Story Highlight
– BBC to broadcast over 450 hours of live action.
– Games run from February 6 to 22, 2026.
– Daytime coverage on BBC One and Two from 9am.
– Digital stream available on iPlayer and BBC Sport.
– UK Sport hopes for 4 to 8 Team GB medals.
Full Story
The upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will see the BBC deliver over 450 hours of live coverage, making it the most accessible edition for UK audiences in the last two decades. Scheduled to take place from Friday, February 6, to Thursday, February 22, the Games promise a wealth of sporting excitement.
BBC Sport is set to provide two live daytime streams from Italy, accompanied by highlights, clips, and live text updates available on the BBC Sport website, app, and social media channels. Coverage on BBC One and BBC Two will be spearheaded by Clare Balding, Hazel Irvine, and Jeanette Kwakye, airing daily from 9am to 10pm from a studio located in Cortina.
An additional streaming option, named Olympics Extra, will be accessible via BBC iPlayer as well as the BBC Sport website and app from 8am to 11pm, offering viewers more extensive coverage of the Winter Games. Former competitors including Lizzy Yarnold, Vicky Wright, and Montell Douglas will join the commentary team, sharing insights and analysis throughout the events.
Alex Kay-Jelski, the Director of BBC Sport, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming Olympics, stating: “The Winter Olympics spotlight the world’s most elite winter athletes as they push the boundaries of speed, precision and excellence across snow and ice, and BBC Sport can’t wait to bring audiences all the very best action and medal moments straight from Milan-Cortina.” He also emphasized the distinction of the coverage, which aims to ensure that the Italy 2026 Olympic Winter Games occupy a central role in a significant year for sport.
Team GB aims to secure between four and eight medals during the competition, a target that has garnered attention from UK Sport.
In terms of how to engage with the Games, viewers can tune into comprehensive live broadcasts and highlights on BBC One and BBC Two, with designated segments hosted by Hazel Irvine and Jeanette Kwakye. The full schedule includes:
– **BBC One**: 9am-12pm (Hazel Irvine) and 2pm-5:15pm (Jeanette Kwakye)
– **BBC Two**: 1pm-2pm (Jeanette Kwakye) and 5:15pm-10pm (Clare Balding)
For digital and social media access, the Olympics Extra stream will run daily from 8am to 11pm. The BBC Sport website and app will feature day-by-day guides, sport explainers, medal tables, live text, articles, and on-demand clips. Social media channels will showcase highlights as they unfold.
Additionally, BBC Radio 5 Live will provide comprehensive coverage of the Winter Olympics, with hosts Katie Smith and Maz Farookhi presenting daily updates, interviews, and reactions throughout the Games.
As excitement builds, the opening ceremony will feature UK artist Carey, adding to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the Winter Olympics.