How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics for Less keeps showing up in conversations for a reason. The story below covers what is actually happening, where the trade-offs sit, and what a careful reader should take from it.
Get ready for two weeks of fast-paced winter competition, the 2026 Winter Olympics are almost here. The Games officially begin February 6, as athletes from more than 90 countries head to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, to compete for gold across a packed schedule of Olympic winter sports.
The Opening Ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium will officially launch the 25th Winter Games, though some preliminary events — including ice hockey, curling and snowboarding — will begin beforehand.
If you’re planning to watch the action, you’ll have several streaming options. We’ll get into ways to watch the Winter Olympics and how to save.
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Where to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics in the U.S.
NBCUniversal holds the broadcasting rights for the Winter Olympics in the United States. Coverage will be split across several platforms and channels.
Traditional TV channels
NBCUniversal will broadcast events across NBC, USA Network and CNBC. These channels typically carry marquee competitions, highlights and daily coverage throughout the Games.
Streaming services
Peacock is NBCUniversal’s primary streaming hub for full Olympic coverage. Viewers will need the Premium tier, which costs about $10.99 per month. Subscribers typically get access to live event coverage, along with recap programming, including the daily “Gold Zone” highlights show.
If you’re a Walmart+ member, Peacock Premium is also included with a Walmart+ membership, which costs $98 annually and offers perks such as free shipping on thousands of items and fuel discounts.
If you don’t currently subscribe to cable, several live-TV streaming services offer free trials or promotional discounts that could help reduce costs.
YouTubeTV
YouTube TV offers NBC, USA Network and CNBC in most markets, making it one of the more comprehensive streaming options for Olympic coverage.
The base plan starts around $82.99 per month and often includes promotional pricing, along with a free trial period that may extend for multiple weeks, depending on current offers.
Sling TV
Sling TV’s Blue plan starts around $45.99 per month and includes USA Network and other sports channels. NBC availability varies by local market, so viewers should confirm access before subscribing.
While Sling generally doesn’t offer as comprehensive NBC coverage as YouTube TV, it can be one of the more affordable paid streaming options.
How to stream the Winter Olympics from anywhere
If you’ll be away from home during the Games, you may find that your usual streaming services don’t work overseas due to regional broadcasting restrictions.
Some viewers use a virtual private network (VPN), which routes internet traffic through servers in another location. This can sometimes allow those abroad to access the same streaming services they use at home. Keep in mind that streaming platforms have their own terms of service and availability can vary.
Haven’t used a VPN before? It’s easy to set up:
- Install a VPN service on your device.
- Select a server location matching your home country or desired streaming region.
- Log into your streaming subscription as usual.
2026 Winter Olympics schedule and key dates
There are a few key dates and new highlights for fans this year, including the return of NHL players to Olympic hockey and the introduction of a brand-new event.
NHL players are returning to Olympic men’s hockey for the first time since 2014, a move expected to boost interest in one of the Games’ most popular events. The Milan-Cortina Games will also debut ski mountaineering, often called “skimo,” which combines uphill climbing and downhill skiing in endurance-based races.
You can review the full lineup of events and competition dates in the official Winter Olympics schedule.
The 2026 Games will run from February 6 to February 22, delivering just over two weeks of competition across dozens of sports, including:
- Alpine skiing
- Figure skating
- Snowboarding
- Bobsled
- Ice hockey
- Curling
- Ski mountaineering (new for 2026)
You have multiple ways to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics
With hundreds of medal events scheduled across nearly three weeks of competition, streaming services often provide broader access than traditional TV coverage, especially for fans who want to follow multiple sports or watch events live.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are expected to deliver major storylines, returning fan-favorite competitions and new events. You don’t necessarily need an expensive cable package to watch. The best viewing option ultimately depends on which events you want to watch, how you prefer to stream and whether you’ll be tuning in from home or while traveling.
Comparing services ahead of the Games can help you catch your favorite events without paying more than necessary.
