How can I watch the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics from the United States?
U.S. viewers can watch the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics exclusively via NBC's broadcast and Peacock streaming, which offers all medal events live.
Sylvie Vance
Americans seeking to watch the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will have comprehensive viewing options through **NBC and its streaming service, Peacock**, which holds the exclusive U.S. broadcast and streaming rights for the event (https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina/news/winter-olympics-2026-how-to-watch-team-usa-live-full-schedule-and-medal-events-on-saturday-7-february). NBCUniversal is planning an unprecedented presentation, offering over 3,200 total hours of coverage, including more than 2,500 hours dedicated to streaming on Peacock, where all 116 medal events will be available live (https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/nbcuniversals-milan-cortina-2026-olympic-winter-games-by-the-numbers). This dual approach—traditional broadcast and robust streaming—ensures fans can follow the action whether they are at home or on the go, solidifying the network’s long-standing commitment to broadcasting the Olympic Games in the U.S. (https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/nbc-and-peacock-present-unprecedented-live-coverage-milan-cortina-2026-opening-ceremony-tomorrow-2).
## How extensively will coverage be distributed across NBC's platforms?
NBCUniversal’s distribution strategy for Milano Cortina 2026 is designed for maximum reach, utilizing its entire portfolio to deliver both live and on-demand content (https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/nbcuniversals-milan-cortina-2026-olympic-winter-games-by-the-numbers). The plan includes over 700 hours of coverage on linear television across NBC’s broadcast and cable networks, complemented by the streaming records set on Peacock. Furthermore, to bring the communal atmosphere of the Games to more fans, NBCUniversal is even bringing select NBC live daytime coverage to over 150 AMC Theatres nationwide (https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/nbc-and-peacock-present-unprecedented-live-coverage-milan-cortina-2026-opening-ceremony-tomorrow-2). This multi-platform strategy is a continuation of the company’s commitment, as Milan Cortina 2026 marks their eighth Olympic Winter Games broadcast (https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/nbcuniversals-milan-cortina-2026-olympic-winter-games-by-the-numbers).
### What specific streaming advantages does Peacock offer for dedicated viewers?
Peacock serves as the central hub for dedicated Olympic fans, offering unparalleled depth of coverage. The platform will stream over 2,500 hours of content, crucially offering **all 116 medal events live** (https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/nbcuniversals-milan-cortina-2026-olympic-winter-games-by-the-numbers). For those tracking Team USA closely, Peacock is essential; for example, Team USA's first scheduled event, mixed doubles curling, will be available live on the service (https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/nbcuniversals-milan-cortina-2026-olympic-winter-games-by-the-numbers). Additionally, Peacock subscribers will benefit from enhanced digital tools, such as "OLI," NBCUniversal's AI-powered Olympic Guide, which will return with advanced features to provide fans with up-to-date information related to the network's coverage (https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/nbc-and-peacock-present-unprecedented-live-coverage-milan-cortina-2026-opening-ceremony-tomorrow-2).
### Will I need an extra subscription package to access the coverage?
Based on previous major sporting events carried by NBCUniversal, access to the core broadcast coverage on the main NBC network generally does not require an additional subscription beyond standard cable or an over-the-air antenna (https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a70269371/how-to-stream-winter-olympics-2026/). However, to access the full, extensive streaming catalog—particularly the live coverage of all medal events—a subscription to the Peacock streaming service will be required (https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/news/winter-olympics-2026-how-to-watch-team-usa-live-full-schedule-and-medal-events-on-saturday-7-february). This aligns with the current media rights holder strategy, where streaming depth is monetized through platform-specific subscriptions (https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/where-to-watch-olympic-games-live).
### Are there any in-person viewing opportunities for U.S. residents traveling to Italy?
While the primary focus for U.S. viewers will be domestic broadcasts, those traveling to Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo for the Games can rely on the Official Olympic Media Rights Holders in Italy to broadcast the events locally (https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/where-to-watch-olympic-games-live). However, the experience in Italy will differ significantly from the customized, heavily produced narrative tailored for the American audience by NBC (https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/nbcuniversals-milan-cortina-2026-olympic-winter-games-by-the-numbers). Access to specific venues and official fan zones will depend on ticket availability and local regulations, which are typically managed through the official Milano Cortina 2026 organizing committee websites.
### What is the significance of the 2026 Games’ broadcast strategy for the future of the Olympics in the U.S.?
The Milan Cortina 2026 broadcast strategy underscores a permanent shift toward digital-first consumption for major global sporting events in the U.S. market. By planning over 2,500 streaming hours versus 700+ on linear television, NBCUniversal is prioritizing the on-demand and live-streaming viewer, often younger and more technologically savvy (https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/nbcuniversals-milan-cortina-2026-olympic-winter-games-by-the-numbers). This heavy reliance on Peacock signals that future Olympic rights negotiations will increasingly value streaming capacity as the primary metric for maximizing audience engagement and rights fees, setting a precedent for the LA 2028 Games (https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/news/winter-olympics-2026-how-to-watch-team-usa-live-full-schedule-and-medal-events-on-saturday-7-february).
## Key Takeaways
* **Exclusive U.S. Broadcaster:** NBC and Peacock hold the exclusive rights to broadcast the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in the United States.
* **Streaming Dominance:** The primary viewing method for dedicated fans is Peacock, which will stream all 116 medal events live, offering the most comprehensive access.
* **Hybrid Approach:** Over 700 hours of coverage will be available on traditional linear TV and cable, supplemented by massive streaming hours, ensuring flexibility for all viewers.
* **Future Trend Confirmation:** This extensive digital-first coverage confirms the established pattern of major sports media prioritizing streaming platforms for future Olympic cycles.
The transition to a streaming-heavy broadcast model for events like the Milano Cortina 2026 Games is not merely a temporary adjustment but a definitive evolution in how American audiences engage with global sports. For U.S. residents, securing access to Peacock will be the single most effective strategy for a complete viewing experience, ensuring no crucial moment—from the opening ceremony to the final medal race—is missed.
## References
* https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/news/winter-olympics-2026-how-to-watch-team-usa-live-full-schedule-and-medal-events-on-saturday-7-february
* https://www.nbcsports.com/pressbox/press-releases/nbcuniversals-milan-cortina-2026-olympic-winter-games-by-the-numbers
* https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/nbc-and-peacock-present-unprecedented-live-coverage-milan-cortina-2026-opening-ceremony-tomorrow-2
* https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/where-to-watch-olympic-games-live
* https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a70269371/how-to-stream-winter-olympics-2026/
