Are Paralympics Televised?

Yes, the Paralympics are televised, and NBCUniversal (NBCU) is set to provide extensive coverage of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. This coverage will be the most comprehensive in history, exceeding all previous Paralympic broadcasts in terms of hours and accessibility. NBCU’s commitment, in partnership with Toyota, signifies a growing recognition of the Paralympic movement and its athletes.

The broadcasting plan includes over 140 hours of television coverage across NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. Daily live coverage will be featured on USA Network and CNBC, while NBC will dedicate nine hours, including six primetime hours. This extensive coverage ensures viewers can follow their favorite sports and athletes throughout the Games.

Beyond traditional television, Peacock will stream approximately 1,500 hours of live coverage, encompassing all 22 Paralympic sports. This makes Peacock the most comprehensive Paralympic streaming platform in U.S. media history. This digital expansion provides unprecedented access to the Games for viewers who prefer streaming options.

Accessibility is a key component of NBCU’s coverage. Closed captioning will be available for every event on all platforms, ensuring accessibility for viewers with hearing impairments. Audio description will also be provided for all linear programming, further enhancing accessibility for visually impaired viewers.

NBCU has assembled a diverse and talented team of hosts and commentators for the Paris Paralympics, including Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer Andrea Joyce and 2016 U.S. Paralympic track & field athlete Lacey Henderson. Notably, Joyce and Henderson will host live from the USOPC’s Team USA House in Paris, marking the first time NBCU commentators have hosted on-location at a Paralympic Games.

The broadcast team also includes disability advocate Sophie Morgan, longtime NBC Olympics and Paralympics host Carolyn Manno, and five-time Paralympic gold medalist Chris Waddell. This team combines experience, expertise, and diverse perspectives to provide insightful commentary and engaging storytelling. Furthermore, Morgan, Henderson, and Waddell represent the first-ever disabled hosts of the Paralympics, showcasing NBCU’s commitment to inclusivity.

In a groundbreaking move, NBCU will debut additional cameras dedicated to capturing footage of athletes, their families, and friends, adding depth and emotional resonance to the storytelling. Viewers will gain unprecedented access to the athletes’ journeys and experiences. This includes an inside look at the Team USA House, providing a behind-the-scenes perspective on the athletes’ lives during the Games.

NBCU’s commitment extends beyond broadcasting to marketing. A comprehensive marketing campaign, the largest in Paralympics history, features prominent Paralympians like Jessica Long and Chuck Aoki. This campaign aims to raise awareness and generate excitement for the Games, showcasing the incredible athleticism and personal stories of the athletes.

The U.S. Paralympic Team Trials will also receive significant coverage. NBCU will broadcast over 25 hours of live trials coverage across Peacock and CNBC, showcasing the athletes’ journey to qualify for the Paris Games. This coverage begins in June with swimming trials and continues in July with track and field trials. This early coverage builds anticipation for the Games and allows viewers to follow the athletes from their qualifying rounds to the main event in Paris. This comprehensive coverage underscores NBCU’s commitment to showcasing the entire Paralympic journey, from trials to triumphs.