KBS secures broadcast rights for Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games

Fondazione Milano Cortina has awarded media rights to the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), ensuring that audiences across South Korea will enjoy comprehensive coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games on all KBS broadcast platforms.

The agreement grants KBS rights to broadcast and distribute the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games across its free-to-air, pay-TV, digital, and audio platforms. The Games will take place from 6 to 15 March 2026, featuring up to 655 Para athletes competing in 79 medal events across six sports.

KBS will provide extensive live and on demand coverage of the Games, through its platforms including KBS1, KBS2, KBSN, KBS+, and official digital channels.

Yoojin Lee, Managing Director of Sports in KBS said: “The first Games held under the name ‘Paralympic’ took place here in Seoul, Korea, in 1988. To this day, KBS has always been Korea’s official broadcaster of the Paralympic Games.

“We are proud to carry on this legacy and will bring both the spirit and excitement of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games to Korean audiences with passion and dedication.”

Andrea Varnier, Chief Executive Officer of Milano Cortina 2026, said: “Partnering with KBS as our official broadcaster in the Republic of Korea is a key step on the road to the Paralympic Winter Games of Milano Cortina 2026. The country has a strong tradition of embracing the Paralympic movement, and the enthusiasm of Korean fans will add unique energy to the Games.

“Through KBS, millions of viewers will be able to follow the action across all sports and discover the remarkable stories of courage and resilience that define every athlete. This partnership will bring the Games closer to Korean fans, ensuring an unforgettable experience and inspiring new generations.”

KBS will also lead promotional campaigns and explore commercial opportunities, including integration with Worldwide Paralympic Partners, to enhance audience engagement and support the growth of Paralympic sport.

According to research conducted by Nielsen Sports, the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games reached a record-breaking cumulative global TV audience of 2.1 billion, with more than 1,900 hours of coverage broadcast worldwide. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games surpassed that milestone, drawing a cumulative global audience of 2.6 billion, including an impressive 66.9 million viewers in South Korea, underscoring the growing popularity and influence of Paralympic sport both globally and within the country.

Since making their Paralympic Winter Games debut in Albertville in 1992, South Korea has won five medals, including a historic first gold medal in Para cross-country skiing at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place from 6 to 15 March 2026 and will mark the 50th anniversary of the event. The Games will bring together up to 655 Para athletes who will compete in 79 medal events across six sports: Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling.