Channel 4 has secured the broadcast rights to screen its eighth consecutive Paralympic Games in March 2026.
UK audiences will be able to watch the Paralympic Winter Games, taking place between 6-15 March 2026 via free-to-air television and on-demand streaming services, ensuring broad and inclusive access.
Milano Cortina 2026 will feature up to 665 athletes from around 50 countries will compete for 79 medals across six winter Para sports: Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard and wheelchair curling.
50 years of the Paralympics
This edition of the Games also marks 50 years since the first Paralympic Winter Games held in 1976 in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden and 20 years since Torino 2006, making it a landmark moment for the Paralympic Movement.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will be produced for Channel 4 by Whisper.
The broadcaster has been home to the Winter and Summer Paralympics since London 2012. Previously, the BBC provided UK television coverage of the Paralympics.
Compared to the BBC’s former coverage, Channel 4 has given the Paralympics more airtime, bringing more Paralympic sports to mainstream audiences live. The broadcaster also continues to champion disability representation across the UK media landscape. Broadcast times and channels will be confirmed closer to the event.
Andrea Varnier, CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026, commented:
“Since London 2012, Channel 4 has continued to prove its ongoing commitment to Paralympic sport, and we are proud to have them as the official broadcaster of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games. From 6th to 15th March, UK audiences will be able to enjoy a unique experience thanks to Channel 4’s extensive coverage. The athletes’ extraordinary performances and their stories of determination and resilience will make these Games an unforgettable event, touching British fans and inspiring new generations through the power of sport.”
Pete Andrews, Head of Sport, Channel 4, added
“We are super excited to bring the world class sport of the Winter Paralympics from the slopes and rinks of Italy to the living rooms, lap-tops and smart phones of the British public. The coverage will be produced on site and from our fully accessible TV facility in Cardiff, by the brilliant team at Whisper Cymru. Channel 4 teams in Leeds and London will provide social and streaming support. We can’t wait to get started.”
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Channel 4