Where to watch Olympics: Live stream Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games free from anywhere
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The Winter Olympics are right around the corner, and the 2026 event brings some of the world's best athletes to Italy. We've compiled everything you need to know about where to watch the Olympics, including global live streaming options.
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games officially kick off in a little over one week, although some preliminary events will begin next Wednesday. The Summer Olympics' snowy counterpart is best known for events like figure skating, curling, snowboarding, speed skating, bobsleigh, luge, and the whole gamut of skiing events (including alpine, cross country, and downhill), among other sports. Ice hockey is shaping up to be one of the can't-miss events this year, following last year's feisty Four Nations Face Off. The USA and Canada are both competing, and NHL players can participate for the first time in over a decade.
The Winter Olympics are available to stream around the world, so fans everywhere will be able to tune in. Below, we've outlined some of the best watch options, including free ones. We'll continue to have Olympics coverage throughout the event, from Opening to Closing ceremonies, so keep checking back on our streaming section over the next several weeks.
Where to watch the Olympics in the US
NBCUniversal holds the rights to the Olympics in the US, and coverage will air on NBC throughout the Winter Games. USA Network and CNBC will also broadcast select coverage. If you're hoping to have access to absolutely every event, we recommend getting Peacock, which offers a comprehensive live streaming hub for the entire Olympics.
Olympic-friendly Peacock plans include Premium, which costs $11 a month, and Premium Plus, which costs $17 a month. The two tiers offer the same Olympic content, and the main difference between the plans is that Premium offers ad-supported on-demand streaming, which Premium Plus unlocks ad-free on-demand streaming and a 24/7 live stream of your local NBC station.
If you're looking for something with additional channels beyond just those owned by NBCUniversal, then one of the best live TV streaming services might be of interest. DirecTV is the best overall cable alternative we've tested, and the streamer carries NBC, USA, and CNBC in several of its plans. Signature subscriptions start at $90 a month for the Entertainment plan, but these channels are also available in the cheaper MySports genre pack. At $70 a month, this plan is a sports lover's dream, with around 20 key sports networks and ESPN Unlimited access. All DirecTV plans come with a five-day free trial for new customers.
If you're interested in Peacock but want to try before you buy, you can also give Walmart Plus a go. The grocery delivery service offers an impressive number of perks, including access to either Peacock Premium or Paramount Plus Essential. You can choose between the two services every 90 days. Subscriptions cost $12.95 a month or $98 a year and come with a 30-day free trial for new users.
Where to watch the Olympics in the UK
Select Olympics coverage will be available on the BBC in the UK, meaning fans will be able to live stream events for free via BBC iPlayer. Users with a valid TV license just need to create an iPlayer account if they don't already have one, and then they're all set to start watching. Like the Summer Olympics in 2024, comprehensive Olympic coverage is available through a paid service. This year, that's Discovery Plus. Sports-friendly subscriptions start at £31 a month.
Where to watch the Olympics in Australia
The Winter Olympics will be shown on Channel 9 in Australia and available to live stream via 9Now. 9Now is a free streaming option, which just requires account creation to use. Full Olympic coverage will be available through Stan Sport, which costs $32 a month ($12 for the base plan and another $20 for the Sport option).
How to watch the Olympics from anywhere
If you'll be away from somewhere like Australia or the UK during the Olympics and are still hoping to access your free streaming option, you can do so with the help of VPN. VPNs, or virtual private networks, are handy tech tools that let you temporarily change your device's virtual location, enabling you to use your favorite websites from anywhere. They're extra popular among those looking to keep up with their usual apps while traveling abroad and upgrade their cybersecurity.
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market, thanks to its user-friendliness and 30-day money-back guarantee. You can learn more about the service in our official NordVPN review.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.