• Loading stock data...
Sunday, March 1, 2026

Olympic Channel’s 5-Year Run Ends

  • NBCUniversal will cancel the Olympic Channel on Sept. 30.
  • At the end of 2021, the channel reached roughly 47 million homes.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NBCUniversal is shuttering the Olympic Channel after a five-year run. 

The end of the linear channel is a byproduct of NBCUniversal’s reevaluated programming strategy amid increased sports-related content on USA Network and its streaming platform Peacock

  • NBCUniversal will cancel the Olympic Channel on Sept. 30.
  • At the end of 2021, the channel reached roughly 47 million homes. 

NBCUniversal will continue to deliver Olympic-related programming to its millions of viewers. 

The company has held exclusive U.S. media rights to the Winter and Summer Games since 2000, and in 2014 secured rights with IOC in a $7.65 billion deal that runs through 2032. 

The Olympic Channel marks the second linear programming option NBCUniversal has shut down in the last year. In December 2021, the Comcast-owned company ceased operations of NBC Sports Network, which originally launched in 1995 as Outdoor Life Network. 

NBCSN’s previously featured content is now available on USA Network and Peacock. 

Big Business 

Comcast generated $31 billion in revenue in Q1, a 14% increase year-over-year, and $1.5 billion from the Beijing Winter Olympics and Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles.

Peacock has also secured $1 billion in upfront ad revenue this year, up from $500 million in 2021. Its 28 million monthly Q1 users included 13 million paid subscribers.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Gaudreau family at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Real Story of How Johnny Gaudreau’s Family Got to Olympics

Network execs helped make one of the Olympics’ most heartwarming moments happen.
Jun 24, 2024; Eugene, OR, USA; NBC Sports broadcaster Mike Tirico during the US Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Tirico Gets His Due As Best All-Around Sportscaster

Tirico recently called his first Super Bowl before hosting his fifth Olympics.
Feb 19, 2026; Milan, Italy; Team USA celebrates winning the gold medal in women’s ice hockey against Canada in overtime during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Kenny Albert Shines During Olympic Instant Classics

NBC’s play-by-play man wisely went silent after two classic hockey calls.
Feb 18, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States celebrates after the women's slalom during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre.

NBC’s Winter Olympics Viewership Tear Continues

Viewership nearly doubles that of the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Featured Today

Dec 25, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Ball Arena.

Young Athletes Have Entered Their LinkedIn Era

Athletes can’t play forever. Some are laying the groundwork for Act 2.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 15, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor inside the stadium before the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field.
February 27, 2026

The American Sports Owners Feuding Over a French Soccer Team

John Textor is at odds with Michele Kang and investment giant Ares.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium
February 21, 2026

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Nov 16, 2024; New York, NY, USA; President-elect Donald Trump speaks with Dana White (left) during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.

How Much of UFC White House Bonanza Will Air on CBS?

Dana White publicly indicated the show will have a presence on CBS.
CBS Sports
February 27, 2026

What a Paramount-WBD Sports Portfolio Would Look Like

The combined entity would hold rights to nearly every major U.S. pro league.
Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Pat McAfee on the Pat McAfee Show set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
opinion
February 27, 2026

Nobody Is Playing Guest Game Better Than Pat McAfee

McAfee makes clear to guests he’s on their side.
Sponsored

From USWNT Star to NWSL Franchise Founder

Leslie Osborne, former USWNT midfielder, shares how athletes are moving from the pitch to the ownership table.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., makes a point during her town hall Saturday at Nevins Hall in Framingham's Memorial Building, Feb. 22, 2025. Warren discussed her thoughts on the Trump administration's recent actions and how she plans to fight back against policies that she feels hurt Massachusetts families.
February 27, 2026

WBD-Paramount Deal Sets Up Partisan Regulatory Fight

The landmark media merger will be at the heart of a political battle.
The broadcast studio and pundits on the Paramount+ series, 'Inside The NFL'.
February 26, 2026

Paramount Wins Battle For WBD As Netflix Drops Out

The streaming giant bows out of the high-stakes race.
February 26, 2026

Apple’s Big Bet on F1 Is About More Than Streaming

The technology giant also strikes a unique content collaboration with Netflix.
May 19, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a TNT court broadcast camera before game seven between the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets in the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
February 26, 2026

Loss of NBA Felt in WBD’s Latest Earnings

The loss of live rights created near-term headwinds in advertising revenue.