NBC's Veteran Broadcast Team Returns for 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony
NBC Sports has officially confirmed that the experienced broadcasting trio of Terry Gannon, Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir will guide American viewers through the Closing Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The ceremony is scheduled to conclude the Games on Sunday, February 22, marking the official end of the international winter sports competition.
Ceremony Details and Broadcast Schedule
The Closing Ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with NBC offering comprehensive coverage throughout the afternoon and evening. Following the live ceremony, a special recap program titled "Best of Milan Cortina" will air at 5 p.m., providing viewers with highlights from the entire Games. For those who miss the initial broadcast, a primetime replay is scheduled for 9 p.m., ensuring multiple viewing opportunities for audiences across different time zones.
The ceremony itself will take place inside the historic Verona Olympic Arena in Italy, a venue with remarkable historical significance dating back to ancient Roman times. Originally constructed around 30 AD, this arena provides a spectacular backdrop for the Olympic celebration. Organizers have promised an impressive blend of music, art and sport to properly mark the conclusion of the Winter Games.
Ceremony Highlights and Traditions
The program will feature several traditional Olympic elements that viewers have come to expect from closing ceremonies:
- The Parade of Athletes, where competitors from participating nations enter the arena together
- Celebrations of medal moments and athletic achievements from throughout the Games
- A showcase of Italian culture through performances and artistic presentations
- The formal Olympic flag handover ceremony to the hosts of the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps
Meet the NBC Broadcast Team
Terry Gannon brings extensive Olympic broadcasting experience to the closing ceremony, with Milan-Cortina representing his eighth Olympic assignment overall. This marks his fourth consecutive Winter Games covering figure skating specifically. Gannon has hosted the last four Olympic Closing Ceremonies and, for the first time in his career, also handled an Opening Ceremony earlier in these Games. Throughout the 2026 competition, he served as the play-by-play commentator alongside his colleagues Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir.
Tara Lipinski made Olympic history herself when she won the gold medal in figure skating at the 1998 Nagano Games at just 15 years old, becoming one of the youngest Olympic champions in the sport. She retired from amateur skating later that same year and has since transitioned successfully into broadcasting. Johnny Weir competed at both the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics and earned three U.S. national championships before retiring from competition in 2013.
Broadcasting Partnership and Popular Appeal
Throughout the 2026 Winter Games, Lipinski and Weir provided expert technical analysis, explaining skating routines, scoring systems and athletic skills to viewers. Beyond their professional commentary, the pair attracted significant attention for their creative outfits and engaging social media presence. During the Exhibition Gala, they celebrated American skater Alysa Liu's gold medal victory with a light-hearted champagne celebration that captured the joyful spirit of the Games. Their coordinated outfits and humorous online videos became particularly popular with younger audiences and social media followers.
Ceremony Participants and Looking Ahead
The ceremony will feature prominent American athletes in special roles, with U.S. hockey star Hilary Knight and figure skater Evan Bates carrying the American flag during the proceedings. Italian performers will also take center stage, with musical performances planned from singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gabry Ponte, while actress Benedetta Porcaroli will make a special appearance.
As the Olympic flame is extinguished in Milan-Cortina, attention will quickly shift to the next major international sporting event. The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are scheduled to begin on March 6, continuing the celebration of elite athletic competition and international camaraderie that defines these global sporting festivals.
