For as big a deal as the opening ceremony is at the Winter Olympics, it has been a while since that was actually when the Games started. That’s the case again this year, as the ice hockey and curling competitions get going before the cauldron is lit in Milan on Friday night.

Competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics begins on Wednesday. The opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Games takes place on Friday, but before the Olympic torch is lit, competition in curling and hockey gets underway. The next two weeks will be filled with incredible Olympic moments from the ice to the snow to the slopes.

NBC Sports Network (NBCSN): After being relaunched in late 2025, NBCSN will feature the "Gold Zone" daily whip-around show (hosted by Scott Hanson), giving you a commercial-free look at the best live moments as they happen in real time.

NBC 5 Chicago and NBCU Local Chicago digital properties will be THE local destination for comprehensive, round-the-clock coverage of the highly-anticipated Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday action features an exciting NBA doubleheader on NBC and Peacock. First, at 8:00 PM ET, it’s the Miami Heat vs Minnesota Timberwolves. Then, at 11:00 PM ET, the Dallas Mavericks take on the Sacramento Kings. See below for ...

How to watch: During the FuboTV-NBCUniversal dispute, fans can watch this game for FREE via a trial of DirecTV. You can also watch live sports on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, with a subscription to the Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus plans.