What's Happening?
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan feature figure skating as one of the marquee events, with Team USA having already secured a victory in the team event. The competition now moves to individual events across men's, women's, pairs, and ice dance categories. NBC is the official broadcaster for the Olympics, providing coverage through its primetime broadcasts. For those without cable, streaming services like DirecTV, Peacock, and Hulu + Live TV offer options to watch the events online. DirecTV provides a five-day free trial, while Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial. Peacock, the official streaming home of the Olympics, offers a subscription starting at $10.99 per month, providing live and on-demand access to all Olympic events.
Why It's Important?
The availability
of free and subscription-based streaming options for the Winter Olympics is significant for viewers who prefer online access over traditional cable. This shift reflects broader trends in media consumption, where streaming services are increasingly becoming the primary source of content for many households. The accessibility of Olympic events through these platforms ensures that a wider audience can engage with the games, potentially increasing viewership and interest in winter sports. For the U.S. figure skating team, which includes top contenders like Madison Chock, Evan Bates, and Alysa Liu, this exposure is crucial for gaining support and recognition on a global stage.
What's Next?
As the individual figure skating events progress, viewers can expect intense competition, particularly in the women's category where Alysa Liu faces strong contenders. The outcomes of these events could influence future sponsorships and media deals for the athletes involved. Additionally, the performance of streaming services during the Olympics may impact their subscriber numbers and market strategies. Stakeholders in the sports and media industries will be closely monitoring viewership data and audience engagement to inform future broadcasting and streaming decisions.
