Paramount Plus does not carry Olympic broadcasts

Paramount Plus does not have the rights to stream the Summer or Winter Olympics. NBC owns the exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to the Olympic Games, and those streams go through NBC's own platforms — primarily Peacock, NBC.com, and the NBC app — not through Paramount Plus.

If you want to watch Olympic events, you will need to use one of NBC's services instead. Peacock offers the broadest streaming access, though some events also air on cable channels owned by NBCUniversal, which Paramount Plus does not operate.

This arrangement has been in place for recent Olympic cycles and is unlikely to change, since NBC renews its Olympic rights years in advance.

Key Takeaways

  • NBC holds exclusive U.S. rights to the Olympics and streams them through Peacock, NBC.com, and the NBC app, not Paramount Plus.
  • Peacock offers the most complete Olympic streaming library, including events that do not air on traditional NBC television.
  • Some Olympic events air on cable channels like USA Network and CNBC, which are part of NBCUniversal but separate from Paramount Plus.
  • Paramount Plus carries other sports content — including NFL games and golf tournaments — but the Olympics are not among them.

Where to watch the Olympics instead

Peacock is the primary streaming home for the Olympics in the United States. The service carries live streams of most events, including sports that do not appear on the main NBC television broadcast. Peacock requires a subscription, though NBC sometimes offers free access during the Games.

NBC.com and the NBC app also stream Olympic events, but you typically need to sign in with a cable provider account to access the full range of programming. If you have a cable subscription that includes NBC, you can use those credentials to unlock streams on both platforms.

Cable channels owned by NBCUniversal — including USA Network, CNBC, and Olympic Channel — broadcast certain events during the Games. These channels are available through cable packages and some streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV, but not through Paramount Plus.

Why Paramount Plus does not have Olympic rights

Paramount Plus is owned by Paramount Global, a separate company from NBCUniversal. NBC paid for exclusive rights to broadcast and stream the Olympics in the United States, which means no other streaming service — including Paramount Plus, Disney Plus, or Amazon Prime Video — can show Olympic content during the Games.

These rights are negotiated years before each Olympic cycle and are extremely expensive. NBC has held them since 2011 and has renewed through at least 2032, so the situation is unlikely to change in the near future.

Paramount Plus does carry other live sports, including some NFL games, golf tournaments, and soccer matches, but the Olympics fall outside its licensing agreements.

What sports Paramount Plus does offer

While Paramount Plus cannot stream the Olympics, it does carry live sports content in other areas. The service includes select NFL games on Thursday nights, PGA Tour golf events, and international soccer matches through partnerships with leagues and broadcasters.

Paramount Plus also offers sports-related documentary series and on-demand sports programming, though these are separate from live event streaming. If you subscribe for sports content, check the app directly to see what is currently available, since the lineup changes with the sports calendar.

Checking what is available during Olympic years

When the Olympics are happening, search Paramount Plus directly to confirm that Olympic content is not available. The app's search function will show you what the service does carry at that moment.

If you want to watch the Olympics and already have Paramount Plus, you will need to add Peacock or use NBC.com with a cable login. Some households find it easier to subscribe to multiple services during the Games rather than cancel and resubscribe.

Free and low-cost ways to watch the Olympics

NBC sometimes offers free Peacock access during the Olympic Games, though the terms vary by year. Check Peacock's website closer to the Games to see whether free streaming is available.

If you have a cable subscription that includes NBC, you can stream through NBC.com and the NBC app at no extra cost — you just need your cable login credentials. Some cable packages also include access to Peacock Premium at no additional charge, so check with your provider.

YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV all carry NBC and related channels during the Olympics. These services cost between $40 and $80 per month, but they include many other channels beyond just Olympic coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Paramount Plus have any Olympic content at all?

No. Paramount Plus does not carry Olympic broadcasts, live streams, or original Olympic programming. NBC owns the exclusive U.S. rights and streams through Peacock, NBC.com, and the NBC app only.

Can I watch the Olympics on Peacock?

Yes. Peacock is the primary streaming home for the Olympics. Most events stream live, and some sports that do not air on NBC television are available only on Peacock. You need a Peacock subscription, though NBC sometimes offers free access during the Games.

If I have cable, can I watch the Olympics without Peacock?

Yes. NBC.com and the NBC app let you stream with a cable login. Cable channels like USA Network and CNBC also broadcast certain events. You do not need Peacock if your cable package includes NBC.

Will Paramount Plus ever get Olympic rights?

It is unlikely. NBC has held exclusive U.S. rights since 2011 and has renewed through at least 2032. Paramount Plus would need to outbid NBC, which is expensive and uncertain. For now, plan on using NBC's platforms for Olympic coverage.

What if I do not have cable or Peacock?

YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV all carry NBC and Olympic-related channels. These services cost $40 to $80 per month. NBC also sometimes offers free Peacock access during the Games, so check closer to the event dates.