ARD Livestream Olympia: How to Watch the 2026 Winter Games Live
Berlin, 09 February 2026 – The Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are in full swing, and for sports fans in Germany, the ARD (Das Erste) remains a primary gateway to the action. Despite historical fluctuations in broadcasting rights, the public broadcaster has secured extensive coverage for the 2026 Games, offering a comprehensive digital experience through its “Sportschau” brand.
Current Broadcasting Schedule and Today’s Highlights
As of today, Monday, 09 February 2026, the Olympic schedule is entering a critical phase. Following the opening ceremony on 6 February, the focus has shifted to high-stakes medal decisions in the Italian Alps.
What to Watch Today (9 February 2026)
The ZDF has taken over the main linear broadcast for today as part of the alternating agreement with ARD. However, the ARD Mediathek and Sportschau.de continue to provide specialized livestreams for specific disciplines. Key events currently being tracked include:
- Figure Skating: Men’s Single events.
- Alpine Skiing: Continued coverage from Bormio and Cortina.
- Ice Hockey & Curling: Group stage matches and mixed doubles.
How to Access the ARD Livestream
The ARD has integrated its Olympic coverage into its digital ecosystem to ensure viewers do not miss a single medal decision. There are three primary ways to access the “Sportschau” Olympic streams:
1. The ARD Mediathek
The central hub for all video content. During the 2026 Winter Games, the Mediathek features a dedicated “Olympia” section. This includes the main 24-hour channel (when ARD is the lead broadcaster) and up to ten parallel “Event Streams” for individual sports like Biathlon or Luge.
2. Sportschau.de and the Sportschau App
For those on the move, the Sportschau app provides a “Medal Zone” conference stream. This format is designed for viewers who want to see every crucial moment across different venues without switching channels manually.
3. Linear Radio and Audio Streams
For the first time in this depth, ARD is utilizing its digital radio presence. From 20:15 until midnight daily, live reports, news, and talk segments are broadcast, ensuring that even those without screen access stay informed about the latest German medal counts.
The Rights Situation: ARD, ZDF, and Eurosport
The path to the 2026 broadcasts was marked by complex negotiations. While US media giant Discovery (Eurosport) holds the primary European rights, a sub-licensing agreement ensures that ARD and ZDF can provide free-to-air coverage for the German public. This agreement covers the current Winter Games and extends to future events, maintaining the tradition of Olympic accessibility in Germany.
| Feature | ARD / ZDF (Public) | Eurosport (Discovery) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (License Fee) | Free (Basic) / Paid (Discovery+) |
| Livestreams | Up to 10 parallel streams | Every single event live |
| Focus | German athletes & Highlights | International breadth |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the ARD Olympia livestream free?
Yes, the livestreams provided by ARD and Sportschau are free of charge for users within Germany. They are funded through the national broadcasting license fee (Rundfunkbeitrag).
Can I watch the Olympics on ARD while abroad?
Due to licensing restrictions, the ARD livestreams are “geo-blocked.” This means they are generally only accessible to users with a German IP address. Viewers travelling outside of Germany may need to rely on local broadcasters in their respective countries.
Why is the program different on ARD and ZDF?
The two public broadcasters alternate daily coverage. While one channel handles the main TV broadcast, the other often provides supplementary digital content. For the 2026 Games, ARD hosted the Opening Ceremony, while ZDF is scheduled to broadcast the Closing Ceremony on 22 February.
Where can I find the full schedule?
A complete, downloadable schedule is available on the Sportschau website, detailing every event from the Alpine slopes of Bormio to the ice rinks of Milan.