There are options for those looking to stream the 2020 (or 2021) Tokyo Olympics although none of them are cheap. The Olympic games are primarily being shown on NBC in the United States, and this means interested parties will need access to the channel to watch. Depending on how many events the viewer wants to watch, a number of other NBC-related channels might also be needed.
Local NBC channels can be viewed in most places using an antenna, so if this is an option available to an individual or household then then that’s one way to tune in as the action unfolds. Alternatively, it may be worth checking out whether Locast is available in the area. Locast is a direct streaming alternative to accessing over-the-air local channels and it is technically free. Worst case scenario is the user may need to donate $5 per month to stream without interruptions, so long as the service is available in the viewer’s location.
If Locast or over-the-air access is unavailable, then it may be worth checking out one of the available live TV streaming services. Currently, AT&T TV, fuboTV, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV and YouTube TV all provide access to NBC. Of the choices, Sling TV is the cheapest with the $35 per month Sling Blue plan the most affordable way to watch NBC overall.
It should be noted that NBC is not available in all areas through Sling TV so consumers will want to check if it is available in their area before signing up to the service. Providing NBC is available, new subscribers can actually subscribe and only pay $10 for the first month.
While the majority of the games are expected to be shown on NBC, some events will require access to additional channels. Consumers can check out the NBC Olympics schedule for detailed information on which channels are showing specific events. In general, however, events are due to be shown on the following channels:
- CNBC
- NBC
- NBCSN
- Golf Channel
- Olympic Channel
- Telemundo
- Universo
- USA
If access to all of the channels is wanted, then Sling TV is not going to be the best option. In this case, fuboTV or YouTube TV are likely to be better solutions as both plans include all of the channels listed above. However, both plans are priced at $64.99 per month. Otherwise, Hulu Live TV is another $64.99 option, but it is missing Universo. Likewise AT&T TV is priced at $69.99, but the cheapest plan doesn’t provide access to all of the channels showing the Olympics.
Peacock might be an option
Depending on just how much access to the Tokyo Olympics a viewer wants, Peacock might be an option worth considering. Peacock is covering the Olympic games, but in a more of a limited capacity than NBC and the other NBCU channels. Essentially, Peacock subscribers will be able to watch daily updates, highlights, select replays and other content related to the games. What’s more, most of which is available through the free Peacock tier. While some content will be walled behind the paid tiers, a Peacock Premium subscription starts at $4.99 per month.
If Peacock’s limited coverage of the Olympics is enough for an individual or household then that is likely to be a good and cheap option. Otherwise, subscribers will want to consider subscribing to Sling TV or one of the other live TV streaming services to watch the Tokyo Olympics in full.
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