snowboarding & Freestyle Skiing (halfpipe, slopestyle, big air, ski cross. High-flying and technical skills; Feb 5-21)
Speed Skating Finals (sprints, distance races, team pursuit, mass start; Feb 7-21)
Opening Ceremony - February 6
Closing Ceremony - February 22

These events air live on NBCUniversal platforms and are also replayed in primetime.

Watch the Winter Olympics on a DIRECTV Genre Pack (5 Day Free Trial)

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be available to watch on NBC and USA Network. The DIRECTV Genre Packs cover what you’ll need to watch all the biggest events happening in Italy this winter. The new offering from DIRECTV gives users access to pay for only the channels that they need without paying for extra channels.

Take advantage of the 5-day free trial on the MySports Genre Pack to watch all the action in this year's Winter Olympics.

Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics Live on Peacock

Peacock hosts Winter Olympics coverage and provides even more access with extra broadcasts covering all things Winter Olympics. Although no free trial, users can get in at just $10.99/mo to watch the every 4 year spectacle that is the Winter Olympics.

Watch the Winter Olympics Live on Hulu + Live TV (3 Days Free)

Gaining access to Hulu + Live TV before The Winter Olympics so you know you are covered for big hits and high flying spins. Anyone who knows Hulu, knows that they have one of the largest on-demand content libraries that can keep you busy long after the big hits have been delivered. With a 3 day free trial, it's a simple way to test out the service for every event during the Winter Games.

Watch the Winter Olympics on YouTube TV Live

A one-stop-shop when it comes to streaming. With their only option being the base plan, YouTube TV takes the hassle of choice out while finding a way to watch the Winter Olympics. Sign up for a free trial and get your first 2 months $25 off after the USA brings home more gold hardware.

Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics Live on Sling TV

Sling TV provides local coverage of NBC on its Blue plan in select area codes. Make sure to check your area to ensure you’ll have access to watch this year's Winter Olympics. If you’re lucky enough to be in the right area, you’ll get 50% off your first month's subscription.

Tips for Watching the 2026 Winter Olympics Without Cable

Check schedules daily: Event times can shift due to weather and competition changes and all events take place in Italy in a different time zone.
Set reminders for medal finals: Many finals air live early, then replay in primetime
Watch highlights if you’re short on time: Streaming platforms update clips quickly