As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina approaches, Canadian broadcasters are preparing for a collaborative effort that aims to maximise the excitement of Olympic hockey. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), along with Bell Media’s TSN and Rogers Sports & Media’s Sportsnet, is set to deliver comprehensive coverage of both men’s and women’s hockey, leveraging their combined strengths to engage audiences across the country.
A Historic Collaboration
In a nod to the ancient Olympic Truce that once united warring city-states, Canada’s major broadcasting networks have decided to put competition aside to bring the thrill of the games to Canadians from coast to coast. Since acquiring the official rights to the Olympics and Paralympics in 2014, CBC has worked alongside TSN and Sportsnet to ensure that fans receive the best possible coverage.
With NHL players returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, both Sportsnet and TSN are eager to showcase their key role in the event. Chris Wilson, CBC’s executive director of sports and Olympics, emphasised the importance of making content widely accessible. “The Team Canada games will truly be uniting opportunities for Canadians,” he stated, highlighting the collaborative spirit of this initiative.
Unprecedented Audience Expectations
The stakes are high for viewership, with hopes of breaking previous records. The gold medal match in 2014, where Canada triumphed over Sweden, attracted an astonishing average of 8.5 million viewers, despite its early morning airtime on the West Coast. As hockey is a quintessentially Canadian sport, broadcasters are optimistic that the upcoming games will draw even larger audiences.
To maximise reach, every single game featuring Team Canada will be simulcast across all three networks. This unprecedented approach ensures that fans won’t miss a moment of the action, regardless of where they tune in. In a unique setup, play-by-play commentators and analysts for hockey will be on-site in Italy, while other events will be called remotely from CBC’s headquarters in Toronto.
Star-Studded Commentating Teams
The line-up of commentators is a who’s who of Canadian sports personalities. For the women’s games, TSN’s Kenzie Lalonde and two-time Olympian Cheryl Pounder will provide play-by-play, with Claire Hanna reporting from the rink. Meanwhile, the men’s games will feature Sportsnet’s Chris Cuthbert as the lead commentator and TSN’s Mike Johnson offering analysis. A robust panel, including figures like Cassie Campbell-Pascall and Kevin Bieksa, will enhance viewer experience with insights and discussions.
Both TSN and Sportsnet will produce their own studio shows to keep audiences up-to-date on Olympic developments, utilising their respective sports talents. CBC is poised to leverage its Olympic coverage to bolster sign-ups for its Gem streaming service, which will host live events and on-demand content, ensuring that viewers have easy access to all the action.
Engaging New Audiences
Recognising the changing landscape of media consumption, CBC is keen to attract younger audiences who may not be familiar with its traditional offerings. Wilson noted the need to reach viewers where they are, whether that be through highlights on social media or clips on platforms like TikTok. “If you like this, here’s where you can get more,” he remarked, reflecting a strategic shift towards digital engagement.
The aim is to create a connection with younger viewers, showcasing not just the Olympic events but the broader world of amateur sports that CBC supports year-round. By promoting its extensive coverage of various sports, CBC hopes to cultivate a new generation of sports enthusiasts.
Why it Matters
The collaboration between Canada’s major broadcasters represents a significant moment for Olympic coverage in the country, highlighting the importance of unity in the face of competition. By working together, CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet are set to deliver a rich and engaging Olympic experience that celebrates Canadian talent and brings communities together. The success of this initiative could redefine how sports broadcasting operates in Canada, fostering a deeper connection between audiences and the Olympic spirit.
