iHeartMedia Expands Olympic Audio Coverage With U.S. Figure Skating Partnership Ahead of 2026 Games
As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina accelerates, iHeartMedia is significantly expanding its Olympic audio presence by entering a high-profile partnership with U.S. Figure Skating. The collaboration signals a major shift in how Olympic sports storytelling will reach American audiences—placing audio, podcasts, and athlete-led narratives at the heart of fan engagement.
This strategic alliance positions iHeartMedia as a dominant force in Olympic-year media coverage, leveraging its unparalleled national audio footprint to amplify figure skating stories across radio, podcasts, digital platforms, and live activations.
A Strategic Alliance Ahead of the 2026 Winter Games
U.S. Figure Skating officially named iHeartMedia as an Official Partner, aligning with the organization’s broader momentum-building efforts leading into the 2026 Winter Games in Italy.
The partnership is designed to:
Elevate athlete voices through long-form storytelling
Deliver behind-the-scenes Olympic content
Expand national awareness of U.S. Figure Skating programs
Engage fans across multiple audio-first platforms
With millions of listeners across its ecosystem, iHeartMedia brings unmatched reach to one of America’s most celebrated Olympic sports.
On-Site Olympic Activation at the ICE House in Milan
One of the most significant elements of the agreement is iHeartMedia’s on-the-ground presence in Milan, Italy, during the Winter Olympics.
Key Details of the Milan Activation
📍 Location: ICE House, Milan
🗓️ Dates: February 6–22, 2026
🎙️ Operations: Full-service broadcast and content hub
iHeartMedia will operate a dedicated iHeartPodcasts studio at the venue, serving as a central production space for Olympic-themed audio content.
Exclusive Athlete Storytelling and Original Olympic Audio Programming
At the core of this partnership is storytelling driven directly by athletes.
Content Highlights Include:
Exclusive interviews with U.S. figure skaters
Daily Olympic diaries and behind-the-scenes moments
Long-form podcast episodes exploring preparation, pressure, and performance
Original audio series capturing defining moments of the Games
Produced in collaboration with U.S. Figure Skating, the content aims to humanize elite athletes while bringing fans closer to the emotional journey behind Olympic competition.
Leadership Perspectives: A Shared Vision for Audience Connection
U.S. Figure Skating: Amplifying National Excitement
Annie White, Chief Commercial Officer of U.S. Figure Skating, emphasized the timing and impact of the partnership:
“We are thrilled to be partnering with iHeartMedia at such an exciting time for U.S. Figure Skating as we look ahead to the U.S. Championships and the Winter Games. Their ability to create meaningful audience connections will help amplify excitement around our athletes, events, and national programs.”
The collaboration will also spotlight developmental initiatives such as:
Learn to Skate USA
SkateFest
Community engagement programs nationwide
iHeartMedia: Elevating the Athlete Journey Through Audio
Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at iHeartMedia, highlighted the creative potential of the deal:
“This partnership allows us to spotlight the dedication, artistry, and athleticism of these incredible athletes—bringing fans closer to the moments that define the journey to the Winter Games.”
Beyond Milan: A Year-Long Multi-Channel Campaign
The partnership extends far beyond the Olympic venue, with iHeartMedia supporting U.S. Figure Skating throughout the entire Olympic year.
Key Promotional Activations Include:
📣 National radio campaigns
🎧 Podcast integrations
📱 Digital and social amplification
🏟️ Event support for major competitions
A major focus will be the 2026 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, serving as a critical milestone on the road to the Olympics.
“Leave Your Mark”: Strengthening the Olympic-Year Narrative
iHeartMedia will also help promote U.S. Figure Skating’s Olympic-year initiative, “Leave Your Mark.”
The campaign emphasizes:
Athlete legacy
Youth inspiration
Community impact
The emotional significance of Olympic participation
Through audio storytelling, fans will experience these themes in an intimate, immersive format that traditional broadcasts often can’t achieve.
iHeartMedia’s Expanding Olympic Audio Dominance
This partnership further solidifies iHeartMedia’s role as a central player in Olympic media coverage.
Key Olympic Credentials:
Exclusive audio partner for NBCUniversal’s Milano Cortina Winter Games coverage
Producer of original Olympic podcasts
National broadcast radio reach
Industry-leading podcast network
By connecting audio storytelling with live sports, iHeartMedia continues redefining how fans consume Olympic content.
Why Audio Matters More Than Ever in Sports Media
As audiences shift toward on-demand and mobile-friendly formats, audio has become a powerful medium for sports engagement.
Benefits of Audio-First Olympic Coverage:
Deeper emotional connection with athletes
Accessible storytelling anytime, anywhere
Long-form narratives beyond highlight reels
Authentic, unfiltered athlete voices
This partnership reflects a broader industry trend where sports, podcasts, and live audio experiences intersect.
What This Means for Fans
For figure skating fans—and Olympic followers more broadly—this collaboration promises:
Unprecedented access to athletes
Rich, behind-the-scenes Olympic coverage
Year-round engagement, not just during competition
Content that blends artistry, athleticism, and personal journeys
Looking Ahead to Milano-Cortina 2026
With less than two months between the Milan activation and the opening ceremonies, anticipation is rapidly building. Through its partnership with U.S. Figure Skating, iHeartMedia is poised to deliver one of the most comprehensive audio storytelling experiences ever associated with the Winter Olympics.
As the Games approach, this alliance underscores one clear message: the future of Olympic fandom will be heard, not just seen.
