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After a year-long delay due to the coronavirus, the countdown is finally on for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which takes place from July 23 to August 8. Yes, technically they’re the 2021 Summer Games, but the International Olympic Committee and Tokyo organizers decided to keep all of the original branding, which is why you’ll see “Tokyo 2020” on all of the event graphics, merch and medals.
With 339 medal events on the lineup, this year’s Games also mark several firsts. It’s the first time that the Olympics have been postponed in history, and spectators won’t be allowed to attend the majority of the games due to Tokyo’s declaration of a fourth state of emergency due because of COVID-19. On a more positive note, baseball, karate, skateboarding, softball, sports climbing and surfing are set to make their debut. It’s also the second time that Tokyo has hosted the event (it was last held there in 1964).
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The opening ceremony kicks off July 23 at 8 p.m. in Tokyo, and the 13-hour time difference means that the live broadcast will air at 4 a.m. PT / 7 a.m. ET in the United States. Most of the competitions will be aired live, and a few games will have delayed broadcasts.
How to Watch the Tokyo Olympics
United States viewers with a cable or satellite TV subscription can watch the games live on NBC, but if you don’t have an account, you can watch the Tokyo Olympics for free on NBCOlympics.com, NBCSports.com and on the NBC Sports app, all of which will be airing select highlights from the games. Telemundo will be airing all Spanish-language coverage of the Olympics.
If you plan on streaming the 2020 Olympics, you’ll need a subscription to NBC’s Peacock service. The free plan includes access to Golf, Tennis and NBC Sports channels as well as movies and TV, but it doesn’t come with premium events and sports. For that, you’ll want to sign up for Peacock Premium ($5 per month), which includes cycling, Premier League, Supercross, rugby, NTT IndyCar series and more; or Peacock Premium Sports ($10 per month) if you prefer an ad-free experience.
For viewers who want to watch the 2020 Olympics online and are looking to switch or sign up for a new cable TV or on-demand video streaming service, here are some options you’ll want to consider:
- Amazon Fire Stick Amazon’s Alexa-enabled device is best for those who already have on-demand video streaming services and want a single platform for accessing all their accounts on an HD television. The third-gen Amazon Fire Stick ($40) includes a TV remote Buy the Amazon Fire Stick online here.
- AT&T TV Starting at $70, AT&T’s TV plan requires that you already have high-speed internet. The Entertainment plan includes NBC Sports as well as over 65 other channels such as ESPN, HGTV, Nick and many others. Sign up for AT&T TV here.
- Fubo Get access to a minimum of 115 popular news, entertainment, lifestyle and sports channels and networks, including NBC. Plans start at $65 per month and Fubo also offers a seven-day free trial. Sign up for Fubo online here.
- Hulu Starting at $65 per month, Hulu’s Live TV service lets you watch and record major cable news, entertainment and sports channels and networks. You can also upgrade our plan and get the Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle (starting at $20 per month), as well as add on Cinemax, HBO Max, Showtime, Starz and other channels. Sign up for Hulu online here.
- Verizon Select Unlimited plans from Verizon Wireless include Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu, with options starting at $70 per line. Learn more or sign up for Verizon Unlimited here.
- YouTube TV For $65 per month, watch over 85 news, entertainment and sports channels on the video platform’s live streaming service, plus get unlimited recording storage and access for six accounts. Sign up for YouTube TV online here.
The Best 2020 Tokyo Olympics Merch to Shop Online
For fans who want to channel their favorite gold medalists, Olympian collaborations have always been a winning combination. Simone Biles recently teamed with gymnastics equipment brand Spieth on a line of practice beams and exercise mats,
Ready to cheer on your favorite team? Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the best Olympics merch to shop right now, from the official opening ceremony ensembles by Ralph Lauren, to charming Hello Kitty pieces, to athlete-approved fashion accessories and more. Check out our top picks below.
1. Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA Women’s Opening Ceremony Blazer
Once again, Ralph Lauren is designing Team USA’s opening and closing ceremony outfits comprised of navy blazers, slim denim pants, printed scarves and striped shirts, all made in America. The brand will also debut its new RL Cooling self-regulating temperature cooling device by way of Team USA’s flag bearer, who will sport a jacket equipped with the technology during the opening ceremony parade.
Also in the mix is the brand’s casual Team USA collection of women, men and kids apparel and accessories, and fans can stock up on the same off-duty pieces that athletes will likely be seen wearing in the Olympic Village.
2. Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA Women’s Opening Ceremony Denim
Also available in men’s sizes, Polo Ralph Lauren’s Team USA women’s jeans are a lightweight stretch version of the brand’s best-selling Sullivan Slim jeans. Made in the U.S., the denim will be worn by athletes in the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games opening ceremony.
3. Nike Team USA Windrunner
Athletes competing in basketball, soccer, skateboarding, and track and field will be sweating in Nike, one of the official suppliers of competition uniforms for Team USA. The athleticwear stalwart’s Team USA and Medal Stand collections ($25 to $450) is comprised of sustainable pieces such as windbreakers, Dri-Fit workout tees, soccer jerseys and more made out of recycled polyester, organic cotton and other eco-conscious materials.
4. Nike AirMax 2090 USA Sneakers
Rounding out Nike’s Team USA collection are the AirMax 2090 sneakers, which puts an Olympian-ready spin on the iconic silhouette thanks to an upgrade to the underfoot cushioning, Games-inspired colorways and transparent mesh for a modern finish.
5. Skims x Team USA Capsule Collection
Kim Kardashian’s Skims is the official outfitter for women athletes in the Olympics and the Paralympics games. Comprised of ribbed cotton bras, tanks, leggings, robes and sleepwear, the Team USA capsule collection ($28 to $88) quickly sold out — but you can shop other similar pieces, such as these breathable leggings in chic colors.
6. Nyjah Huston x Privé Revaux
Set to make his Olympics debut, team USA skateboarder Nyjah Huston recently joined forces with star-backed eyewear brand Privé Revaux on a range of gender-neutral frames under $50. The collection includes oversized aviators, polarized square glasses with magnetic temples (so they stay put wherever you clip them) and more.
7. Nixon Heat: Team Edition Watch
Surfer- and skater-loved brand Nixon recently gifted a limited-edition colorway of its Heat watch to Team USA athletes competing in steeplechase, swimming, track and field, and volleyball games. At just eight millimeters thick, this super-slim watch is the world’s thinnest digital timepiece and was designed for timing laps, workouts and more. The Heat: Team Edition features a customizable display and can withstand 100 meters under water.
8. Little Words Team USA Stretch Bracelet
This playful beaded stretch bracelet lets you show off your Team USA pride and encourages a sense of community. Every piece includes a tag with a registration code that grants you membership to Little Words Project’s app and website, where you can join the brand’s uplifting Nice Girl Gang.
9. Old Navy Loose Team USA Quarter-Zip Women’s Sweatshirt
Old Navy’s range of Tokyo Olympics merch includes clothing for adults and kids, such as graphic tees, tanks, sweaters and hoodies featuring the U.S. flag and the iconic five rings.
10. Hello Kitty Girls’ Team USA Raglan Sleeve T-Shirt
Even Hello Kitty (one of Japan’s cutest exports) is getting in on the Summer Games. U.S. Olympic medalist Allyson Felix is the official athlete partner for the Sanrio x Team USA collaboration, which includes girls’ tees, jackets, joggers and visors featuring the playful bow-wearing pop culture icon (by the way, she’s not a cat).
11. The North Face Women’s S/S IC Relaxed Fit Tee
Outdoors outfitters The North Face is dressing sports climbing athletes for their Olympic debuts. The brand’s International Collection line ($25 to $60) includes women’s and men’s relaxed-fit shirts, tank tops, hoodies and sweatpants featuring a modern logo.
12. Rowing Blazers Japan 1932 Authentic Heavyweight Rugby
Rowing Blazers is the official uniform maker for Team USA’s rowing and rugby teams. This red and cream striped rugby jersey is made of heavyweight 12-gauge cotton and finished with embroidered cherry blossoms as a nod to the 2021 Olympics’ host city.
