BBC's Scaled-Back Winter Olympics Coverage Leaves UK Viewers Seeking Alternatives
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, have officially commenced, but audiences across the United Kingdom are encountering a significant shift in how they can follow the Games. For decades, the BBC has been regarded as the primary broadcaster for Olympic events in the UK, offering extensive live coverage that allowed fans to immerse themselves in every moment. However, this year marks a departure from that tradition, as the corporation is limited to broadcasting only select live events from the competition, which runs until February 22.
Exclusive Rights Deal Restricts BBC's Live Broadcasts
The reduction in the BBC's coverage stems from a major broadcast agreement between the International Olympic Committee and Warner Bros Discovery, the parent company of TNT Sport. This deal grants the US-based media giant exclusive rights to air the complete Olympic Games from 2026 through 2032 within the UK market. Consequently, the BBC is unable to provide the wall-to-wall live coverage that viewers enjoyed during previous Olympics, such as the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games, which are now remembered as a bygone era for free-to-air sports broadcasting.
Despite these constraints, the BBC has secured a sub-licence arrangement through the European Broadcasting Union, allowing it to offer over 450 hours of content across its television channels and digital platforms. This means that while free-to-air viewers will not have access to every event live, they can still catch a substantial amount of action without a subscription.
How to Access Full Winter Olympics Coverage in the UK
For those seeking comprehensive live coverage of the Winter Olympics, TNT Sports with Discovery+ is the sole provider in the UK, delivering more than 850 hours of programming across all 16 disciplines. The daily schedule kicks off at 8am UK time with Buongiorno Milano, a morning show hosted by Orla Chennaoui, setting the stage for the day's events. Live action is broadcast from 9am to 10pm on TNT Sports' television channels, with TNT Sports 2 serving as the central hub for Olympic content.
Viewers can also stream events live via the Discovery+ app, ensuring flexibility for those on the go. Each day concludes with a highlights programme presented by Reshmin Chowdhury, wrapping up the key moments. UK residents interested in full access who are not current Discovery+ subscribers can sign up to enjoy uninterrupted coverage of the Games.
BBC's Offering: Limited but Still Substantial
Although the BBC's live coverage is more restricted compared to past Olympics, it remains a valuable resource for free-to-air audiences. The broadcaster is providing over 450 hours of live content throughout the 17-day event, primarily on BBC One and BBC Two from 9am to 10pm daily. Presenters Clare Balding, Hazel Irvine, and Jeanette Kwakye will helm the coverage from a studio in Cortina, offering insights and updates.
Additional live streams will be available on Olympics Extra, accessible through BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app from 8am to 11pm each day. Notably, the BBC will not air a daily television highlights show in the evenings, a change from previous Games. For audio coverage, BBC Radio 5 Live will provide daily updates and commentary, ensuring fans can stay informed even when away from their screens.
This shift in broadcasting rights highlights the evolving landscape of sports media in the UK, where exclusive deals are reshaping how major events are consumed. While the BBC continues to play a role, viewers now have more options, albeit with some requiring paid subscriptions, to experience the full excitement of the Winter Olympics.
