Snoop Dogg is heading back to the Olympics. NBCUniversal announced that the rapper and cultural icon will reprise his role as a special correspondent for the network’s coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which run February 6–22, 2026.
The 52-year-old entertainer, who became a breakout personality during the Paris 2024 Summer Games, will once again bring his signature humor and perspective to NBC and Peacock broadcasts. This time, Snoop will trade track fields and gymnastics arenas for alpine slopes and icy rinks as he explores northern Italy, from Milan’s bustling streets to the snowy Dolomites.
According to NBC, Snoop will team up with host Mike Tirico during primetime coverage, offering his signature commentary in a recurring segment titled Snoop’s Greatest Hits. The format will allow him to weigh in on memorable Olympic moments, highlight standout performances, and share his adventures behind the scenes.
“I am excited to be back with my main man Mike Tirico for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina,” Snoop said in a statement. “The D O double G will be on the scene, and I am looking forward to celebrating with the athletes and their families. The Olympics is the biggest stage in the world and, as everyone knows, I’m all about sports, bringing people together, and unifying while bringing the fun. I’ll be bringing my puffy jackets, snow pants, goggles, skates and will definitely be iced out.”
Snoop’s first Olympic stint took place at the 2024 Games in Paris, where his playful take on competition quickly went viral. He memorably narrated a badminton match as if it were a heavyweight fight, swam alongside Michael Phelps for a lighthearted segment, and was spotted nervously watching competitions with athletes’ families. His infectious enthusiasm extended to Team USA’s women’s gymnastics team, which he loudly supported from the sidelines.
He also joined the celebrations off the field, performing “Drop It Like It’s Hot” at USA Basketball’s 50th anniversary party and even carrying the Olympic torch ahead of the Opening Ceremony. NBC executives credit him with drawing in casual fans and creating moments that resonated far beyond traditional sports coverage.
“Our Ambassador of Happiness returns!” NBC Olympics executive producer Molly Solomon said. “We can’t wait to see how the kid from Long Beach handles the snow and ice of Italy at his first-ever Winter Olympics. In Paris, Snoop amplified the joy of the Games: training with the athletes, watching nervously alongside their families, and cheering on their performances. He connected with viewers in a way we’ve never seen before, and now he’s primed to return as Team USA’s most effusive supporter. Mike Tirico has the announcer blazer and microphone standing by.”
While Snoop has long been associated with sports, from football coaching to NBA appearances, the Winter Games present a new stage. NBC hints that viewers can expect to see him immersing himself in Italy’s culture and perhaps even trying his hand at winter sports, though in classic Snoop fashion. The network sees him as an essential part of its strategy to expand Olympic coverage to audiences that might not normally tune in.
The announcement comes shortly after Snoop made headlines for controversial remarks on the It’s Giving… Podcast. When asked about Pixar’s Lightyear and its depiction of a same-sex couple, he admitted he felt unprepared to answer his grandson’s questions about the subject, saying: “I’m scared to go to the movies now. Y’all throwing me in the middle of shit that I don’t have an answer for.”
The comments sparked debate online, though NBC did not reference them in its announcement. For now, the focus remains on Snoop’s return to Olympic broadcasting and his ability to inject humor and accessibility into an event watched by millions worldwide.
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will bring together athletes from around the world for two weeks of competition across Italy’s Lombardy and Veneto regions. With sports ranging from figure skating to snowboarding to ski jumping, NBC is betting that Snoop Dogg’s larger-than-life personality will help capture the spectacle in a way no traditional correspondent could.