• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 25, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot
exclusive
Tuned In

Scott Hanson to Return to Peacock for 2026 Winter Olympics ‘Gold Zone’

Hanson, a free agent, is also likely to rejoin NFL Network’s “RedZone” show.

NBCUniversal

Scott Hanson is signing a new NBCUniversal contract to host Peacock’s Gold Zone during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, Front Office Sports has learned.

Peacock will announce the partnership with the popular NFL RedZone host on Wednesday. Next year’s Olympics mark the first time Gold Zone will stream on the platform during the Winter Games.

Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics production, said bringing back Hanson was an easy decision after his critically acclaimed performance during the Paris Olympics. 

“After crushing it in Paris, I can’t wait to see Scott bring his trademark enthusiasm and passion to the snow and ice of the Winter Olympics,” she said in a statement. “Gold Zone was such a success in Paris that we felt compelled to bring it back for Milan Cortina; a Winter Games first for Peacock.”

Perfecting the whiparound highlight format he’s used on NFL RedZone for 16 years, Hanson took global viewers around France for the best Olympic action. Hanson got so excited narrating Paris highlights that he cut his hand while slamming it on the desk for emphasis.

He earned rave reviews for his high-energy performance, with John Green, bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars, writing on X/Twitter: “I’ve taken a lot of drugs in my life but I’ve never taken a drug like Peacock’s Olympic Gold Zone. What a rush.” Sports Illustrated called Gold Zone a “game-changer.” Awful Announcing called Hanson’s casting a “masterstroke.”

“I’m thrilled to be back hosting Gold Zone on Peacock for the Winter Olympics in February!” Hanson said in a statement sent to FOS. “‘The Witching Hour’ will once again be ‘The Golden Hour’ as we show you the best moments from every sport as they happen. It’s the biggest Winter Olympics ever—nearly 3,000 athletes, 116 events, and one place to see it all: Gold Zone.”

Hanson will again spearhead coverage of the Gold Zone whiparound highlights show during the Winter Olympics. NBC and Peacock will kick off live coverage of the opening ceremony from San Siro Stadium in Milan on Feb. 6, 2026. As with Paris, Peacock will stream every sport and event live, as well as offering full event replays and curated video clips. FOS was the first outlet to report that NBC could bring back Hanson for more Gold Zone coverage in 2026 as well as the Los Angeles Summer Games in 2028. 

Hanson has hosted NFL RedZone since its premiere in 2009. His last contract expired after the 2024 football season, making him a potential free-agent target for the likes of NBC, ESPN, and Fox.

However, sources tell me his negotiations with NFLN have progressed in recent months. It’s likely Hanson will return to NFL RedZone hosting duties with a new contract under his belt, say sources. But he’ll still be given the green light to work on NBC’s Olympic coverage.

The 53-year-old was among the nominees for best “personality/studio” hosts at the 2025 Sports Emmy Awards on Tuesday night. He was competing against Mike Tirico of NBC, Scott Van Pelt of ESPN, Ernie Johnson of TNT Sports, and Kate Scott of CBS Sports.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

President Donald Trump speaks during the American 250 kickoff event on July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrouds.

Trump Signs Executive Order on College Sports Pay

The order marks Trump’s first foray into legislating college sports compensation.
Michael Johnson
exclusive

Michael Johnson Says Investor Pulling Out Caused Grand Slam Track’s ‘Major, Major..

The investor walked away from an eight-figure term sheet, a source says.
A Peacock sideline reporter holds a microphone with the NBC Peacock logo during Michigan State's football game against Washington on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

‘Unusual’: NBCU’s Surprise Interest in a New Cable Sports Network

Its previous channel NBCSN was shuttered less than four years ago.
Jul 22, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort.
exclusive

As Other Power Leagues Shy Away From PE, the Big Ten Continues..

Tony Petitti told FOS conversations were ongoing.

Featured Today

Ryan Field Construction
exclusive

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Sports personality Stephen A. Smith arrives before the CFP National Championship college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
opinion

Why Stephen A. Smith Could Succeed in Dwindling Late-Night TV Era

The face of “First Take” has shown interest in talk-show hosting.
Mar 29, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; View of a camera with a Fox Sports logo before the game between the Houston Astros and the New York Mets at Daikin Park.
exclusive
July 23, 2025

Parkins Joins Expanded ‘First Things First’ As FS1 Completes Transition

He’ll join Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes.
exclusive
July 23, 2025

ESPN Locks in Bulk of Bill Belichick’s First UNC Season

The network’s ACC media rights deal will pay off this season.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Oklahoma City, OK - June 22, 2025 - Paycom Center: Iman Shumpert courtside for Hoop Streams during game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals.
July 22, 2025

ESPN’s Playoff Surprise: Spotlight Turns Shumpert Into Hot Prospect

After his impressive ESPN postseason coverage, Shumpert is a coveted free agent.
Dec 10, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; MLB Network host Adnan Virk on the set at the Hilton Anatole during the 2024 MLB Winter Meetings.
exclusive
July 22, 2025

Adnan Virk Opens Up on ‘Cinephile’ Book, ESPN Exit

“I’m amazed at how things have worked out.”
July 18, 2025

Shannon Sharpe, Accuser Settle $50M Sexual Assault Lawsuit

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
exclusive
July 18, 2025

Bill Belichick UNC Series Heading to Hulu After ‘Hard Knocks’ Breakdown

The series lands at Hulu after a deal with HBO fell through.