If you’ve ever watched a Paralympic athlete sprint 100 meters on prosthetic blades or nail a perfect goal in wheelchair basketball, you know these events aren’t just competitions-they’re raw displays of human grit. But finding where to watch them live can be confusing. Unlike the Olympics, the Paralympics don’t always get the same broadcast attention, and streaming options vary by country, device, and year. This guide cuts through the noise. You’ll learn exactly where to stream the Paralympics in 2025, what platforms carry the events, and how to avoid missing a single moment-no matter where you live.
Where to Stream the Paralympics in 2025
The Paralympics are organized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), but broadcasting rights are sold separately to regional networks. For the 2025 Winter Paralympics in Gangwon, South Korea, the official global streaming partner is Paralympic.org the official website of the International Paralympic Committee, offering live streams, highlights, and athlete profiles. However, most viewers will watch through local broadcasters who hold exclusive rights.
In the United States, NBCUniversal holds the rights. You can stream every event live on Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform. The NBC Sports app and website also carry full coverage. In the UK, the BBC is your go-to-streaming all events on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online. Canada gets coverage through CBC Gem and Sportsnet. Australia’s free-to-air broadcaster, SBS, streams the Paralympics on SBS On Demand. For viewers in the EU, Eurosport (via discovery+) offers live coverage across most countries.
Pro tip: If you’re outside your home country, use a trusted VPN service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to access your usual broadcaster. Many services block international IPs, but a good VPN lets you appear as if you’re watching from your home region.
Free vs Paid Streaming Options
You don’t always need a subscription to watch the Paralympics. In many countries, major events like opening ceremonies, medal races, and finals are broadcast on free TV channels. In the U.S., NBC airs select events on its main channel and USA Network. The BBC in the UK streams nearly everything for free on iPlayer. Canada’s CBC Gem is free with ads. Australia’s SBS On Demand requires no login.
But if you want full access-every sport, every heat, every comeback-you’ll need a paid service. Peacock’s Premium tier ($6/month) gives you ad-free viewing and exclusive camera angles. discovery+ offers 4K streams and multi-angle replays for $11/month. These aren’t cheap, but they’re often cheaper than cable packages that bundle dozens of channels you never watch.
Some services offer free trials. Peacock has a 7-day trial. discovery+ offers 30 days for new users. Use these to watch the biggest events without paying upfront. Cancel before the trial ends if you don’t plan to keep it.
Devices That Work for Paralympics Streaming
You can watch the Paralympics on almost any modern device. Here’s what works best:
- Smart TVs: Most brands (Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL) have apps for Peacock, BBC iPlayer, CBC Gem, and discovery+. Just search the app store on your TV.
- Streaming sticks: Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV all support major Paralympics platforms. Install the app, log in, and start watching.
- Mobile phones: Download the official app for your broadcaster (e.g., NBC Sports app, BBC Sport app) and stream on your phone or tablet. Most apps work offline too-you can download highlights before a flight.
- Computers: Use Chrome, Firefox, or Edge to visit the broadcaster’s website. No plugins needed-everything runs in-browser.
- Game consoles: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have apps for Peacock and discovery+. Just open the store, search for the app, and install.
Always check the broadcaster’s website for device compatibility before the Games start. Some apps don’t work on older models. For example, BBC iPlayer doesn’t support Roku devices older than 2018.
What Sports Are Covered in the Live Stream?
The Paralympics feature 22 sports, but not all get equal airtime. The biggest draws are:
- Wheelchair basketball: Fast-paced, high-scoring, and packed with drama. The U.S. and Great Britain are top contenders.
- Para swimming: Over 150 medal events. Watch for athletes like Bebe Vio and Mallory Weggemann.
- Para athletics (track and field): Sprints, long jump, and discus with prosthetics or guide runners. The 100m T64 final is always a crowd favorite.
- Para ice hockey: Fast, physical, and thrilling. Canada and the U.S. dominate this sport.
- Goalball: A unique sport designed for visually impaired athletes. Teams throw a ball with bells inside, and defenders listen to block it. It’s quiet, intense, and unlike anything else.
Most platforms offer full event schedules. You can filter by sport, date, or medal potential. Set reminders in your calendar or app so you don’t miss your favorite events.
How to Find Commentary in Your Language
Commentary matters. A great call turns a good race into a memorable moment. The BBC offers expert commentary in English with detailed analysis. In the U.S., NBC’s team includes former Paralympians who bring real insight. But if you want commentary in Spanish, French, Mandarin, or another language, you’ll need to check regional options.
For example:
- Spain: RTVE streams with Spanish commentary on rtve.es
- France: France Télévisions broadcasts in French on france.tv
- Japan: NHK streams in Japanese with subtitles
- Germany: ARD and ZDF offer German-language coverage
Some platforms offer multiple audio tracks. On Peacock, you can switch between English and Spanish commentary during select events. Check the settings menu before the event starts.
Accessibility Features You Might Not Know About
The Paralympics are designed to be inclusive-and that includes how you watch them. Most official streaming platforms offer:
- Live captioning: All major broadcasters provide real-time captions for hearing-impaired viewers.
- Audio description: Narrated descriptions of visual action for blind or low-vision viewers. Available on BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and CBC Gem.
- High-contrast modes: Some apps let you switch to dark mode or increase text size.
- Keyboard navigation: You can control playback using your keyboard or voice commands on smart TVs.
These aren’t afterthoughts-they’re built into the streaming experience. Look for the accessibility icon (usually a person with a hearing aid or screen reader symbol) in the player controls.
What to Do If the Stream Freezes or Buffers
Streaming issues are common during big events. Here’s how to fix them fast:
- Check your internet speed. You need at least 10 Mbps for HD, 25 Mbps for 4K. Use speedtest.net to test.
- Close other apps or devices using your Wi-Fi. Smart fridges, kids’ tablets, and gaming consoles can eat bandwidth.
- Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet. If you’re on a computer, plug in an Ethernet cable. It’s more stable.
- Lower the video quality. In the player settings, switch from 4K to 720p. It reduces buffering.
- Restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
If the problem persists, try a different device. Sometimes the app glitches on one device but works fine on another.
How to Record and Re-watch Events
Missed a race? Don’t panic. Most platforms offer full event replays. Peacock keeps all events available for 30 days. BBC iPlayer keeps content for 30 days. discovery+ archives matches for up to 45 days. You can also download highlights to watch later on your phone.
Some broadcasters offer downloadable schedules with links to replays. Save the link to your favorites folder so you can find it easily.
Can I watch the Paralympics for free?
Yes, in many countries. The BBC in the UK, CBC Gem in Canada, SBS On Demand in Australia, and RTVE in Spain stream the Paralympics for free. In the U.S., NBC broadcasts select events on its main TV channel and website without a subscription. But full access to every sport and event usually requires a paid streaming service like Peacock or discovery+.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch the Paralympics?
No. Cable is not required. Most major broadcasters offer live streams through their apps and websites. You only need an internet connection and a device like a smart TV, phone, or streaming stick. Services like Peacock and discovery+ are standalone-no cable box needed.
Is there a global streaming service for the Paralympics?
Paralympic.org offers live streams and highlights, but it’s limited. Most countries have exclusive rights held by local broadcasters. So while you can watch some content globally on the IPC site, you’ll need your country’s official broadcaster for full coverage. Use a VPN if you want to access a different country’s stream.
What’s the best device to watch the Paralympics on?
A smart TV with the official app installed is the best experience-big screen, easy controls, and no lag. If you’re on the go, a smartphone or tablet with the broadcaster’s app works well. For reliability, use a device with Ethernet or a strong Wi-Fi signal. Avoid older streaming sticks that don’t support HD or newer apps.
Can I watch the Paralympics in 4K?
Yes, if your device and internet connection support it. discovery+ and Peacock offer select events in 4K HDR. You’ll need a 4K-compatible TV, a fast internet connection (25 Mbps+), and a subscription plan that includes HD/4K streaming. Not all events are available in 4K, but the biggest finals usually are.
Are there audio descriptions for blind viewers?
Yes. BBC iPlayer, Peacock, CBC Gem, and discovery+ all offer audio description tracks for visually impaired viewers. Look for the AD (Audio Description) option in the settings menu of the streaming app. It narrates the action, athlete movements, and crowd reactions in real time.
Next Steps: Plan Your Viewing
Before the Games start, do three things:
- Find your country’s official broadcaster and sign up for their app.
- Check the schedule and mark your calendar for your favorite events.
- Test your setup-log in, stream a video, adjust volume and captions.
Don’t wait until the first event to figure out how to watch. Set it up now. The Paralympics don’t come often, and when they do, they’re unforgettable. Make sure you’re ready to see them-clearly, completely, and without interruption.