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Figure Skating Gala: Artistry and Celebration Take Center Stage

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 9:02 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, SWITZERLAND, FRANCE, ITALY

Sunday, February 23rd, 2026, and slated to begin at 5:00 PM ET, the gala isn't about medals; it's about artistry, personality, and a final, joyous expression of skill from the world's top figure skaters. This article delves deeper into what the gala represents, how to watch, and what to anticipate from this captivating event.

The Gala: More Than Just a Show

The figure skating gala is a tradition deeply embedded within the Winter Olympics. Unlike the intensely competitive individual and team events, the gala is a non-scored exhibition. This crucial distinction allows skaters to shed the pressure of judging and truly express themselves through their programs. They're free to select music and choreography that reflect their personal style, often showcasing sides of their artistry rarely seen in competition.

Think of it as a 'thank you' to the fans, a farewell to the Olympic stage (for some), and a celebration of the entire figure skating discipline. Skaters often experiment with innovative choreography, perform to contemporary music, or revisit beloved programs from their careers. It's a chance for them to connect with the audience on a more personal level, revealing the passion and dedication that drive their sport.

This year's gala is particularly anticipated as it comes after a period of significant evolution in figure skating. The increasing technical demands of the sport, combined with a growing emphasis on artistic impression, mean skaters are pushing boundaries like never before. The gala will offer a platform to showcase the full spectrum of these advancements, providing a fitting crescendo to the Olympic competition.

How to Witness the Spectacle: Viewing Options

For those eager to witness the magic of the 2026 figure skating gala, several viewing options will be available. NBC will broadcast the event live on television, maintaining its long-standing tradition of Olympic coverage. However, for those preferring to stream, a wealth of digital platforms will offer access:

• Peacock: NBC's streaming service is expected to be a primary hub for Olympic coverage, offering live and on-demand viewing of the gala.
• NBC Sports App: The NBC Sports app will provide another avenue for live streaming, alongside highlights and behind-the-scenes content.
• Sling TV: This live TV streaming service will likely include NBC in its channel lineup, enabling access to the gala.
• Hulu + Live TV: Similar to Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV provides a comprehensive package of live channels, including NBC.
• YouTube TV: Another popular streaming option offering access to NBC and a range of other channels.

Viewers should check their local listings to confirm specific start times, as times may vary depending on location.

Who Will Shine on the Ice? Anticipating the Participants

While the complete roster of participants remains under wraps, it's safe to assume the gala will feature the medalists from the individual and team figure skating competitions. This means we can likely expect to see the newly crowned Olympic champions grace the ice, along with silver and bronze medalists.

Beyond the podium finishers, the gala typically includes other top performers who captivated audiences throughout the Olympic events. Rising stars, fan favorites, and skaters who delivered memorable performances will also be invited to participate. Speculation is already mounting regarding potential appearances from veteran skaters who may be competing in their final Olympics, seeking a memorable send-off.

The 2026 gala is also expected to showcase the diversity of the figure skating world. Skaters from various nations and disciplines - men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance - will come together to celebrate the sport's global appeal. The artistic styles and musical choices will undoubtedly reflect this rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives, making the gala a truly international event. Keep an eye on announcements from the International Skating Union (ISU) and official Olympic channels for the confirmed participant list as the Games draw closer.