Winter Olympics 2026 TV Coverage: A Shift in UK Broadcasting
The Winter Olympics 2026, set to unfold in Milano Cortina, Italy from February 6 to 22, marks a significant departure from traditional viewing habits for UK audiences. For decades, the BBC has been synonymous with Olympic broadcasting, offering comprehensive live coverage of events like London 2012 and Rio 2016. However, this year, fans will encounter a scaled-back offering from the public service broadcaster, raising questions about accessibility and viewing options.
Why the BBC Cannot Show Full Live Coverage
The BBC's reduced role stems from a landmark broadcast agreement between the International Olympic Committee and Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), the parent company of TNT Sport. This deal grants WBD exclusive rights to broadcast the four Olympic Games spanning 2026 to 2032 in their entirety across the UK. Consequently, the BBC is limited to sub-licensing select content under an arrangement with the European Broadcasting Union, allowing for partial free-to-air coverage but not the wall-to-wall access viewers have come to expect.
This shift means that for the first time in recent memory, UK audiences cannot rely solely on the BBC for complete Olympic immersion. The broadcaster will still provide over 450 hours of content, but this represents a fraction of the total action, with gaps in live event coverage that may disappoint dedicated sports enthusiasts.
How to Watch the Winter Olympics on TV with Discovery+
For viewers seeking uninterrupted access to every moment of the Games, TNT Sports via Discovery+ emerges as the sole comprehensive option in the UK. The service promises an extensive broadcast schedule, featuring more than 850 hours of coverage across all 16 winter sports disciplines. Daily programming commences at 8am UK time with Buongiorno Milano, a morning show hosted by Orla Chennaoui, setting the stage for the day's events.
Live action will be televised from 9am to 10pm each day, primarily on TNT Sports 2, which will serve as the central hub for Olympic content. Additionally, the Discovery+ app will offer live streaming capabilities, ensuring flexibility for on-the-go viewing. Each evening will conclude with a highlights programme presented by Reshmin Chowdhury, wrapping up the day's key moments. New subscribers can sign up directly to access this full suite of coverage.
What Coverage Does the BBC Have?
Despite its constraints, the BBC remains a valuable free-to-air resource for Winter Olympics coverage. Broadcasting will occur daily from 9am to 10pm on BBC One or BBC Two, with presenting duties handled by Clare Balding, Hazel Irvine, and Jeanette Kwakye from a studio in Cortina. This schedule includes live events, interviews, and analysis, though it will not encompass every competition.
Supplementing this, Olympics Extra will provide additional live coverage available via BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC Sport app from 8am to 11pm daily. Notably, the BBC will not air a dedicated TV highlights show in the evenings, a departure from previous Games. Radio listeners can tune into BBC Radio 5 Live for daily updates and commentary.
In summary, while the BBC's offering is more limited than in past years, it still delivers substantial free content. However, for complete access to all Winter Olympics 2026 events, UK viewers must turn to TNT Sports and Discovery+, highlighting a new era in Olympic broadcasting rights and viewer choice.
