"VAN" (Sports Desk - 08.03.2026) :: Milano Cortina 2026 will be the most widely broadcast Paralympic Winter Games in history with 20 Media Rights Holders ensuring global coverage of the event that this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.
In total the Games will be broadcast in a record 126 countries by Media Rights Holders on their linear free-to-air and Pay TV channels, and streaming, digital, social and audio platforms. In the remaining countries, the global stream will be available on the official Games digital platforms.
The extensive live global coverage will include the 79 medal events of all six sports – Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard and wheelchair curling. Although the Opening Ceremony took place on 6 March at the Arena Di Verona, competition and broadcast coverage of wheelchair curling began on 4 March. A record 611 Para athletes from 55 National Paralympic Committees are competing in the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games which will close on 15 March.
Dr Mike Peters PLY, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are set to be the greatest yet in terms of sport performance and also the most beautiful to-date in terms of sport venues. This combination has proven a very attractive proposition for Media Rights Holders and we are delighted that Milano Cortina 2026 will have such record-breaking extensive global coverage spanning linear, streaming, digital and audio platforms.
“The broadcast coverage of the Paralympic Winter Games is not just instrumental in engaging billions of people in the event, but in showing strength in difference and changing attitudes towards persons with disability. Research conducted after Paris 2024 found 73 per cent of TV viewers had a more positive perception of persons with disabilities after watching the Paralympic Games. A further 80 per cent felt the Games made them feel more positive about the abilities of persons with disabilities. We are confident Milano Cortina 2026 will have a similar impact with TV audiences.
“While the widespread global coverage is fantastic, we are delighted to see more and more Media Rights Holders fronting their broadcasts with presenters and commentators who have a disability and utilising Paralympians who can provide in-depth knowledge and analysis of each of the sports. Several Media Rights Holders are also embracing the latest technologies for an inclusive experience for vision and hearing-impaired fans and viewers.”
Andre Varnier, Chief Executive Officer at Fondazione Milano Cortina said: "The collaboration with national and international broadcasters will ensure wide-ranging, accessible and high-quality coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games, reflecting our commitment to bringing world‑class performances, the talent and the stories of Paralympic athletes into the homes of millions of people around the globe.
“The Paralympic Games’ impact in transforming public attitudes is now well recognised, and Milano Cortina 2026 will further reinforce this positive change. Milano Cortina 2026 will not be just a sporting event, but a global platform capable of inspiring millions and spreading the values of resilience, participation and inclusion."
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