It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster winter for ice sports fans in the United States and across the globe, with major announcements sending excitement rippling through the skating and hockey communities. From thrilling figure skating showdowns to the electric atmosphere of Olympic speedskating trials, and fresh sponsorship news from the world of international hockey, the 2025-26 season promises non-stop action and unforgettable moments.
On October 14, 2025, NBC Sports and U.S. Figure Skating unveiled the hotly anticipated television and streaming schedule for the 2025-26 figure skating season. The partnership, which runs through 2026, ensures that fans won’t miss a second of the drama, artistry, and athleticism that define the sport. More than 300 hours of live coverage will be delivered between October and March, with every skate in every discipline available for streaming on Peacock. That’s right—whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the sport, you’ll have front-row access to every twizzle, triple axel, and dramatic finish.
The season launches with the Grand Prix de France from Angers ICEPARC in Angers, France, from October 17-19, 2025, with coverage on both NBC and Peacock. But that’s just the beginning. The Grand Prix Series continues with stops at the Cup of China (October 24-26), Skate Canada International (October 31-November 2), and the NHK Trophy (November 7-9), keeping the momentum—and the stakes—high. American fans will have a special opportunity to catch the action live when the series lands in Lake Placid, New York, for Saatva Skate America from November 14-16. The series finale, the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, takes place December 4-7, 2025, and will be broadcast on NBC and E!, with every skate streaming live on Peacock.
For those who crave the intensity of national competition, the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships are set for January 6-11, 2026, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. This event is the final stop before selections are made for the U.S. team heading to the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games. Expect to see household names and rising stars alike, including two-time defending World champion Ilia Malinin, 2025 World champion Alysa Liu, and the dynamic ice dance duo of Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who are gunning for a fourth consecutive World title. The pressure will be sky-high, and the performances? Unforgettable.
Immediately following the Championships, fans can tune in for The Olympic Team Announcement on January 11. This special broadcast will not only reveal the athletes who will represent Team USA in Milan but also feature exclusive performances from the newly-minted Olympians. It’s a tradition that blends celebration and anticipation, offering a rare glimpse into the emotion and pride that come with Olympic selection.
The international calendar is equally packed. The ISU European Figure Skating Championships (January 14-18, 2026), ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships (January 22-25), and the grand finale, the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, Czechia (March 25-29, 2026), will all be covered live on NBC, USA Network, E!, and Peacock. With so much on the line, every skate could be the difference between glory and heartbreak.
Meanwhile, the speedskating world is buzzing with anticipation for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Long Track, set for January 2-5 at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee. Tickets went on sale October 14, and fans were quick to snap up the first 200 tickets each day, lured by a $5 discount and the promise of witnessing Olympic dreams in the making. The Pettit Center, a cornerstone of American speedskating since 1992, has once again been chosen to host the Trials, marking the third consecutive Olympic cycle for the venue.
All eyes will be on local hero Jordan Stolz, the current world record holder in the 1000m and a seven-time World Champion. Stolz, who trains at the Pettit and is widely regarded as a medal favorite, is eager to compete in front of a home crowd. Reflecting on the unique energy of this year’s Trials, Stolz said, “Last Olympic trials were so different, with a lot of restrictions still in place. Having Olympic trials this year with a full crowd from my home state, with my family and friends all there will be amazing.”
The Trials are more than just a competition—they’re a celebration of community and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Ted Morris, Executive Director for US Speedskating, shared his enthusiasm: “We are incredibly excited to have the city of Milwaukee and the Pettit National Ice Center host the 2026 U.S. Olympic Trials – Long Track Speedskating. This marks the 3rd consecutive Olympic Trials held at the Pettit. Over the last two Olympic Trials, we had a sold-out venue, incredible enthusiasm from the local community, and exciting racing from the skaters. We look forward to similar success next January.”
The Pettit Center isn’t just a venue—it’s a hub for athletes and fans alike, drawing more than 425,000 visitors annually for a range of ice sports. Paul Golomski, General Manager of the PNIC, captured the spirit of the event: “Hosting this event for the third consecutive Olympic cycle is a testament to the passion of our community, the dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the world-class legacy of our facility. There’s nothing quite like the energy in this building when Olympic dreams are on the line, and we can’t wait to share that excitement with Milwaukee and the entire country.”
Not to be outdone, the international hockey scene is heating up with fresh sponsorship news. On October 14, Nokian Tyres, the Finnish tire giant, was announced as an official sponsor for the next two International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championships. The deal, arranged by the Infront agency, covers the 2026 tournament in Switzerland (May 15-31) and the 2027 edition in Germany. Nokian will enjoy in-arena visibility and digital activations, leveraging the partnership to boost its global profile. The move follows a similar sponsorship announcement from fastener supplier Wurth, underscoring the growing commercial interest in the IIHF’s marquee events. Earlier this month, the IIHF also named Denmark as the host for the 2026 women’s World Championship, expanding the reach and excitement of the sport.
As the 2025-26 ice sports season draws near, fans have a wealth of options to follow their favorite athletes and teams—whether on the rink, on the screen, or in the stands. With major events, record-setting stars, and new sponsors fueling the action, this winter promises to be one for the ages. Stay tuned as the journey to Milan, Switzerland, and beyond unfolds, and new legends are made on ice.
