winter olympics 2026

How to Watch the Winter Olympics 2026 in Australia: Your Ultimate Guide

The countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics has officially begun. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Italian Alps, the Games promise to deliver two weeks of high-octane sporting action, dramatic stories, and unforgettable moments. For Australian sports fans, the excitement is building, but so is the anticipation of figuring out how to tune in from down under.

Whether you are planning a late-night binge of the ice skating or an early morning wake-up call for the downhill skiing, knowing where to watch is essential. With major shifts in Australian broadcasting rights and exclusive streaming partnerships, the landscape for watching the Winter Olympics in Australia has evolved significantly.

Here is everything you need to know about catching the action from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, based on the latest verified reports.

The Main Narrative: Italy Calls, Australia Watches

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, will be hosted across two Italian cities: Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. This marks a return to the Italian Alps for the first time since the 2006 Turin Games, bringing with it a unique blend of high fashion, rich history, and world-class winter sports.

For Australian viewers, this edition of the Games is particularly significant. It represents a new era of sports broadcasting in the country. After years of free-to-air coverage, the rights have shifted, meaning fans will need to adapt their viewing habits to ensure they don't miss a second of the action.

The significance of this shift cannot be overstated. The Winter Olympics are a showcase of elite athletic performance, featuring disciplines like alpine skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, and the fast-paced thrills of ice hockey. For Australian athletes, it is the pinnacle of their four-year training cycle. For fans, it is a chance to rally behind the green and gold during the European winter.

With the Games scheduled for February 2026, the planning for how to watch is already underway. The logistics of broadcasting from Europe to Australia involves navigating time zones, securing rights, and delivering high-quality streams to living rooms across the country.

How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics in Australia

The most pressing question for Australian sports fans is: where can I watch the Winter Olympics? According to verified reports, the broadcasting landscape has undergone a major change.

The Exclusive Streaming Home: Stan Sport

The primary destination for Australian viewers to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics will be Stan Sport. This represents a significant shift in how major international sporting events are consumed in Australia.

Stan Sport has secured the exclusive Australian rights to broadcast the 2026 Winter Olympics. This means that if you want to watch the Games live, on demand, or catch up on highlights, you will need a subscription to the Stan streaming service, specifically the Stan Sport add-on.

This move aligns with a broader trend in media consumption, where major sporting events are migrating from traditional free-to-air television to subscription-based streaming platforms. Stan Sport has previously broadcast other major events, including the Roland-Garros tennis and the UEFA Champions League, establishing itself as a premium hub for sports fans.

The Free-to-Air Option

While Stan Sport holds the exclusive live streaming rights, there may still be some coverage available on free-to-air television. However, verified reports indicate that the extensive, round-the-clock coverage previously seen on free-to-air channels will not be the primary way to watch.

Fans should keep an eye on official announcements closer to the event for any potential highlights packages or delayed broadcasts that may be aired on free-to-air networks. However, for the full Olympic experience—every event, every medal ceremony, and live coverage—Stan Sport is the confirmed destination.

Setting Up Your Viewing Experience

To ensure you are ready for the Opening Ceremony in February 2026, here is a simple checklist: 1. Check Your Internet Connection: Streaming high-definition sports requires a stable internet connection. Ensure your bandwidth can handle live 4K streaming if your device supports it. 2. Subscribe to Stan Sport: If you are not already a Stan subscriber, you will need to sign up. The Stan Sport add-on is available on top of the standard Stan subscription. 3. Compatible Devices: Stan Sport is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), Apple TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices. Make sure your device is updated and ready to go.

The Strategic Shift in Sports Broadcasting

The move to an exclusive streaming platform for the Winter Olympics is a reflection of changing consumer habits and media strategies. As viewers increasingly move away from traditional cable and satellite TV toward on-demand and streaming services, sports rights holders are following suit.

Why the Change?

Media analysts point to several factors driving this transition. Streaming platforms offer a more personalized viewing experience. Fans can choose which events to watch, pause live coverage, and access a vast library of on-demand content. This level of control is difficult to achieve with traditional broadcasting schedules.

Furthermore, streaming platforms can offer more comprehensive coverage. While a free-to-air channel might be limited to a few hours of prime-time coverage, a streaming service can broadcast multiple events simultaneously. For a Winter Olympics with hundreds of events across dozens of disciplines, this ensures that niche sports and early-round matches get the airtime they deserve.

The Impact on Viewers

For the viewer, this shift requires a change in mindset and budget. The convenience of comprehensive coverage comes with a subscription cost. However, many fans view this as a worthwhile investment for access to a global event that only occurs once every four years.

It also changes the social viewing experience. While the "watercooler moments" of free-to-air TV bring the nation together, streaming allows for more niche communities to form around specific sports or athletes. Fans can connect online, sharing live reactions to specific events in real-time.

Contextual Background: Australia and the Winter Olympics

To understand the excitement surrounding the 2026 Games, it helps to look at Australia's history with winter sports. Unlike nations with long, snowy winters, Australia’s winter sports culture is built on passion, innovation, and the dedication of its athletes.

A Brief History of Aussie Winter Success

Australia first participated in the Winter Olympics in 1936. While early years were focused on participation, the last few decades have seen a rise in competitiveness. Australia has won medals in a variety of sports, showcasing the nation's diverse talent.

• Alpine Skiing: Australia has produced world-class skiers like Alisa Camplin, who won gold in the aerials in 2002, and Matt Graham, who secured silver in the Moguls in 2018.
• Snowboarding: The Winter Olympics have been a stage for Australian snowboarding excellence. Scotty James has been a dominant force in the halfpipe, securing multiple medals, including bronze in 2018 and 2022.
• Short Track Speed Skating: The 2022 Beijing Games saw a historic moment for Australia when Steven Bradbury won gold in the 1000m short track, a victory that has become part of Australian sporting folklore.

The Significance of Milan Cortina 2026

The 2026 Games hold special significance for the Australian team. Following the successes and challenges of previous Games, this event is seen as an opportunity to build on a legacy of resilience. The Italian venues, known for their challenging courses and picturesque scenery, will test the athletes in new ways.

For Australian fans, the Winter Olympics are a chance to see athletes compete against the best in the world in environments that are the polar opposite of the Australian summer. The contrast between a sweltering Australian February and the freezing slopes of the Alps adds to the drama.

The Athletes to Watch

While the broadcasting details are crucial, the heart of the Olympics lies in the athletes. As we approach 2026, several Australian stars are already emerging as medal contenders.

The Returning Champions

Expect to see familiar faces defending their titles or aiming for the podium again. Snowboarder Scotty James, if he competes, will be a major drawcard. His experience and technical mastery make him a perennial favorite in the halfpipe.

In the moguls, Matt Graham continues to compete at a high level. His agility and speed on the bumpy slopes make for thrilling viewing. These athletes bring experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to perform on the Olympic stage.

The Rising Stars

The lead-up to any Olympics is often the time for new talent to emerge. Australian winter sports programs are constantly scouting and developing the next generation of athletes. Keep an eye on the development squads in aerials, skiing, and snowboarding. The 2026 Games could be the stage where a new Australian hero is born.

Immediate Effects and Viewing Logistics

The decision to move the Winter Olympics to a streaming-exclusive platform in Australia has immediate effects on how fans prepare for the