Team Virginia is headed to Minneapolis for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, and fans back home will have more opportunities than ever to follow the action. Whether you're cheering on a family member, friend, or hometown athlete, ESPN's extensive coverage makes it easier than ever to follow Team Virginia as they compete on one of the biggest stages in Special Olympics. ESPN will provide more than 50 hours of coverage from June 20-26, bringing athletes, competitions, and stories from across the nation directly to viewers through ESPN+, Disney+, ABC, and other ESPN platforms.
Representing the Commonwealth will be 57 Team Virginia athletes competing in Athletics, Unified Athletics, Bocce, Bowling, Flag Football, Golf, Pickleball, Powerlifting, Swimming, Tennis, and Volleyball.
Opening Ceremony Kicks Off the Games
The 2026 USA Games officially begin on Saturday, June 20, with the Opening Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. ET. The event will stream live on ESPN+ and Disney+ and feature the Parade of Athletes, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg, and celebrations welcoming thousands of athletes from across the country.
Several sports that include Team Virginia athletes will receive live ESPN coverage throughout the week. Fans can watch:
Team Virginia ESPN Viewing Guide
Date | Time | Sport | Coverage Platform |
| Saturday, June 20 | 7:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m. | Opening Ceremony | ESPN+ / Disney+ |
| Tuesday, June 23 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. | Athletics (Track & Field) | ESPN+ |
| Tuesday, June 23 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:20 p.m. | Swimming | ESPN+ |
| Tuesday, June 23 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Powerlifting | ESPN+ |
| Wednesday, June 24 | 9:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Athletics (Track & Field) | ESPN+ |
| Wednesday, June 24 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Swimming | ESPN+ |
| Wednesday, June 24 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Powerlifting | ESPN+ |
| Thursday, June 25 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. | Athletics (Track & Field) | ESPN+ |
| Thursday, June 25 | 10:40 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Swimming | ESPN+ |
| Thursday, June 25 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. ( Break: 1-2 p.m.) | Powerlifting | ESPN+ |
| Thursday, June 25 | 2:30 p.m. -3:30 p.m. | Unified Flag Football Gold Medal Game | ESPN+, Disney+, NFL Network |
| Friday, June 26 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. | Athletics (Track & Field) | ESPN+ |
| Friday, June 26 | 10:40 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Swimming | ESPN+ |
Familiar Names Behind the Microphone
ESPN's coverage will feature several familiar voices, including former Olympians Dan O'Brien (Athletics), Cheryl Haworth (Powerlifting), and Rowdy Gaines (Swimming), along with former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew covering Flag Football. Additional play-by-play and analysis will be provided throughout the Games, while Victoria Arlen will report from Minneapolis for SportsCenter.
Can't Watch Live?
Fans will have another opportunity to relive the excitement when ABC airs a "Best of Show" special on July 25 at noon ET, highlighting some of the most memorable moments from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
While ESPN's live schedule focuses on select sports, Team Virginia athletes will also compete in Bocce, Bowling, Golf, Pickleball, Tennis, Volleyball, and Unified Athletics throughout the week. Fans can follow Special Olympics Virginia social media channels and Team Virginia updates for scores, highlights, photos, and athlete stories from across all sports.
Good luck, Team Virginia—we'll be cheering you on from home!