2026 Winter Olympics: When Does the 4K Coverage Start?

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Buy Me a Coffee!

TV Answer Man, do you know when NBC will begin doing the Olympics in 4K? I see the Sunday stuff but won’t there be some events in 4K before that? – Gene, Pittsburgh.

Gene, NBC has the exclusive U.S. TV rights to the 2026 Winter Olympics from Italy. The Games officially begin today (Opening Ceremony at 1:40 p.m. ET) and run until February 22, 2026.

The network has announced that it will offer some events in upscale 4K on Sunday along with a 4K feed of Super Bowl 60. But will there be 4K broadcasts of the Olympics before then, you ask?

Answer: Yes! The USA Network, which is also providing Olympics coverage, will air today’s Team Women’s Short Figure Skating in 4K at 7:35 a.m. ET. Then, at 8:55 a.m. ET, Mixed Doubles Curling between Czechia and the United States will be in 4K.

At 10:30 a.m. ET, the women’s hockey match between USA and Czechia will be in 4K and then the USA Network will close its 4K coverage for the day with the men’s Snowboard Big Air qualifier event at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Now, here’s the tricky part. Today’s 4K feeds may not be available on every TV provider that will offer the 4K broadcasts on Sunday. YouTube TV, DIRECTV and Comcast will have them but you’ll have to consult your on-screen guide to see if your TV provider will.

There will be more 4K coverage from USA Network on Saturday, starting at 4 a.m. ET with Curling.

As for Peacock, the streamer is now listing these events as HD, but that could be switched to 4K by start time.

Gene, I hope that answers your question. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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