Tokyo will play host to the Olympic Games this summer, after the sporting event was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the US, you can watch the action on NBC's channels, but the broadcaster is also offering some coverage on Twitch.
NBC Brings the Olympics to Twitch
The NBC Olympics Twitch channel will offer original programming every day, exclusively for the platform, in a partnership between NBCUniversal and Twitch.
While the channel won't broadcast the entire Olympic Games live, the coverage will include interviews with athletes, interactive clips, and gaming competitions. It will be hosted by a mixture of Twitch talent and NBC presenters.
This includes Twitch creators commentating live on the Olympics. Viewers will be encouraged to listen to the commentary on Twitch and watch the games on NBC.
The Twitch channel will also offer interactive experiences, like the creation of a virtual Olympic flame through chat participation, along with lighting the virtual cauldron at the opening ceremony.
Speaking of the partnership, Michael Aragon, Twitch's chief content officer, said:
The Olympics present an opportunity for a global fanbase to embrace this new world of live and interactive sports. We are thrilled to partner with NBC to give fans in the United States an intimate, front row seat to this iconic sporting event and connect American athletes and fans in a way that can only happen on Twitch.
Of course, both NBC and Twitch will be working together to sell advertisements on the channel. Specific financial details around this deal haven't been disclosed.
NBC are clearly trying to make a splash online with the Olympic Games, having previously announced a similar partnership with Twitter, which will see the channel producing daily and live original content for the social media site. There will also be exclusive polls and video highlight reels.
Twitch Is More Than Just Video Games
At one time, Twitch was known only for video game streaming. While that's certainly still a predominant part of the platform, it's far from its only use. For example, in Twitch played host to a musical festival in September 2020, along with hosting its own TwitchCon event virtually in November 2020.
The Olympic Games begin on July 23 and end on August 8. NBC will be broadcasting daily throughout that entire period, so keep your eyes on its various TV channels and its Twitch channel to stay up-to-date.