The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 are fast approaching, and for Australian viewers, access to the event will be primarily through Nine’s channels and streaming services. The Games, officially running from to , will see 53 Australian athletes competing across 10 different sports.
Nine will provide live and free coverage on Channel 9 and 9Gem, offering curated broadcasts of key moments throughout the day and night. Complementing the traditional broadcast, 9Now will stream the events live, providing on-demand access to all Australian events, daily recaps, and video highlights. This multi-platform approach aims to cater to a broad audience, allowing viewers to follow the action in real-time or catch up at their convenience.
The opening ceremony, scheduled for at 6:00 AM AEDT, promises a spectacular display featuring a star-studded lineup. Mariah Carey is set to headline the performance, joined by Andrea Bocelli, Lang Lang, Cecilia Bartoli, Laura Pausini, Sabrina Impacciatore, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Matilda De Angelis at the San Siro Stadium. The event marks the official commencement of the Games, setting the stage for nearly three weeks of intense competition.
Australia’s participation in the Winter Olympics has grown, with a record number of women – including Jaraka Anthony, Indra Brown, and Bree Walker – representing the nation in Italy this month. This reflects a broader trend of increasing female representation in winter sports globally, and a commitment from Australian sporting bodies to fostering inclusivity.
Beyond Australia, the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will be accessible to a global audience through a network of media rights holders. In Brazil, viewers can tune in via TV Globo and CazéTV. Canadian audiences will have access through CBC, Bell Media, and Rogers Media. Across much of Europe, Warner Bros Discovery (through HBO Max and Eurosport) and national EBU broadcasters will carry the Games. France will see coverage on Warner Bros Discovery and France TV, while Germany will have access through Warner Bros Discovery, ARD, and ZDF. Italy’s host nation status is reflected in coverage from Warner Bros Discovery and RAI.
Asian viewers will also have multiple options. Japan will be served by a consortium including NHK, JBA, Fuji TV, Nippon TV, TBS, TV Asahi, and TV Tokyo. The People’s Republic of China will have access through China Media Group (CCTV and Yangshipin), and the Republic of Korea through JTBC and Naver. New Zealand viewers can follow the Games on Sky, while Switzerland will have coverage from Warner Bros Discovery, SRF, RTS, and RSI. The United Kingdom will be able to watch via Warner Bros Discovery (Discovery+, TNT Sports) and BBC Sport. In the United States, NBC Olympics and Peacock will be the primary broadcasters.
For those in selected regions, the Olympic Channel via Olympics.com may also offer access, subject to certain restrictions. The availability of coverage varies significantly by territory, reflecting the complex landscape of international broadcasting rights. Viewers are advised to consult the official Olympics website (here) to identify their local media rights holder and ensure access to the Games.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics represent a significant sporting event, bringing together athletes from around the world to compete in a range of winter disciplines. The Games are not only a showcase of athletic prowess but also a platform for international cooperation and cultural exchange. The extensive broadcasting arrangements reflect the global interest in the event and the commitment of media organizations to delivering the Games to a worldwide audience. The prominence of streaming services, such as Peacock and 9Now, underscores the evolving media landscape and the increasing demand for flexible viewing options.
The Games will commence with some pre-events, including mixed curling, beginning on , two days before the official opening ceremony. This staggered start allows for the smooth running of the competition schedule and builds anticipation for the main events. The full schedule of events is available online, allowing viewers to plan their viewing and follow their favorite athletes and sports.
As the Games draw closer, preparations are underway to ensure a successful and safe event. The participation of 53 Australian athletes highlights the nation’s commitment to winter sports and its growing presence on the international stage. The broadcasting arrangements, with Nine playing a central role for Australian viewers, will ensure that the Games are accessible to a wide audience, allowing fans to support their athletes and experience the excitement of the Winter Olympics.
